STILLWATER, OK (02.24.2021) – This weekend KICKER Audio will sponsor the Lone Star Throwdown (LST) for the sixth straight year. The show will take place Feb 26-28 at the Lone Star Expo Center in Conroe, Texas, and though KICKER will not have the physical presence it once had, the brand will still be represented by award-winning show trucks.
A past “Top 100” award winner, KICKER’s own Tim Smith will take his custom 1994 Chevy C1500 to the show. A member of KICKER’s Special Projects team, Smith runs a pair of KICKER IQ1000.5 5-channel amplifiers, KICKER Q-Class component speakers and KICKER CompRT slim subwoofers as the cornerstone of his system.
On behalf of KICKER, LST promoters will offer credit of up to $2000 in KICKER audio equipment to a pair of lucky winners as part of show prize giveaways.
“One system always goes to the person that gets the ‘Hard-Luck Award’,” said Jarrod Dunahoo, one of the Showdown organizers. “The other system, in our travels throughout the weekend, we try to find a vehicle that could actually use a system. We call that the ‘Promoter’s Pick’.”
During the 10th anniversary of the popular show, more than 2,000 show cars have already pre-registered. LST officials anticipate attendance exceeding 15,000 people this year, with Top 100 and Best-of-Show awards being presented, along with a number of other cash prizes.
LUBBOCK, TX (02.15.2021) – Creativity is a hallmark across the 12volt industry. JD Glassworks, a proactive 12volt retailer located in Lubbock TX, takes the standard shop toolbox to the next level. The JD Glassworks PitBox is a totally customized shop toolbox that connects with consumers by showcasing the company’s creativity.
The Mesquite Oil Tools Inc PitBox in the JD Glassworks shop.
The PitBox caught the12volt News eye at the recent KICKER AMA ArenaCross in Levelland TX. JD Glassworks, a longtime KICKER dealer, was an exhibiting retailer at the event with a customized pickup demo and a red PitBox project for Mesquite Oil Tools Inc. The red Mesquite Oil Tools Inc. PitBox drew attention at the event from afar with the red color, flashing RGB lights and crankin’ KICKER Livin’Loud sound.
Jimmy Davis, JD Glassworks owner, related “We came up with the idea of a customized shop toolbox for exhibiting at local shows for our store. We customized a standard toolbox from Harbor Freight as a mobile office area for us at a show. The word got out to some local companies and we have done several of the custom PitBoxes. The Mesquite Oil Tools Inc. PitBox is the wildest to date.”
KICKER Marine Speakers, along with battery and power supply, shown inside the PitBox.
The Mesquite Oil Tools Inc. PitBox is wrapped in custom red vinyl. The 8 KICKER marine speakers are framed and arranged around the PitBox. Inside the PitBox is a KICKER L715. Three KICKER Amps deliver the power. A KICKER Bluetooth Media center provides plenty of music source options. A Viking battery is aboard along with a power supply. The Mesquite Oil Tools Inc PitBox is on heavy duty casters for mobility at events. At 400 pounds plus the PitBox is a load put easily fits into a pickup truck bed.
The KICKER Bluetooth multimedia source unit provides many content sources.
“Off and on around the shop we probably spent a couple weeks on the Mesquite Oil Tool Inc project. The company is a regional oil field provider and utilizes their PitBox in the company”s HQ gym, at company events and tailgating at games. We have created PitBoxes for other companies and some are also around swimming pools and on patios. Depending on the gear we install, and level of customization, the PitBoxes are in the $3000 to $5000 range. The Mesquite Oil Tool Inc project was more.”
Concluding, Davis offered “We also have space in our showroom to display a PitBox and use the store’s PitBox at events where is works great as a mobile office. PitBoxes always start a conversation with consumers. We had several customers come into the store after the KICKER AMA ArenaCross who wanted more info on a PitBox and gear for their vehicles, boats and Side-by-Sides.”
See @jd_glassworks on Instagram to see a short video and images of the Mesquite Oil Tool Inc PitBox.
