Competition-grade subwoofers are designed to produce very high sound pressure levels (SPLs), which is measured in decibels (dB). In this article, I’ll describe the complete details and features of the 9 Best 12-inch Competition Subwoofers 2023. They are typically used in car audio competitions, where the goal is to produce the loudest bass possible.
How to Know About a Competition-Grade Subwoofer?
Once you have chosen a competition-grade subwoofer, the next step is to verify it by using the following ideas:
Read what other people have to say. This is a great way to hear about how well different subwoofers work.
Talk to an expert on car music. They can help you find a subwoofer that fits your needs.
Don’t worry about spending a little bit more money. A good subwoofer made for racing will last for a long time.
Difference Between Regular and Competition-Grade Subwoofers
The biggest difference between the two is how they are made and how well they work. The difference between normal subwoofers and competition subwoofers is:
Regular subwoofers make a sound sound good enough to listen to daily. They usually can’t handle as much power or move as far as subwoofers made for competition. This means that they can’t make as much low-frequency noise. Normal subwoofers are made to be used in home theaters and car stereos, where they provide plenty of bass and good sound quality.
On the other hand, subwoofers made for competition can handle more power and have bigger voice coils and magnets, which means they can put out more sound. They can often handle long periods of loud playing without getting distorted or broken, unlike regular ones, which sometimes stop making useful sounds.
Table Summarizing the Key Differences Between Regular and Competition Grade Subwoofers
| Feature | Regular Subwoofer | Competition Grade Subwoofer |
|---|---|---|
| Power handling | Up to 1000 watts RMS | 1000 watts RMS and up |
| Excursion | Up to 10 mm | 10 mm and up |
| Voice coil | Smaller | Larger |
| Materials | Plastic, paper | Carbon fiber, Aluminum |
| Price | Less expensive | More expensive |
9 Things to Consider When Buying a 12-Inch Competition Subwoofer
When picking a subwoofer for a competition, there are a few things to look for:
- RMS power handling is the amount of power the subwoofer can continuously handle without getting hurt. It’s best for racing subwoofers to be able to handle at least 1000 watts of RMS power.
- Peak power handling: This is the most power that the speaker can handle for short periods. RMS power handling is more important than peak power handling, but peak power handling is still something to consider.
- The excursion is the highest distance that the subwoofer cone can move. If the subwoofer’s excursion is bigger, it can make lower sounds.
- Voice coil: The voice coil is the speaker’s part that turns electrical energy into sound energy. A bigger voice coil can take more power and make lower-pitched sounds.
- Materials: Competition subwoofers are usually made of strong materials like carbon fiber or aluminum to handle high power.
- Your budget: Subwoofers from the competition can cost anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Before shopping, you should figure out how much money you can spend.
- Your needs for listening: how loud do you want the bass to be? If you want the bass to be as loud as possible, you will need a subwoofer to handle the RMS power. But if you only want a reasonable amount of bass, you can get by with a subwoofer that can handle less RMS power.
- Your car or truck: How much room does your car have? If your car is small, you should choose a subwoofer that is not too big.
- How you like to listen to music: What kind of music do you like? Some types of music go better with some subwoofers than with others. If you listen to hip-hop or dance music, you need a subwoofer to make deep bass.
Uncovering the Top Picks for Best 12-inch Competition Subwoofers 2023
Here are 9 of the best 12-inch competition subwoofers in 2023, along with their brief details and specifications:
Skar Audio EVL-12 D4:
This subwoofer is known for its high power handling and deep bass. It has a dual 4-ohm voice coil and can handle up to 3000 watts RMS. It also has a large excursion of 16mm, which allows it to produce very low frequencies.
RMS power is 1,250 watts, with a peak power output of 2,500 watts.
Competition Grade Paper Cone and High Roll Foam Surround 3″ High-Temperature Dual 2-ohm Voice Coil with Black Coating
It has Premium Suspension That Comes Equipped With the EVL Series’s Signature Red Two-Layer Spider. The subwoofer’s bass is quite low and extremely responsive, and the sensitivity is 85.1 dB.
The frequency range is 25 Hz to 250 Hz, and the maximum Xmax measurement is 23.5 mm (one-way).
The subwoofer has a strong, rigid cone made of high-quality materials. This is meant to reduce distortion and make sure the bass sounds right.
The subwoofer has a dual-stacked ferrite magnet motor structure. This strengthens the magnetic field, improving the subwoofer’s performance and ability to handle power.
Skar Audio sells the EVL line, including the EVL-12 D4, as competition-grade subwoofers that can be used in everyday sound systems and sound systems for competitions.
