Monster Superstar Backfloat – Tech Review

If you’re a poker fan like me you know all about Monster’s 24k Gold Headphones given out to one lucky guy (or gal) who sucks out an Ace on the river on the World Poker Tour. If you’re not a poker fan, we understand, but you should still know that the Monster Superstar Backfloat has arrived as the sequel to the highly popular Monster Superstar and Head Monster, Noel Lee, claims that pool parties will never be the same. Well the water temperature is still cold enough to turn my undercarriage blue so the pool party test will have to wait a little longer here at Busted Wallet headquarters.

Monster is the engineering brainpower behind the wildly successful Beats Headphones and has been issued over 500 patents and 100 patents worldwide so they know what it takes to make quality audio equipment. The Busted Wallet team is now the self-proclaimed authority on bluetooth speaker systems with a small library of reviews so we’ll see where the Monster Superstar Backfloat ranks in our arrogant opinion.

Key Features:

• Durable, rugged design
• Big sound from a little package
• Um, it FLOATS IN THE WATER!!
• Easy bluetooth connectivity
• Rechargeable via US

Specs:

• Dimensions: 7.25in L x 3.25in W x 1.57in D,
• Weight: 0.5 lbs
• Bluetooth Range: 33 feet
• Battery Life: 7 hours

Design:

The design of the Monster Backfloat is attractive and rugged looking. The backfloat comes in two trendy color choices. Both are black with either neon green or neon blue highlights. The back and sides are covered in a silicone rubber and the front is a thick hard plastic. The Backfloat is advertised as shockproof so we tried some light destructive tests. First, we dropped it on it’s soft rubbery backside onto concrete from about 3′ and then 6′ high twice each without issue. Then the same test on it’s supple silicone sides. Finally, we dropped it on it’s plastic front from 3′ and then 6′ twice each onto concrete again which it impressively handled minus a couple little scratches on the plastic. After all that drop testing we can confidently say that any accidental drop from a reasonable distance will most definitely not break your Backfloat! Good job Monster.

Throughout testing found the battery life to be a little over 6 hours at 75% volume. Although one negative is the charge time on the Backfloat seemed pretty long at roughly 2.5 hours. The Backfloat also comes with a handy mesh carrying bag for proper storage.

Bluetooth Connectivity:

My judgement of connecting to the Backfloat was directly related to if I needed the directions or not to connect my iPhone 5. Turns out I did not. So good job Monster. Connecting can easily be done within the bluetooth settings of the iPhone (or Android).

Now, switching from user to user was a little trickier. After some fiddling we discovered holding down the bluetooth button for 3 seconds on the Backfloat would allow you to switch users. The range of the bluetooth capability we found to be about 50′ without any obstacles between your music player and the Backfloat.  Monster advertises a 33′ wireless range.

The bluetooth also allows you to answer calls from your smartphone which is nice because who wants to get out of the pool when you don’t have to?? We found the call clarity adequate but not as good as talking directly into your phone. Another nice feature of the Backfloat is when you connect your device a voice comes on and tells you if you are connected or not.

Sound Quality:

The sound that comes out of this portable little package is seriously impressive. The two bass radiators and two front full-range drivers remove that typical small speaker “tinny” sound away and gives you a full bodied sound. Now don’t take this as an endorsement to hold a concert with the Backfloat, crank it up to 11 and think you’ll be good to go. No, not the case. But for the average backyard BBQ or dare I say pool party this little guy will crank out your favorite jams with gusto.

Water Resistance:

So, this is really what we are interested in. First we brought it in the shower and playfully splashed it. Then we (I never shower alone) held it directly under the shower head for 10 seconds or so filling the speaker cavities and the Backfloat kept on a rockin’. Then we filled up our sink with water and OMG it floated!! Then we held it completely under water like my old high school wrestling team used to do to me in the pool but unlike me the Backfloat came right back without any hurt feelings!

Good job again Monster.

Value:

The Monster Superstar Backfloat retails for $149.95. If you don’t need the ability to throw a water soaked pool party you can purchase a plain old regular Superstar for $129.95. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast looking for a small, portable, and durable speaker with great sound and is water friendly we think for the price point and quality this is truly a great audio product for anyone that has a Busted Wallet.

Buy Now: $149,95 or to learn more, go to: MonsterProducts.com