Aftershokz Review – A Safe Running Solution

Aftershokz Review

Going for my run each day is an activity that I really look forward too. But, I also know that logging so many hours on the road bring’s with it some danger. Especially, if like many runners, you enjoy listening to music while you run. Being aware of your surroundings while you run is very important. If you run in residential neighborhoods then you have to be aware of whats going on around you. Car’s, loose dogs and sometimes even other people can pose a threat to your safety if you don’t notice what they’re doing. When my husband came up with the idea of trying out bone conduction headphones I was dubious but I saw the potential. With all of this in mind here is my Aftershokz Review of the Trekz Air Wireless Bone Conduction Headphones.

This post may contain affiliate links. This means that should you make a purchase after following one of the links in this post I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. 

Aftershokz Review

Trekz Air Wireless Bone Conduction Headphones

Aftershokz review - Trekz Air

What are bone Conduction Headphones and why should you consider them?

Unlike traditional headphones which plug your ears and muffle the world around you bone conduction headphones allow you to hear both your music and your surroundings. By sitting on the sides of your skull these headsets are able to send vibrations through your cheekbones and directly to your cochleas.

This bypasses your eardrums completely, leaving them free to continue listening to whats going on around you. Sounds strange right? I know, I was a bit weirded out by the thought at first. But! Stick with me for the rest of the Aftershokz review and you’ll see why I have fallen in love with these things.

Do they actually work?

Surprisingly yes. I was sure they wouldn’t. After running with them for several hours and many miles I can say they do. While running I can turn my music up and still hear Connor’s nails clicking on the pavement. Most importantly, I can hear approaching cars, trucks and loose dogs I encounter on my daily runs.

I used to forgo running with music. My choices were to keep the music so low I couldn’t hear it or give up the ability to hear my surroundings. I have had too many close encounters even without headphones to give up whatever warnings I could get. But I missed running with music.

Running with the Trekz Air Headphones has given me the opportunity to have both and I love it!

Are they Comfortable?

When I first tried these on I wasn’t sure I would like them. The feeling of something sitting where they are positioned was odd. I was also afraid that they might bounce annoyingly while I ran. I am happy to say that they don’t move at all! They fit snugly but are not tight enough to cause discomfort.They are also very lightweight! After wearing them for a few minutes I pretty much forgot that I had them on.

My music was a pleasant background and my ears didn’t get hot, sweaty and sore like they are prone to do with regular earbuds. Side bonus, the back band kept me from eating my hair even though I forgot my headband on my first trail run. The lack of a dangling wire is also nice. Especially if you run with your dog and have a leash to juggle.

How is the Sound Quality?

Although I have not had the opportunity to try other bone conduction headphones for comparison I have no complaints about the Trekz Air. My music is clear and plays without any sort of problems. I was pretty pleased to find out these headphones have a microphone as well. My husband and I did a few test calls and the voice quality was great.

The only thing I noticed is that my phone’s ringtone still played through my phone speakers when receiving a call and not in the headset. After answering the call it transfers to the headset just fine. I kind of wish it rang through the headset and this could be a setting on my phone somewhere but it is my only complaint about the Trekz Air so far – It turns out it was indeed a setting in my phone! The wonderful people at Aftershokz actually got in touch with me after seeing this review and helped me figure it out!

At very high volumes there is a slight vibration to the set which can feel a bit strange while you are wearing them. It’s not uncomfortable, more like a tickle. I keep the volume down low enough to prevent it but my husband, who loves loud music does not and says its barely noticeable after a while.

Are they Easy to Use?

aftershokzreview function buttons

Yes! I am by no means a tech wizard but the Trekz Air are very simple to operate. On the right-hand side of your headset are a charging outlet and a set of volume controls. The + volume control button also doubles as your power button. Instructions for pairing your device to the set are included and also helpfully printed on the side of the earpiece.

You can pair the headphones with multiple devices and my husband and I have never had any trouble getting them to connect. I have never had the headphones disconnect from my phone on me either, which has been a problem with other Bluetooth devices in the past.