Features:
- Peak power: 2,500 watts
- RMS power: 1,250 watts
- Dual 4-ohm voice coil
- 3-inch high-temperature copper voice coil
- Competition-grade pressed paper cone.
- High-roll foam surround
- Advanced airflow cooling system
- Motor weight: 166 oz
- Frequency response: 25–250 Hz
- Fs: 32.6 Hz
- Xmax: 23.5 mm (one-way)
- Sensitivity: 85.3 dB
Pros and Cons of Skar Audio EVL-12 D4:
Pros
- Powerful bass
- Deep and accurate sound reproduction
- High SPL output
- Durable construction
- Long-lasting performance
- Affordable price
Cons
- Can be a bit too loud for some people
- Requires a powerful amplifier
- Not as versatile as some other subwoofers
Rockford Fosgate P3D4-12 Punch:
Rockford Fosgate P3D4-12 Punch
- Strong Bass Performance
- Durable Construction
- Flexible Wiring Options
This subwoofer is another competition-grade subwoofer with high-power handling and deep bass. It has a dual 4-ohm voice coil and can handle up to 1500 watts RMS. It also has a large excursion of 15mm.
The P3 Series is Rockford Fosgate’s best Punch subwoofer. It gives our most popular models a bass that is as good as it gets.
It is a 12″ 4-Ohm DVC (dual voice coil) subwoofer that can handle 600 Watts RMS and 1200 Watts Max of power and has special 10-AWG nickel-plated push terminals.
With anodized aluminum cones and dust caps, a unique spider venting design to keep the motor cool, and a new hybrid stamp-cast basket that is super strong while keeping weight and vibration to a minimum, this speaker has a lot going for it.
It works best in regular sealed or open enclosures. Sealed (Vb): 1.02 cu. ft. (28.8 liters)/Vented (Vb): 1.79 cu. ft. (50.6)/Mounting Depth: 6.66 in. (169.3 mm)/Cutout Diameter: 11.25 in.
When you buy from a registered Rockford Fosgate dealer, you get a full one-year warranty on the famous Rockford Fosgate build quality.
Features:
- Peak power: 1,200 watts
- RMS power: 600 watts
- Dual 4-ohm voice coil
- 2.5-inch high-temperature copper voice coil
- Anodized aluminum cone and dust cap
- Diamond cut cast aluminum trim ring with optional grille
- StampCast basket with integrated spider venting
- Frequency response:25–2500 Hz
- Fs: 27.7 Hz
- Xmax: 15.9 mm (one-way)
- Sensitivity: 86.3 dB
Pros and Cons of Rockford Fosgate P3D4-12 Punch:
Pros
- Strong Bass Performance
- Durable Construction
- Flexible Wiring Options
- Reliable Tinsel Leads
Cons
- Space Requirement
- Amplifier Compatibility
- Tuning Complexity
MTX Audio Terminator TNE212D:
This subwoofer is known for its durability and long-lasting performance. It is made from high-quality materials and can handle up to 1200 watts RMS. It also has a large excursion of 16mm.
It used 5/8″ MDF with 2 ohm resistance. It has a Corded Electric type of power source.
It is a 12-inch subwoofer with a frequency range of 37 Hz to 150 Hz. The Terminator logo of the subwoofer was embroidered on aviation-grade carpet.
It combines a Terminator monoblock amplifier’s power and good looks with either a sealed case or a ported enclosure.
The subwoofers can handle high power levels, allowing for impactful bass even at high volumes.
The subwoofers have polypropylene cones that provide durability and accurate bass response.
The subwoofers are designed with spider plateau venting, which helps to cool the voice coil and improve mechanical cooling during heavy use.
The pre-loaded enclosure simplifies the installation process, ensuring the subwoofers are properly aligned for optimal performance.
Features:
- Peak power: 1200 watts
- RMS power: 400 watts
- Dual 2-ohm voice coil
- 2-inch aluminum voice coil
- Polypropylene cone
- Rubber surround
- 48 oz magnet
- Frequency response: 37–150 Hz
- Sensitivity: 86.4 dB
Pros and Cons of MTX Audio Terminator TNE212D:
Pros
- Powerful bass
- Deep and accurate sound reproduction
- High SPL output
- Durable construction
- Long-lasting performance
- Affordable price
- 5-year warranty
Cons
- Not as versatile as some other subwoofers
- Requires a powerful amplifier
Massive Audio SUMMOXL124:
If you are looking for a heavy-duty subwoofer, then it is the best subwoofer for you. It has a Rigid, industrially Textured Cast Aluminum basket with a 250oz high-energy triple stack strontium magnet structure.
It has Two Resistances: Black polished Voice Coil and a former with Kevlar Spunlace Kevlar Fiber helps when running hot for a long time and protects from distortion problems. It has a reinforced Non-Pressed Paper Cone with an industrially Textured Finish.
