headphones – FueledByLOLZ

As many people know, I use Aftershokz Air headphones will running. I appreciate that they go over the ear, and you can hear your surroundings as well as listen to music or podcasts. They are completely wireless, and after using Aftershokz Air for about two years, I haven’t had an issue.

Recently Aftershokz has made a few new changes to their headphones. This includes removing the “Trekz” from the name Aftershokz “trekz.” Instead of being called the “trekz air” or “trekz titanium,” they are called Aftershokz Air, Aeropex, and Titanium. This might not mean a lot, but it keeps people from confusing brands and thinking “trekz” and “aftershokz” are different…which we’ve had multiple times in running specialty.

Anyway, I was excited when Aftershokz contacted me to try one of their newest headphones: The Aftershokz Aeropex. The Aeropex is lighter with longer battery life than previous models.

I haven’t quite reviewed them in order, but close. To preface, I’ve never had an issue with “regular headphones.” You know, the ones with janky wires, but when I began using Aftershokz a couple of years ago, I discovered what I was missing. Bluetooth? No wires? Comfortable fit? Plus Aftershokz uses bone conduction technology which allows you to hear things around you.

What is Bone Conduction Technology?

Aftershokz uses open ear bone conduction technology, which delivers music through your cheekbones. All Aftershokz Headphones sit over the ear, which makes them safer. You can hear your surroundings and also your music.

So How Does Bone Conduction Technology Work?

They are designed to allow you to hear your surroundings. Bone conduction technology delivers music through your cheekbones. This means while using Aftershokz Aeropex, your ears remain completely open to hear ambient sounds.

Aftershokz models aren’t noise-canceling headphones, but that is the point. There isn’t any sound leakage from the Aftershokz Aeropex, so your neighbors or running buddies won’t hear what you’re listening too.

Aftershokz Aeropex uses 30-degree angled transducers that reduce vibration and enhance sound quality. This means the quality of sound is better than previous models, but you will still hear your surroundings. Plus you can get a higher volume while still hearing your surroundings.

What makes Aftershokz Aeropex Different?

The open-air design of the Aftershokz Aeropex makes them a great choice for running outside. Even at high volume, you’re able to hear traffic and your surroundings. Even when the Aftershokz Aeropex is at the highest setting, you can hear surroundings.

Do Aftershokz Aeropex Move Around?

No, I’ve never had an issue with the Aftershokz Aeropex falling off or moving while on a run. I’ve never had an issue with any Aftershokz model moving around and I’ve logged no less than 500 hours in all models total.

Aftershokz Aeropex Features:

IP67 Waterproof Rating: This means the Aftershokz Aeropex has water resistance to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes. You can’t go swim laps in them (like the Xtrainerz), but you should be fine in inclement weather.
The Aftershokz Aeropex has battery life for up to 8 hours. Plus the charging cable allows them to charge quickly (fully charged in 2 hours). Plus the Aftershokz Aeropex will alert you when there is moisture on the wires.
Bluetooth and easily connected to your phone.
Open Air Bone Conduction: Ability to hear your surroundings
The OpenFit™ design of Aftershokz Aeropex is comfortable during long-term wear.
The Aftershokz Aeropex are the lightest bone conduction headphone on the market, weighing less than 1 ounce (26g). The Aftershokz Aeropex is 30% lighter than previous models.
Bluetooth v5.0 stays connected for up to 33 ft.

The Cons of Aftershokz Aeropex:

Not noise canceling: If you are looking for noise-canceling, Aftershokz Aeropex won’t do that. That’s not the point.

Is Aftershokz Aeropex Right for You?

If you are running, especially outdoors, I recommend getting a headphone that you can hear your surroundings. You never know what’s around you. Many races only allow Aftershokz so you can hear your surroundings and instructions from race course volunteers.

Aftershokz was kind of enough to send me a 15% off link for readers. Just use this link.

Finally, have you subscribed to the LOLZletter? It’s a free newsletter that comes out each Monday.

In the newsletter, I share running industry trends and things relevant to the sport. There are often giveaways as well as discount codes.

Questions for you:

Have you tried Aftershokz Aeropex? Have you tried any Aftershokz models?