STILLWATER, OK (02.12.2021) – KICKER has begun shipping its new-for-2021 CompR Subwoofers, featuring Forced-Air Cooling and available for purchase at Authorized KICKER Dealers nationwide both in-store and online. Introduced to the world on the KICKER UnMASKED! Live show in October, CompR Subwoofers will retail from $99.95-$269.95. CompR Subwoofers are also available at www.kicker.com.
The CompR features a stacked magnet structure for improved power handling and sound quality, while withstanding extraordinary levels of power. The woofer’s innovative thermal system, dubbed “Forced-Air Cooling,” uses its own cone movement to route even more air than previous through the CompR’s motor, forcing unwanted heat out of vents built into the backplate and allowing the sub to run 25 percent cooler than previous versions. Users get the bass they love, the sleek look, and the reliability expected.
The subwoofer also features the SoloKon cone system, defined by a signature red, double-stitched surround and all-polypropylene woofer cone. It is available in 8-, 10-, 12- and 15-inch models with dual voice coils (2 or 4 Ohm). The CompR is engineered to maintain a superior level of volume and musical accuracy, while delivering reliable performance everyone can enjoy.
STILLWATER, OK (02.01.2021) – KICKER is now shipping its new-for-2021 CompRT Thin Subwoofers, featuring Forced-Air Cooling and available for purchase at Authorized KICKER Dealers nationwide both in-store and online. Introduced to the world on the KICKER UnMASKED! Live show in October, CompRT Subwoofers will retail from $109.95-$219.95. CompRT Subwoofers are also available at kicker.com.
CompRT’s Forced-Air Cooling contributes to the woofers’ efficiency and durability, allowing it to run more than 20 percent cooler than previous versions of the ultimate KICKER thin woofer. High-temp voice coil wire windings surround a high-mass, solid pole piece adding to CompRT’s excellent thermal management. As a result, the CompRT boasts one of the highest power ratings of any thin sub on the market.
The CompRT’s magnet structure provides superior power handling and sound quality, while dual-ended, satin nickel terminals allow for multiple wiring possibilities. The CompRT utilizes a large-diameter, progressive-roll spider for increased linearity and better overall sound quality. A bumped top plate allows for full voice-coil clearance and excursion, creating outstanding bass.
Now with a sleek, blacked-out look, the CompRT Subwoofer is currently available in 8-, 10- and 12-inch versions with dual voice coils (2 or 4 Ohm) and still requires less than four inches of mounting depth. The thin-mount, weather-proof design is ideal for trucks, motorcycles and UTVs off-road or in the outdoors – anywhere that needs big bass without a big box. Six-and-three-quarter-inch CompRT subwoofers will ship later in the quarter.
GUTHRIE, OK (01.25.2021) – The Kicker AMA ArenaCross was Livin’ Loud at The Lazy E Arena on Friday and Saturday evenings January 22nd and 23rd.
A KICKER tent, showcasing the company’s wide selection of products for PowerSports, Marine, Automotive and LifeStyle was set up for enthusiasts to see on the Lazy E Arena floor. A KICKER RZR was positioned next to tent loaded with KICKER PowerSports products.
On Thursday work was underway to set the Lazy E Arena floor.
KICKER’s Monster General build put on a Livin’Loud show during the KICKER AMA ArenaCross opening ceremonies on Friday.
The Lazy E Arena features the world’s largest indoor rodeo arena. The arena floor is over 2 acres that was prepared with a tight track for the racers with areas for the racers to fly through the air.
While the racers showed their skills on the track the KICKER RZR was at the ready to show members of the crowd why KICKER is known around the world for “LivinLoud.”
KICKER’s latest Audio, Powersports, Marine and Lifestyle products-with Bullfrogs too-were displayed underneath the tent with a KICKER RZR set to show all why KICKER is known for Livin’Loud.
This shot from @arenacrossusa shows a rider catching big air in front of a packed house.
