7 months from this video, there have been software updates to the Openfit and the touch controls are much better. Give it another shot, you might be surprised (or not) 😂
Yeah i absolutely love mine, never liked the older shokz because the audio quality was just too bad to trade in for the awareness imho. These feel like the perfect balance. I do realise it's finicky to tap or swipe on them but i get along great with it. What works for me is to put my thumb on the backside behind my ear (on the thick part that hangs behind your ear) and then tap with my "pointing" finger. So it ends up being a pinching/tapping motion. But trying to tap away with just my finger while running is hard yeah haha. And maybe it's just me, but i turn on some playlist, podcast or audiobook and leave it. It's expensive tho yeah, but they do exactly what i want them to do and what i bought them for.
Touch control 101 begins with that secondary physical point of reference. Even try using your palm on them. Shokz do tend to be like bullhorns and even on a budget, there is better B.C. audio quality available.
Honestly I’m so VERY glad I listened to your review 1st. Like you I’ve loved all the iterations of the aftershocks and shocks bone conduction headphones. I’ve used their products for 4-5 years now and I normally have 2-3 pairs because I like to have a second set ready for when I need to charge a set. I think you are spot on when it comes to having to deal with touch sensitive controls instead of having tactile buttons for volume, power, and song selection. I’ve bought earbuds in the past with touch sensitivity only controls and I regretted ever buying them because of that seemingly minor detail to some people. Believe it or not for me the best all around sound, especially bass, we’re the Aftershockz Trekz. The newest pro versions don’t have the volume or punch like the older ones did, for me at least. Regardless they are hands down the best headphone/earbuds I’ve ever owned. Thank you for stopping me from making an expensive mistake with the new true wireless earbuds from shokz.
I'm a newbie so thanks for your history about the Trekz. I have to believe that 9th generation turbo pitch or whatever is the current jargon,... previous generations must have sounded like a Mairdi or anything musical. I sell a musical (1st generation) BC headset with 1 touch and 2 buttons... Just touch, no swipe... can palm it if you like. IMO open ear is not supposed to be super loud. If you want it loud you'll get vibrations, and new Shokz seems to be focused on reducing vibrations by distilling the bass. Rant: Given 4 choices, Move$, Run$$, and PRO$$$, and hype, you might believe that no one can do better sound. They reproduce generally 3 frequencies. One sorta bass 120Hz, one is "mid" 500Hz, and the other is sorta treble 505Hz. ,, With N/C mics, great for being understood but poor for liking what you hear... and there's more...
I have the Truefree 01 with good and easy touch controlls.10 hours battery life on each bud and with charging case up to 45 hours. They have a great soundstage for such budhooked types.Loud enough for outdoors and 16.2 mm drivers.Not sure about water or dustproofing.I bought for 41 Euro about 1 month ago and use them in and outdoors.When calling they block some noise out and the other side can understand you good.I bought them by amazon.
The best honest review about this product I have ever watched. Some UA-camrs exaggeratedly describe this earbuds that a viewer forgets that the philosophy of listening to the music is good details that requires isolated environment. Meanwhile other brands are trying to suppress ambient noise and the noise canceling is the most important factor for their earbuds, some guys are so appreciating of these earbuds sound quality that we think others are trash. The bone conduction of sound is a choice for those people who have normal hearing problems, otherwise air conduction sound & music hearing undoubtedly is the best way to enjoy music. Thanks ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Got to love this guy for his honesty. I got the original shokz and I do like them apart from having them on with a hat on.. Which is a bits during winter.. But I just have to put up with it. :)
Not sure what really is your issue with the Openfit. I use it for running, I have no issue with changing songs track, adjusting volume and answering calls. If you are running hard, RUN, why in the world would you want to answer a call? It's sure a straight forward and honest opinion review, but it sure sounded more like a ranting video. All earbuds with touch control, regardless of brands, all have their shortcomings, you just need to learn how to use them properly and set your expectations correct. I owned and run with Shokz OpenRun and Openfit, like them both and really no issue using with either one. Double-tapping on Openfit work well for me, long press for volume control does have a slight lag, but it works. There is not sliding functions on Openfit, you just need to know exactly where to tap or hold on the Openfit. That is my HONEST opinion has a runner who uses Openfit. I would actually recommend it.
I bought them, and I had to return them. They kept turning off, and the touch controls were terrible. Then the right one didn't charge well, so I ended up with only the left earbud while running. I returned to my Shokz Openrun, the best I've had.
