Shokz (the company previously famous as AfterShokz) has released a new set of Bluetooth bone conduction headphones designed for runners. The OpenRun Pro, introduced at CES XNUMX, is a new flagship headphone and has improved sound quality thanks to new bass boosters in the drivers.
At the same time, Shokz is renaming certain of their existing helmets in order to make their names more consistent. The waterproof Xtrainerz are now called OpenSwim and the Aeropex are now OpenRun. The entry-level OpenMove and the desktop-oriented OpenComm remain exactly the same.
The Shokz OpenRun Pro offers some thoughtful design tweaks, like larger knobs that make it easier to control volume and change tracks on the fly.
As with the company's previous sports earbuds, there's also a built-in noise-canceling microphone, and you can take a call in the middle or bring up your phone's voice assistant with a push of a button on the left earcup.
Like the OpenRun, the new headset connects to a magnetized charging cable, and Shokz promises up to ten hours of battery life. If you accidentally forget to plug them in, charging them for 5 minutes while getting ready to run will give you one with five hours of listening time.
We're currently testing the OpenRun Pro, and so far we've been very impressed with the sound quality, which exceeds what we'd expect from bone conduction headphones. We'll continue to put them to the test in a variety of sports over the next few days, and will bring you a full review very soon.
The helmet is available for pre-order today in black for €XNUMX (about €XNUMX / AU$XNUMX), and Shokz will announce other colors, as well as precise shipping dates, later on. year.
Notice: bone conduction is the smart choice
As a runner, being on the lookout for your squint is essential. It can be tempting to opt for noise-canceling headphones and immerse yourself in your favorite music or audiobook while hitting the curb, but that means you can miss hazards like traffic (including on-road cars). Urgency that could turn the lights red), runners coming from behind, dogs and small ones. It could also make it a tempting target for an attacker, who could approach undetected.
Many noise-cancelling headphones (particularly those that work) have a "transparency" mode that uses a microphone to pick up external noise, but in our experience, this isn't a substitute for the spatial awareness you get directly from your ears.
Bone conduction headphones like the Shokz OpenRun Pro leave your ear canals open so you can feel your squint while listening to sound transmitted to your acoustic nerves through vibrations in your cheekbones. If there is a sound like a siren, you will know immediately if you are approaching from the front or from behind and can take steps to avoid it.
Many race organizers discourage the use of headphones, but if you really want to run with music, bone conduction is the safest option. In truth, Shokz helmets are the only ones approved by England Athletics for any and all trail running.
Not the whole world likes them, but if you're looking for a new pair of running headphones, we'd advise trying at least one bone conduction headphone when making your choice. Technology has come a long way in recent times and you may be surprised at how good they can sound.