Choosing a Sound Bar for an ATV

For thrill-seekers who enjoy racing or exploring trails, driving off-road motorized vehicles is an exciting and adventurous hobby. The speed and maneuverability of the vehicle make this a thrilling pastime. And the ride is always more enjoyable with music whether you're in an ATV or a UTV. Installing a sound bar on the vehicle is an upgrade that will allow drivers to combine their love of adventure with their love of great music.

What is an ATV?

ATV stands for all-terrain vehicle and refers to a four-wheeled motorized off-highway vehicle designed for a single rider. Also called a "quad" or "four-wheeler," an ATV has handlebars and a straddle seat and is often used for racing and trail riding. These vehicles are speedy and fun, providing hours of thrills and excitement. There are also Class II ATVs that accommodate two riders: an operator and a passenger who sits directly behind the driver.

There is a wide variety of ATVs on the marketplace, with different features, specialties, and options. So, after you purchase an ATV, the next step is to customize it. Here are some proven ways to transform your ATV:

• Paint it.
• Add decals.
• Upgrade to extreme condition tires.
• Boost visibility and efficiency with specially configured LED lights.
• Add a windshield.
• Attach a cargo box.
• Install a sound bar.

What is a sound bar?

A sound bar is a speaker that plays audio. Initially popular with the home theater industry, sound bars have transcended this narrow market. Now, some manufacturers are making special sound bars to be mounted directly onto ATVs. The width of these sound bars improves acoustics and reinforces mounting on sport vehicles that ride over rough terrain. Sound bars are attached directly to the handlebars of the ATV.

A sound bar combines a full sound system with built-in tweeters, woofers, drivers, and an amplifier in one compact package. Also, a sound bar for an ATV will be competing with the sound of the ATV, so it's important to select a sound bar that will refine, not diminish, the listening experience. Sound bars may have Bluetooth capabilities or external ports for easy connection to external components.

Why install a sound bar on an ATV?

If you'll be spending hours at a time exploring and enjoying adventures on an ATV, it's worth it to upgrade the machine. There are many fun ways to improve a standard ATV, but one of the simplest and most enjoyable upgrades is adding some tunes and a powerful audio system. Adding a sound system or sound bar to the vehicle is an affordable way to make adventure riding even more fun.

A sound bar condenses all the components of the sound system into one relatively small unit, making it the ideal solution for most ATV owners. Sound bars are easy to install, usually taking less than an hour to securely mount onto the vehicle. ATV sound bars are also designed to handle the stress of trail-riding, so they will stay mounted no matter how bumpy the terrain or rocky the road. Once installed, a sound bar lets an ATV operator listen to FM radio, stream music via Bluetooth, or connect a separate audio device like a smartphone or an MP3 player.

Further, ATV sound bars use sturdy materials that will withstand the harsh conditions of the trails, such as sand, mud, and water. Even the most affordable sound bars provide excellent quality and volume, making their addition some of the best value for money.

Features To Consider When Purchasing a Sound Bar for an ATV

There are several key components to check out when considering a sound bar for an ATV. Sound bars range in price depending on preferences and add-ons. But their affordability doesn't compromise quality. In fact, several lower-price models starting in the low hundreds deliver fine sound quality and capabilities.

Sound Quality

For most owners, the quality of sound is a primary, and genuine, concern. Sound bars have different numbers of speakers, usually from four to as many as 10 speakers, to enhance sound quality and volume. Some all-in-one sound bars merge the additional audio enhancements in one unit, and other sound bars offer extra components to maximize audio quality based on user preference.

Additional Components

All sound bars are not created equal, so it's necessary to research the specific capabilities of certain sound bars. Components such as amps may be built in or purchased separately and connected to the sound bar. Here are some more sound bar enhancements:

• Built-in amp.
• Built-in tweeter.
• Built-in subwoofer.
• Bluetooth.
• USB port.
• Auxiliary port.
• Wireless capabilities.
• Remote control.

Durability

An ATV will be operated under conditions that are generally hard on electronic components, such as riding through water and mud. So, it's important we look for marine-grade speakers that are waterproof and can resist elements like dirt, sand, and snow, as well as the bouncing and vibration of the vehicle. A tightly sealed system is essential for the durability and longevity of the sound bar.

Easy Installation

Many sound bars include a universal installation package that streamlines their mounting on most ATVs. Others may require some modifications to install on different ATVs.

How To Install a Sound Bar on an ATV

Sound bars mount directly onto the handlebars of ATVs. Most audio kits come with easy installation instructions and materials. Follow the instructions provided, or seek professional installation.

Recommended Sound Bars for ATVs

Here are a couple of sound bars that Wet Sounds recommends for ATVs and other off-highway vehicles.

• The Stealth-10 Ultra HD-B amplified Bluetooth sound bar is one of our favorite plug-and-play ATV sound bars.
• One of our best lower-cost sound bars is the Stealth-6 Core-W, a great passive, non-amplified addition to an ATV stereo system.

These sound bars also work with ATVs, UTVs, golf carts, and boats. At Wet Sounds, we are experts at upgrading sound systems, and our online catalog offers a great selection of sturdy, waterproof sound bars that will enhance any off-road vehicle.