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Gearshade or downfire sub 10"

JonB2

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Hi,
Currently have 8" kicker sub upgrade in the oem enclosure cargo area of my 2door. Rounds out the bass but power corrupts and I want a little more. Researching both the Gearshade 10" kicker box or a downfire sub box with 10" kicker sub. Any thoughts as to which way to go?

Downfire sub box is a little cheaper but the Gearshade supposedly fits in the stock enclosure area behind the trim panel so out of sight which is a nice advantage in Los Angeles area.

Forgot to mention, I have separate amp with sub out already installed under front seat.

Thanks!
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DuneRunner

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How much power is running?
The downfiring kicker will deliver more output, but you will give up some cargo space.

If you look at the specs on the kicker, it like 1 cubic ft of airspace and the gearshade box is .5. So it won't go as deep.
 

Brian_B

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All depends on if you want to give up cargo space and how much you wanna spend
 

Rush4th

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it was my debate too since there’s like no room in a 2 door, but still went with a 12” kicker downfire after hearing the lack of bass in a bronco at an event with a 10” in the stock location. I also made a platform that goes over the rear seats when they’re down and now I have a level floor when I need it. Win win.
 

brkdncr

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I went with JL Audio 10”‘gearshade. It’s enough that now have rattle problems even after applying noise control.
 

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Southside_Ray

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I have found that downfire subs do not have good bass, probably about the same as the 8" you have now. I have the 8" L7 gear shade and I agree, I want more power. IF I do upgrade it will be to the 10" JL sub from them.

I absolutely do not want to lose all of my storage space I have now. I had a 15" sub in my previous vehicle and ZERO storage space.
 

DuneRunner

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I have found that downfire subs do not have good bass, probably about the same as the 8" you have now. I have the 8" L7 gear shade and I agree, I want more power. IF I do upgrade it will be to the 10" JL sub from them.

I absolutely do not want to lose all of my storage space I have now. I had a 15" sub in my previous vehicle and ZERO storage space.
Mounting the box is critical, I have fixed a few installs where the box was held down by straps or only bolted in at 1 or 2 locations. If it fully secured to the vehicle it will load an open air vehicle much better than other solutions.
 
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JonB2

JonB2

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I went with JL Audio 10”‘gearshade. It’s enough that now have rattle problems even after applying noise control.
Interesting...were you ever able to track down what caused the rattle--loose clip or is it just the subwoofer/enclosure? I wouldn't want a bunch of vibrations and rattles from the sub. I don't have any vibrations problems with the 8" kicker in oem location currently.
 

23OBX2.7

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So many interfaces on side and tailgate to rattle need lots of sou d deadening, sound absorbing, floc tape.
 

brkdncr

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Interesting...were you ever able to track down what caused the rattle--loose clip or is it just the subwoofer/enclosure? I wouldn't want a bunch of vibrations and rattles from the sub. I don't have any vibrations problems with the 8" kicker in oem location currently.
yeah I had the 8” kicker upgrade for a hot minute . Rattles are because it’s a powerful sub.
 

irishmurph01

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I went with the gearshade and the JL 10tw3, it hits hard, I have no rattle. Just Kilmat the floor, and both wheel wells behind the quarter panel covers. Zero regrets with that setup and no sacrifice to the cargo area
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