Lorin Morrell, maddog_media, was on site as a Brand Ambassador for KICKER. “Both days were filled with a lot of activity. On Saturday there was a really big crowd in the stands. The floor of the arena was set for riders to show their skills against the clock with amateurs running in the day. Top amateurs raced again in the evening followed by the pros. In light of COVID-19 mandates, with masks and social distancing in place, attendees in the stands were enthusiastic as they watched riders on the track fly and heard the bikes rev.”
KICKER, as a leading 12volt brand, participates in multiple national circuits to put their products in front a broad audience of consumers.
The KICKER AMA ArenaCross continues on February 5th and 6th at the Reno Livestock Event Center in Reno, NV.
LEVELLAND, TX (01.18.2021) – The Kicker AMA ArenaCross was Livin’Loud at Mallet Event Center and Event Arena in Levelland TX on Friday and Saturday evenings January 15th and 16th.
The arena was set on Friday at the Mallet Center for the KICKER AMA ArenaCross in Levelland TX.
Jimmy Davis (L) and Bobby Crawford from retailer JD Glassworks by the KICKER RZR under the tent displaying KICKER products.
A KICKER tent, showcasing the company’s wide selection of products for PowerSports, Marine, Automotive and LifeStyle, was set up in the lobby for enthusiasts to see as they entered and exited the arena both days. A KICKER RZR was positioned next to tent. Local retailer JD Glassworks was on site with a customized ’83 C-10 Silverado and adjacent to the KICKER tent. The custom KICKER system in the decked pickup gave members of the crowd an opportunity to hear, and feel, their favorite artists like never before.
The super custom JD Glassworks ‘83 Chevy drew a lot of attention from attendees.
Jimmy Davis, JD Glassworks owner, related “Having a presence at the Kicker ArenaCross event was a terrific experience. People were very impressed with the demos in RZR and our ’83 Chevy C-10. Bobby Crawford, from the store, and I spent time with members of the crowd and passed out a big stack of business cards. In addition, we had one of our customized shop ‘Pit Boxes’ that we use as a demo and mobile desk at car events. It also rocks with KICKER gear. We would definitely look forward to having a presence at future KICKER AMA ArenaCross events. Our store has been a KICKER dealer over 10 years and are looking forward to a strong year with KICKER’s new products.”
Riders were flying high on the track.
Riders start young and these two show their winning hardware in the 50cc in the 7-8 class.
Lorin Morrell, maddog_media, was on site as a Brand Ambassador for KICKER. “Both days were filled with a lot of activity. On Saturday there was a nice crowd in the stands. The floor of the arena was set for riders to show their skills against the clock with amateurs running in the day. Top amateurs raced again in the evening followed by the pros. In light of COVID-19 mandates, with masks and social distancing in place, attendees in the stands were enthusiastic as they watched riders on the track fly and heard the bikes rev.”
JD Glassworks also makes custom Pit Boxes with chests from Harbor Freight. KICKER Audio is featured and the Pit Boxes are used as demos and desks at car events.
KICKER, as a leading 12volt brand, participates in multiple national circuits to put their products in front a broad audience of consumers.
STARKVILLE, MS (01.11.2021) – The Kicker AMA ArenaCross was Livin’ Loud at the Mississippi State University Horse Park Arena in Starkville MS on Friday and Saturday evenings January 8th and 9th.
The KICKER Tent was set up in the lobby of the Horse Park Arena in Starkville, MS.
A KICKER tent, showcasing the company’s wide selection of products for PowerSports, Marine, Automotive and LifeStyle, was set up in the lobby for enthusiasts to see as they entered and exited the arena both days.
Racers on the track in Starkville.
Lorin Morrell, maddog_media, was on site as a Brand Ambassador for KICKER. “Both days were filled with a lot of activity. The floor of the arena was set for riders to show their skills against the clock with amateurs running in the day. Top amateurs raced again in the evening followed by the pros. In light of COVID-19 mandates, with masks and social distancing in place, attendees in the stands were enthusiastic as they watched riders on the track fly and heard the bikes rev.”
KICKER, as a leading 12volt brand, participates in multiple national circuits to put their products in front a broad audience of consumers.
