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The Sound of Luxury – KICKER Marine Audio Elevates to a Higher Standard
https://www.kicker.com/premium-marine
Luxury isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about experiencing the finest things in life, down to the last detail. KICKER Marine Audio’s M-Class speakers and subwoofers deliver the most refined, concert-level sound quality available on the water. KICKER Marine Audio proudly showcased The Sound of Luxury at The Miami International Boat Show aboard Intrepid Powerboats’ 51 Panacea—a stunning center console designed for those who demand the absolute best. The M-Class system was chosen for its unmatched performance, elegance and durability — making it the perfect complement to one of the finest boats on the water. KICKER Marine M-Class - crafted for the Most Discerning Yacht Owners! RealMarine® Technology ensures absolute quality while also protecting against heat, moisture, and salt — featuring glass-filled nylon baskets, carbon fiber-infused cones, and waterproof Tetoron® Dome Tweeters.
On My Dock: Make Your Entertainment System Sound Like it Should
If you are a DIY kind of person who appreciates music and entertainment on your boat, you’ll want to address the tuning of your sound system. When it comes to explaining the technical in “user-friendly” terms, no one does it better than Boating Magazine editor-at-large Randy Vance.
In this episode of On My Dock, Randy walks us through the tuning of speakers, amplifiers and subwoofers, in a 1 through 4, step-by-step process that leads you to Step #5—enjoying the perfectly tuned sound that KICKER Marine Audio brings to your boat!
Check it out and enhance your audio experience today!
On My Dock: Tuning Your System for the Best Sound
KICKER Marine Audio speakers are guaranteed to deliver better sound to your boat, but Boating editor-at-large Randy Vance shows that to get the best sound, you’ll want to have your speakers tuned properly. Randy gives us the DIY method in this On My Dock episode, covering Step 1, Zones and setting the tone in each; Step 2, Amplifier crossover points and high and low frequencies; Step 3, Sound check and crossover frequency adjustments; and Step 4, Subwoofers, setting the high and low frequencies on the subs to ensure that you get the full-range of sound with a balance of both bass and volume. Steps 1-4 bring you to Step 5 where you can experience the full system just as the artists intended you to hear their music--clearly!
If any of this sounds too complicated, get the most from your KICKER Marine Audio sound system by consulting with a certified KICKER Marine Audio installer or dealer to have the tuning done for you, Don’t settle for the best equipment without tweaking it to ensure the best tuning to truly KICK your sound up to top level!
KICKER Marine Audio introduces its newest line of Real Marine® Speakers and Subwoofers along with a new amplifier and loaded tower enclosures– the MS line excites the senses with sparkling highs and bellowing lows for a premium audio experience!
KICKER’s new MSS (component) and MSC (coaxial) speakers are both available in 6.5” and 8,” and are accompanied by a new MW 10” and 12” woofers and an MWLE 10” woofer with loaded enclosure. All new components are offered in both charcoal gray and white with accompanying RGBW lighting, combining traditional RGB with an additional white lighting channel.
“These products speak to the high-end customer who appreciates the nuances of sound, not just volume or overly punchy bass, and one who looks for luxury, both on and off the water,” said Brand Manager Jeremy Bale. “The MSS and MSC speakers and MW woofers demonstrate KICKER quality sound that replicates music and voice as the performer intended it to be heard, with total clarity.”
While KICKER Marine Audio’s popular KMXL speakers were developed to create quality sound at top volume, the MSS and MSC speakers and MW woofers are designed for premium life-like sound reproduction in more defined listening zones, akin to listening in a living room, with enough volume to withstand the noisy on-water environment. Its Real Marine® construction utilizes top-technological materials like durable glass-filled nylon baskets that stand up to extreme heat and use; strong and rigid carbon fiber infused cones that improve sonic performance and durability, and Tetoron®, a polyester fabric used in dome tweeters to enhance the larger, waterproof and durable component, unique to KICKER for ideal sound. All are available through KICKER and approved dealers, in the Fall 2024.
KICKER Marine Audio Makes Tampa’s IBEX Industry Show its Showcase for MS Line
The annual IBEX marine industry show, “Where Better Boats Begin,” is the hub for buyers, dealers, OEMs and professionals looking to source the most innovative technology and newest products available. Held again this year in Tampa, Florida, KICKER Marine Audio will host a new booth with a peek at new graphics, new products, and will be a contender for the annual Innovation Awards with its submission of its new MSS component sound system.
The component system, differing from regular coaxial speakers, has two elements including a speaker and separate tweeter. The audio difference is subtle, but noticeable, as sound is cleaner and more accurate, resulting from an industry-leading crossover that separates the sound between the tweeter and driver. Mounting the tweeter and midrange independently and in proximity results in significantly improved frequency response of the speaker system.
