Disclaimer: I received a pair of Aftershokz Trekz Titanium Wireless Headphones to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!

I don’t typically run with headphones. Many races strongly discourage headphones, Ironman outright bans them (you will be DQ’d), and most music devices won’t last long enough for an ultra distance event anyway. I started training without music several years ago to hear my own breath, not rely on it during a race, and for safety. However, when something with fun technology becomes available to BibRavePros for testing, I jump at the opportunity.

 

AfterShokz uses bone conduction technology and an open ear design to deliver quality sound while also allowing for situational awareness. AfterShokz wants you to #BeOpen and #HearItAll. I was excited to try the new technology as well as find a headphone that didn’t actually go in my ear; previous headphones either don’t fit in my ear or have been very uncomfortable. I was so excited to try these headphones that I tracked usps meticulously and waited at my door like a kid waiting for Santa Claus. When they arrived, I pulled them out and went for a run immediately.

After a 4 mile test run I pretty much had decided on a 1 line review at that point: if Harry Potter had magical headphone technology, it would be AfterShokz! For the test run I actually caught up on the Serial Podcast (because I’m a wannabe hipster). The sound quality was excellent, I could still hear birds, kids playing, cars coming up behind me (including those silent killers…the hybrid), and have a conversation with my neighbor while listening to the podcast.

 

Since they’re test run I’ve used the AfterShokz for 5+ hours on a trail race (kept them in place even while not listening because I forgot I was wearing them), listening to music in my cube at work, watching tv on a plane, and for Bluetooth phone calls. For phone calls, the AfterShokz will pause the music and you can answer the call with one touch, without pulling out your phone. I also successfully voice dialed while driving. The call quality was great and my friends and family calling did not detec sound issues either on their end.

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Comfortable – small bands are included for a better fit and I found these to greatly increase comfort
• Sound quality – not as loud as ear buds but quality is great. The provided ear plugs help with volume if you’re in a safe listening environment, I.e. Plane
• Sweat proof
• Fun color choices
• Crazy awesome technology

Cons:

• The band seems a little large and it sticks out behind my head kind of far. If I’m wearing a hydration pack like the OrangeMud hydraquiver it would bounce or get stuck on that sometimes
• Some BibRave Pros complained that it would cut out sometimes. I only had this happen if I walked away from my phone

If you’re looking for a new wireless headset and a safe way to listen to music while running, the AfterShokz Trekz Titanium are for you! You can get 20% off ANY AfterShokz product with the code BIBCHAT or try to win a free pair at our AfterShokz sponsored Twitter #BibChat this Tuesday, April 19 @ 9pm ET.

Aftershokz is also partnering with the United Relay – a nonstop running relay across the country on 3 different routes. I’m running a few stages in the Atlanta area. It’s a cool event that supports great charities; sign up for a stage near you asap! You could also win a meet and greet with Alicia Keys in New York! See all the details here. Good luck!

Still not convinced? Check out these BibRave Pro reviews:

Abbie | Emily | Rachel | Heather | Frank | Katie