Loud automobiles aren’t just for teenagers and college students. Maybe you’re a DJ who works out of your car and throws house parties. Perhaps you appreciate the sound of good bass. Whatever fuels your desire, the best competition subwoofers buying guide will satisfy it without causing damage to your vehicle. You need subwoofers that are simple to set up. They should abide by the noise ordinances in your area. They also shouldn’t impede the smooth operation of your vehicle. It’s also beneficial if they’re energy-efficient. Otherwise, your battery could be drained in minutes!
Table of Contents
Skar Audio ZVX-12v2 D2 12″ 3000 Watt Max Power Dual 2 Ohm SPL Car Subwoofer
- 12-inch Dual 2 Ohm SPL Car Subwoofer
- Peak Power: 3,000 Watts | RMS Power: 1,500 Watts
- Massive Triple Stack Magnet & High Temperature 3" 8-layer Copper Voice Coil
This is a dual 2 ohms 12′′ subwoofer that weighs in at 53 pounds. It has an RMS power output of 1,000 watts and a peak power output of 3,000 watts power rating. The frequency response ranges from 30 to 400 Hz. Roll-off occurs at a frequency of roughly 44 Hz. The sensitivity is 87.3 decibels. The 3′′ temperature voice coils in the Skar Audio ZVX-12v2 D2 12′′ assist to effectively dissipate the heat sound quality.
The Skar subwoofer is one of our more budget-friendly options for best car competition subwoofers. Despite its low price, and the fact that it is the best 12 inch competition subwoofer on our list, it is nonetheless well-built, having been constructed with high-quality materials. The quality of engineering and design features that went into the Skar Audio ZVX-12v2 D2 12′′ assures that it can operate at extraordinary levels. Furthermore, and perhaps more critically, the sturdy design ensures a high level of endurance and dependability.
The Skar Audio ZVX-12v2 subwoofer is one of the Best Car Competition Subwoofers. With a peak power of 3,000W and an RMS of 1,500W, it’s a rather powerful speaker for its size. The competition sub responds to frequencies ranging from 30 to 400 Hz, giving it a wider variety of bass. However, its 3-inch voice coil is also on the modest side making it a must buy for audio competitions.
The ZVX-12v2 contains two voice coils, each with a resistance of 2 ohms. The 3-inch copper coil twists eight times around its triple-stack magnetic base, which is cylindrical. It can resist high temperatures while cooling quickly enough to avoid short-circuits. The subwoofer cone is comprised of high-roll foam encased in competition-grade paper. Both of these help to eliminate distortion.
Skar employs a cutting-edge cooling design flow to maintain your speakers at ideal operational temperatures with sound pressure levels for the best audio quality. The subwoofer’s frequency range is 30 to 400 Hz, while the speaker’s Fs before roll-off is 44 Hz. The Xmax of its voice coils, on the other hand, is 29 mm. The speaker’s 4-ohm total resistance is well countered by the triple-slug magnet, which weighs 306 ounces. It has a Bl of 21.8.
The output of this subwoofer is relatively powerful, with an SPL of 83.7 dB. Because the enclosure for this subwoofer has a Qts of 0.45, it must be totally sealed. This is the Best Competition Subwoofer in 2023.
Orion HCCA15 12″ Car Subwoofer 2000 Watts
- ORION HIGH-PERFORMANCE SUBWOOFER: Experience the true power of the Orion HCCA152 competition-grade subwoofers, specially designed to deliver...
- HCCA ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY: With a custom cast aluminum frame, dual 2-ohm impedance, a high-temperature aluminum 4” voice coil, and an enhanced 1.25"...
- STRUCTURE: The HCCA152 has been specially engineered to take your audio setup to the next level with 2500 watts RMS, a large triple stacked 445 Oz...
Orion is distinguished by its bright red subwoofers, which can be seen from a mile away. The majority of the subwoofer will be hidden inside its enclosure once installed. However, as this 12-inch Orion arrives ‘nude’ and unenclosed at 83.8 lbs, you’ll have to buy that shell separately if you buy the champion sub for peak power handling.
It’s about the same weight as a Hell Fire Missile at 83.3 pounds. The only difference is that it’s a little louder this time. Here’s an example: The Orion HCCA15 12′′ Car Subwoofer has an RMS output of 2,000 watts and a peak power of 5,000 watts.