The IBEX show provides the opportunity to network with a broad variety of colleagues in the marine industry through the trade show, educational seminars and group events that help participants showcase their newest products and technology. KICKER Marine Audio works with its distribution group, CPS.
“We have found IBEX an ideal venue to help our OEM boat builders select the best products for their markets,” says Phil White, KICKER’s Unit Director, Marine Audio Systems. “CPS has been a great partner over the years. Having brought automotive and marine components to the market for over 50 years, KICKER Marine Audio adds the perfect blend of quality and value to CPS’s offerings.”
In the “Nick” of Time – From Boyne Thunder Poker Run to Lake of the Ozarks Shootout – Nick and Meagan Beishir take ADVANTAGE of his renovation project
Engine noise fills the air at performance boat events, but it is not a disturbance. It is music to the ears of powerboat enthusiasts. The other music in the air is usually pumping loud and wild, so KICKER Marine Audio is right at home, bringing clear music without distortion, to those who demand performance in their sound systems, as well as in their engines.
Nick Beishir is a new KICKER Marine Audio customer, the result of listening to a friend’s system and being notably impressed. As an electronics installer located in the Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri’s premier performance boat community, Beishir knows his business and selected a robust KICKER Marine Audio system for his newly renovated 2000, 40’ Poker Run edition Advantage Powerboat.
Beishir and his wife Meagan applied considerable creativity along with Les Voudrie from Precision Paint Worx in planning the 24-year-old boat’s renovation. They took it down to the hull and re-powered -- with MerCruiser 496 HOs with Whipple Superchargers. They re-designed its profile as well, from fabricating a new windshield, replacing analogue with a digital dashboard, adding a patterned SeaDek flooring and of course, a sound system to rock the dock! Nick installed six, 8” KMXL coaxial speakers throughout the boat; four, 6.5” KM coaxial speakers in the cabin; four 10” L7 subwoofers; FIVE amps—KMXA 800 8, KMXA 500 4, 2, KXMA 1200 2 and a KMA 360, four-channel—and he has three KMC media master digital and analog remotes!
The couple showcased their newly completed boat this summer at the Boyne Thunder Poker Run on Northern Michigan’s Great Lakes and then returned to their home waters for the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout, notably the largest performance boat event in the country, having drawn speed enthusiasts for an extended series of events for over 35 years. “The response was overwhelming!” said Beishir. “The boat is unique, so seeing the reactions to every part that we designed was exciting!”
While others may hear the sharp looking Advantage coming, they will be impressed by the quality of sound emitted from these Real Marine® components, built to withstand the rigors of the marine environment.
Congratulations to the Beishir’s on a beautifully impressive renovation project!
Hilary Sue Martin – Professional Angler Family’s 3rd Generation Adds Her Own Spark with KICKER Marine Audio
Hilary Sue Martin, a petite, vivacious blond, blends a bit of the girl next door, one of the guys, an attentive student and serious angler together in one dynamic package. As the third generation of the well-respected Martin family, granddaughter of Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Famer Roland Martin and daughter of B.A.S.S. Master Champion Scott Martin, Hilary Sue is following in their footsteps as a tournament angler and fast-rising media star. While both Roland and Scott have hosted successful fishing TV shows, Hilary is taking her father’s lead as a fishing influencer on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube as @thereelilarysue. She is both the real, and the reel deal.
“It means a lot to me to be a part of this family—it’s very sentimental and hopefully I am working my way up to that level,” she says humbly. She has been fishing ever since she can remember.
“I caught my first fish at about three years old. I figured it out by myself and caught the bug. That is the greatest feeling—it’s the challenge that is my favorite part of fishing,” she states. The University of Alabama sophomore and tournament angler is studying Business Marketing and takes her studies as seriously as she takes fishing. “It all plays into what I’m doing. I started on YouTube at 14 (years old) and it’s kind of crazy, but I’ve never been interested in anything else—that just started my business side.”
Hilary’s videos and photos demonstrate her smart approach to fishing. While some other lady anglers use bikini-clad photos for attention, Hilary Sue endorses Lew’s Rods and wears AFTCO gear exclusively. She’s beautiful, comfortable in front of the camera and is using her head and fishing prowess to earn her place in the sport. She aspires to start her own fishing line with the goal of supporting women in a male-dominated sport. Hilary Sue encourages girls starting out in fishing to continue to do what they enjoy and “ignore the haters,” recognizing the hurtful comments made on social media by men who feel threatened by women’s success.