The sensitivity of this subwoofer is 92 dB, which means that it has an excellent value compared to other subwoofers.
One Piece Black Anodized Pole-Plate for More Motor Force.
It has heavy-duty direct-input Wires connected to Voice Coils Reinforced Fiberglass Woven Dust Cap for Power Applications.
It is made of a Rubber gasket and a magnet boot.
The price of the subwoofer is high, but if you have a good budget, you should buy this for powerful bass and clear and loud sound.
Features:
- Peak power: 3000 watts
- RMS power: 1500 watts
- Dual 4-ohm voice coil
- 3-inch high-temperature copper voice coil
- Kevlar fiber-reinforced non-pressed paper cone.
- high-roll foam surround
- 250 oz double-stacked strontium magnet structure
- Heavy-duty direct input wires connection to voice coils
- Reinforced fiberglass woven dust cap
- Custom tooled rubber gasket and magnet boot
Pros and Cons of Massive Audio SUMMOXL124:
Pros
- Powerful bass
- Deep and accurate sound reproduction
- High SPL output
- Durable construction
- Long-lasting performance
- Versatile
- Affordable price
Cons
- Not as versatile as some other subwoofers
- Requires a powerful amplifier
- Not made in the USA
Memphis Audio MOJO 1212:
If you are looking for powerful bass at an affordable price, then you should look at this model. It has an RMS of 1500 Watts with a maximum power of 3000 Watts. The resistance of the Subwoofer is 2 ohms.
It has a 3.5″ triple aluminum voice coil, an Aluminum cast box with holes, and a Rubber ring that is double-stitched DVVC Direct Vent Voice Coil Magnet 250 oz cool. Easy to carry Polypropylene cap for dust.
Its Spider was made stronger and Folded around for more movement without giving up useful surface area 83 dB Sensor.
The subwoofer’s weight is 250 oz, and Thickness is 8.58″.
Features:
- Peak power: 3000 watts
- RMS power: 1500 watts
- Selectable impedance: 1 ohm or 2 ohms
- 3.5-inch aluminum triple voice coil
- Vented cast aluminum basket
- Double-stitched rubber surround
- DVVC Direct Vent Voice Coil Cooling
- 250 oz magnet
- Lightweight Polypropylene dust cap
- Reinforced spider
- Folded surround for increased excursion without sacrificing effective surface area
Pros and Cons of Memphis Audio MOJO 1212:
Pros
- Powerful bass
- Deep and accurate sound reproduction
- High SPL output
- Durable construction
- Long-lasting performance
- Versatile
- Affordable price
Cons
- Not as versatile as some other subwoofers
- Requires a powerful amplifier
Kicker CompVR 800W:
This subwoofer creates your bass using high-temp, dual voice coils. It has a ribbed Santoprene surround, which gives the cone extra strength under stress. It has high-performance engineering standards found on every KICKER woofer.
The CompVR 12-inch Subwoofer works best with a sealed or ported enclosure and 400 watts of recommended power.
The subwoofer’s RMS power handling rating represents the continuous power it can handle over time without damage.
The subwoofer has dual 4-ohm voice coils, providing wiring and amplifier-matching flexibility.
The subwoofer features an injection-molded polypropylene cone that balances stiffness and weight for accurate and impactful bass response.
The ribbed surround design helps control cone movement and reduce distortion, improving sound quality.
The subwoofer is built with a sturdy steel basket that provides structural rigidity and heat dissipation.
The sensitivity rating indicates how efficiently the subwoofer converts power into sound, which can influence overall loudness.
Features:
- Peak power: 800 watts
- RMS power: 400 watts
- Dual 2-ohm voice coil
- 2-inch high-temperature copper voice coil
- SoloKon cone
- Ribbed Santoprene surround
- Perimeter venting
- Spiralead tinsel-lead technology
- UniPlate™ system redirects heat away from the motor structure.
- Stamped Steel Basket
- Spring-loaded Push Terminals
- 360-degree back bracing
Pros and Cons of Kicker CompVR 800W:
Pros
- Powerful and delivers deep bass
- Durable and can handle high power levels
- Advanced features
- Well-known brand
Cons
- A bit expensive
- Not as well-known as some other brands
Soundstream EVL-12D2:
This subwoofer is known for its powerful bass and high SPL output. It has a dual 2-ohm voice coil and can handle up to 3000 watts RMS. It also has a large excursion of 16mm.
It can handle 1250 Watts RMS and 2500 Watts Max of power. The frequency range is from 25 Hz to 250 Hz.