The competition car subwoofers small size, on the other hand, is convenient; unless you buy an enormous case, it won’t take up much trunk room. It also allows you to build up a multi-speaker setup if you like. Because the Orion HCCA has a peak power of 5,000W and an RMS of 2,000W, it must be paired with appropriate amplifiers or your entire sound system would be blown. As a general rule, you should aim for 75 to 150 percent.
For safe sound and no short-circuiting or distortion, any amplifiers you buy should have a wattage of 1,500W to 3,000W. Dual spider cones imply dual voice coils in this subwoofer. These 4-inch coils contain built-in heat-dissipating coolers to keep your bass speakers from overheating. The spiders themselves are flat, with tinsel leads and loop stitches for reinforcement.
Polypropylene is used to make the cones. The rim is finished with a three-level rubber ring. This creates a tri-radius effect, which gives sound waves extra surface area to bounce off of. These varied sound depths also aid in enhancing the stereo impression of your boot bass response. This Orion HCAA has a 7.5-inch depth and a one-year warranty. The competition grade subs has a cone is changeable, and has hyper-cooling capabilities due to its power. This is the Best car competition subwoofer in 2023.
Rockford Fosgate P3D2
- The P3 Series is Rockford Fosgate’s best performing Punch subwoofer delivering reference quality bass in our most popular models
- The Punch P3D2-12 is a 12” 2-Ohm DVC (dual voice coil) subwoofer with 600 Watts RMS / 1200 Watts Max power handling and custom 10-AWG nickel plated...
- Featuring anodized aluminum cones and dustcaps, with a unique spider venting design to keep the motor cooler and a new hybrid stamp-cast basket...
Don’t discount Rockford Fosgate P3D2 because of their compact form only because they are on the smaller side. These 12-inch subwoofers have 1,200 watts of peak power and 600 watts of RMS, which makes them pretty powerful. For added durability and aesthetics, each additionally contains nickel-plated push terminals and 2-ohm DVC voice coils.
Each cone on these Rockford Fosgate P3D4 speakers is made of durable, trustworthy anodized aluminum for clear sounds, which is another perk. These also provide a high-quality quantity of crisp and clear low frequencies if you want a lot of bass quality in your sound systems. Additionally, they include a special spider venting system that keeps the motor cooler and enables longer operation.
There are certain drawbacks to these Rockford Fosgate products. To get an even fuller sound out of them, you might need a custom enclosure to accommodate the sub. Although they have a cooling system, if they are running at full capacity, they may get a little warm. Additionally, their sensitivity rating is poor. This is the best competition subwoofers for cars.
KICKER 44DCWC122 12″ 1200W 2 Ohm Complete Subwoofer Bass Package with Loaded Sub Enclosure, Boss 1100W Monoblock A/B Amplifier, and 4 Gauge Wiring Kit
Kicker has a long and illustrious history in the automotive entertainment industry. They use high-quality materials to create high-quality speakers. The Kicker 12′′ subwoofer is not only well-made, but it is also the finest value for money subwoofer for automobile and speaker fans on a tight budget.
The KICKER 12′′ Full Package gives you a lot for your money. A pair of 12′′ Kicker speakers, a subwoofer box/enclosure, a Boss amplifier, a capacitor, and a wiring kit are included in the package. Each subwoofer has an RMS power of 600 watts of power and a peak power of 1,200 watts. They feature a factory-tuned impedance of 2 ohms.
To the untrained eye, all speakers appear to be the same. You’ll know it’s a speaker if you see that stereotypical dome with a vibrating circle at its center. However, (sub)woofers are cones that create low sound wave frequencies, which are what we sense as bass surround speaker. Tweeter cones, on the other hand, produce higher sound frequencies, which humans sense as treble. These sounds are amplified with amplifiers.
Subwoofer cones are visually larger than tweeter cones. Kicker is a complete sound system with two subwoofer cones, enclosures to keep them sealed in, and amplifiers to boost range and volume levels. Amplifiers allow you to ‘push the sound further.’ The Kicker kit’s subwoofers have a diameter of 12 inches. A capacitor and a 4-gauge wiring harness are also included in the package.
The competition grade subwoofer cones each have a 2 ohm impedance, for a total of 4 ohms. They each have an RMS power of 600 watts and a peak power of 1,200 watts withe the pressed paper cone. To prevent distortion, the two subwoofers are housed in a single carpeted box. The MDF box is acoustically enhanced by the black carpet. The Boss branded amplifier is 1,100W, and Kicker employs a digital capacitor made by Bullz Audio.
A mono amplifier is used in Kicker subwoofers. That’s why there are two of them in the package to create stereo sound. This is a complete sound system bundle, with all essential wiring included.
