I have the original aftershokz headphones which are okay but I never found them great for gravel riding?
wondering how the latest shokz open run pro 2 ones are
I use the Open Runs and I like them. They’re not great for trying to listen to detailed discussion if there’s a lot of ambient noise but for background music they can’t be beat. I’ve had a few pairs over the years and will upgrade to the Open Run Pro 2 when my current pair die for sure.
I have the previous version and the new version. I really like the new version. I also got the mini and they fit way better around the back of my head. USB C charging, battery life, much louder and has more eq options as well. Highly reccomend
Been using them for quite a while. Purchased them when I had an ear problem and could not use buds. No issues with battery life or charging. They always pair with my phone without issue. I like that you can hear things going on around you. Can even talk to people while they are playing music in the background. 2 things to be aware of . The sound level. If your going down hill and have big ears the wind noise pretty much drowns out the sound. If I wear them for more than 90 minutes I start to get pressure build up around my temples. Sort of a dull ache. I would buy them again.
I agree with all the above statements. They work well if you’re aware of their limitations. They’re awesome for putting your head down on a climb and grinding away but you won’t hear anything on the way down.
I figured as much but that’s okay. It just nice to listen to something on longer gravel rides
Have found the sound to be better with the original but every pair of those I’ve owned lasts about 6 months before the right side gives out and their customer support won’t warranty them.
I have originals and new. The new ones are not as loud as my original shokz. Good for music, not good for books or podcasts. The only benefit for me is that the new ones are minis and fit better.
This is good to know… I have the originals and they’re still going strong after a number of years (@KevinKlaes I’m curious if you know why your right side always gives out? I’m a pretty salty and prolific sweater but mine are still fine ), but I listen primarily to podcasts. I wonder if I’ll have an issue with the volume on newer ones. I already can’t listen to some podcasts outside because they’re too quiet - primarily I’ve noticed it’s the ones who aim for YouTube as their main distribution channel that are too quiet.
I had the open run pro and now use the open run pro 2, sold my old v1. Since the tech has changed from pure bone conduction to bone + normal speakers the sound quality is a massive upgrade. Especially with bass and generell quality.
I would buy the pro 2 again.
Just need to get those fuzzy cat ears to put on my helmet
If you have a Best Buy around you, they have both versions to try out. I bought the open run pro 2, and returned them because once I had time to A/B test against my originals, I did not think they were better, and the additional speaker causes sound leakage apparent to other people.
In addition, they are not as water resistant, which means you cannot use them while you are showering, and continuing to listen to your podcast or whatever while showering is one of life’s great things. Also, the USB-C charging while convenient to some is not a plus for me. Give me the magnetic click on all day long. And they’re more expensive. So that’s my review
wtf
Just an FYI for everybody - with the new ones, you can use the old bone conduction mode only. I believe you have to use the app to change the settings.
@cinzanoframepump Sounds like you needed to buy the swim version!
I love my Aftershokz. I’m currently on the Open Run Pro 2 and they are best ever. I’ve had Open Runs, the Aeropex, and the Air.
Here’s a tip for the bargain hunters. I got these on Aliexpress and they are actually decent. For $17 they are a screaming deal. I tried a couple of other no-name bone conduction headsets and they all sucked. I use these as my backup set.
What is it about the current ones that is the problem?
I run the Shox open with the fancy proprietary charger thingy. Love them. 0 issues. Will listen to podcast with them. I have to pause if I am going down a long hill. But other then that I have 0 problems. I overuse mine ( Usually have them on some 5 minuets after I wake up and only take them off to charge or sleep). But I am a 18y old what can you expect lol. So a 12h battery life would be nice. But I feel like that would just inable my addiction more.
I am unsure if you need to spend the big money to get it. What exactly are you looking for that the normal ones dont have?
I think the ambient noise while riding gravel was the primary issue for the OP.
I’ve used mine on gravel rides. I don’t remember an issue. It also depends on the source. Some podcasts are recorded at a such a low volume that I could barely hear them even on max volume while others are just fine.
I’ve only had real issues on windy days and on down hills. I just pause it and then resume when my speed is lower.
You finished your riding and giro stage is on, or you want to keep listening to something that has your attention, whatever. It’s the greatest.
I’ve been happy with the original Open Run Pros (not the gen 2). I ride my mtb on road, gravel, and singletrack with them. Wind noise is far more an issue for me than tire/surface noise (I’m almost always listening to music, but do a podcast once in awhile). I’m hoping the gen 2 improves that on my next set.
I can’t stand the magnetic charge port, though. After about 1.5 years, I started have to endlessly jiggle the connection, and eventually it quit working. I replaced them right before the gen 2 came out, and have had the magnetic charge coupler need to be jiggled the last 2 weeks when I put them on the charger. My buddy has the Gen 2, and he loves them…wears them all day at work, as well as on the bike.
eta: either has to be better than my old method of riding with only a single earbud, though
Yeah. Mostly gravel rides. Sometimes on a nice multi use path as well that is pancake flat so no downhill wind issues