As an avid fitness enthusiast who loves to mix things up with swimming and gym sessions, I’m always on the lookout for versatile gadgets that can keep up with my active lifestyle. When I heard about the Shokz OpenSwim Pro (previously known as AfterShokz Xtrainerz), bone conduction headphones specifically designed for swimming and waterproof workouts, my interest was piqued. Could these be the answer to my music woes during water workouts?
After putting them through the paces both in the pool and during intense gym sessions, I’m ready to share my comprehensive review of the Shokz OpenSwim Pro. From sound quality to comfort and design, I’ll delve into my experience and see if these headphones are worth diving into.
Unboxing the Shokz OpenSwim Pro
The Shokz OpenSwim Pro arrives in a sleek package that includes everything you need to get started. Inside the box, you’ll find:
- OpenSwim Pro headphones
- USB-A magnetic charging cable
- Silicone carrying pouch
- Quick start guide
The first thing I noticed was the premium feel of the headphones. They have a sturdy yet lightweight build, and the overall design is sleek and modern. The silicone carrying pouch provided a convenient way to store and transport the headphones without worrying about damage.
Design and Comfort: Made for Movement
The OpenSwim Pro boasts an IP68 waterproof rating, meaning they are built to withstand complete submersion in up to 2 meters of water for up to 2 hours. This makes them ideal not only for swimming but also for any water-based activities like surfing, kayaking, or even just showering with music.
One of the standout features of these headphones is their open-ear design. Unlike traditional earbuds or headphones that sit inside or over your ears, the OpenSwim Pro utilizes bone conduction technology. This means that transducers rest on your cheekbones, sending vibrations through your bones to deliver sound directly to your inner ear, leaving your ear canals open.
In practice, this design has several benefits. Firstly, it provides unparalleled situational awareness, which is crucial for safety during outdoor activities and swimming. You can clearly hear ambient sounds like traffic or lifeguard whistles, ensuring a safer experience.
Secondly, the open-ear design contributes to exceptional comfort, especially during long workouts. I’ve personally experienced discomfort and even ear infections with traditional earbuds in the past, particularly during intense exercise. With the OpenSwim Pro, I never experienced any such issues. The lightweight design and secure fit allowed me to wear them for hours without any fatigue or irritation. The wraparound-the-back style kept them firmly in place, even during vigorous movements.
Sound Quality: Tailored for Bone Conduction
Let’s be upfront: bone conduction technology, by its nature, won’t deliver the same audio fidelity as traditional headphones or earbuds, especially when it comes to bass response. However, the OpenSwim Pro surprised me with its sound quality. While you shouldn’t expect deep, thumping bass, the overall sound is clear, well-balanced, and surprisingly rich for bone conduction.
In the swimming pool, the audio quality was impressive. The watertight design effectively blocked out any distracting water noises, allowing me to focus on my rhythm and enjoy my workout playlist. The sound was clear and consistent, even when submerged.
During gym workouts, the OpenSwim Pro continued to impress. The open-ear design allowed me to stay aware of my surroundings, which is crucial for safety in a gym environment. The music kept me motivated without drowning out the sounds of weights clanging or trainers giving instructions. While the bass response wasn’t as powerful as I might prefer for intense gym sessions, the overall audio quality was more than adequate for maintaining my energy levels.
Controls and Features: Simple and Effective
The OpenSwim Pro keeps things simple with physical button controls, which I found to be a welcome change from finicky touch controls often found on other headphones. The buttons are easy to locate and press, even with wet fingers. They allow you to control volume, skip tracks, play/pause music, and answer calls effortlessly.
One of the standout features of these headphones is the built-in MP3 player with 4GB of storage, which can hold approximately 1,200 songs. This means you can enjoy your music without having to carry your phone, making it ideal for swimming, running, or other activities where carrying a device is inconvenient. The headphones support MP3, WAV, FLAC, AAC, and WMA file formats, providing ample flexibility.
Battery Life: Powers Through Long Workouts
The OpenSwim Pro boasts an impressive battery life of up to 8 hours on a single charge, which is more than enough to power through multiple workouts or even a full day of use. I found this claim to be accurate in my testing. Even after several hours of use, the battery life remained strong.
When it comes to charging, the OpenSwim Pro utilizes a magnetic charging cable. The magnetic connection makes it easy to attach the cable, and it snaps into place securely, ensuring a reliable charge. A full charge takes approximately 2 hours.
Connectivity: Seamless and Reliable
When connected to my smartphone via Bluetooth, the OpenSwim Pro provided a stable and reliable connection. I never experienced any dropouts or interruptions, even during intense workouts. The Bluetooth range is up to 33 feet, which is more than enough freedom for most workout scenarios.
Final Verdict: Are the Shokz OpenSwim Pro Worth It?
After extensive use in both wet and dry workout environments, I can confidently say that the Shokz OpenSwim Pro bone conduction headphones have earned their place as my go-to audio companion for swimming and sweaty workouts. The combination of their comfortable open-ear design, impressive IP68 waterproof rating, surprisingly good sound quality for bone conduction, and convenient features like the built-in MP3 player make them a compelling choice for active individuals.
Pros:
- IP68 waterproof rating for swimming and water activities
- Open-ear design for situational awareness and comfort
- Secure and comfortable fit for workouts
- Clear sound quality with decent range
- Built-in MP3 player for phone-free listening
- Long battery life up to 8 hours
- Easy-to-use physical button controls
Cons:
- Bass response may not satisfy bass enthusiasts
- Open-ear design means some sound leakage is inevitable
If you’re a swimmer, water sports enthusiast, or simply someone who wants comfortable and safe headphones for intense workouts, the Shokz OpenSwim Pro bone conduction headphones are a fantastic investment. They deliver on their promises of durability, comfort, and quality sound, making them a worthy addition to any active individual’s gear collection.