These subwoofers provide a lot of power for such a low price. The bass is powerful and crisp across a wide frequency range. These speakers can also reach the lowest frequencies in the range without difficulty by voice coil cooling system. Essentially, these are a good-sounding pair of subwoofers.
There’s no denying that these are an excellent buy for regular use. The entire bundle is quite cost-effective. However, as a pure competition subwoofer, they are likely to fall short of the raw power of many of its rivals.
American Bass USA XFL 1244 2000W Max Dual 4Ω 12″ Subwoofer
- SPECIFICATIONS : RMS POWER : 1000W | MAX POWER : 2000W | IMPEDANCE (OHMS) : D2/D4 | SENSITIVITY DB : 86.5 |
- SPECIFICATIONS : MOUNTING DEPTH (IN) : 8.34" | CUTOUT SIZE (IN) : 12.8" | PORTED BOX (FT3) : 2 - 2.5 | MAGNET SIZE (OZ) : 200 | VOICE COIL SIZE : 3" |...
- American Bass’ XFL series subwoofers for your car sound system. The XFL is a world-renowned, record-breaking subwoofer that delivers power and...
You pay a lot of attention to resistance and impedance ratings if you know your electricals and voice coil configuration. And the specifications for this American Bass speaker are quite impressive. The subwoofer contains two voice coils, each with a resistance of four ohms, for a total impedance of eight ohms. The ‘baby of the family’ in many items is the 12 inch competition subwoofer. This is not the case with American Bass.
The biggest subwoofer options within this brand is the 12-inch speaker. They feature a 7.6-inch mounting depth. While some speakers use aluminum formers to hold their magnets in place, this one employs a rubber booth. The rubber gasket on top features a ribbed, rounded texture with only two radius options. Although the difference between these radii appears to be insignificant, it is functional.
The speaker cone is stitched together from non-pressed paper and diecast aluminum. Carbon Kevlar and closely packed foam are used to reinforce the paper. To support the 3-inch voice coils, the 220-oz magnet is triple-stacked. This subwoofer has a peak power of 2,000W and an RMS of 1,000W in terms of power output. Conex spiders are used by the speaker to cool down.
Multiple world records have been set by this 38-pound American Bass XFL speaker. It is a solid favorite among audiophiles due to its clear sound and constant output.
Skar Audio VXF-15 D2 15″ 3000 Watt Max Power Dual 2 Ohm Competition Car Subwoofer
- 15-Inch Dual 2 ohm sq/SPL Car Subwoofer
- Peak Power: 3, 000 Watts | RMS Power: 1, 500 Watts
- 3" High temperature Copper voice Coil | Sensitivity (SPL): 89.7 dB
The VXF series from Skar Audio was designed to give the optimal balance of SQ/SPL found in a competition-grade vehicle subwoofer of its power class. The VXF-15 D2 is unparalleled in terms of power handling and overall performance, with a conservative rated peak output of 3,000 watts and an RMS of 1,500 watts. The VXF series was created with the goal of attaining a super low “Fs” parameter, and it gives total authority in the low end while remaining versatile enough to sound fantastic in a wide spectrum of genres for a affordable price tag.
The 15 inch competition category employs a high-temperature 3-inch copper voice coil, which, when combined with the subwoofer’s large 300 oz ferrite motor, allows it to generate head-turning bass at the best SPL levels. We also included a stitched, high-roll foam surround and a competition-grade paper cone, ensuring that this subwoofer sets a new standard for sound quality and durability. The VXF series is the right choice whether you want to be the loudest vehicle at a car show or simply want to enjoy the bass in your everyday driver at unparalleled sound levels.
Power Acoustik MOFO-124X MOFO 12-Inch Dual 4-Ohm VC 2700 Watt Pro Subwoofer
- 2.5" Dual 4-Ohm 4-Layer Voice Coil, Royal Blue Finish with Diamond Cut Accents, Die Cast Aluminum Voice Coil Heatsink
- Non-Pressed Pulp Cone, Polyether Foam Surround. RMS power handling: 1,500, efficiency (1w/1m): 85.40
- Nickel Plated 8ga Compression Wire Terminals, Dual Poly-Cotton Spiders, Die-Cast Aluminum Frame, Vented Pole Piece
The striking blue color of the Power Akoustic subwoofer immediately draws your attention. However, because it’s a little speaker, you might overlook its bass-booming potential. It’s a decent powerhouse, with a peak output of 2,500W and an RMS of 1,350W. It contains two 2-ohm coils, two conex cotton spiders, and a patent-pending 4-spline heat sink. Each coil measures 2.5 inches in diameter.
