Tuesday, July 11, 2017

Run and Be Open with AfterShokz TrekzTitanium: Product Review

Disclaimer: As a SweatPink Ambassador, I received a set of AfterShokz TrekzTitanium headphones from AfterShokz in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions are, of course, my own.

As a music lover and runner, I have been intrigued by the AfterShokz TrekzTitanium headphones. I was super skeptical and had a lot of questions about them. How could headphones that use bone conduction for sound even work? Would the music sound "tinny"? Then there was the whole wireless Bluetooth thing. I've heard people complaining about their Bluetooth headphones--connection issues seem to be the biggest complaint. That, and the buds falling out of their ears made me think twice about giving up the cords.

Over the years, I've had ongoing issues with earbuds and so-called sport headphones. The biggest issue? Even when the earbuds claim to be sweatproof, they are not sweatproof. I believe that I am the sweatiest person on the planet. I just threw yet another pair of earbuds in the garbage because I sweated them to death. I consider myself lucky if I get 6 months out of a pair of earbuds. I'm also pretty picky about sound quality--I really am all about that bass--and so many earbuds sound so tinny. There's nothing worse than my rock and roll sounding like it's playing on an AM radio from the 1970s. Not that I know anything about that.  Finally, there's that whole cord thing--the cords fray, my flailing arms pull the buds out of my ears, they tangle into knots...

Naturally, when I was offered the chance to try the AfterShokz TrekzTitanium, you know I jumped at it. I do have one pair of corded earbuds that I love, so the bar was set pretty high for these!



I received the TrekzTitanium after sending them my size. There's a measuring device on the ordering page, but basically, if you measure at least 8 1/2 inches between your ears, you order the regular size. I thought I had a small head, but according to the measurements, I ordered a regular headset. There is a mini size too. With four colors to choose from, I selected the pink, but they are really more black with pink accents.

Winning: the packaging was easy to open! No plastic casing to slice through. Loved it!
Set-up was a breeze and the instruction booklet was easy to follow. When I powered up the headphones, Audrey, your hostess, provided prompts. Prior to running with them, I charged the headphones using the USB cord that came in the box. The next day I took them for their maiden voyage.

It was the perfect day to test the TrekzTitaniums. It was hot, it was humid, and I was super sweaty. I expected a few "ewwws" out of Audrey, or at least a complaint that she was getting soaked but the conditions didn't seem to affect the TrekzTitaniums at all. The manufacturer claims that they are sweat resistant IP55 certified. I did notice a few "hiccups" in some of the songs. I found out on a future run that those hiccups were due to Bluetooth connection issues.


What really surprised me was the sound quality. The headphones use what AfterShokz calls "Premium Pitch+". I'm not quite sure what that means but to me it meant that my music sounded great! Most importantly, the bass was strong. There is an equalizer so I can customize the sound, but I haven't played with that feature yet. I could also hear ambient noise, like cars and birds, but it wasn't distracting. Safety-wise, this is a good thing.

The AfterShokz sit on top of my ears with a band that extends around the back of my head to the other ear. They are so lightweight that I don't even notice them--no more so than I would a pair of earbuds. Even after the sweatfest that is summer running, the TrekzTitanium stayed in place.

I only had 2 issues I had with the TrekzTitanium. If I don't have the band seated on my ears just so, when I turn my head, the sound goes away in one ear. That's probably because the earpiece moves away from my ear.  I wonder if I should have ordered the mini size. But once I get them settled into the right place, that problem goes away.

The band doesn't fit snuggly on my head, but they don't bounce at all.
The other issue was the rarely occasional dropped connection. I took the TrekzTitanium on a 10 mile run and around mile 8, I heard a beeping noise and then silence. I stopped to see what happened. As I did that, Audrey said "connection found" and I restarted my music. I don't know if that was due to sweat or what but I sure wouldn't want to be figuring out my music in the middle of a race! Fortunately, that has only happened to me once.