This trend with touch controls and no way to turn earbuds off is annoying on any earbuds, and I don't understand it. Not only is it just easier with buttons (also when walking), but now I also have to bring the case if I'm going somewhere and want to turn them off? It's ridiculous
I'm like you in that I like being able to put my headphones on for the last 1-2k of an effort to get me through the hard bit, and then as I cross the line, pull them back off and around my neck without any fuss or faff. I think these would still be a good purchase for everyday headphones, especially for the zombies that walk around busy centres, headphones on, with no awareness of what's happening around them, but at £180 there are better optionsthat can give ambient awareness for a cheaper price. They seem to have created a great product for the wrong market and the wrong price
Honestly these sound almost perfect for me, I wouldn’t be using these for running (maybe on the treadmill) but I normally use my phone or Apple Watch to change songs or whatever. I have the OpenRun Pro headphones & love them. I can’t wear earpods cause my ears are too small & I have a sensitivity to things in my ears - so I feel like these might be a perfect thing to try.
@@scrbsprite34736 Bought them & they only hurt if I wear them overnight (which doesn't happen often), I use the OpenRun Pro to listen to stuff before bed now.
Spot on. I have touch control sports earbuds from JBL.. I can't use them for running or for yoga as every time I touch with shoulder during yoga or having a hat on or anything like that they always stop or act up or jump track.. Should not put touch control on sports headphones. That's it. I have to regular shokz and I do like those.. Sound is good enough for me there.. Only the back loop gets in the way if I have a hoodie or winter gear on when running..
For this price I would suggest the Powerbeats Pro also with the ear hooks and they are better audio quality. The only negative is the right earbud is sensitive on the charger and sometimes doesn't charge when you think it is so just check to make sure it's charging properly.
Just bought them and think there must of been an upgrade as vol up and down , pause next track/ prev track all good. Sound quality is superior to open move shokz and no annoying vibrations. Only issue I have is that wearing them for longer e.g plus 1 hr they begin to feel uncomfortable. Hopefully I can sort that out.
Love my Open Run Pros… totally dissatisfied with Open Fit for all of your reasons. In addition, for me they don’t get loud enough in a busy traffic environment; they cover the ear - sweat can’t escape. I use them at home, inside.
I own one and I love it. But you are right, the controls could be better. Touch controls work accurately for me but will prefer buttons over touch any day.
Thanks for honest review of those. I'm recreational runner training 3 times per week. I have philips bone condution headphones but I don't like them fully because of the few issues. Nr one issue is the headband. If I use any cap it's really annoying me. Also with no cap if sometimes I turn my head around I can feel it. Really annoying. Also sound quality is really mediocre but this is just the technology issue. Rock music is not rich enough, bass is non existent on these. That is why I'm searching for something that can replace philips. I also do not control anything on headphones but on my apple watch ultra - no issues to change songs, volume etc - even during faster paces. I really need comfort, good fit(no bouncing during running/falling off) and better sound quality than bone conduction. I have airpods pro but still like to hear my surroundings. Thisi s not possible with awareness mode on those.
I'm on my THIRD pair of these now and about to return these because of consistent issues with one earbud not connecting/charging regardless of resetting. I thought I was unlucky with the first one or two, but for three to be faulty there has to be a design issue. It's a real shame as the sound quality is good, but they are SO unreliable. Conversely, the new OpenRun Pro's which I recently purchased are excellent.
I don’t disagree with wanting to have better controls on these. I have a pair myself and also dislike the touch functionality. I’ve found it a lot easier to control play/pause/skip tracks & volume by using my Garmin watch controls. Obviously you would need to run with your phone and your Garmin watch paired to that, but if you do this, it’s a lot easier to use the physical buttons on my Garmin watch to control music or answer calls for these headphones and I never need to actually touch them in my ears then.
I care about 3 things... battery life, which this seems good enough. Then, comfort and sound quality. I use my phone for everything else. Will I be happy with these, or is there something better I should look into?
Love my shokz aeropex, had them for 3 years now. This review made me go check to make sure the openrun haven't gone down the same design route. Tha k god they haven't. 100% agree, don't need to be faffing with touch gestures etc when running. Bad enough with the minor annoyance of trying to skip backwards with 3 presses of the button, and it skips forward because ur third press wasn't quick enough. Long live tactile buttons and controls for ease of use.
Thankyou for the honest review, I have some old Shokz bone conductor headphones and they’re bloody useless with the Garmin Fenix 7 audio prompts, looking for something better.
