Readers may recognize the Bullfrog line by Kicker from a previous review I published on the BF200. I was so impressed with the sound and durability of this portable speaker that I wanted to try the smaller version for travel purposes. Measuring only 9 x 3.3 x 3.3″ and tipping the scales at 1.8 pounds, the BF100 is the smallest unit in the Bullfrog line. And it accompanied my wife and I on a recent trip to Costa Rica.
Although my wife and I were south of the border for a management conference, there were plenty of opportunities to get out and explore this beautiful country. For most excursions, we packed the BF100 into our Flowfold Denizen Tote in the event we had time to relax and listen to some tunes. On the golf course at the Four Seasons, we quietly listened as we made our way around this beautiful seaside course. Although the BF100 was too big to fit in the cup holder, its robust metal and rubber coated plastic construction were more than suitable to roll around in the wire storage basket without issue.
Several trips to the beach, pool and boats proved that the IP67 rating is in fact the real deal. Gone are the days when you have to worry about electronic devices getting wet. Plus, the BF100 will float! So don’t worry about taking it on the lake or river. And with 16 watts of power, 4 speakers and 360 degree sound, everyone was able to enjoy the music. Another nice feature is the 100 foot Bluetooth range. Although this wasn’t much of an issue on this trip, I also use the BF100 while at work. This feature allows my phone to stay in my pocket while moving about the job site. And with the DoubleKICK feature, I can pair the BF200 and BF100 speakers and have them located outdoors as well as indoors. So I never miss a second of the SOFREP Radio podcasts.
BF100 specifications courtesy of kicker.com
- IP Rating: IP67
- Bluetooth range: 100 feet
- Battery life: 12 hours
- 360 degree sound: Yes
- FM tuner: No
- DoubleKICK: Yes
- USB output: Yes
- AUX input: Yes
- App available: Kicker Connect App
- DoubleKICK range: 30 feet
- Weight: 1.8 lbs.
- Dimensions: 9″ x 3.3″ x 3.3″
- Drivers: Two 1.65″ drivers & two 1.4″ x 2.8″ passive radiators
- Charge time: 2.5 hours
- Battery size: 7.26v, 2600 mAh, 2-cell Li-ion
- Battery indicator: 5 lights
- Charger Input: 5v Micro USB
- Bluetooth Internal Memory: 5 Devices
- MSRP: $199.99
Kicker is well known for their automotive, marine speakers and subwoofers. Since 1973, the brand has been producing kick-ass mobile audio products for customers looking for clean power and style. Their no-nonsense philosophy has spilled over into their Lifestyles product line. The Bullfrog series from Kicker is a new ruggedized portable speaker/charging station that packs a lot of power into a compact package. Offered in three different sizes, (BF100, BF200 & BF400) the Bullfrog line has you covered for whatever your adventure audio needs are.
