Sharing the news that I was recently signed up by Shokz Malaysia as one of their brand ambassador. Not shy to admit that I have been courting this brand when it was first known as Aftershokz. Took me long enough to be part of this family.
With Brand Team from Shokz Malaysia. Thank you!
I have used many different systems for workout from wired earphones to wireless earbuds, from MP3 players to iPods - nothing beats the draw of a non-intrusive-in-ear-wireless setup such as offered by Shokz.
Image from https://shokz.com/pages/how-it-works
Throw in the bone-conduction technology and if you are new to this - you will be Shokz by how sound transmit over your cheekbone into your hearing system. I was sold and the closest i got to, was using the unit that belongs to my wife which I gifted her during the pandemic.
Here is the unboxing video.
Items you get in this box consist of
- The OpenRun Pro
- Charging cable
- Premium Case
- Manual and warranty card
- 29 grams - lightweight
- IP55 protection - water resistance (meaning, do not immerse in water), sweat proof, splash proof
- 10hours of battery life with Quick Charge - 5mins charge allow 90mins usage
- Latest (9th) generation Bone Conduction technology with TurboPitch™) allowing enhanced bass with clearer vocal
- 2 Years Warranty
Now for the review
Shokz is not new when it comes to brand, technology and usage. I have gotten one for my wife during the pandemic and it has been almost 2 years since. She enjoyed using it and I enjoyed taking it from her to use it when she isn't using it. So, you can consider this to be a version of "extended" user review based on real experience in the past 18 months at least.
I have used it for run exclusively and love the fact my surrounding is audible even down to my own footstep. I felt safer and felt way less guilty using headphone for a workout in a trafficked public area. Best of all, at a conversational volume, i can have music playing in the background like white noise while still having a chat while running with friends.
Getting to know the device (parts)
Charging (magnetic) port
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| Status LED (Red-Blue) |
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| On/Off (+) volume and (-) down button |
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| Dual Noise-Cancelling Mic on right side |
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| Speaker (red) and speaker air-vent (yellow) on both sides (left and right) |
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| Multifunction button (on right). Visible is the mic and the speaker air-vents |
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| Speaker air-vents on the top |
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| Speaker air-vents at the bottom |
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| Full titanium band construction covered in silicon |
The Pro comes with Bluetooth V5.1 and allow Multipoint pairing. I have the unit paired to my Garmin FR965, Fenix7ProSolar, iPhone12 and my work laptop. You can link up to two devices at any one time. It however require activation of Multipoint connection. The instruction is here or you can also do it via the Shokz App
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| Straight forward with a few steps to follow |
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| On my laptop as Handsfree (Voice and Music) and Headset (Music only) |
- Headset - allow full usage for both voice (usage of the mic on Shokz) and music/playback (anything streamed from the laptop)
- Headphone - only music/playback
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| On my Garmin FR965 |
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| On my phone as Bluetooth connection |
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| Find the complete guide here |
The complete user guide can be found here
Fitting
The unit hook over your ears, it clasps lightly over the top of your ear with the driver unit sitting on your face, parallel to the ear canal on this area called the Auricle.
Ideal position. Note the multifunction button on this left side
Once placed in position, you hardly will notice it weigh wise, but you know it's there due to the light pressure the titanium band holds it against your face. There is a "mini" version where the band is shorter - I was tempted to get that instead, but at the risk that it may restrict some movement if i move my head left or right or if i move my ear.
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| Can, but not ideal. Suitable if you want the rear end band to not bulge out. This allow your head to completely rest on sofa or bed while using |
If you using it while cycling, the OpenRun Pro won't interfere with the positioning as long as it's not an aero-helmet (the one that covers your ears and with cool visor at the front), you certainly can't wear them on a fullface mountain biking helmet or anything that covers the back of your head and cover your ears, like a motorcycle helmet.
- IP55 protection against limited dust ingress and protected from low-pressure water jets from all direction
- IP67 protection against total dust ingress and immersion up to 1m depth, but not meant for swimming
- Because of open ear concept, you can hear your surroundings and still able to have a conversation while running or cycling or in the gym. Beyond sports-usage, the ability to hear your water boiling, fire alarm and other surrounding noises.
- Less potential for in-ear infection or impacted ear-wax as it does not go into the ear. No sweat or heating/hot issue as the unit doesn't sit in the ear canal or has the earpad covering like the traditional headphones.
- Comfortable fit, doesn't fall out. Difficult to lose as it is secured in a band-construction
- Suitable for those with medical or auditory condition. Those with ringing ear (tinnitus) condition may be able to enjoy music better as it does not rely on the eardrums to transmit sound vibration. Works well with hearing aid as the vibration helps amplify the sound picked up by the bone conduction.
- Lower sound quality. While the frequency response is between 20hz to 20khz, in reality it is mid-heavy with bass coming in from amplified vibration feel
- Pricier - but this in my mind is subjective if you were to compare to the higher end earbuds or bluetooth communicator devices (specific for work)
- Sound leakage if you bump the sound too high. If you are in a quiet environment or taking a confidential call/privacy matters, it is best to lower the volume or find a more secure place.
- Can potentially cause hearing loss much like traditional headphone/earphone due to exposure to loud noises for much longer hours.
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| Thank You Shokz Malaysia |
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