Best Competition Subwoofers Reviewed

Types of Subwoofer Speakers

Competition Subwoofers Compared

Advantages of Using Competition Subwoofers

If you want a model that will shake your car, then you need to buy one with a high SPL rating. Standard subwoofers won't have enough power for you. There are many benefits of competition-grade subs. These benefits include the ultimate in bass and low-frequency sounds. Competition subwoofers also have higher quality cones, which are crucial to the durability of the sub.

Another factor that makes competition subs beneficial is the larger spiders and voice coils that are included in the top of the line subwoofers. A larger voice coil will ensure that your sub gives an excellent response and pure audio. The larger spiders assist with airflow.

Choosing Top Quality Competition Subwoofers

Power Output and Handling/Volume/Sound Quality/Bass

High-grade subs generally have a lot more power output than standard subwoofers. The typical power output is between 1,000 and 5,000 watts. The volume of these subwoofers can be cranked up much higher than standard ones. They also have fantastic sound quality, which means that they produce significantly more bass.

Frequency Response/Range

Impedance

One important note is the level of resistance in the voice coil of your subwoofer. This unit of measurement is called ohms. The lower the ohms of your sub, the easier the amp will be able to supply power. You need to check the spec sheet of your competition subwoofers before wiring them. Most of these models will be anywhere from 2 to 8 ohms.

Sensitivity

Voice Coils

There are two types of models in this category, single and dual. While one is not necessarily better than the other, the dual voice coil (DVC) models offer multiple wiring options. DVC subwoofers provide more configuration options, especially with competition-grade subs and amps. The single voice coil (SVC) models use a single strand of copper wiring to configure.

Wired or Wireless

Many people value the ease of wireless speakers. They can allow you to stream music directly to the device. Most competition subs will be wired, which means that you will have to wire the speakers to an amplifier. If you are in search of a wireless option for portability, then you should check the specifications of your desired subwoofer.

Cone Size and Subwoofer Shape/Dimensions

Space is of the utmost importance when it comes to your subwoofers. You should determine what dimensions will fit in your car before you decide to purchase a new sub. Another important factor is the cone size. Competition subs normally have large cones. They will need to be able to fit into an enclosure within your car.

Extra Features

Some competition subwoofers will come with accessories. One feature is bass equalizer controls. This will help you with configuring your speakers and amplifiers to precisely the sound you want. Some subs will also come with extra speaker wire, remotes, or additional mounting tools. If you are looking for extra features, make sure that you check the specs of the subwoofer you want to buy.

Enclosure Type

The competition sub that you want to buy will need to be placed in a box in order to be put in your car. A ported enclosure is characterized by a port for more airflow, which increases power handling. A sealed model will be completely sealed. It allows for more punchy bass, but less airflow. A bandpass type consists of a sub between a ported and sealed box. It will allow for more bass at a narrower frequency range.

Durability/Warranty

You want your new subwoofer to last as long as possible, especially if you plan to have it loud. The type of cone will determine the durability of the subwoofer. Most competition subs will have a warranty that can protect it if something happens within the first few years of use.

1. Orion HCCA152

2. Massive Audio Hippo84

Everyone loves a great bargain! With this model, you get some of the best bass on the market at a reasonable price. The Hippo84 comes with everything that you need to get that chest-thumping bass right in the trunk of your car. It comes with a large strontium magnet that is double stacked for high energy output. It also features a durable aluminum case basket that will last you many years to come. It also comes stacked with a mirror image dual spiders. They are constructed poly and nomex to give you the best sounding cone.

The Hippo84 also comes with a dual impedance black anodized voice coil that will ensure you get the most authentic sound. It produces bass at 500 watts of RMS power. If you really want to crank up the volume, you have 1,000 watts of peak power output. It also features a reinforced fiberglass dust cap to keep the voice coil cool.

Most customers loved that this competition subwoofer was a great value. That is why we have it listed as the best cheap competition subwoofer that money can buy. Customers also seemed to like that these subs produced tight and punchy basslines.

3. Skar Audio VXF-12 D2

You need to make sure that you can fit your new subwoofer into your car. This model comes in the standard 12-inch size, which is perfect for fitting it into most modern vehicles. Skar has been making some of the best competition subwoofers on the market.

The VXF is one hard-hitting machine. It comes with dual 2 ohm voice coils. It is also capable of excellent power handling. It features 1,500 watts of RMS power and 3,000 peak power. You can turn this one up enough to keep your car shaking.

It comes with an overly powerful 300 oz ferrite motor, which will power the voice coils and keep them cool. It comes with a competition-grade paper cone that has stitched and rolled foam. This model also features 3-inch ultra cooling voice coils. The VXF model brings out low-end response with clarity and ease. 

We liked that this subwoofer was the perfect 12-inch model for most users. We also liked that you could turn up the volume quite a bit with these and still get quality bass. There was not any distortion when we pushed these to their limit.

4. DS18 Hooligan

This model is slightly bigger than our previously reviewed subs, so make sure you will be able to fit it into your car. The DS18 is a real powerhouse when it comes to the best 15-inch competition subwoofer. Since it comes with larger voice coils, it can handle all of the power that you can throw at it. This model delivers an impressive 6000 watts of max power. You can turn this speaker up and feel the low frequencies when you drive. It also features dual 4-ohm voice coils to handle all of that power output.

The DVC allows for multiple wiring options, which is great for any setup. It comes with Hooligan’s patented basket design. It also packs a kevlar enforced paper cone that will last a lifetime. Plus, it has a carbon fiber dust cap and a six-layer Conex spider webbing. These features will keep the subwoofer cool on hot days. It also has four 150 oz ferrite magnets to maximum power loads.

