Michelin Pilot Sports 5 (PS5) : Review

New Wheels and Rubber for the decade old ICE

First launched in March 2022 globally, the Michelin Pilot Sports 5 or PS5 has won over raves and review of many that wanted a performance tire that performs. Understandably as the legacy of the previous PS3 and 4 sharp handling and responsiveness has many staying loyal to the PS iteration. 

Falling in love again with my car

About 6 years ago, when PS4 was first launched, I could not even get one set that suits my Forester XT due to the size (225/55/R18) and the SUV version was supposed to be launched. I wrote to Michelin Malaysia and was silly to think they will entertain my questions/queries on the availability. I in return went for the next best option which was the Continental UC6 SUV, which has served me over the past 6 years. Here was my initial review and the Year 2 review.

Left: PS5. Right: Conti UC6 SUV

Thank you for keeping me and the family safe

With the UC6 SUV worn down to minimum on the sidewall, and the procurement of a very nice STI Enkei rim, the time was ripe to change it out. 

Reason why i work hard

My choices of replacement after consulting my friend, which is a subject matter expert and runs a business that specialises with tires and alignment boils down to these few choices. Note: the STI Enkei rim is 18x7.5.

• 225/55/R18 Continental UC6 SUV
• 225/55/R18 Michelin Primacy 4+
• 245/50/R18 Continental UC7 SUV
• 245/50/R18 Michelin PS5

The original 225/55/R18 when converted to 245/50/R18 resulted in marginally differences when it comes to speedometer reading, which was ideally what I was aiming for.

Gets yours calculated out at Tire Calculator

Moreover the 7.5inch wide new rim will greatly compliment the 245mm width of the new tire.

So I committed to likely one of the most expensive upgrades I did on the car this year.

05/24. Acceptable storage time

Michelin Pilot Sports 5 (PS5)

Summary: This tire reputation precedes it's name and legacy. It makes me feel FOMO for the past 7 years wondering if I had actually waited a bit longer I could had gotten the PS4 SUV. 2 years after the PS5 launch, here I am, looking at the tire fitted on the spanking newly refurbished/painted STI Enkei rims that completely changed the look of my 10 years old car.

Front old original Enkei. Rear new STI Enkei

Fresh out of fitment, balancing and alignment by expert hands, I took the first drive to get home - a 20km journey over highways and residential roads, with the road wet in afternoon rain and bumps and potholes that make Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur.

As expected from a new tire, the ride was plush and comfortable. It soaks up the usual bumps and uneven road well. Trickles of gravels and loose sand and small stones were kicked up and rattled against the tirewalls - a sign that the tire is gripping and picking up debris with the new soft compound.

Lets Go!

Then I hit the main road. The launch and pick up from the turbocharged Subaru boxer engine was directly transmitted to the tire and I felt immediate response. There were almost no delay or hesitation. Perhaps it's the lighter unsprung weight of the new rim (it was almost 40% lighter) or maybe it is really the PS5 lending to these butt-dyno feel of performance.

kicking up the sand and debris

I then hit the legal speed on the highway and immediately was dissapointed as I could hear the tire noise to be louder than my 6 years old tire. It's louder than usual but the PS5 remained to be sticking to the group with great responsiveness as I change lane and opened up the throttle slightly more.

velvet sidewall

Braking from 110 to 40 was commendable. It felt as good as the previous tire (which was really good vs the Bridgestone that came with it as stock tire) and gave me a lot of confidence to modulate the brakes as usual without having to unlearn and relearn how the tire respond to sudden change in speed.

Bearing in mind this is post afternoon rain, so the performance on dry road will definitely be better.  

Overall, apart from the noise, PS5 indeed lives up to the performance reputation.

Pros:

• Grippy. No doubt.
• Responsive. The car goes where my steering points to, no delay.
• Good braking confidence. Able to modulate the brakes as normal.
• Very good (not exceptional) wet handling feel - maybe will be better after KM100/worn in.

Cons:

• Noise. I need to crank up the radio if cruising on highway. 
• Expensive. As the chinese say, good thing not cheap, cheap thing not good.
• Mid-wear likely. Treadwear of 340 index indicate softer compound for grip vs longevity

I guess they know the tire is "self-selling" as certain sizes and stocks is hard to get. I had to get mine directly from Michelin and not from the tire shops as no one want to stock up these expensive rubbers in unpopular sizing.

Unlikely to drive to the max speed allowed for this tire even when I can

Here are the technical marketing stuff from Michelin website, which actually doesn't really tell you much about the tire - and it continue to heavily rely on user experience (hopefully unbiased) and reputation.

