Ryobi 18V ONE+ VERSE™ CLAMP SPEAKER

In my search for versatile and practical audio solutions for various environments, I recently had the opportunity to test out the Ryobi 18V ONE+ VERSE™ Clamp Speaker. Designed to connect with multiple VERSE speakers or operate independently, this speaker aims to deliver flexibility and convenience along with a solid audio experience. Here’s my detailed review based on my hands-on experience.

Design and Build Quality

Right out of the box, the Ryobi Clamp Speaker feels robust and well-built. Weighing in at 1.3 lbs, it strikes a good balance between portability and durability. Its clamp mechanism, pivoting head, and rotating base offer multiple mounting options, which is a significant plus. Whether you want to attach it to a workbench, a deck railing, or a tree branch, the clamp holds firmly, providing a secure setup in various locations.

Setup and Connectivity

Setting up the Ryobi Clamp Speaker is straightforward. The speaker connects via Bluetooth, and the pairing process is quick and hassle-free. I simply turned on the speaker, activated Bluetooth on my phone, and selected the speaker from the available devices. Within seconds, I was streaming music. Connecting additional speakers is equally simple. The primary speaker, indicated by a red light, pairs with secondary speakers, which show a green light. This feature allows you to create a network of speakers without needing a dedicated mobile app, enhancing the simplicity and user-friendliness of the device.

Sound Quality

When it comes to audio performance, the Ryobi Clamp Speaker delivers a mixed bag. The sound quality is clear and adequately loud for most outdoor and indoor settings. However, the speaker leans heavily towards treble, with noticeable limitations in bass response. While this might not be an issue for casual listeners or those using the speaker in a work environment, audiophiles and those seeking a rich, bass-heavy sound might find it lacking.

I tested the speaker in various settings, including my backyard, garage, and even a local park. The Bluetooth streaming range is impressive, easily exceeding the 250 feet mark as advertised. This makes it ideal for larger spaces where you want to spread the sound across a wide area. However, I did notice some distortion at higher volumes, particularly when the speakers were spaced further apart. This issue was more pronounced when the phone volume was maxed out, but adjusting the volume on the speaker itself helped mitigate the distortion to some extent.

Battery Life

One of the standout features of the Ryobi Clamp Speaker is its battery life. With over 32 hours of continuous runtime on a single charge, this speaker is perfect for long days on the job site or extended outdoor gatherings. I used a 2Ah battery, and even after several hours of use, the battery indicator showed minimal drain. This efficiency is a significant advantage, especially for those who already own other Ryobi 18V tools and batteries.

Practical Use Cases

The versatility of the Ryobi Clamp Speaker shines through in various practical scenarios. In my garage, I clamped it to a shelf, and the pivoting head allowed me to direct the sound exactly where I needed it. During a backyard BBQ, I spread out three speakers around the yard, creating an even sound distribution without having to crank up the volume from a single source. The ability to chain multiple speakers together is a game-changer for larger gatherings or job sites where comprehensive audio coverage is essential.

Limitations and Areas for Improvement

Despite its many strengths, the Ryobi Clamp Speaker has some notable limitations. Firstly, the sound quality, while decent, does not compete with high-end brands like Bose or JBL. The lack of bass and the tendency to distort at higher volumes can be a deal-breaker for some users. Additionally, the speaker is not weatherproof, which limits its use around pools or in rainy conditions. Given its intended use in various outdoor settings, some level of water resistance would have been a valuable addition.

Another minor gripe is the difficulty in connecting new devices. The speaker tends to default to the last connected device, requiring you to turn off Bluetooth on the previous device before pairing a new one. This can be inconvenient, especially when multiple users want to connect their devices interchangeably.

Conclusion

In summary, the Ryobi 18V ONE+ VERSE™ Clamp Speaker is a versatile and practical addition to the Ryobi ONE+ lineup. Its robust build, flexible mounting options, and impressive battery life make it a valuable tool for both work and leisure. While it falls short in delivering high-fidelity sound and lacks water resistance, its ease of use and ability to chain multiple speakers together offer significant advantages.

Would I recommend the Ryobi Clamp Speaker? Yes, but with some reservations. If you’re looking for a convenient, long-lasting speaker for general use in various settings, this is an excellent choice, especially if you are already invested in the Ryobi ONE+ ecosystem. However, if top-notch sound quality and bass performance are your primary concerns, you might want to explore other options. Overall, the Ryobi Clamp Speaker is a solid, functional tool that delivers on its promise of versatility and convenience.