The speaker cones we’ve seen thus far have been made of paper or plastic for the price tags. The cone in Power Akoustic is made up of cloth and paper, which absorbs vibrations and reduces sound distortion. While the majority of the speaker will be concealed inside the speaker cover, the top piece will be visible. Dirt, debris, and sun radiation could all harm your cone’s top.
A dust cap with aluminum fins is installed on the cheap competition subwoofers to prevent this from happening. These fins dissipate heat over a greater surface area, ensuring that your speaker cools rapidly and remains dust-free. In terms of the sun, UV protecting coatings are applied to the exposed parts of your cone during the day to prevent degradation. This high-capacity MOFO is well worth your attention. The aluminum and nickel frame of the Power Akoustic subwoofer is solid. Its voice coils spin four times around the magnet and cool down in record speed, with an Xmax of 15mm.
Massive Audio SUMMOXL104-10 Inch Car Audio Subwoofer
- SOLD INDIVIDUALLY | GREAT SOUND BUILT FOR COMPETITION | With features such as having a Large Magnet Size - Double Stacked High Energy Strontium Magnet...
- FEATURES THAT MAKE IT THE BEST OF ALL 10 INCH SUBWOOFERS | Don't take the risk of buying Car Subwoofer Speakers that Snaps, Crackles, and Pops after...
- AMAZING DEEP BASS FOR ITS SIZE | "Sounds Good" is an understatement. The sound that comes out of this 10 inch Subwoofer Speaker will massively improve...
The rules of SUMO, a traditional Japanese sport, are straightforward. Push the other guy out of the big circle when the Gyoji waves his fan. Massive Audio’s “SUMMO” family of subwoofers was designed with the same aim in mind. The competition can’t help but bow out gracefully when it comes to Summo Series subwoofers since they play so low and with such a deep center of force. There is no doubt that you will be the “King of the Ring” with Massive Audio car audio subwoofers. This is the best 10 inch competition subwoofer.
DS18 EXL-10.2D 10-Inch Subwoofer
- 3000 Watts Max Power and 1800 Watts RMS Power
- Red Color Aluminum Basket with Large Foam Edge and Paper with Glass Fiber Cone
- 2 100 Oz High-Strength Double Ferrite Magnet, 2-Layer Conex Spider, and 2.5" Black Aluminum 4-Layer Voice Coil
The DS18 EXL-B15.2D is the range’s largest subwoofer. This competition car audio system is 37 pounds. It has a maximum power of 4,000 watts and an RMS power of 1,800 watts stereo system. If that’s too much for you, you may go all the way down to a 6.5′′ version instead of stock speakers. Only 800 watts of peak power and 400 watts of RMS power will be delivered.
The frequency range of the DS18 subwoofer is surprisingly wide, ranging from 44Hx to 1,300Hz. The maximum upper frequency range of most subwoofers is roughly 500Hz. This speaker is approaching the lower midrange frequency region. Dual 2-ohm voice coils are used in the subwoofer. It also has two high-power magnets, each weighing 100 oz. Two conex spiders provide cushioning.
The subwoofer is housed in a red aluminum frame that gives it a professional appearance. A contrasting red and white DSL logo is placed on the front of the driver. Not only does this subwoofer sound fantastic, but it also looks great. The subwoofer’s surrounding edge is made of foam. A combination of paper and glass fiber is used to make the cone driver. It’s adaptable and long-lasting. The CEA, IASCA, MERA, and SEMA have all tested and approved this subwoofer, and DSL is right to brag about it.
Buying Guide for the Best Competition Subwoofers
Choosing the right competition subwoofer involves considering various factors to ensure you achieve the extreme bass performance you desire. Let’s extend the buying guide to help you make the best choice:
Power Handling
The power handling capacity of a subwoofer is a critical factor, especially for competition subwoofers. This specification tells you how much power, in watts, a subwoofer can handle. If your amplifier delivers more power than the subwoofer can handle, it can damage the subwoofer. On the other hand, if the subwoofer can handle much more power than the amplifier can deliver, you won’t be fully utilizing the subwoofer’s capabilities.
Size
Competition subwoofers typically range from 10 to 15 inches, with some as large as 18 inches. Larger subwoofers can move more air and typically produce louder and deeper bass. However, they also require more space and power. Therefore, you should consider the available space in your vehicle and your power resources when choosing the size of your competition subwoofer.