• Dual Sport Tread Design Technology – a dual side functionalised tread design, featuring the inner side with large grooves and high void ratio for enhanced wet road traction, and the external side with rigid blocks for better grip on dry roads
• Groove Clear – large longitudinal grooves that dump water into wide transversal channels designed to efficiently divert water out of the way.
• Dynamic Response Technology – features a hybrid aramid and nylon belt for optimum transmission of steering instructions onto the road for precise and responsive driving feel
• MaxTouch Construction – maximises the tyre’s contact with the road and evenly distributes the forces of acceleration, braking, and cornering to deliver longer tread life without sacrificing performance
• Premium Touch Sidewall Design – creates a sleek, matte-black aesthetic with a velvet-like micro texture
• Wear2Check – an easy-to-find and easy-to-read tread wear indicator, designed to facilitate monitoring and to help drivers to optimise the longevity potential of the tyre

  

  Wear2Check Groves Each hole is 25% wear

Why can't Michelin has this in their write up? 

There are some of the photos taken as the fitting was done. Very subtle features that Michelin did not really tell, nor any auto-writer (paid or unpaid) ever mentioned. Most review I saw online only speaks of the good stuff.

The Wear2Check indicator

Look for this mark to find the Wear2Check

Made in Italy? Wow

340 wear index which is acceptable. Was surprised the traction wasn't AA.

from Tire Tread Wear Rating Chart - Database - Tire Crunch

Tiebao Triathlon Cleat Shoes : Review

A quick review of the Tiebao triathlon cleat shoe.

Surprise is good

Finding a triathlon specific shoe is hard, it’s even harder if you are bargain hunting. My last triathlon specific shoe was the first generation of Shimano TR9 in silver. It has seen a few iterations with the entry level (carbon composite) going for RM700. A steep price considering I got mine for less than RM200 about 18 years ago - inflations.

Fresh from China

The market is not short of choices and finding one at the right budget for training, particularly for a beginner can be daunting. Thanks to my #triathleteonbudget believes, I found one that fits both budget and function.

And it’s not from Van Rysel from Decathlon or Muddy Fox from Sports Direct. 

The design of the Tiebao is both functional and simple. One strap for quick transition, with the strap secured outwards, a ankle loop to place rubber band to position the shoe, super ventilation on the top and bottom and it has a (what I call) magic Velcro that I have not seen in any other triathlon specific shoes.

Here are the photos, fresh out from unboxing, with descriptions and details to help.

The insole is thin but sufficient. Highly breathable and I like the contrasting yellow on black.

Airy as I mentioned. The sole is perforated throughout

Very see through EVA foam

Ventilation on the top. The construction is PU with Carbon effect. Shoe upper has structure

A big hole on the top of feet adds more ventilation

Side view with low heel profile allow for fast insertion of feet during transition mounting and dismount

Back view showing the heel loop that assist in pulling/slipping feet into the shoe. Take note of the red rubber at bottom that assist in walking

Plastic/nylon sole that is not as stiff as a composite or carbon cleat. Large rubber heel and toe making it suitable for training or easy racing purpose. Multi-cleat choices between SPD or smaller metal cleats (MTB). Not suitable for Speedplay

The “Magic tab” which is a small Velcro hook

Brilliant placement to hold the main strap open at transition

Without the tab, the main strap tends to slip down, closing the tongue/feet entry 

Velcro-ing allow for it to stay open at whichever width you need

The only manual that comes with it. Thankful for Google Image and translate… it’s mostly warranty information and simple care instruction

I got this at Shopee for RM210, including delivery which takes about a week. I then found out there are another shop on AliExpress that sells them at RM30 cheaper. I now know where to get a spare for myself in future when needed.

If you need them, here is the link. https://s.shopee.com.my/AKH4wnTreR

Shokz OpenFit Air : Unboxing and Review

When I last reviewed the Shokz OpenFit in October 2023, I was bowled over by how much better the sound was when compared to the traditional bone conduction headset. Bearing in mind that the OpenFit was a TWS or True Wireless Sound headset that is made into an Open-Ear concept. If you haven't read about the OpenFit, you can click here

Rewind to about 1 month ago, where Shokz Malaysia had a big launch for the new addition to the TWS series - the OpenFit Air. Having known of this since April/May 2024 via insiders, I was looking forward to seeing it - lighter and cheaper. Two things that matters for a Triathlete on Budget.

The bonus point? I be given an unit for my keeping. I am very grateful for that gesture as I loved the OpenFit sound, and I am sure I will love the OpenFit Air as much as I love the OpenRun Pro I have.

And in Pink, please.

