Eton Rugged Rukus Wireless Sound System

When it comes to gift ideas, gadgets that can be used on the go can be a big hit. The Eton Rugged Ruckus is just that. It gives great functionality to those on the go. While it is a portable wireless speaker system, it is a charger as well.

Features and specs:

• Rugged and IPX4 splashproof

• Wirelessly connect to any Bluetooth® enabled device

• USB cell phone charger

• Loops for strapping to backpack

• Lithium battery plays music for 8 hours

• Solar panel charging

• Fully charges in less than 5 hours in direct sunlight

• Micro USB takes 2.5 hours to

charge1 via AC power

• Aux-in for use with

non-Bluetooth devices

(cable not included)

• Blue LED indicates

Bluetooth on

• Red LED indicates

• Weight: 1.2 lbs (0.53 kg)

• Dimensions:

6.5” x 5.9” x 1.8”

(16.3 x 15.1 x 4.6 cm) 

The Eton Rugged Ruckus came shipped in a nice printed box with photos of the device and specs. Opening the box showed it wrapped in plastic and held in place by custom formed cardboard. Taking off the plastic revealed the Eton Rugged Ruckus. The black Ruckus was mostly made of plastic, and it had a soft finish on it. Quality of materials used was good, and the same was true for the fit and finish. It felt very solid and well built in hand, better then expected at the $100 MSRP price point.

Functionality was very good for the Eton Rugged Ruckus. It's primary design is as a wireless Bluetooth speaker, with two small speakers on the front of the device. It has a built-in 1500mah Lithium battery. The top of the device is made up entirely of solar panels. The rear of the device has usb, micro usb, and 3.5 mm jacks. To charge the Ruckus, you can always charge it through the usb port. But if you are out and around, you can charge it with the solar panels. It also has the standard 3.5 mm port. So while it works with Bluetooth, it will also work with standard mp3 players, or anything with a standard headphone jack output.

When it comes to performance, one of the greatest complements you can give is that it worked as it was supposed to.  And that is exactly what the Eton Rugged Ruckus did. By using the top control panel, I was able to connect it to my cell phone via Bluetooth very easily. Volume control was easy. After I was done listening, I plugged in my cellphone and charged it. The Ruckus did not play really loud, but for a small device, I wasn't expecting more than it did. It played much louder than my cellphone, that's for sure! Sound quality was sufficiently good as well. Bass had some depth to it, and vocals sounded clear, natural, and smooth.

Bluetooth performance was more hit than miss. Sometimes being able to go up to 30 feet with multiple walls between me and the Rugged Ruckus. While worse case scenario was just under 25 feet, that is still on par for portable Bluetooth devices. So I would say that Bluetooth performance was also very good.

I really liked the performance of the Eton Rugged Ruckus. It is built well, and gives a lot of functionality. And it also performed well. It is a product that can be used outdoors, so being water resistant helps to be worry free incase you find yourself out in the rain.  I am starting to like more and more the products that Eton has to offer. Based on its design, features, quality and performance, the Eton Rugged Ruckus has earned our Value Award. For more info and complete specs, check out their website at www.etoncorp.com.