The Big Turtle Shell – Tech Review

There are quite a few Bluetooth speakers breaking onto the scene these days. With most, you’ll find some sort of nitch to attract a target group of customers, such as bluetooth range, portability, sound quality, or battery life to name a few. Today we test The Big Turtle Shell, boasted as “the greatest wireless speaker ever created” by its creators at Outdoor Tech. The Big Turtle Shell has been marketed as a “Go anywhere” Bluetooth speaker, resistant to the elements and ready for hard use. So let’s take this speaker to the ends of the earth and see if it comes back still capable of blasting those beats.

Key Features:

• Connect to any Bluetooth-enabled device with easy one-touch pairing.
• Rechargeable lithium-ion battery.
• IPX5 dust-proof and water-resistant.
• Built-in microphone.
• Rugged, minimal design.
• Twin grab handles built into the base for easy transport and limitless hanging/strapping options.
• 3.5mm audio-in port.
• 3.5mm audio-out port that allows you to play two Big Turtle Shells off of one device.
• Reconnects automatically to previously paired device.
• NFC for easy pairing.
• Powerful battery power bank with USB out.
• Bluetooth 4.0.
• Voice prompts.
• WIRELESS RANGE: 32 feet.

Design: 

At first glance, The Big Turtle Shell is unique to say the least. The structure is surprisingly similar to that of a stealth bomber, which makes great sense in terms of functionality, providing multiple speaker angles for optimal sound projection. This speaker also provides a range of set up options, so that the user can get the most out of it in any environment. In open environments where the sound needs to be projected 360 degrees, The Big Turtle Shell can be laid flat on a table top. If the placement of choice is on a wall shelf, the speaker can be stood upright, projecting the sounds toward the room. The Big Turtle Shell also comes equipped with tough handles on it’s underside, so it can be hung on a hook or strapped to just about anything.

The Big Turtle Shell may be a little bit on the large size, which can hinder it’s portability, but it is rugged and sturdy. Since we’ve been testing this bad boy out it’s been knocked around and dropped on numerous occasions with no noticeable malfunctions or broken components so far. Not only is rugged, but The Big Turtle Shell is water resistant, dust proof, and shock proof according to the manufacturer. We have had it our in extremely damp conditions with no issues to speak of. So far, so good!

Acoustics: 

With over 110 decibels behind it, and its multi-angled speaker structure, The Big Turtle Shell has the goods to bring on the volume. We would estimate that the sound quality stays impressive up to the point of 80% volume, where the sound begins to get somewhat, but not terribly, distorted and muffled. Generally speaking though, the occasion rarely occurs where such volume is necessary. You’re probably not going to use this Bluetooth speaker to rock out an entire dance floor, but the same can be said for just about every other comparable speaker on the market these days. If you’re looking to entertain guests at home, play some beach volleyball, camp, or cruise, The Big Turtle Shell has what you’re going to need with quality sound.

Features: 

Bluetooth connectivity is the main feature on just about every speaker out there, and we haven’t had an issue with the pairing capabilities so far. Whether via cellular phone, laptop, or tablet, as long as your device has Bluetooth functionality, pairing with The Big Turtle Shell has always been a snap in our experience. And if you have any worries about re-pairing to your device the next time you can put your mind at ease, because none of our devices have had issue remembering this particular speaker each and every time.

The Big Turtle Shell comes equipped with 3.5mm Audio Input/Output, so if you’re not Bluetooth ready, sound can connect in the more traditional way. As an added bonus, this audio port can be used to connect two Big Turtle Shells together for a bigger blast.

The built in mic is a nice novelty, but rarely did we find it useful. It did sometimes become confusing when we received a call on our phone while paired to The Big Turtle Shell, and we found ourselves on an extremely loud version of speaker phone when we tried to answer. During such an occurrence, a multifunction button is available to disengage the speaker phone, but with a 32 foot Bluetooth range, at times it can take a few confusing exchanges with the other caller before the situation can be rectified.

Voice prompts have quickly become a commonality on wireless speakers this past year, and it’s no different with The Big Turtle Shell. To comply with its rugged design, any sort of digital display seems counter-intuitive. Instead, voice prompts will immediately keep you informed whether it’s being turned on or off, power level, and pairing status.

Another feature, and probably the most redeeming of The Big Turtle Shell, is the USB port, useful as a power bank for anything that will accept a charge through USB connection. With 7800 milliamps of battery power, The Big Turtle Shell can run music via Bluetooth and charge your device at the same time, and still have plenty of power left over when the charge is complete. One forewarning though, we do not recommend using The Big Turtle Shell as an overnight charging station. After 8 hours of sleep, the battery will easily be drained by the continuously charging device.

Battery Life:

Battery life is a big deal on a rugged device for those of us interested in days of camping or weekend boat cruises where recharging isn’t always an option. The Big Turtle Shell delivers in this category, with 16 hours of continuous playtime with every charge. If your standard use consists of morning prep time during the hour before you head to work, The Big Turtle Shell can go for weeks without needing a recharge. As mentioned before, using The Big Turtle Shell as a charging station can really save your butt when you really need it, and this monstrous battery will rarely let you down as long as you have it fully juiced before throwing it in your pack on your way out the door.

With a battery of this magnitude, The Big Turtle Shell does require charging through it’s own custom unit, so don’t think you’re going to be able to just hook it into any old standard charger or USB. With the good may come the bad, but as long as it’s fully charged before those big excursions the battery life of The Big Turtle Shell is the least of our worries. And if you un-pair your device and forget to turn The Big Turtle Shell off, there is an automatic shutdown function that occurs after a relatively short period of inactivity, so you don’t have to worry about accidentally draining the battery the first night of your long weekend away.

Value:

At $229.95 retail, you had better have a good idea of what you’re looking for in your Bluetooth speaker. Fortunately for The Big Shell, there is an impressive number of quality features that make it well worth the price to the majority of people. With one of the longest lasting batteries around, quality sound, and a seemingly water, dust, and bomb proof construction, The Big Turtle Shell is perfect for just about any weekend warrior who doesn’t like to go anywhere without their favorite tunes.