Sensitivity
The sensitivity of a subwoofer, measured in decibels (dB), tells you how efficiently it converts power (watts) into volume (decibels). A subwoofer with high sensitivity will produce louder sound with the same amount of power compared to a subwoofer with lower sensitivity. This is particularly important in a competition setting where loudness is key.
Quality and Durability
Competition subwoofers are subject to high power levels and intense vibrations, so they need to be built to last. Look for subwoofers with robust, high-quality construction, especially in the cone and the voice coil, as these components are crucial for the subwoofer’s performance and durability.
Impedance
Impedance, measured in ohms, is a measure of electrical resistance. Most competition subwoofers have an impedance of 2 ohms or 4 ohms. It’s crucial to match the impedance of your amplifier to the impedance of your subwoofer for the best performance and to avoid damaging your audio equipment.
Voice Coils
Many competition subwoofers have dual voice coils (DVC), which offer more flexibility in wiring the audio system. DVC subwoofers can be wired in different ways to match the impedance of the amplifier, which can be especially useful in competition audio systems that involve multiple subwoofers and amplifiers.
Price
Competition subwoofers can range significantly in price, with top-tier models costing several hundred dollars or more. When setting your budget, keep in mind that you may also need to invest in a powerful amplifier, a suitable enclosure, professional installation, and possibly upgrades to your vehicle’s electrical system.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Best Competition Subwoofers?
The “best” competition subwoofer can depend on various factors, including your specific needs, the size of your car, and your budget. However, the Orion HCCA152, Sundown Audio Team 15 D2, and Rockford Fosgate Power T2D215 are all excellent choices known for their extreme bass performance.
Do I Need a Special Amplifier for a Competition Subwoofer?
Competition subwoofers require a lot of power, so you’ll need a powerful amplifier to drive them. The amplifier should be able to deliver the RMS power handling of the subwoofer at its impedance.
Can I Use a Competition Subwoofer for Everyday Listening?
While you can use a competition subwoofer for everyday listening, keep in mind that these subwoofers are designed for extreme bass performance and may not provide the most balanced or accurate sound for regular# music listening. Also, competition subwoofers can consume a lot of power and may require a significant investment in a suitable amplifier and audio system upgrades.
How Do I Install a Competition Subwoofer?
Installing a competition subwoofer can be complex, especially given the high power requirements and the need for a suitable enclosure. It often involves wiring the subwoofer to the amplifier, installing the subwoofer in an enclosure, and connecting it to your car’s audio system. If you’re not familiar with car audio installations, it’s recommended to have the subwoofer installed by a professional.
Are Competition Subwoofers Safe for My Car?
While competition subwoofers can produce extreme bass levels, they are generally safe for your car if installed correctly. However, the powerful vibrations can potentially loosen parts over time, so regular checks and maintenance are a good idea. Also, listening to extreme bass levels can potentially damage your hearing, so always use caution and listen responsibly.
What Is a Dual Voice Coil (DVC) Subwoofer?
A dual voice coil (DVC) subwoofer has two voice coils instead of one. This allows for more flexibility in wiring the subwoofer, especially in systems with multiple subwoofers or amplifiers. DVC subwoofers can be wired in different ways to present different loads (impedances) to the amplifier, helping to maximize the amplifier’s power output and efficiency.
Can I Use a Competition Subwoofer for Everyday Listening?
While you can use a competition subwoofer for everyday listening, keep in mind that these subwoofers are designed for extreme bass performance and may not provide the most balanced or accurate sound for regular music listening. Also, competition subwoofers can consume a lot of power and may require a significant investment in a suitable amplifier and audio system upgrades.
Do I Need to Upgrade My Car’s Electrical System for a Competition Subwoofer?
If you’re installing a high-powered competition subwoofer and amplifier, you may need to upgrade your car’s electrical system to handle the increased power demand. This could include installing a larger alternator, adding a second battery, or upgrading the wiring. If you’re unsure, it’s best to consult with a car audio professional.
How Do I Choose the Right Amplifier for a Competition Subwoofer?
Choosing the right amplifier for a competition subwoofer involves matching the power output and impedance of the amplifier to the power handling and impedance of the subwoofer. The amplifier’s RMS output should match the subwoofer’s RMS power handling as closely as possible. The amplifier and subwoofer should also have compatible impedance ratings. If you’re unsure, it’s best to consult with a car audio professional or refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations.