I was first introduced to Aftershokz headphones while helping out at the R.A.T series of races organised by Mud Crew down in Cornwall and they very kindly agreed to supply not only me but also each member of the Freedom Runners support team with a set of their Aftershokz Sportz M3 headphones.
They are unlike any other type of headphone as they’re not designed to go into your ears, something I find very uncomfortable after a while on my long training runs, but they sit in front of the ear and utilize bone conduction technology to send sound through the cheekbones to the inner ear, this means that if you are our running or cycling you are able to listen to music and hear everything that’s going on around you.
THE PRODUCT
They have three products the Aftershokz Sportz 3, Aftershokz Sportz M3 and the Aftershokz Bluez 2 Bluetooth headphones
Here is the product information on the Aftershokz Sportz M3 (from their website)
AfterShokz Sportz M3 open ear headphones are designed to safely keep joggers, bike riders, skateboarders, hikers and other athletes connected to their music and social life while remaining active. Featuring military special ops bone conduction technology, AfterShokz Sportz M3 headphones sit comfortably in front of the ear, keeping your ears open, while delivering stereophonic sound through the listener’s cheekbones to the inner ear, permitting users to hear ambient noises such as oncoming traffic, car horns, ambulances or other warning noises.
AfterShokz Sportz M3 open ear sport headphones are lightweight, sweat and water resistant, and feature an on/off switch, volume control, a micro USB charging port, and a 3.5mm gold plated standard connector that fits most smart phones, iPhones, iPods, iPads, and MP3 players, a water repellent hard case, and a 2 year warranty.
AfterShokz Sportz M3 open ear sport headphones are the safest, most comfortable way to keep connected on the planet.
TECHNICAL SPEC
Speaker Type: Dual Suspension Bone Conduction
Sensitivity: 100 ± 3dB
Microphone: -41dB ±3dB
Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20KHz
Battery: Rechargeable Lithium Ion
Playback Time: Up to 12 Hours at low volume*
Charge Time: 2 Hours (with USB charger)
Standby Time: 10 Days
Cable Length: 130cm / 51.2 inches
Weight: 45g/1.6 ounces
Color: Black matte
Warranty: 2-Year
The headphones come in a very nice case that includes instructions, the headphones & USB cable for charging. After charging the headphones I plugged them into my iPod but couldn’t hear any sound , I had of course not fully read the instructions and had omitted to actually turn the headphones on! (this saves the battery when not being used) Once turned I got the shock of my life as the music blasted through my cheekbones into my ears and deafened me! The volume on my iPod was turned up to the highest level as my other headphone were so useless it was the only way I was able to hear anything.
Having put the volume back to a normal level the quality of the sound was very good, far more superior than my previous headphones.
I was concerned initially that they would be uncomfortable to run it as the headphones go round the back of your neck and over your ears. This proved to be a completely unnecessary concern as as soon as I put them on they felt comfortable, no bouncing or movement at all while running and if someone was talking to me I could hear every word – perfect.
If you are using the AfterShokz Sportz 3M or Blue 2 model with your iPhone they enable you to answer a call without having to take the headphones off, you simply press the orange button on the controls.
I don’t agree with running or cycling on roads with conventional headphones, you are totally unaware of everything that’s going on around you and putting yourself (and others) in danger. I think the Aftershokz headphones are a great solution, you can listen to music as well as being aware of the world around you, just don’t have the volume too high – be sensible and stay safe.
Here is a couple of Videos:
http://www.aftershokz.co.uk/category-s/1833.htm
Happy Training
