[su_box title="Note" style="default" box_color="#333333" title_color="#FFFFFF" radius="3" class=""] As a member of the Aftershokz ShokzLab program, I have been very fortunate to be gifted a pair of Aftershokz Aeropex to review. However, this review is my own view and has not been influenced in any way by AfterShokz. [/su_box]
Aftershokz Aeropex vs Aftershokz Titanium
I purchased the Aftershokz Titanium over 2 years ago (read my article here) and whilst they have been an essential part of my kit when out running, I now have a pair of Aeropex which is 2 generations on from Titanium, with the Aftershokz Air being released late last year. Whilst sharing my thoughts about the Aftershokz Aeropex after a week of use including training and in-race, I will be mainly comparing them against the Titanium.
Comfort
Wow – I can honestly say these are superlightweight and comfortable – almost to the point that you forget you’re wearing them. They weigh just 26g compared to the 36g of Titanium, and whilst the weight differential doesn’t really matter to me – it does go to show how much less material there is in the Aeropex and how much smaller they are – making them more comfortable. (see the image in the gallery below to visually see the differennce.)
Sound Quality
Aftershokz usese Bone Conduction technology, basically the vibrations are passed directly through the cheekbones to the inner ear. (As opposed to pushing air vibrations through the ear with normal headphones.) This means your ears are still open to hear the environment around you – so important if you are running or cycling.
The issue with bone conduction is the lack of bass as compared to “normal” headphones. With the Titanium, it was something I was happy to sacrifice to ensure I could run safely either when training or racing. The Aeropex have kicked it up a notch though! In my opinion, the sound quality and bass has been improved no end. They have improved the sound leakage too – less sound to the surrounding environment means more and better quality sound delivered to me!
Other Improvements over the Titanium
- Waterproofing – The Aeropex are IP67 certified compared to the IP55 rating of the Titanium. Meaning I could take them for a dunk in the water if I were to take them on a Trail Run. But at the very least, I know that if I am running in hot weather, I can just throw water over my head and body (which I did at the Stoke on Trent Festival of Running last weekend) the Aeropex will be just fine.
- Running time – The Aeropex have a better (and smaller!) battery and can run for around 8 hours compared to the 6 of Titanium. I have been known to run a few ultras (see Equinox24) and it’s great to know they can go on and on (even if my legs give out)
- Charging – This is a small thing, but the charger plug (running via USB) is a small magnetic mechnism which has a satisfying “click” when connected to the Aeropex. With the properties of magnets – you can’t charge the wrong way round (I found this out earlier). This is infinitely easier and safer than having to remove the cover of the Titanium and plugging in the micro USB.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to upgrade your Aftershokz Titanium to the new Aftershokz Aeropex, then I say “Do it!”. There have been so many improvements that it’s a no-brainer.
If you are new to Aftershokz, the Aeropex are a great introduction to Bone Conduction technology. The quality of sound has improved so much that they’re comparable with “normal” headphones. As a bonus, Aftershokz headphones are the only ones which you can legally run in road races (headphones are usually banned due to the “sound immersion”). There are many places you can try AfterShokz (I have seen stands at most major races). Have a look, try them on, you may be surprised!
