Anyone that runs regularly will no doubt like to listen to music. I have always enjoyed listening whilst running and also receiving updates on my progress in the run via strava.
However since moving to Malaysia in 2012 I have had to go without music on all my long runs, unless I use a loud speaker or ran in the gym.
Reason being the roads in Malaysia are dangerous. I have preferred to be able to listen to traffic and the dangers of the road, rather than being at risk. I have sadly read about the death of a runner who was hit by a car whilst running and another who has life changing injuries. I am not for one second stating that these could be avoided by not listening to music – I am merely trying to inform of the real dangers out there.
I have tried to find some safe locations for running but still want to be aware of what is going on around me.
As an early birthday present my better half purchased a set of Trekz Air by AFTERSHOCKZ headphones.
The next generation of bone conduction technology is what’s inside their lightest and most organically designed open ear headphones to date. They cut the bulk and used titanium everywhere possible to ensure they not only fit more securely but sound better too.
Trekz Air are inspired by the demands of elite and aspiring athletes motivated by their music and their world.
AFTERSHOCKZ
I must admit I was sceptical of the sound quality so whilst in the shop I tried them by connecting to my iPhone.
I was amazed. The sound was surprising good – yet my ears were uncovered and therefore able to also hear any other sounds in the environment…!
So after unwrapping (before my birthday not until April but Hitomi knows how important this could be to my training with 2 marathons to prepare for) I tried some further tests. Using my iPhone as the source (Bluetooth) I was able to be around 12 m away before there was any interference on the sound.
I also connected directly to my iWatch via Bluetooth and also worked very well.
Next test was in the gym.
I was able to hear the treadmill gently humming, my breathing and listen to the music. Again impressed with the sound quality.
Final test was on a run outside. Hence Saturday morning I set out for a 10km run to join the USM runners for their LSD run. I left home around 5:45 in the morning and at this hour the roads are dark and traffic is light. There are many dangers and therefore I wanted to be aware of the ambient noise in the environment. Starting on a low volume I was able to hear the music and run along with my wits about me. They are lightweight and the around ear design was fairly solid and held well in place. No real movement or restrictions. It was enjoyable.
As I approached the end of the run the traffic had increased so I did turn up the sound. Still perfect quality with no issues and I was still able to hear the cars and also the occasional beeping of a car horn or barking of the local dogs.
It was a success…!!!
So let me tell you a little more about the headphones.
- They come in several colours – I went for the blue version.
- Bone conduction technology delivers music through your cheekbones, ensuring ears remain completely open to hear ambient sounds
- A new organic design delivers increased comfort
- Complete wraparound titanium design provides a flexible fit for unnoticeable all-day comfort and stability
- OpenFit™ design ensures maximum situational awareness and comfort during long-term wear
- PremiumPitch+™ guarantees a premium audio experience, including wide dynamic range and rich bass
- Bluetooth® v4.2 connectivity and convenient multipoint pairing
- LeakSlayer™ technology significantly reduces natural sound leakage
- IP55 certified to repel sweat, dust and moisture, from workouts to wicked weather
- Enjoy six hours of continuous music + calls on a single charge
- EQ presets boost bass and reduce vibration on the go
- Dual noise canceling microphones exclude surrounding noise, effectively enhancing speech
- Audrey Says™ voice prompts guide users through power, pair, play and talk
- Hassle-free 2-year warranty
They also allow multi pairing – so I have mine paired to iPhone and iWatch so that I can listen to my strava commands as well as listen to music (depending on the workout).
I have had 5 hours plus of music from one charge (6 it states on the box) which is enough for a marathon. Hard to dislodge or lose whilst running as there are no cables or wires to catch.
Thoroughly recommended.
Price – for Bluetooth headphones they are well priced at MYR699 (about $170USD – although will be cheaper in the US with a recommended retail at $149.99 USD.