It's been a year since I was signed up to be a part of Shokz Malaysia's ambassador program and it has been nothing but a great collaboration and sharing. Being able to experience and provide review of the Bone Conduction and Air Conduction headphones gave me the in-depth knowledge and understanding on how each product may and could suit different individual lifestyle.
If you missed them, here are the list of products I have had the chance to review:
Shokz OpenSwim Pro is in progress, and I am de-prioritizing it today to bring to you the brand new, just launched, fresh from the oven Shokz OpenRun Pro 2.
Hello OpenRun Pro 2
I received this unit under embargo and only to be posted on September 20th. However, some of you sharp eyed enough would realised I have been wearing it in a few of my IG stories... but if you missed it...
I have a knack for writing long reviews and understand not everyone enjoy reading a rather longish review, so here is the TL:DR version:
Pros:
- Less vibration vs OpenRun Pro. Way less ticklish if you are sensitive about it.
- Sound quality noticeably better than OpenRun Pro. The DualPitch™ is not a marketing gimmick.
- 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.
Cons:
- Pricier at RM899 (aligned with their flagship) - 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 (above 75%). 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.
If you been using the OpenRun series, you will know about the bone conduction technology and how the open ear design keeps you alert while you are still able to listen to your favourite podcast, music or just using the device to get coaching feedback from your training.
With a lot of competing brands and products, it is often easy to get lost in the choices and prices; needless to say, Shokz is the pioneer in open-ear bone conduction earphones that has existed since 1994.
Shokz as a brand has kept innovating and improving on their range of products that grew from military application to consumer products and (After)Shokz has made them popular.
Thanks to Shokz Malaysia (Nove Marketing), I received the unit ahead of the official launch and has the chance to re-learn and give this new addition a test so I can share my review with you today.
 |
| Environmentally friendly packing from recycled corrugated cardboard material |
Items you get in this box consist of
 |
| New DualPitch™ technology delivering crystal clear sound |
- New technology DualPitch™ that combine both TurboPitch™ and DirectPitch™; one brings in the mid and highs, and the other the bass
- 30.3 +/- 0.5 grams - lightweight (slightly heavier than Pro by 1 gram)
- IP55 protection - water resistance (meaning, do not immerse in water), sweat proof, splash proof
- 1 hour to fully charge (2 hours for Pro)
- 12hours of battery life - 5mins charge allow 2.5 hours usage (2hours more battery life + 1 hour more on Quick Charge compared to Pro)
- Latest (10th) generation Bone Conduction technology with TurboPitch™) allowing enhanced bass with clearer vocal
- 2 Years Warranty
Review
Shokz has been integral in my lifestyle - both at work and play. Having experienced all the models available, I can say that I am very familiar with the functionality.
 |
| Eco-friendly packing |
The ability to be fully aware of my surrounding is audible even down to my own footstep. As long as it's not cranked up to more than 80% of the max volume, I can hear people talking, traffic rumbling and even dogs barking during my activities. 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)
There are minimal changes to the buttons arrangement and how it works on the OpenRun Pro 2 when compared to the Pro. Which is good news as it is zero learning for those familiar or upgrading from OpenMove OpenRun and the OpenRun Pro.
 |
| Love the orange colorway |
The biggest change is the USB-C charging port versus the proprietary magnetic charging. If you lose the magnetic cable, you will have to buy a new one. With USB-C, which is easily available, you are certain that you can charge the unit without worrying you forgot the cable.
 |
| covered port |
 |
| USB-C exposed |
There are a few additional parts that makes this different from the Pro version. The charging port is one, which now comes with a cover and without Moisture Detection function (aka it will blink/'beep if you try to charge it while the magnetic port is damp).