Riders are off and racing as the KICKER AMA Arena Series 2021 got under way.
The next event on the KICKER AMA ArenaCross Series is set for January 15th and 16th at the Mallet Event Center and Arena in Levelland, TX outside Lubbock.
STILLWATER, OK (10.23.2020) – KICKER watched some of its 24 authorized installers, retailers and sales professionals from the “Top 50” list earn a spot in this year’s “Top 12 Finalists” for the 2020 Industry Awards, as determined by the Mobile Electronics Association (MEA).
According to the MEA press release, some of the award categories are decided solely on industry votes. The final awards will be announced at the Mobile Electronics Industry Awards celebration during the virtual KnowledgeFest trade show and conference Dec. 4-6.
Winners at this stage also qualify as semifinalists for the top honors of Retailer-of-the-Year, Installer-of-the-Year and Sales Pro-of-the-Year.
Top 12 KICKER Retailer finalists: Mobile Toys – College Station, TX Absolute Electronix – Rockville, MD Car-Tunes – Greenville, MS Showtime Audio – Chicago, IL
Top 5 KICKER Sales Professionals finalist: Jim Skaggs – Mobile Toys Inc. – College Station, TX
Top 12 KICKER Installer finalists: Justin Kush – Mobile Toys Inc. – College Station, TX Matt Vowell – Mobile Toys Inc. – College Station, TX Dean Beyett – Five Star Car Stereo – Clearwater, FL Dalton Trainer – Car-Tunes, Inc. – Greenville, MS
The complete list of winners is posted at the official Industry Awards website, meindustryawards.com.
STILLWATER, OK (10.13.2020) – Reacting on the news of no live SEMA Show 2020, Stillwater Designs has announced that it will conduct its own virtual, private trade event for authorized dealers to stream and watch. And for the first time, consumers world-wide can also view their own virtual show and see what KICKER products and innovations will be hitting stores in early 2021.
The mobile-audio manufacturer is producing KICKER UnMASKED! Live, streaming for three days October 21-23. It will be KICKER’s virtual look at the current state of the brand, a full look at new KICKER products shipping in 2021, and an interactive setup enabling viewers to ask questions and receive answers during and after the event being conducted from global headquarters in Stillwater, Oklahoma.
“We aim to be true to our roots and provide a one-on-one encounter like at our live events, while opening up and providing a new experience for 12-volt enthusiasts and the consumer public,” said Kevin Campbell, KICKER Director of Marketing. “These are audiences that typically never have the opportunity to experience the KICKER brand, people or products during the SEMA Show. It should be a lot of fun.”
Each day’s event will be shown to a specific audience with various topics covered during all productions, including a virtual, “rep-fest” pre-event day on Oct. 20. Then KICKER Sales Representatives and international distributors will conduct business and get a look at what’s new for 2021 on October 21 via live Zoom meetings with KICKER Regional Sales Managers and the KICKER Tech training staff. These productions will be private with only KICKER internal parties attending.
KICKER Authorized Dealers and their respective work staffs will attend a similar training, shown twice on Thursday, Oct. 22, via Zoom webinars by private invitation. While business will be the chief topic, KICKER associates promise an evening of fun, product unveilings, information and the opportunity to ask questions live. Attendees can also win valuable prizes during the show. Thursday’s show times are 9 a.m. CDT (scheduled for Eastern and Central time zones), and 4 p.m. CDT (scheduled for Mountain and Pacific time zones).
Finally, on Friday, Oct. 23, in a first for KICKER, the brand will share these new 2021 products with consumers earlier than ever before. Anyone interested can watch on KICKER’s Facebook account (/kickeraudio) using Facebook Live, and KICKER’s YouTube account (/kickerfanatic) on YouTube Live. Show time will be 5 p.m. CDT, with a question-and-answer session following featuring KICKER President and founder Steve Irby and industry social personalities Dereck Williston (Williston Audio Labs), Dean Beyett and Fernando Lopez (Five Star Car Stereo), Robert “Hifi” Vega, and others. KICKER promises prize giveaways, visits from KICKER-sponsored celebrities and more.