Battery life is reported to be 6 hours. As long as I remember to charge them, that should be plenty of time for a marathon. Charge time is really fast.

The verdict? I am completely sold on the TrekzTitanum. I'm looking forward to many happy miles with these! Curious how they'll work in the cold...

Purchase these through SweatPink and you'll receive a free stainless steel water bottle! Use the code SWEAT at checkout.

Have you tried the TrekzTitanium? What was your experience? Do you use bluetooth earbuds?

Because I want to share my love for these, I'm linking this post with Tunes Tuesdays aka Janelle, Kim, and Steff; Tuesdays on the Run aka Marcia, Erika, and Patti; Coaches Corner aka Debbie, Susie, Rachel, and Lora; and Wild Workout Wednesdays aka Annemarie, Nicole, and Jen!





68 comments :

  1. These headphones have changed my life. Seriously, lol! They are great to use while running and I've actually never had a problem connecting to Bluetooth unless my phone is too far away. Love the pink color!

    ReplyDelete
  2. It took me a few runs to get used to them, but these headphones are awesome!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree. Once I got them settled on my head correctly, I thought they were great!

      Delete
  3. I have heard about wireless headphones dropping connection a lot. I still use regular headphones but my husband likes his volume maker ear buds a lot.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have only had that one dropped connection and the hiccups. I do like them a lot! Time to upgrade to the iPhone 7!

      Delete
  4. These sound great but I still use my ipod instead of listening to music on my phone and I can't figure out how to use blue tooth headphones with it or if it's even possible!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I actually stopped using headphones because of the safety issues. I'm so concerned about missing other runners/bikers or even predators approaching from behind. I ran with music the other day and realized just how much I missed it. These sound like the perfect solution!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I still have them turned up pretty loud--but you can hear ambient noise much better with these than earbuds.

      Delete
  6. I've never used bluetooth headphones but these fascinate me - I just don't run with music all that often anymore, though - and when I do my rare runs alone, I forget to get myself set up with my music! Great review - you make me want to try them.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I still enjoy those solo music filled runs! These will make it so pleasant.

      Delete
  7. I've never used Bluetooth headphone but these sound interesting. I usually just play it out loud (and disturb everyone LOL)unless I run with a buddy.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Oh, these are intriguing! I spoiled Freddy and bought him a pair of Yur Beats (or something like that) through Apple and I've had to exchange them twice since May! So frustrating!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, that would be annoying! I hope that doesn't happen with these.

      Delete
  9. I have been really happy with my Yurbuds Inspire 500s, they are bluetooth and I haven't had any issues with dropped connections. Do these bother you sitting on top of your ears?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Someone else asked me that and no, they don't bother me at all. I was surprised about that too!

      Delete
  10. I got these for Christmas and I love them!

    ReplyDelete
  11. I was wondering how the sound quality was on these-I use a wireless pair from Bose that I really like. Thanks for the great review

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I wanted the Bose but didn't want to spend $$. These sound really good.

      Delete
  12. I've tried these but could never get used to them, I did like that I could hear outside noises better than normal earbuds.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's too bad! I didn't think I'd like them but I really do.

      Delete
  13. I use Beats wireless earbuds. I don't always run with music, but I always want to listen to something (typically podcast or audiobook) when doing weight training at the gym! If I am running outside, I don't listen to anything but my BRF or my surroundings!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I may have to branch out into podcasts now. The sky's the limit!

      Delete
  14. These sound pretty impressive! I have only been buying really cheap headphones on amazon because they always break. I don't like the ones that have to stay in your ears because they always fall out my mine. I only listen to podcasts when I run occasionally (so only really wear headphones like once a week) but it would be nice to have a good pair, especially wireless ones. And bonus that the sound quality is great!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've been lucky that the Yurbuds Inspire have kept me going for a while. The sound quality was pretty good. But these blow my faves out of the water. It takes a lot to impress me, and these have me...

      Delete
  15. I absolutely love these headphones! I really like that I can still hear ambient noise while enjoying my tunes. Great review!