Because of the air-conduction, the vent that points directly to your ears is more pronounced and obvious, also making the contact patch much larger compared to the Pro.
 |
The air-vent for the Air-Conduction driver is large. Bass all the way
|
The placement of the dual-microphone has changed with one of the mic being placed on top/higher than the Pro. Shokz claim this new iteration has greatly reduced noises and provide crystal clear vocal from users during calls and conversation.
 |
They move the upper mic to the very top of the driver, hidden behind the titanium band
|
I have been using this set and tested it by making a call in front of a fan and the counterparty did not hear any wind noises as my voice came through to them clear. I have made calls in noisy environment (indoor swimming pool with splashes and a lot of chatters from the pool side) and the counterparty still hear me clearly. I feel confident to use this as my daily call/conference call headset if I have to travel light to office or out of home.
The next small change is the multifunction button where it was shrinked smaller and moved slightly to the front. My finger automatically moved to the back or closer to the driver initially and quickly learnt to readjust as needed. Two runs and I am all re-learned.
 |
| The multi-function button is moved slightly to the front and smaller footprint. Note the air-vents for the Bone-Conduction driver next to it |
No changes to the volume and on/off rocker. Pairing is same as OpenRun Pro; hold it long enough from OFF position and it will start pairing to new device.
 |
| Same volume rocker and on-off switch |
 |
| Charging LED same position |
|
| The air-vent for the Air-Conduction driver is large. Bass all the way |
 |
Air-vent at the bottom to aid the Bone-Conduction driver to deliver the mid and high
|
 |
| No changes to one of the mic position (that small dot). There is another vent for the Bone-Conduction that mirror the left side driver. |
|
| They move the upper mic to the very top of the driver, hidden behind the titanium band |
The Bone-conduction unit vibrates as it send them to your cheekbone for the whole music/sound production. The speakers and the air-vents gives the overall surround experience, apart from allowing the driver unit to push air from the vibration (hence the bass enhancement) sound delivery.
Connectivity
Fresh out of the box and once linked to the phone (iPhone) and app, a quick check and updating the firmware as needed.
The Pro comes with Bluetooth V5.3 and allow Multipoint pairing. V5.3 is the latest protocol and it worked as it should. Minimal delay making it suitable for both sports and play.
 |
| Straight forward pairing with laptop (Windows 11) |
I have the unit paired to my Garmin FR965, iPhone12 and 13, and my work laptop. You can link up to two devices at any one time. It however require activation of Multipoint connection.
 |
| easy and fast pairing on my FR965 |
 |
| Done! |
The instruction is here or you can also do it via the Shokz App which is much easier with a flick of the toggle button in the app. But if you want to do it the harder way... the same process as doing it for OpenRun Pro.
 |
| Straight forward with a few steps to follow |
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 12 hours battery life. If you are a heavy user, do keep your device charged to avoid interruption. It is sufficient for a day or two use (assume up to 4hours of total usage per day).
 |
| You can tell that I am a fan |
On the new devices since OpenFit Air, it is more straight forward on the connection function, and it is all defaulted to just "Headset". Previously on the OpenRun Pro, there were option for Headset and Headphone, which essentially limits how the sound is optimized for music or call. So no more guessing game with the OpenRun Pro 2.
The Multifunction button allow for playing/pausing, switching music, answering and ending calls. 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. The Pro 2 claims to have 16% less "clamping" force versus the Pro version. The bigger contact area helps to distribute pressure better ensure a daylong comfort.
Personally I felt no differences in how it sits on my head and side of my face. It remain as comfy with no pressure points around my ears. It doesn't interfere with sunglasses or my reading glasses as well.
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.
 |
| Not noticeable from the front |
 |
| right side |
 |
| Left side |
If you have a small (circumference) head, you may want to consider going the "mini" version with 1.5inches shorter band. Having said this, if you are planning to use the normal sized band over a hoodie, it will interfere with the clothing. Some adjustment to the unit to move the rear side downwards/towards the neck may be needed at the expense of the bone-conduction driver sitting slightly higher on the cheekbone.
Using it while cycling, the OpenRun Pro 2 won't interfere with the positioning as long as it's not an aero-helmet.
Sound - Now with 4+2 Customizable EQ and DualPitch™
This is a flagship model - and rightly so with dual-driver known as DualPitch™ technology that changed how the OpenRun pro delivers the sound. DualPitch™ brings in both bone conduction and air conduction into one unit. Resulting in precise high and mids using the bone conduction and subterrean bass delivered from the air conduction.