I was a serious runner until 1991 when a drunk driver ended running for me. Who needs to carry a smartphone when running? At 62, I regularly do brisk walks and cycle for hours and admit getting enjoyment from my smartphone. The SHOKZ OPEN FIT complete the package for me, even in severe winter. Controls aren't an important element for many of us.😀
Agree, sweaty and breathing through my hoop, or running when it's chucking down - I NEED buttons! My Shokz OpenRun will do me fine, and as you said, can drop them onto my neck to listen to the birds tweet, or to free my mind!
Fordy has been unsubscribed from the shokz Xmas card list. Honest review 👏🏻. At £180 you certainly can get a better option, the shokz opened pro are a good option.
While the sound is great, they actually dont handle sweat very well. The speakers gets clogged with loss of sound volume and/or quality as a result. Shokz costumerservice does not recognise this as a fault and say that "that is just the way it is" with openfit. So if you do tend to sweat when working out, choose another set of earbuds. Too bad, actually, as they fit very well and the sound is awesome (as long as you dont "sweat the sound away")
Thanks for sharing your experience! It's always helpful to know how products perform in real-life situations, especially for those who sweat during workouts.
Oh wow Fordy the Openfit really made you grumpy! 😄 I love my Aeropex and was really excited about these. Disappointed that the usability is a faff. No one needs that when they're chasing down a PB!
Sony's touch control is great. You can tap your ear instead of the headphones and it works great in real life. That's too bad Shokz Openfit cant do that.
I like the look of these, but appreciate the honest feedback. I have a similar complaint with the Sony Linkbuds, really like them but the touch controls don’t always work. I end up setting them up assuming I’m not going to change volume or skip tracks, which limits use-ability. I like the buttons on my Aftershokz, easy to operate on the move.
I just got mine, I agree with you 100% . Touch Buttons are so hard to use , even when I’m not running and yes, I do miss the neck band on their OpenRun. Also, I rise off my headset after a run or ride, and I like to air dry them while charging…. Can’t do it with these since they need to be in the case to charge, and it doesn’t feel right having them inside the case when they are wet or damp. Sound quality is better than the OpenRun , but as soon as outside noise interferes, they are no better than the OpenRun. This is especially true when using them while cycling when wind and traffic noise are high. Sound quality are great for running and walking….but aaarrgg , those touch buttons!
Just wondering after reading comments... Did you try reading the instructions for the control functions? But really my question is, can you lay on a pillow on the side of your head with this headpiece comfortably? We have to use headphones or the like while watching TV and in earbuds are very uncomfortable.
It won't be comfortable. The earpiece sits just away from your ear which is amazing when you're upright, but if you lie down then it will press hard against your ear just the same as any other. The only slight advantage is it will press against your ear rather than into your ear which is what happens with earbuds, but it still isn't nice. Honestly, I've tried. And I've tried a LOT of options for sleep phones (without much success!)
I have the openshockz pro. I love everything. I am using to work, running and almost everywhere. I'm not sure if I should get this when im using when i lie down on my bed or somewhere comfortable where i need to rest my head. Can you do a review on that with it? Unless if you went back and refund it xD.
I use mpow flame solo for 30 quid. I got so fed up of spending proper money on sports earphones and them being rubbish. The mpow for the price are great they have buttons and sound awesome. Try them out absolute bargain. 👍
Have you ever paused and think about this in another way, that this product is meant more as an everyday headset to be used on commute, in the office etc, rather than running? And that maybe if you need a headset built for running there is the openrun pro?? Mind-blowing I know. Also, the controls are truly bad, agreed. But if you actually looked at the app you could have understood that there are no slide gestures, only double tap and press/hold. Kinda compromises your credibility going into a tirade without even getting your facts right.
Not an excuse for crap tech but put the music on the watch and then control the tracks and volume from the watch. But appreciate not everybody has a Garmin with music space.
Got them, finally after seeing tons of reviews. 20 seconds of listening, sending straight back. Sound quality is terrible. I'd rather get run over than live with that. Maybe I have strange ear shape as the sound changes a lot depending on how it sits on my ear but its just good enough for that price.
Absolutely fantastic review. I wish I would have seen this before I bought them. But you are absolutely correct. I've been using open run for years and I love them. I was sadly disappointed after getting these connected. Controls are useless not to mention they have a lag. I do not use these for running but I use them in the car and at home watching UA-cam videos will drive you crazy.