    ReplyDelete
  16. I've been using the Trekz Titanium for close to a year. I love them! I had two pairs, so I gave one to my husband (I kept the pink ones lol) and he loves them too. I haven't had any connectivity problems and the battery seems to last forever. Sometimes they feel a little tight (opposite problem from you apparently), but I just adjust them a little and they're find. They are definitely my favorite headphone. Actually the only ones I run in now.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think these will be my only headphones as well! There is just so much to like about them.

      Delete
  17. I've seen these before on someone else and she mentioned that she likes them too. Last year I used a pair that I was given for free for attending an event. I have to look for them. :-(

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm glad I was able to try them! Once you go with these, you will never run with anything else.

      Delete
  18. They sound awesome! I bought a cheap pair off Amazon and they always pop out of my sweaty ears. Having ones that go over my ears would be great. Can you mute one side for safety? And how are they for talking if you get a phone call? Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You don't need to mute them because you can hear everything around you. It's the weirdest thing at first, but it is pretty cool! I've not gotten a phone call with them yet, but other reviewers have reported good experiences with that.

      Delete
  19. I also had a chance to receive and review these, I REALLY like them. I love that there is no cord, I usually have one ear bud out anyway so being able to hear other stuff doesn't bug me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I can't run with one earbud out--it makes me feel off balance! So these are really great for me.

      Delete
  20. anyone use these with glasses/sunglasses? I'm blind without but fear that these would sit on the bows and annoy me

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I do! I don't even notice them.

      Delete
    2. I don't run with glasses. Glad Rachel was able to answer your question!

      Delete
  21. I LOVE my Aftershokz! Never going back...

    ReplyDelete
  22. How great is the color! My bro and I were just talking about bone conduction headphones this weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  23. I JUST recently moved into the 21st century with the Plantronics wireless earbuds and I do love them! (Thanks to Marcia's giveaway!!) They are comfortable and I can answer phone calls with them as well.... but every now and then, I just have to pull out the old iPod shuffle and wired buds for old times sake! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm due for an iPhone upgrade but was hesitant because of the no earbud port. Now I'm feeling much more ready to take the plunge!

      Delete
  24. The real test will be the sweat test! But that will come over time.

    ReplyDelete
  25. I should try these at work. I probably don't sweat when I write, but I might, you know? Looks slick.

    ReplyDelete
  26. These look enticing! I've had pretty good luck with earbuds, but these look convenient.

    ReplyDelete
  27. I don't really have any use for these but they do sound like they work really well. Yay for not killing them with sweat.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Sooooo my charger killed my fav pair of wireless headphones and I've been on the search for new ones. These look like a great option - love that they have actual sizes, I have baby ears and need as mini as I can get ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I wish I had ordered the mini, but I can't complain about the ones I have. They're just great!

      Delete
  29. I have an older version that I like a lot. They're the best for bike riding so that I can still hear the traffic.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't listen to music on the bike, but I think these would be the best option for that!

      Delete
  30. I received a pair of these for Christmas and haven't looked back since I first started using them. There is nothing that I don't like about them.

    ReplyDelete
  31. I stopped using headphones after I started racing triathlons. Now I'm used to going on and on with just my thoughts.

    ReplyDelete
  32. I don't really wear headphones while running, but on the occasion I do these would be great. Wireless and definitely safer than regular headphones!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm still surprised at the ability to hear all the ambient noise. Yet, it isn't distracting. I really like these a lot.

      Delete
  33. I'm seriously OBSESSED with my Shokz! I use them for literally everything - listening to music / podcasts / taking calls while at home, cleaning, doing errands, etc, not to mention running, yoga and whatever else!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love these headphones! I was showing them to my dad, who is 77, and he was amazed. I may have to get him a pair for Christmas.

      Delete
  34. I am SO sold on these headphones. I wear them all the time (i even forget I have them on) for running, calls, housecleaning, etc. They are the best!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. After using them for 2 weeks, I am 100% sold on them as well. They are truly amazing.

      Delete