A multifunction button on the left side of the headset provides you with an easy way to manipulate your playlist while running. One press pauses, two skips to the next song. Using the volume buttons can be difficult while running but this is a small concern as I tend to use my phone for this and adjust the volume before leaving the house.

How is the Battery?

The box states a 6-hour battery life and that seems pretty accurate so far. As of the writing of this Aftershokz review, we have taken them on multiple long and short runs and only had to recharge them once. The set is recharged using a micro USB cable which is convenient as most people have those lying around even if you forget to bring yours with you.

AfterShokz Review – Trekz Air

Overall Pro’s and Con’s

Pro’s

  • Provides a safer way to run with music
  • Lightweight & comfortable to wear
  • Does not irritate ears
  • Decent Battery Life
  • Good Sound Quality
  • Simple to Operate
  • Ability to Pair with Multiple Devices
  • No Wires to Manage
  • Built-in Microphone

Con’s

  • Slight Vibrations at very high volume

Update Fall 2018

  • Calls do not ring through the headset – This turned out to be a setting in my phone and the wonderful people at Aftershokz helped me figure it out!

Aftershokz Review – Trekz Air Final Opinion

aftershokz review

 

Since I started running at the tail end of last year (Running into 2018) I have come to really appreciate good running gear. This is especially true once I started running 5k’s (What to expect when running your first 5k). Running in unknown area’s can be challenging enough, even with good course markers. Running them without being able to hear your surroundings is just asking for trouble. In fact, in some places, typical headphones are even banned from races for safety reasons. In many cases, the bone conduction headphones are exempt from this ban, though you should always look up the rules for your race prior to race day just to make sure!

Since I also enjoy running with my dog (Top 5 ways to enjoy running with your dog) I find it invaluable to be aware of my surroundings. Not only for my own safety but for Connor’s. Running with a dog is an amazing experience but I have learned it makes you more prone to unwanted attention from other dogs. I like to know those other dogs are there before they are right on top of me.

Having spent a good bit of time testing the Trekz Air by Aftershokz I can say without a doubt that the benefits of using them far outweigh the small and easily dealt with con’s.


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14 Comments

  1. In the 1920’s a device called THE BONE PHONE was a transistor radio that wrapped around your neck. It didn’t do so well because everytime you changed trajectory, you would lose the signal and only get static.Your post shows that improvements have been made.

    1. Author

      Haha! I have never lost the signal with these so for sure improvements! So interesting to find out how technology grows =-)

  2. I feel so out of the loop. I had never even heard of bone conduction headphones until reading this. They sound really neat though. Great review.

    1. Author

      They are pretty awesome! I ran 5 miles with them yesterday. My neighbors probably think I’m nuts now that I sing while I run haha

  3. I don’t like running with headphones in because I like being aware of my surroundings, but these headphones sound like the perfect fix for that! Will definitely check them out 🙂

    1. Author

      Same for me! I just didn’t run with music which made me sad and made long runs kind of tedious. Now I can do both and I love it!

    1. Author

      Thanks! They are probably one of the best running based purchases we have made in a long time!

  4. These sound fantastic! They sound like they would be great at the gym too! I get a lot of anxiety when I am unable to hear my surroundings and often forego music when on my walks and jogging so these sound like a great idea! x

    Jessica / http://www.jessistrying.co.uk

    1. Author

      I have that problem too! I just really like knowing what is going on around me. These have been a godsend and have made exercising so much more enjoyable!

  5. Such a detailed review! These headphones are right up my alley because I face almost the same problems as you while running. I want to listen to music always but also want to know when someone’s honking or calling out to me or anything else. The company did a pretty good research, too, i would say. With the fitting and a good enough sound, it’s right up my alley 😀

    1. Author

      Thanks so much! I really wanted to lay out just why I loved them so much and I’m glad it might help other people enjoy their exercise without worry!

  6. I would really like to know how to hear my ringtone through the headphones so I didn’t have to keep my phone on me all the time. I’ve tried calling their customer support but they have been no help for me.

    1. Author

      For me, it was a setting in my phone under the Bluetooth settings. You could switch it from Media to Media & Calls. I kept looking in my sound and notification settings and couldn’t find it.

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