Most customers liked that this competition subwoofer produced some of the hardest hitting bass sounds on the market. Many even exclaimed that their car was vibrating. If you are looking for the maximum volume available, then this may be the subwoofer for you.

5. JL Audio 12W7AE3

This model produces bass at the top of the range when it comes to car audio enthusiasts. It will not disappoint when it comes to thumping low frequencies. This model features a 12-inch single 3-ohm voice coil. It is part of JL Audio’s W7 series, which has never let us down. It also comes with a plateau reinforced spider webbing.

It will protect the voice coil and keep it cool at high volume. This model is capable of producing extreme output. It also delivers accurate audio every time. You will be able to hear the sounds exactly as the sound engineer intended.

JL Audio has produced some of the most innovative technology by combining electromagnetic and mechanical behavior. They have done the research to bring you the best audio experience possible. This subwoofer puts all of these features together to bring you punchy and tight basslines. This model is capable of producing up to 2,000 watts of peak power. While not as powerful as some others on the market, it combines excellent voice coils to bring you authentic sound.

Many users loved that this competition subwoofer comes with a nice enclosure already. You do not have to worry about fitting these into another enclosure box. This will save you time and money in the long run.

6. Massive Audio SUMMOXL104

In this category, we have another great Massive product to showcase. This model comes as best rated for the money. We recommend this for anyone starting out or on a budget that still wants supreme power and audio. It features double stacked 250 oz strontium magnets.

It also has Massive’s redesigned lightweight aluminum basket. This model comes with dual 4-ohm voice coils that have multiple wiring options. The voice coils measure in at 3-inches and have a black anodized coating for ultimate protection.

This model also has dual poly nomex spiders that prevent overheating when you have the volume cranked up. The SUMMOXL also has a non-pressed paper cone that reproduces excellent low and high pitches. These may come in a small package, but they really pack a punch.

Customers enjoyed that these subwoofers were lightweight and compact in their design. They also liked that these had some of the best sound quality at such a great value. We liked that we were able to turn the volume up without having any distortion issues. Most customers agreed that Massive Audio has excellent customer service.

Competition Grade vs. Standard Subwoofers

There are different types of speakers to suit everyone’s desires. One critical factor that makes competition grade subwoofers different than standard ones is the SPL. This refers to the sound pressure level that a subwoofer can produce.

Most competition-grade subs are much louder and produce greater sound than standard subwoofers. Another critical difference is in the function of the sub. If you want to wake up your neighbors or have your car thumping, then you need a competition subwoofer.

Competition Subwoofer Installation

Once you purchase your new product, you are going to want to know how to set it up for the best sound possible. If your subwoofers do not come with an enclosure, then you will need to get one. You need to install the speakers into the enclosure based on their circumference. Once you have them mounted in an enclosure, you can put them in the back of your car.

Most subwoofers use a parallel wiring system. You should have plenty of speaker wire for this portion of the installation. Make sure you wire each subwoofer to the amplifier according to their color.

Once they are installed, you need to make sure the sound is correct. First, you should set the crossover. You can do this by playing a song and slowly turning it up until you can just start to hear the bass. Next, you should use the phase switch if your subwoofer has one. Turn it until your sub sounds like you want it to. Every car setup will be different, so listen carefully for this part. 

Common Subwoofer Issues and Fixes

Most speakers are durable and easy to maintain, but there can still be some issues that arise. An easy remedy to most of these issues is to check the wiring and ensure that everything is connected correctly. If you are getting too much feedback when your sub is turned up loud, then you should adjust the frequency to a lower setting.

Another issue that may cause feedback is when other devices are plugged in nearby. You can either unplug those devices or check the cables.

People Also Ask (FAQs)

Can I use a sub without an amp? Do all subwoofers need an amp?

One type of subwoofer is a powered model. This means that the sub comes with a built-in amplifier. You will not need to add one to use the sub. If you do not have a powered model subwoofer, then you should use an amplifier. This is referred to as a passive model.

What is the difference between 2 ohm and 4 ohm subwoofers?

Impedance is a relevant term when it comes to speakers. Ohms refers to the resistance of airflow in your sub. A model with 2 ohms may be slightly louder than a 4 ohm model since there is less resistance. A 4 ohm model will require more wattage to power the sub.

What are the top competition subwoofer brands?

The models that we have reviewed in this buyer’s guide are from the top brands on the market. Many of the top brands have spent years on research, innovation, and technology to bring you the best quality subwoofers for competition. The top brands include Skar, Massive Audio, and JL Audio.

Is a sealed or ported enclosure better for competition subwoofers?

Every subwoofer will need an enclosure to produce the best sound. A sealed enclosure will provide less airflow. If you have a high powered subwoofer, we recommend a ported enclosure. This will give you more airflow to handle the massive power output.

What does SPL mean?

This term means sound pressure level. Since sound is measured by pressure, subwoofers will generally have an SPL rating of some sort. SPL is the ability of your subwoofer to move air.

Where is the best place to buy competition subwoofers?

We recommend going to Amazon for all of your car audio needs. The models we have reviewed today can be found there.

Conclusion

To sum up this buyer’s guide and review, we will showcase the loudest bass competition subwoofer - the DS18 Hooligan. If you want the absolute loudest and earth-shattering bass on the market, then this competition subwoofer is for you. It produces a whopping 6,000 watts of peak power. It also has an impressive frequency response of 35 - 2300 Hz. This will allow you to get the best sound reproduction.