2024-06-06 10:20:15
Headphones from Shokz have been well-known because the introduction of bone conduction know-how in 2015. We examined one of many new gadgets.
“OpenFit Air” and “OpenSwim Professional” are the names of the brand new fashions from Shokz, one of many main producers of open-ear headphones that go away the ear canal open. This enables customers to listen to on a regular basis sounds whereas listening to music and never be utterly minimize off from their environment.
Athletes specifically depend on the corporate’s gadgets, which have greater than 3,800 patents within the open-ear sector, each throughout coaching and in competitors. It’s no coincidence that Shokz is the official companion of the German Athletics Affiliation. The 2 new merchandise are additional developments of the present “OpenFit” and “OpenSwim” fashions.
“OpenSwim Professional” for underwater use
The waterproof “OpenSwim Professional” is a so-called multi-sport headset that was specifically developed for athletes. Because of safety class IP68, it may be utilized in tough terrain in addition to in water as much as two meters deep for 2 hours. The music can both be streamed through Bluetooth out of your cellular phone – or performed instantly as an MP3 from the greater than giant 32 gigabyte reminiscence card within the headset.
The scarf supplies the required stability to press the audio system gently towards the ear. Which means they at all times sit comfortably, and the vibrations emitted are higher perceived by the auditory ossicles within the interior ear and transformed into auditory impulses.
In distinction, the brand new “OpenFit Air” is extra appropriate for on a regular basis use, which is why we took a better have a look at it and, above all, listened to it. At 139 euros, it is usually considerably cheaper than the “OpenSwim Professional” (199 euros). As well as, the “OpenFit Air” will not be solely supposed for athletes, however must also be utilized in on a regular basis life and in leisure time. In our take a look at, we reveal whether or not Shokz retains its guarantees.
Sporting consolation: good match or huge ear?
For us as open-ear newbies, the “OpenFit Air” takes some getting used to. It is very tough to placed on the primary few instances. Particularly in the beginning, the correct adjustment is a nice line between a very good match and a protruding ear. Thankfully, with a bit observe, it really works comparatively shortly, even with one hand. Then simply flip it forwards or backwards a bit to search out the optimum place.
In our opinion, the most important weak spot is the shortage of stress with which the headphones relaxation on the ears. Which means when listening to music or podcasts on the go, we generally have to show the amount as much as the utmost so as to have the ability to perceive something in any respect in louder environments. When making a telephone name on the prepare, for instance, we shortly took the telephone out of our pocket and most popular to carry it on to our ear.
Alternatively, the low weight of 8.7 grams and the slim look are additionally the strengths of the “OpenFit Air”. Even the transport and charging case is pleasantly useful. This makes it a way more sensible choice for on the go than headphones with a headscarf.
Sound: Having fun with music sounds completely different
And but, as a result of design of the headphones, we have now to make compromises by way of music high quality. Thanks to varied setting choices throughout the Shokz app, we have been capable of enhance this and convey out the reasonably weak bass a bit. Customers who consciously go for the “open ear” idea so as to have the ability to hear ambient noise on the similar time always will most likely settle for this.
Nevertheless, as helpful as it’s in lots of conditions to have the ability to hear ambient noises – for instance on the road – it’s not attainable to talk of “enjoyment” of music right here. Music does present us with a welcome distraction once we are travelling by prepare or on our bike, with out risking our lives in site visitors as a result of we aren’t conscious of something round us.