You may have seen our earlier discussion about why fall is a great time of year to purchase new megaphones, and some of the venues where they’re particularly helpful. We’ve talked about protests and sporting events, music venues and festivals. We’ve even shown how important these models can be as part of a disaster kit. But the reality is that rechargeable megaphones are important to have at any point in the year — either for activities you perform, or the ones you watch for entertainment.
What exactly do we mean by that?
Check out our list of the four activities you may have forgotten actually depend on these megaphones.
Boating
Whether you already live by a body of water, or you’re traveling to one around the holidays, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy time out on it (even if it’s too cold to swim). Boating has been a popular pastime as far back as the 1600s, notes Rightboat.com. Fast forward to today, and it’s only become more widespread, thanks to better technology and affordability. Plus, the COVID-19 pandemic prompted more people to look for outdoor activities, making this a logical solution.
That said, all activities carry some degree of risk. What better way to alert your fellow boaters and those along the shore that you’re experiencing an emergency than the crystal-clear audio from a ThunderPower megaphone?
The Olympics
We’ve talked before about how beneficial megaphones are for sporting events, and the Olympics — showcasing the prowess of the best of the best — is clearly no exception. When in doubt, check out these black-and-white images shared by NPR from the Games held in London back in 1908. If you scroll through, you’ll catch a shot of the master of ceremonies with an acoustic model, followed shortly by another man holding one as he assists an ailing runner at the end of a race.
The only difference between then and now is the use of rechargeable megaphones. We know because ThunderPower has had the honor of filling that need — specifically, at the Winter Games in Vancouver.
Rowing
After covering recreational boating and sports, it only makes sense that rechargeable megaphones would also work well when these activities are combined. Right before the pandemic, we had the opportunity to supply a youth rowing club with ThunderPower megaphones and RCA two-way radios. Their trainers loved how our equipment made it effortless for them to communicate key instructions with their teams on how to maintain precise formation, coordination, and power. Choosing long-life, lithium-battery-operated units like ours allowed these trainers to stay in contact with each other and their students at all times.
Note: Rowing teams aren’t the only groups to benefit from combining megaphones and two-way radios. Schools across the US have done the same. In our experience, RCA industrial radios are the best options for improving communication networks and student safety.
Film Production
The idea of megaphones being used for film and television probably conjures up images of directors sitting in tall, wooden chairs, shouting stage instructions right before clapperboards snap and cameras roll.
As for today? While a lot of films may go the CGI route, either to fill in large crowds or add in multiple layers to a single frame, there are still plenty of directors who choose authentic, on-location shoots. These can sometimes be in large areas and require coordinating an army of extras, all of which depends on durable, high-powered megaphones.
Conversely, we’ve also seen how smaller sets can use them to their advantage. We’ve highlighted before how our megaphones ended up on Kirstie Alley’s reality TV series, as well as Gordon Ramsey’s “Hell’s Kitchen.”
How To Choose the Right Rechargeable Megaphone
The bottom line: megaphones are still used for many of the same reasons they once were, and they’ve only gotten better with age. Now they’re able to reach greater distances, offer better sound clarity, and withstand more on-the-job wear and tear. But it’s worth noting that this kind of consistent, reliable performance all depends on ample battery power. Below you’ll find a full list of our megaphone models, how many batteries each one requires, as well as their ranges and decibel (dB) levels. Clicking the link to each will give you further information about that unit, including key features like adjustable volume and pistol grip, along with the sound of its siren alarm.
Note: If you consider our most powerful model, the THUN-1200 — otherwise known as “The Earthquake Maker” — you’ll see that it offers a car charger accessory in addition to battery power.
THUN-150
Power: 15 watts.
Range: up to 600 yards.
Voice amplification: up to 98 dB, with siren up to 112 dB.
Number of batteries: eight (8) AAs.
Recommended for: teachers; parade operators; event organizers; tour groups; daycare operators; sporting events; cheerleading.
THUN-120
Power: 15 watts.
Range: up to 800 yards.
Voice amplification: up to 100 dB, with siren up to 112 dB.
Number of batteries: eight (8) AAs.
Recommended for: coaching; cheerleading; theater productions; school pickup and drop-off lots; campus crowd control; parades; fairs; farmers’ markets.
THUN-250
Power: 25 watts.
Range: up to 1200 yards.
Voice amplification: up to 102 dB, with siren up to 118 dB.
Number of batteries: six (6) Cs.
Recommended for: teachers; coaching; demonstrators; law enforcement; preachers.
THUN-450
Power: 35 watts.
Range: up to 1400 yards.
Voice amplification: up to 108 dB, with siren up to 120 dB.
Number of batteries: eight (8) Cs.
Recommended for: political rallies; outdoor festivals; religious congregations; sporting events.
THUN-1200
Power: 45 watts.
Range: up to 2000 yards.
Voice amplification: up to 112 dB, with siren up to 122 dB.
Number of batteries: eight (8) Cs.
Recommended for: military training; law enforcement; firefighters; security professionals; massive gatherings (demonstrations, presentations, etc.).
Pro Tip: Want to cut down on battery replacement? Consider purchasing rechargeable batteries instead.
Our Rechargeable Megaphones Are Currently on Sale!
Are you ready to purchase your next megaphone? Call us today to talk about which models are ideal for your specific needs. Plus, take advantage of the current sales discounts we’re offering on all ThunderPower units, which you can review on our website or discuss with one of our megaphone specialists.
Did our mention of two-way radios also get your attention? Head over to our friends at Discount Two-Way Radio to learn more about the best industrial units on the market!
A note on the supply chain: while many suppliers have had delays due to disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re happy to report that we have plenty of megaphones in stock that are available to ship — often the same day they’re ordered. That means that if you still have money left to spend from your communications budget, now is the perfect time to put it toward purchasing the most effective megaphones on the market.
When you’re ready, give us a call at 877-782-7073.