The introduction of DualPitch™ also reduced the vibration effect of the OpenRun series that uses TurboPitch™. Those of you that felt a bit uncomfortable on the strong vibration may want to test and try if the sensation has been reduced. Personally, I actually like the vibration. It reminds me of the days when i had 2 units of 12 inches subwoofers installed in my car.
Having experienced and tested all the Shokz product, I can say that the Pro 2 is definitely a different listening experience. You have to hear it to believe it. Also, as mentioned above, it has way less ticklish sensation or vibration or I would say there was none in my week of testing this product pre-launch.
 |
| Customised EQ |
4 preset EQ which is Standard, Vocal, Bass Boost, Treble Boost is same as the OpenFit series. And as they are the same, you have the ability of creating and saving two other EQ that suits your listening style. It is important to note that the EQ only works when you stream using your phone (where the app resides) and not when it is streamed from your devices (laptop or watches).
 |
More than sufficient for all your intent and purpose
|
This is because the quality is significantly impacted by the sound codec of your device and limited by what Shokz can process. In this case, OpenRun Pro uses sub-band codec or SBC which allow up to 300kbps transfer rate. This is also the most general codec compatible with all Bluetooth transmission, at the expense of quality.
The Shokz 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).
About IP55 Protection
The IP protection of Pro 2 is the same as Pro which is IP55. It is however lesser than the OpenRun with IP67. In my last year of using the devices with IP55, there is absolutely no issue to have the unit drenched in sweat and in rain. No issues to pour water over my head or even taking it to shower. Only do not immerse the unit in water (read: do not wash it in washing machine) or take it for swimming.
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.
The first digit defines the level of protection the enclosure provides 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 IP67 would meant better protection versus IP55.
- 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
Looking at it, it is evidence enough that IP55 is sufficient protection taking into account splashes of water from heavy rain or sweat. I would not worry too much as all my unit has been in service for the past 2 years with no issues. The Pro 2 will definitely stand to this level of usage if not better as with better materials and technology vs the older models.
TL:DR
Pros:
- Less vibration vs OpenRun Pro. Way less ticklish if you are sensitive about it.
- Sound quality noticeably better than OpenRun Pro. The DualPitch™ is not a marketing gimmick.
- 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.
Cons:
- Pricier at RM899 (aligned with their flagship) - 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 (above 75%). 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.
This unit of Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 (orange) is provided to me under the Shokz Malaysia and Nove Marketing Sports Ambassador program for 2024/2025 year. The unit retail for RM899.00 and comes with 2-years warranty. Make sure you only get your Shokz from Nove Marketing as the authorised distributor and also from Malaysia authorised dealers.
There are a few scam website that often offer too good to be true pricing. To purchase, please click this link and use TRISTUPE15 on check out for 15% discount on older models (sorry this is not applicable for OpenRun Pro 2, OpenFit Air and OpenSwim Pro at this moment of time)
 |
| Thank you Shokz Malaysia |
Full Technical Info of OpenRun Pro 2 vs the two previous generations
About Shokz:
Shokz is a US world's leading brand. Shokz's headphone focuses on
Open-Ear technology, which are bone conduction technology and DirectPitch™
Technology with the purpose of ensuring the listening experience while
keeping safe.
Bone Conduction Technology: transmits sound via vibrations
through the skin and temporal bone directly to the cochlea, bypassing the ear
canal and eardrum. This ensures clear sound even in noisy environments without
affecting others.
- Bone
Conduction Headphone: OpenMove, OpenRun,
Open Run Pro, OpenRun Pro 2, OpenSwim, OpenSwim Pro, OpenComm, OpenComm 2
- DirectPitch™ Technology: which is also called Air
Conduction Technology, enhances audio by using phase cancellation, where
opposing sound waves cancel each other out. With multiple vents, it directs
sound towards the ear canal, reducing leakage and enabling immersive, private
Open-Ear listening.
- Air
Conduction Headphone: OpenFit, OpenFit
Air
No comments:
Post a Comment