Summary

• RM599 makes it a very affordable TWS with 2 years Shokz Malaysia Warranty.
• Touch gesture/function can be fully disabled.
• 3-Colors with Hot Pink being the "limited edition".

A Quick Rewind of What is OpenFit?

Let's start with the most basic... Shokz OpenFit Air is not the usual Shokz Bone Conduction earphone. It is an air-conduction and what Shokz call as DirectPitch™ technology. The technology optimize the distance and angle between the sound source to the ear in such way that it minimize sound loses to your surrounding while maximizing your listening.

DirectPitch™  explained at Shokz Website

Now, to call it air-conduction is not exactly mind-blowing as all speakers works on displacing air through the drive unit. The displaced wave is what gives you sound. You can actually consider the OpenFit Air as a "mini speaker" but that would not do justice.

Like the OpenFit, the OpenFit Air comes with the same 18mmx11mm driver made from composite (read: Carbon fiber) with polymer surround. Both the carbon fiber diaphragm and polymer surround creates the clear, crisp, strong sound with deep bass notes.

But unlike the OpenFit, the OpenFit Air has a renewed fit that is ergonomically enhanced.

Couple that with the Nickel-Titanium memory alloy ear hook, a teardrop shaped cross section design that is thinner on the top, and a pliable ear hook, you will have an earbud that lets you listen for a long period of time in a secure stable fit.

Fitting

The unit hook over your ears exactly like the OpenFit, it clasps lightly over the top of your ear with the driver unit sitting somewhere on your upper part of the ear where it is near the Tragus, which shield your ear canal - it's also the place where some of you pierce your ears.

Tragus and where it is (that red circle). Image from AnatomyStuff

Here is how it look like with the OpenFit Air, Take note how it "wrap around" my ear and it sort of fits pretty well.

And here it is with the OpenFit. Very subtle differences but the angle of fit is pretty obvious better in the OpenFit Air.

Position of OpenFit relative to my right ear

OpenFit Air vs OpenFit

If you came this far, here is another summary if you need a quick decision to decide between the two very similar products.

Thought I make a table and make my Excel skill to good use

Similarities:

• Open-ear hook style design using air conduction technology
• Comfortable fit, no issues with glasses or sunnies
• IP54 dust and water-resistant
• Touch controls with double tap and press-and-hold gestures
• App support for Android and iOS
• Multipoint connectivity
• USB-C charging
• Quick charge feature (2 hours of listening with 10-minute charge)
• Similar battery life (around 7 hours in real-world testing)
• 28 hours total battery life with the charging case

Differences:

• Price: OpenFit Air (RM599) vs OpenFit (RM899)
• Colors: OpenFit Air available in more colors (including pink and white)
• Design: OpenFit is slightly smaller; Air has a larger earpiece
• Materials: OpenFit has smoother plastic case; Air has matte silicone finish
• Battery placement: OpenFit has battery in ear hook; Air has it in the earpiece
• Sound profile: OpenFit has more bass; Air has more treble emphasis
• EQ settings: OpenFit offers custom 5-band EQ; Air only has EQ presets
• Touch surface: OpenFit has silicone finish; Air has matte plastic finish

Unboxing Let's Go!

Here is a very simple unboxing I did to show you what is inside the OpenFit Air packaging. 

Items you get in this box consist of

• The OpenFit Air Left and Right,
• Charging Case
• Charging cable USB-C
• Manual and warranty card

All together now

Some visual differences between OpenFit Air and OpenFit

Comparing my wife's OpenFit (in biege) and my OpenFit Air (in pink)

Casing size very similar from top

OpenFit Air is more rounded on edges

Similar profile in the case

OpenFit opens wider

OpenFit has battery on the ear hook vs OpenFit Air on the earbud making it look bigger

Stainless Steel earbud n driver side with metal mesh vs plastic on OpenFit Air

OpenFit Air and OpenFit laid flat

similar placement of air-vent for bass production

Similar placement of microphone (small dot)

Now for the review 

Having spoilt with the OpenRun Pro for my daily run and conference calls on both phone and laptop, enjoying the freedom of not having the ear canal stuffed or the ear covered for my training; or even having the head constantly being clamped on headset for work - the OpenFit brought new freedom similar to OpenRun Pro.

All these with a total pass-through of surrounding sound even at volume as the ear canal is not blocked.

As this unit is a loaner, i been maximing the use for all my activities. I hear my footsteps, and continue to not feel guilty of using headphone for a workout in a trafficked public area. Similarly, I can have a conversation with music playing in the background like white noise while running or talking with friends.