I`m not a runner , but I`m with you on the user experience and functionality , controls should be easy and second nature without having to root around , like my old Bose Q35 proper full sized headphones(which I have worn to death 😃) that have buttons all over the place , and a button down low for volume in easy reach and a button up high for volume the other way , it just works instantly no dicking around. I even have this annoyance with modern cars , like for example on a stupid Tesla you have to go to the tv screen and go through menus to adjust your door mirrors FFS ! ...... why not just have a knob on the frigging door like common sense old school cars ........ sorry I got off the track ...... but I know exactly where your coming from. I have been looking for some of the over ear headphones like the Rokz because I hate bloody buds right in your earole , and the bloody things apart from being truly uncomfortable refuse to stay in my bloody ears anyway ! you've earned a sub and a like mate for your honest review ...... thanks for posting.
SoundCore Aerofit Open are even better than these shokz & is why they're not showing the comparison on UA-cam. 😂😂😂 looks nice, feels lite on the ears, but music is low on them. Phone calls are perfect & that's it. I HAD THEM😂😂😂. SoundCore is the better deal
Sorry this was so funny but I totally agree. I have never got on with these functions on other headphones either. Like you say - maybe its an age thing....Give me buttons any day
I don't know for sure if these are hard to use or not, but it's sad to see someone with an audience complaining so much without reading the user manual. Both headphones do have controls and they're "press and hold" and "double tap" options. There's no sliding required. Its not limited to one ear. You can change the functions in the app settings. I don't own these headphones but found that info pretty easily. Your review makes it impossible to know if they are actually difficult to use or you just made no effort to learn about the product you were reviewing.
I did read the manual, none of the touch controls worked consistently, I thought there was a defect with the 1st ones I got sent them back 2nd pair had the same issues, touch didn't work almost all the time. Went back to using oladance
@ 1:10 they're 180 pounds...OMG!! I weigh 205lbs so how can you wear these and still run.. LOL!! 😆 Great review and a little bit of humor there for ya. I work out and do short treadmill HIT sessions so these would work for me but I'm with you on the button insanity slide, tap, tap, slide, tap...etc. even if you're not running and the price is super high.
So what you're saying is that if I'm not gonna use them for running, or if I do, just keep listening to the same playlist or audiobook, It's just fine? I never got a pair of wireless in ears for the simple fact that they constantly falls out of my ears, which these seem to solve. How are they with audio bleed if you're watching something next to someone else?
I couldn’t justify spending that on earphones. Mine cost me £20 and though they are in-earphones, they work and I can listen to The LongRun podcast. May look at cheap set of bone conduction ones to see if they work for me but would rather spend that money on new trainers. #pooreverydayrunner 😂😊
With you on the neck band - mine are on and off - and safe around the neck - I think having to always have them around my ears would be irritating if I had no safe easy way to remove them. You can keep all you shree wam bam wam tech malarkey and better pitch twaddle - they need to be functional and practical for performance is all.
I bought mine after watching your video. Chose to ignore you great points at the end about inability to RELIABLY control the buds. Big mistake. 24 hours later i was ready to throw them on the ground and mash them into the dirt in frustration. Bringing them back. Sound is awesome. Functionality is terrible.
These would no way be good enough for me and cope with my levels of 😅💦💦 I recently lost my 2nd pair of Jaybird Vista 2 and my first pair of Vista 2 + the case on my original Vista both succumbed to moisture. Recently bought a pair of Bang & Olufsen Beoplay E8 Sport which O am getting on pretty well with. Something which annoys me about Shokz is this rubbish that they have with England Athletics about being the only safe way to listen to music while you run and therefore the only earphones deemed suitable to wear in races. An absolute nonsense which is nothing more than a sponsorship deal in my eyes. All shokz are poor sound quality.
![[Tested] Watch This Before You Buy! Oladance OWS Pro vs Shokz OpenFit](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/BoJVJ7hUc58/mqdefault.jpg)
7 months from this video, there have been software updates to the Openfit and the touch controls are much better. Give it another shot, you might be surprised (or not) 😂
maybe but there no volume controler
There is now volume control, look into it. It works just fine.
@@duhhubb i will, thank you!
Why would you be running hard and taking a call and dicking around with these? Running hard, by default means, you can’t keep a conversation.
@@jimmyjam5146 because the guy in the video is idiot, typical of english men
I like your reviews because you speak from the view of a general runner instead of going over the technology that no one understands.