Being raised around strong family, including her mother who is often featured on The Scott Martin Challenge, helped build that character. Hilary Sue reports, “My family is very competitive! There is always a challenge between us when we fish--and I enjoy fishing with them anytime I can!” She missed her father’s B.A.S.S. Master win in home waters this spring when she was at school, but she followed on Facetime and shed some tears as her father hoisted that trophy over his head. He was also emotional, standing in the same place that his father had stood. “My whole family shared that moment!” she recalls proudly.
Hilary Sue shares her father’s choice of Skeeter bass boats and is awaiting a KICKER Marine Audio sound system installation in her new FXR 20. “I had a basic system in my old boat and this time, I want to get a 10 or a 12-inch sub if there’s room!” she says, “While I’m getting out on the water, I’m usually blaring music and having fun. When I’m seriously tournament fishing, I keep it quiet, but if it’s slow, we use the music to get the vibe up! I’m usually listening to country, feeling in a chill, unstoppable mood, but I do dive into some rap too!” she adds with a laugh. “I can’t go a day without music!”
Hilary Sue is in until the last cast. “I will always fish and hopefully have my own business for women to help them build confidence.” Leading by example--that is what Hilary Sue does best.
Fishing seems better in pairs! Hilary Sue with “Grandpa” Roland, father, Scott and solo with a great catch!
KICKER Marine Audio Launches New Luxury Sound
KICKER Marine Audio continues its legacy of innovation and quality with the planned Summer 2024 release of four new market-leading premium marine speaker systems. KICKER’s ongoing dedication to durable, waterproof, and outdoor-tested Real MarineTM products is demonstrated in the new MSS component systems and MSC coaxial speakers, both of which are available in 6.5” and 8”, along with new 10” and 12” Woofers and a 10” Loaded Enclosure.
“These products speak to the high-end customer who appreciates… the nuances of sound, not just volume or bass, and one who looks for luxury both on and off the water,” said Brand Manager, Jeremy Bale. “The sound of the MS and MSC speakers pack all the KICKER quality that replicates music and voice as the performer intended it to be heard, with total clarity.”
The MSS component systems feature independently mounted midrange drivers and tweeters. Phil White, KICKER’s Unit Director for Marine Audio explains the benefits: “A coaxial speaker is a bit of a sonic compromise, trading installation ease at the sake of frequency response accuracy. Mounting the tweeter and midrange independently in close proximity to each other significantly improves frequency response of the speaker system.”
While KICKER Marine Audio's popular KMXL speakers were developed to create quality sound at top volume, the MSS components and MSC coaxial speakers are designed for sonic accuracy, with premium life-like sound reproduction in more defined listening zones, with plenty of volume holstered to overcome the noisy on-water environment.
KICKER designed, engineered and produced the MSS and MSC speaker systems using KICKER’s Real Marine™ standards, and with top materials and technology:
- Glass-filled nylon baskets are more durable and stand up to extreme heat and use.
- Carbon fiber infused cones add strength and rigidity to improve sonic performance and durability.
- 28mm (1-1/8”) TetoronTM Dome Tweeters – larger, waterproof, durable and unique to KICKER for ideal sound*.
- RGBW lighting combines traditional RGB LED lighting with an additional white lighting channel
- Industry-leading warranty and customer service
The 10” and 12” Woofers come in both FreeAir™ (MWF104, MWF124) and enclosed (MWE104, MWE124) options with more than twice the power handling of the current KICKER KM Marine subwoofers.
KICKER’s MWLE104 loaded enclosure boasts a 10” woofer and bass reflex subwoofer in a rigid, compact, rotomolded enclosure. The subwoofer enclosure comes with a flexible mounting system providing a variety of mounting positions. RGBW lighting adds a dramatic visual touch.
With the MSS and MSC speakers, discerning boaters who value quality sound can “Go Overboard” while ON board and enjoy concert-like music.
KICKER Marine Audio's New Campaign Colors Outside the Lines – Intentionally
To convey the luxury appeal of KICKER Marine Audio’s new market leading speakers, Brand Manager Jeremy Bale and the team chose a dramatic and visually appealing approach to the company’s latest branding campaign.
“Using juxtaposition with unlikely components is eye catching, compelling the viewer to take… a second look to fully “get” what is being communicated,” said Bale.
The new campaign captures a colorful butterfly lighting gently on a speaker, a splash of water lapping a cone speaker, and more. Each dramatic image, against the black speaker background, produced a compelling, non-traditional look with a product-centric focus.
“No couples with wine and cheese on the back of a boat for us,” says Bale, “We wanted to attract the eye and maybe raise an eyebrow as that is exactly what the MSS and MSC Speakers will do for the sense of hearing … the impact will be subtle, but discernible.”