And may i add again - the music streamed is like having an in-ear monitor or a proper headphone over your ears. Even as I am typing this, I have Eric Clapton Tears' In Heaven playing in the background, with each strum of the strings and the bass kicking in to be reminding me of my regret number 2.

Getting to know the device (parts)

Red circle is microphone. Yellow circle is the touch control

Red is the driver outlet. Yellow is the Quick Charge point that links to the charging case. Blue is where the battery resides, unlike OpenFit where the battery sits at the tail of the ear hook

Red is mics. Yellow is top air vent for bass production. Blue is the touch sensor

Bottom air vent

Like the OpenFit, if you close off these vents or some water covers them, the Bass is cut off and all i hear is just flat mid-range sound/vocal.

The Charging Case is small and pretty nifty. Very similar to the OpenFit but more rounded edges.

not as angular as OpenFit

Connectivity

The OpenFit Air comes with Bluetooth V5.2 and allow Multipoint pairing. I have the unit paired to my Garmin FR965, Fenix7ProSolar, iPhone12, iPhone13 Pro and my work laptop. It requires activation of Multipoint connection on the App.

All I need daily

I personally prefer it to be done on the Shokz App for the OpenFit Air as the touch-button doesn't support on device multipairing. Very straight forward with the app.

Take note that OpenFit Air only has 4-preset EQ vs OpenFit with customisable EQ

Using it with Multipoint meant I have the freedom to switch between two devices without needing to disconnect from other devices. At work, I switch between phone (for Spotify) and laptop (for meeting/calls). you are limited by the 7 hours battery life. If you are a heavy user, do keep your device charged in the Charging Case when you are not using. As an example, my 10 hours usage today for run, music, phone calls and standby time has set the Charging Case battery to 50%. Doing a quick maths to see it all add up - both OpenFit Air at 100% (7hours), Charging case at 50% (10.5hours), usage as of today 8 hours = 7+10.5+10 = 27.5 Hours. The unit is rated at 28hours which meant it is pretty accurate.

Perfect color

As usual, on the laptop, the connection requires some understanding of the limitation of each function between using it as a headset and headphone.

• 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

The separation meant the playback as headset is biased to vocal. This meant the music streaming will be subpar and sound really bad. However on Headphone, the quality is as good as streaming from the phone.

The Bluetooth 5.2 has a faster switching between devices between multipoint pairing. 

The OpenFit Air EQ is limited to only 4-preset. Unlike the OpenFit where you can create your own

OpenFit EQ menu

OpenFit Air EQ menu

Bear in mind that this mode of EQ is only available through phone source streaming and not on any other devices as they are controlled solely from the Shokz App. So it makes no differences to the sound quality aka default to "standard" when you playback outside of your phone app.

Touch Disable- able

If there is one experience using the OpenFit is the sensitivity of the touch sensor. Very similar exoerience using the OpenFit Air as it is a hit and miss when using it while running or cycling. If the unit/sensor is covered in sweat, it can "activate" automatically - which is irritating. Lucky for the OpenFit Air, Shokz has made the touch sensor being able to be disabled. A gift to humankind using these. I do not change music or adjust volume when I use the earbuds for workout as they are mostly for instruction feddback and voice note/voice over of my pace/hr/km. So having them switched off is great as it also meant less distraction. 

None. None. None. and None. 

Enabling it is as simple as tapping it in the app. No issues.

Fitting - using it while cycling and running

A month of usage since recieving the unit and making it my main headset/earbud for workout has affirmed that this unit is as secured as it's older sibling the OpenFit. Short of one occasion where I literally ran into a low hanging (small) branches with leaves, the unit got tangled in the low hanging shrubs and I had to run back to locate it. I was worried that I will lose it after using it just 3 times...

And as I started to use it for more runs and cycling, I need to be aware of any movement that may peel off the unit - such as when i remove my running tops or helmet. There is however a small hole on the end of the earhook - which makes me believe there should be an accessory that may allow it to be secured and hung over the neck... maybe.

This hole here

Sound - Output and Input

As expected the sound produced from the OpenFit Air sound as good as the OpenFit. As they both share the same DirectPitch technology with the same composite driver and air vents. Only noticable differences is on heavier bass sound where the OpenFit with it's metal casing perform better. Simplay said, OpenFit Air is great for vocals and treble sound, but perform below par on any hip-hop or heavier bass notes. For that, the Direct Bass function (in EQ) will bump it up without muddling it to be overly bassy just for the sake of being bassy.

Still with no ANC as the unit is open-ear concept, so there is no encapsulating or isolation potential for the earbuds to properly drive any ANC. However, the clarity and isolation is sufficient for both indoor and outdoor condition.