What is your favorite headphone?

Do you run with music?

This is a question I get frequently. During easy runs, I do. During workouts and races, I don’t. I don’t typically listen to podcasts when I run and usually keep podcasts on in the background when I’m working or cleaning my house (hey, we all need motivation right?).

I should preface this review with: for years, I used the standard iPhone headphones and didn’t have an issue. I could buy dollar store headphones, and they would work. I didn’t know how amazing a wireless headphone would be until I invested in it.

The primary issue, for me, was safety and hearing things around me. With standards headphones, I always kept the music low to hear around me.

What makes Aftershokz different?

By now, you’ve heard of Aftershokz on the internet. We sell them at the running store I work at as well, the brand has gotten big!

Both the Aftershokz Titanium and the Aftershokz Air sit in front of your ear so you can still hear around you. Aftershokz sends sound waves through your cheekbones, leaving your ears open so you can hear what is going on around you. I’ve run countless miles with them, and I can hear everything while also listening to music.

Most headphone companies want to promote noise isolation and cancellation, AfterShokz has gone against the grain with the open ear design. Not having something covering your ears allows you to be more alert and have situational awareness during your workout.

The Pros:

The only headphone design that allows you to hear your surroundings.
Durable (they are sweatproof and I’ve run in the rain several times and been fine).
Light: They aren’t bulky and don’t bounce around.
Bluetooth headphones and no cord
Comfortable Fit: I don’t even notice them.
Secure Fit: Obviously if you are running, you don’t want them moving around.
Water Resistant: If you run in the rain, you should be fine. I would personally leave them at home in a torrential downpour.
Sweat Resistant

The Cons:

They aren’t going to be as loud as other headphone brands that sit directly on your ear. They don’t cancel outside noise, but that is the point.

ETA: Originally, I stated that you can’t change music/volume directly on the headphone. You, in fact, can and it’s done with the button on the side! How I missed that, I don’t know!

Bone Conduction? What does that mean?

As you play music or sound, the pads vibrate. Instead of sending noise through the air and into your eardrum, it diverts it through your bones.

With bone conduction, there is a difference in the sound between over the ear headphones. I’ve always found the volume to be fine with the Aftershokz and bone conduction. I don’t know if they are the right headphone for a more noisy situation like crowded gym but for running, they are great.

The Models:

The Aftershokz Trekz Titanium:

The Aftershokz Trekz Titanium was the original version and retails at $99.99. It’s the first, the original, and a great product. It comes in brighter and more bold colors. If bright-colored headphones are for you, this is your product.

The Aftershokz Titanium has Bone conduction technology delivers music through your cheekbones, ensuring ears remain completely open to hear outside sounds.
Light, flexible and portable.
The OpenFit™ design allows you to hear outside noise while still enjoying music.
Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
It’s certified to keep out sweat, dust, and moisture, from workouts to wicked weather
Six hours of sound per full charge
Hassle-free 2-year warranty

The Aftershokz Trekz Air:

The Aftershokz Trekz Air is the second generation and retails at $149.99. It all has all of the features of the Aftershokz Titanium but with a few more. The colors are much more toned down as well. The Aftershokz Trekz Air has a little better sound quality and volume. The significant updates come with the headphone piece wrapping around your head is much lighter and slimmer.

The Aftershokz Trekz Air version is also about 20% lighter. The final difference is the microphone quality is better for phone calls. I don’t call people while working out (I’m not that coordinated) but several people do. If that is something that interests you, the Trekz Air might be a better option.

Aftershokz is an excellent product and even better company, possibly why they’ve exploded on social media and in running specialty. I’m happy with my wireless earphones. I don’t know how it took me so long to convert. Aftershokz has a comfortable fit and allows you to stay safe while out running.

Aftershokz was kind of enough to send me a 15% off link for readers. Just use this link.

Finally, have you subscribed to the LOLZletter? It’s a free newsletter that comes out each Monday. In the newsletter, I share running industry trends and things relevant to the sport. There are often giveaways as well as discount codes.

Questions for you:

What kind of headphones do you use?

Do you use music when you run?

Tag: headphones