It has an Oversized concave IMPP main cone and die-cast aluminum Soundstream reference R3 frame.
Its outer area is surrounded with Inverted roll polyether foam, which 2.5″ four-layer thick.
Nickel-plated 12-gauge compression wire connection; double-stacked magnet, t-yoke, and top plate
The top-mount depth is 6.875″, and the sensitivity is 85.3 dB.
Features:
- Peak power: 2,500 watts
- RMS power: 1,250 watts
- Dual 4-ohm voice coil
- 3-inch high-temperature copper voice coil
- Carbon fiber reinforced cone
- High-roll foam surround
- Motor weight: 166 oz
- Frequency response: 25 – 250 Hz
- Fs: 32.6 Hz
- Xmax: 23.5 mm (one-way)
- Sensitivity: 85.3 dB
Pros and Cons of Soundstream EVL-12D2:
Pros
- Powerful bass
- Deep and accurate sound reproduction
- High SPL output
- Durable construction
- Long-lasting performance
- Versatile
- Affordable price
- 1-year warranty
Cons
- Not as powerful as some other subwoofers
Sundown Audio SA-12 D4:
This subwoofer is a good option for those looking for a high-end subwoofer with extreme power handling. It has a dual 4-ohm voice coil and can handle up to 750 watts RMS. It also has a large excursion of 20mm.
The subwoofer has a high peak power handling rating, indicating its ability to handle short bursts of high power without distortion.
The subwoofer has a 750 Watts RMS power handling rating, representing the continuous power it can handle over time without damage.
The SA-12 D4 is known for its robust build quality, including features like a high-grade magnet assembly and premium materials.
The subwoofer is equipped with a cone from high-quality materials designed to deliver accurate and impactful bass response.
The dual-stacked magnet assembly enhances the magnetic field strength, improving the subwoofer’s performance and power handling.
The vented pole piece design helps dissipate heat and reduce compression effects, contributing to consistent performance.
Features:
- Peak power: 1,500 watts
- RMS power: 750 watts
- Dual 4-ohm voice coil
- 2.5-inch high-temperature copper voice coil
- Aramid fiber-reinforced cone
- High-roll foam surround
- Motor weight: 118 oz
- Frequency response: 20 – 500 Hz
- Fs: 28.6 Hz
- Xmax of 19mm (one-way)
- Sensitivity: 86.5 dB
Pros and Cons of Sundown Audio SA-12 D4:
Pros
- Extremely powerful bass
- Deep and accurate sound reproduction
- High SPL output
- Durable construction
- Long-lasting performance
- Versatile
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- Expensive
- Requires a powerful amplifier
American Bass XFL-12:
This subwoofer has a small space and delivers deep bass with smooth sound reproduction. It is produced by American Bass, as its name shows. It is one of the best excellent competition subwoofer.
It has a single 3” 4-ohm voice coil and can handle up to 1500 watts RMS with a maximum output of 2000 Watts. The frequency response is from 20 Hz to 250 Hz.
It has a 200 oz magnet with multiple Conex spiders, making it cool. The weight of the subwoofer is approximately 39 pounds.
The subwoofer has a high peak power handling rating, indicating its ability to handle short bursts of high power without distortion.
The vented back plate design of the subwoofer helps dissipate heat and improve voice coil cooling, contributing to consistent performance.
When we are not compromised with sound quality, then it is the best subwoofer to deliver better sound even at very low frequencies.
Features:
- Peak power: 2,000 watts
- RMS power: 1,000 watts
- Dual 2-ohm voice coil
- 3-inch high-temperature copper voice coil
- Non-pressed paper cone
- High-roll foam surround
- Motor weight: 175 oz
- Frequency response: 25 – 250 Hz
- Fs: 33.6 Hz
- Xmax of 23.5 mm (one-way)
- Sensitivity: 87.8 dB
Pros and Cons of American Bass XFL-12:
Pros
- Powerful bass
- Deep and accurate sound reproduction
- High SPL output
- Durable construction
- Long-lasting performance
- Versatile
- 3-year warranty
Cons
- Not as affordable as some other subwoofers
Conclusion:
At the end of the article, I have concluded that there are subwoofers on the market that are better than the best. The benefits and prices of different brands may vary.
Your income and needs will help you to decide which one is the best for you, but you still need to know about everything before buying.
I’ve listed the most popular 12″ competition-grade subwoofers to clarify your point.
I’ve found some good results after considering price and quality and sharing them with you.
My 1st pick, Skar Audio EVL-12 D2 12″ Subwoofer, is a good subwoofer for competition and in the price range. Skar Audio is a good subwoofer with a variety of features.
You may also read: Cerwin Vega VPAS10 Subwoofer: Detailed Review