Be looking for these impactful new images in the near future in advertising and at upcoming boat shows!
KICKER Adds Pro Wakeboarder Guenther Oka to Its Pro Team Roster
KICKER Marine Audio has amped up the power and the sound in the wake sports sector with the recent addition of top wakeboard champ Guenther Oka to its team of influencers. Oka is a rockstar in the wake sports world as a 6x world champion, X-Games gold medalist, Wake Park World Series champ, with additional wins at the US Park Pro and Pro Wakeboard Tour.
“We’re stoked to welcome Guenther to Team KICKER,” said Brand and Lifestyle Manager Jeremy Bale. “His reputation and performance on the water is only matched by his genuine enthusiasm for… the sport. Music is a big part of his active lifestyle and makes him the perfect partner to promote the KICKER brand.”
Oka recently spent time at the KICKER World Headquarters in Stillwater, OK to meet the team and to learn more about the full line of KICKER’s Real Marine products.
“Anyone in watersports will tell you that having great music is a big part of the overall experience,” said Oka. “KICKER Marine Audio system is designed to withstand the elements and delivers awesome performance. It was great to meet the team and to see firsthand how they have really raised the bar in marine audio. I’ve already added KICKER products to my existing boat and plan to really enhance the sound with its new line of products on my new boat, which is coming soon.”
Pelican Charters Goes Overboard with KICKER Marine Audio
When Katie and Captain John Duplass selected boats for their new fishing charter business, they addressed the sound system of their 41’ Onslow Bay Boatworks center console. They selected the boat because of its offshore prowess, outstanding customer service, and durability, and they expected the same from its sound system. They conducted extensive research and having enjoyed KICKER speakers in their truck for years; it was natural to turn to KICKER Marine Audio for audio solutions.
“We are turning heads!” says Katie. “We are making a big statement as our sound is now crisp and… clear and we are proud to be KICKER’s ambassadors in the Gulf.”
Pelican Charters also purchased a locally-built 25’ Gravois aluminum boat for flats fishing and while it has less room for speakers, it still cranks up the sound and allows charter guests to enjoy great tunes while looking for that big catch.
The Duplass family purchased The Venice Lodge in Venice, Louisiana to accommodate their charter customers in a comfortable and quaint 5-bedroom, 3-bath house. It offers plenty of room to relax, cook your catch of the day, and then rest up for another big day fishing along the coast for everything from snapper and red fish to blue marlin.
To kick up the Lodge's sound, the Duplass family opted for a KICKER Bullfrog portable speaker that allow guests to enjoy music outdoors on a starry night.
Check out pix of Captain John and son Hunter who’s been fishing since he was in diapers, along with images of customers and friends. “We like to have fun—can you tell?”
KICKER Supports New SURGE Recruitment Initiative
KICKER Marine Audio is pleased to support the Great Lakes Boat Building School in its inaugural launch of SURGE, a day-long boating event designed to introduce and attract area young people to marine industry career opportunities.
The event was scheduled at Riverside Marina on the Detroit River on July 31, 2024. Up to 300 students from area high schools were expected to attend to learn about marine industry careers. Students will be able to board a mix of… boats on the water, plus meet industry representatives from a variety of sectors including engines/propulsion, marine systems and electronics and manufacturing and boat building.
“I’m really thankful for the tremendous support the Surge pilot event has received from marine industry leaders like KICKER Marine Audio,” said Nikki Story, GLBBS president. “The impact for youth with on the water boating experiences and hands-on marine career exploration will be unforgettable. We know music is a big part of their lives, so KICKER’s participation was a natural choice. We hope that by hosting this event and delivering positive exposure to the marine industry, we can begin to broaden the pool of workforce prospects moving forward.”
KICKER provided several raffle drawings for lifestyle products, along with customized coupons and discounts for sound and audio products.
“We are very encouraged to see the outreach to young people and are happy to support this initial effort,” said KICKER Brand and Lifestyle Manager Jeremy Bale. “Our company is actively engaged in several educational initiatives, and we recognize the importance of introducing technical career options to young people.”
KICKER Marine Audio Sponsors Two Performance Events on Lake Havasu
The clear blue waters of Lake Havasu will boil with performance boat action in April as Super Cat Fest West and Desert Storm – both sponsored by KICKER Marine Audio – bring boaters from across the country to celebrate and raise funds for local charities. KICKER components will play the soundtrack from both the many boats equipped with the top-quality sound equipment and from KICKER Marine Audio’s XRV which will display an array of KICKER’s Real Marine components. In the XRV is the experiential “Boom Room” which gives visitors an audible and palatable feel for KICKER’s renowned bass and clarity.