Wednesday, October 21 – UnMASKED! Live meetings, for Sales Representatives (by private Zoom invitation)
Thursday, Oct. 22, 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. CDT – UnMASKED! Live webinars, for Authorized Dealers and store staffs (by private Zoom invitation)
Friday, October 23, 5 p.m. CDT – UnMASKED! Live, for a world-wide audience (on Facebook Live and YouTube Live)
12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (10.01.2020) – The COVID Pandemic has resulted in many trade shows moving to a virtual online experience. IBEX 2020 is one of that historically in person shows that has gone virtual.
Better Boats Begin at the 2020 IBEX online virtual experience powered by METSTRADE. September 29 thru October 2 are the dates. The sessions are 9AM-6PM the first 3 days and 9 AM – 1 PM the final day.
KICKER Marine Audio sound waves will still carry over the web. With the show theme, “Better Boats Begin Here,” OEM boat builders engaging KICKER Marine Audio through CPS get a direct line to what is new and trending in marine audio and accessories.
One of the current trends is the advance of Tower Systems on a variety of boats—not just the wake and wave boats that initially made them popular. KICKER has broadened its existing tower system collection with new technology and yet another set of mounting solutions, this time providing bolt pattern and wiring location that matches many factory tower hard-points. The KMFC 9 and 11 feature a horn-loaded, compression-driver system (HLCD), using an advanced KICKER proprietary horn design with titanium-dome drivers.
Both models are now finished in the popular glossy black or white and the grills come with a seven color LED light system which can be upgraded further to 20 colors and 19 lighting modes with the KMLC remote.
Like most KICKER Marine audio components, the KMFC9 and 11 meet or exceed ASTM standards for UV and salt fog exposure. The polypropylene woofer and Santoprene surround are UV-treated and the polyurethane basket is UV resistant.
Both models have four Ohm voice coils and for installation, use 1.4” titanium tweeters, a through-mount wiring system and 316L stainless mounting hardware, making them easy to install and dependable in harshest marine environment. And don’t forget KICKER’s unmistakable mid and high-range sound! MSRP $1,179.95 for the KMFC9 and $1,379.95 for the KMFC11.
These tower systems are only a part of the broad offerings that KICKER Marine Audio brings to the market, ensuring that pure and clear sound is part of the great boating experience. KICKER’s new head units add easy installation and operation for round or square mounting surfaces and offer top-quality performance and reliability. All KICKER Marine Audio products boast excellent customer service, making any customer issues easy to address on the spot.
CPS Distributors, Inc. will also be showcasing a solid core mix of marine lighting products from Marine Sport Lighting, an upcoming and popular brand amongst the marine industry over the last 3-4 years. CPS first partnered with Marine Sport Lighting in 2019 and made their first debut with the brand at IBEX 2019 in Tampa Bay. Last years show produced several good prospects that helped CPS’s initial traction with the brand and let boat builders know they had a full spectrum lighting line up to service their projects, both big and small.
Marine Sport Lighting is best known in the industry for their phenomenal line up of marine grade professional light bars used for high power vision on dark waterways. Their light bars are high quality with a line up of a variety of lengths, styles, and beam pattern options for spot or flood. Included in this popular family of products are some great docking and spreader lights on the auxiliary side.
Marine Sport Lighting is making headway in the underwater category as well with their popular and fast growing HydroBLAST family of lights. The HydroBLAST family is a la carte and gives you an option between remote and smartphone controlled, with various colors and finishes in deck lighting, and an amazing array of high lumen underwater lights. For more information about this lighting system, please contact CPS or Marine Sport Lighting for more information.
Lastly, this company has many other great marine lighting solutions, led switches, voltage gauges and more. In 2021, be on the look out for a revolutionary new docking light designed by their engineers in conjunction with a yet to be named boat manufacturer in our industry. There is some other great new products on the horizon as well to look for at the IBEX Virtual Show.
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