Perfect for commuting in open area

One thing though, the sound volume is not sufficient loud enough for commuting in train - as the train screeching and announcement will drown off a level or two of the fidelity. 

The dual-microphones is situated at the top and bottom portion of the driver unit. With Noise-Cancelling feature (vs OpenFit AI Noise-cancelling), it works sufficiently well for phone calls and my everyday conference call/meetings. The counterparties I speak to has no issue hearing me clearly except when i stand infront of a fan and talk - but even that, the best noise-cancelling microphone will fail unless you put some buffer between it and the wind noise. Overall, satisfactory and no complains.

My companion for outdoor conference call

The Shokz OpenFit Air is compatible with profiles such as A2DP (high quality audio signals profile), AVRCP (remote control profile for sending command such as play, skip, pause etc), HSP (Headset profile aka to be used for communication) and HFP (handsfree profile). 

Being TWS earphone meant that you can have the option to just use ONE side at any time and still carry on your daily work. Not too bad if you are planning to extend the battery life by another 7 hours by using one side at a time.

About IP54 Protection

The IP protection of OpenFit is lesser than the Pro version. The OpenRun Pro is IP55 and the OpenFit Air, very much like the OpenFit is IP54.

IP stands for International Protection (rating). It comes with two numbers and an optional letter. It defines the degree of protection against solid contact and water in electrical enclosures.

Rain is not an issue, whatmore sweat

The first digit defines the level of protection the enclosure provide against access to hazardous parts such as electrical contacts, moving parts, and ingress of solid objects (like dust, sand, finger)

The second digit refers to liquid protection against well, water or liquid, generally.

The bigger the number, the better the protection. Naturally the IP55 would meant better protection versus IP54. 

• IP55 protection against limited dust ingress and protected from low-pressure water jets from all direction
• IP54 protection against limited dust ingress and protected from water splashes (read: sweat and well, rinsing or just water splashes)

Great companion - works in all weather like me

For the purpose of testing, yes, I have taken the OpenFit Air to shower after my run. Trickling water over the unit causes no significant issue except the touch function goes haywire and the air-vents on the top and bottom gets saturated with water and render the sound to be limited to just vocal/midrange. With the touch control disabled, there is zero issue listening to music in shower if you don't mind the muffled sound due to the vents being blocked by water. However, do not do this on purpose other than to just wash it after exercise (aka rinse) and not immerse in water. You been warned ;-)

Looking at it, IP54 is sufficient protection taking into account splashes of water from heavy rain or sweat on typical exercise. Should not have issue and do not submerge the unit in water and make sure to empty your pocket if you are the type to keep your earphones/wireless buds in your pocket (remember i say above the unit is hard to keep outside the charging case without risk of losing it?)

Long Term Review

I have been using this unit for slightly longer than a month since I received it thanks to Shokz Malaysia (Nove Marketing). I've charged it maybe like 3 times (casing) and it lives up to the 28hours usage which translate to roughly 8 days of mix usage for run/cycle and conference call before the casing battery goes to 20%. A quick charge often gives me enough of juice for another run, and always make sure the connecting Quick Charge is dry before you place it in the unit.

Yes, that is the OpenSwim Pro... Guess which one I review next ;-)

TL:DR 

Pros:

• Significant better sound reproduction than bone conduction
• Open ear concept allow 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. The OpenFit sit outside the external ear and it gives impression it is an in-ear, but it isn't. 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 super light. 
• Touch function able to be disabled (woohoo!)

Cons:

• Some chances of losing the unit as it hooks over your ear that can get caught in your hood, cap or even your hair as you flip/adjust 
• Sound leakage if you bump the sound too high. It is a mini-speaker after all. 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.
• Lack of customizable EQ

Thank you Shokz Malaysia

This unit of Shokz OpenFit is provided to me as part of being their Brand Ambassador of Shokz Malaysia and Nove Marketing. The unit retail for RM599.00 and comes with 2-years warranty. To purchase, please click this link. 

Special promotion with RM50 worth of Fitsy class voucher for every purchase

Discount for other Shokz items

If you are looking for a pair of Shokz Open-Ear headphone or earbuds, use my code TRISTUPE15 on check out to get 15% off from normal pricing. This offer is valid for all items except newly launched OpenFit Air and OpenSwim Pro. Make sure you get your Shokz from Authorised distributor and reseller that comes with two years warranty. Avoid deals that sound too good to be true - and if in doubt, check with NoveMarketing. Don't be a victim of scam!

15% offer using TRISTUPE15 code at NoveMarketing site!