KICKER Marine Audio is a title sponsor, along with DCB Performance Marine for Super Cat Fest West, April 17-22, a sister promotion to the Lake of the Ozarks summer event. KICKER is also presenting sponsor and featured at the renowned Thursday night Street Party at the 26th annual Desert Storm, April 21-24.
The back-to-back events bring boat builders, KICKER Marine Audio installers and dealers and boating enthusiasts together for two long weekends of boat shows, Poker Runs, Fun Runs, Beach Parties, a Shoot Out and also time to just relax and enjoy boating on the beautiful Lake Havasu and Colorado River. All types of boats are invited to register for the fun and entertainment!
Recovered Money Brings Excitement to Performance Boating—and Boaters!
Social Media influencers are a big force in the marine industry and Nick and Christi Evans, avid boaters from Indiana, bring their passion for performance boating to broaden the reach and excitement to their followers. Their three boats a 50’ Nor-Tech catamaran, a 32’ Statement center console and a 44’ MTI cat, the former Miss GEICO race boat are all decked to the max with KICKER Marine Audio, under the name Recovered Money, Evan’s marine salvage company. While he may be driving a tow boat one day and a high-speed cat the next, Evans endeavors to bring people who may not otherwise have the opportunity, to join him and his family at Poker Runs and even via boat giveaways.
Buying a T-shirt and following Recovered Money on YouTube is the entry to win an all-expense paid trip to a Poker Run event. Last Christmas, Evans also gave away a fully-restored 38 Special Baja Powerboat, Recovered Change to lucky winner Betsy Leigh Williams. “We love bringing excitement to boating,” says Evans, ‘and we are overwhelmed by the response!”
The Evans family values fall right in line with KICKER Marine Audio’s desire to support teams that follow their passion, driven by the thumping sound of the sport that keeps boaters energized, enthralled with their boats and spreading the energy of high-quality Real Marine sound that is reliable and durable in the harsh marine environment.
Scott Martin Survival Tips
If KICKER giving you the best marine audio available isn’t survival enough…here’s a tip from our buddy Scott Martin.
Scott Martin Wins St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Lake Okeechobee on Home Turf with KICKER Marine Audio in his tackle kit!
Photo Courtesy of Andy Crawford/B.A.S.S.
Another passionate boater and championship angler, Scott Martin, is also a major league KICKER Marine Audio fan. Son of the TV personality and Bassmaster champ Roland Martin, Scott followed in his father’s wake, competing in the Bassmaster Elite Series and creating a successful television show, The Scott Martin Challenge. He also won on his home fishing spot on Lake Okeechobee earlier this year. Martin was emotional about his hometown win stating, “Here was where the dream started in 1991…for it to come full-circle, standing in the same place holding this trophy over my head with my dad looking at me, was epic!”
Scott Martin's 42’ Freeman chartered catamaran Vice Versa
Scott Martin’s Skeeter FXE 21 Pro Bass Boat is equipped with KICKER Marine Audio to fully embrace some tunes while waiting on a bite. Meanwhile, his 42’ Freeman chartered catamaran, Vice Versa which relays his love for both salt and fresh water fishing, is LOADED with KICKER cones, speakers, subs, amps and a head unit--and is also wrapped to showcase his KICKER loyalty! The Martin family loves fishing together and now the eldest daughter, The Reel Hilary Sue, a student at the University of Alabama, is following in her father’s path, becoming the next KICKER Marine Audio influencer on the bass fishing tournament series!
DIY Tip – Pontoon & Deckboat
Gravity and up-wiring are key to a great audio experience!
This tip from KICKER Marine Audio could be the difference between a great day on the water, enjoying your favorite tunes, or a soundtrack of your favorite engine and wind noises to keep the energy high. In the shadow of every pro’s first decision to choose electronics made for the marine environment is wiring them to keep moisture out.
Think of a chain hanging from a gutter; know why it's there? Water likes to cling to things, and the chain guides rainwater to the ground without a downspout. In a boat, your wiring is exposed to water from various sources, such as splashing, rain, condensation, and humidity. No matter how hard you try to prevent it, water will find your wires. No fear!
Let gravity assist, and good wiring be the guide. While planning your installation, make room for your wiring to come up to the amplifier or radio from below, rather than down to your device(s) from above. This will prevent water from getting into your electronics by following your power and signal wiring. And remember, KICKER Marine Audio wiring extends the warranty of your Real Marine products—it is THAT good and makes a difference in the durability and quality of your installation. For more information, visit www.kicker.com/marine-audio.
