Outdoor Research went to Kickstarter with The Big Turtle Shell speaker and asked for $40,000 and was funded for $315,222. They are a true Kickstarter success story, and here’s why: they took a current technology and gave it more of the things that people are looking for. It’s that simple. Let’s dig into the features of the Big Turtle Shell below.
Appearance –Â We love the look of the Big Turtle Shell. It’s black and has a spiny back like a snapping turtle. It also has a matte finish that makes it easy to hold onto if it’s wet.
Functionality –Â The increased functionality of the Big Turtle Shell is what garnered over 300K on Kickstarter. For starters, it has a larger battery than any water-resistant Bluetooth speaker in its class – 7800 mAh. It provides 16 hours of playback, 325 hours of standby, and has a USB port to charge devices. You can charge an iPhone four times and a GoPro six times. It also has a microphone that allows you to answer calls. We’ve been leaving it paired when we take FaceTime calls and it works great.
Ease of Use –Â We haven’t had any problems with pairing or using any of the other functions on the Big Turtle Shell. If you hold the volume down for a second it also skips the track. Kind of handy if your phone isn’t with you.
Durability – Rock solid construction. It’s drop tested and has two large, grippy handles. We love the handles. It allows you to tote it around with ease.
Value – At $230, the Big Turtle Shell is priced on the higher end in comparison to other speakers in its class, but it is a true outdoor speaker. It will kick all weekend in the rain while strapped to your bike or a kayak. If you’re looking for a rugged outdoor speaker that you won’t have to worry about, the Big Turtle Shell is worth a serious look.