Thank you very much
Yeah i absolutely love mine, never liked the older shokz because the audio quality was just too bad to trade in for the awareness imho. These feel like the perfect balance. I do realise it's finicky to tap or swipe on them but i get along great with it. What works for me is to put my thumb on the backside behind my ear (on the thick part that hangs behind your ear) and then tap with my "pointing" finger. So it ends up being a pinching/tapping motion. But trying to tap away with just my finger while running is hard yeah haha. And maybe it's just me, but i turn on some playlist, podcast or audiobook and leave it. It's expensive tho yeah, but they do exactly what i want them to do and what i bought them for.
Glad they work for you
Not really cared for buttons, physical or touch. I always used my watch for controls.
@@FordyRuns I have to say though, after about 1-2 hours when i'm really sweaty, the grip does loosen a bit around my ear.
I have the OpenMove, i paid £56 for them in the sale@@FordyRuns
Touch control 101 begins with that secondary physical point of reference. Even try using your palm on them. Shokz do tend to be like bullhorns and even on a budget, there is better B.C. audio quality available.
Honestly I’m so VERY glad I listened to your review 1st. Like you I’ve loved all the iterations of the aftershocks and shocks bone conduction headphones. I’ve used their products for 4-5 years now and I normally have 2-3 pairs because I like to have a second set ready for when I need to charge a set. I think you are spot on when it comes to having to deal with touch sensitive controls instead of having tactile buttons for volume, power, and song selection. I’ve bought earbuds in the past with touch sensitivity only controls and I regretted ever buying them because of that seemingly minor detail to some people. Believe it or not for me the best all around sound, especially bass, we’re the Aftershockz Trekz. The newest pro versions don’t have the volume or punch like the older ones did, for me at least. Regardless they are hands down the best headphone/earbuds I’ve ever owned. Thank you for stopping me from making an expensive mistake with the new true wireless earbuds from shokz.
I'm a newbie so thanks for your history about the Trekz. I have to believe that 9th generation turbo pitch or whatever is the current jargon,... previous generations must have sounded like a Mairdi or anything musical. I sell a musical (1st generation) BC headset with 1 touch and 2 buttons... Just touch, no swipe... can palm it if you like. IMO open ear is not supposed to be super loud. If you want it loud you'll get vibrations, and new Shokz seems to be focused on reducing vibrations by distilling the bass. Rant: Given 4 choices, Move$, Run$$, and PRO$$$, and hype, you might believe that no one can do better sound. They reproduce generally 3 frequencies. One sorta bass 120Hz, one is "mid" 500Hz, and the other is sorta treble 505Hz. ,, With N/C mics, great for being understood but poor for liking what you hear... and there's more...
I have the Truefree 01 with good and easy touch controlls.10 hours battery life on each bud and with charging case up to 45 hours. They have a great soundstage for such budhooked types.Loud enough for outdoors and 16.2 mm drivers.Not sure about water or dustproofing.I bought for 41 Euro about 1 month ago and use them in and outdoors.When calling they block some noise out and the other side can understand you good.I bought them by amazon.
The best honest review about this product I have ever watched.
Some UA-camrs exaggeratedly describe this earbuds that a viewer forgets that the philosophy of listening to the music is good details that requires isolated environment.
Meanwhile other brands are trying to suppress ambient noise and the noise canceling is the most important factor for their earbuds, some guys are so appreciating of these earbuds sound quality that we think others are trash.
The bone conduction of sound is a choice for those people who have normal hearing problems, otherwise air conduction sound & music hearing undoubtedly is the best way to enjoy music.
Thanks
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ahh. Thanks Fordy, you took it for the team. That was cathartic.
Got to love this guy for his honesty. I got the original shokz and I do like them apart from having them on with a hat on.. Which is a bits during winter.. But I just have to put up with it. :)
Not sure what really is your issue with the Openfit. I use it for running, I have no issue with changing songs track, adjusting volume and answering calls.
If you are running hard, RUN, why in the world would you want to answer a call?
It's sure a straight forward and honest opinion review, but it sure sounded more like a ranting video.
All earbuds with touch control, regardless of brands, all have their shortcomings, you just need to learn how to use them properly and set your expectations correct.
I owned and run with Shokz OpenRun and Openfit, like them both and really no issue using with either one.
Double-tapping on Openfit work well for me, long press for volume control does have a slight lag, but it works.
There is not sliding functions on Openfit, you just need to know exactly where to tap or hold on the Openfit.
That is my HONEST opinion has a runner who uses Openfit. I would actually recommend it.
These are amazing. Love mine. Sound quality is great and they are super comfortable.
How you get on with the touch controls?
I love mine too. I'm not a runner though. I forget I have them on they are so comfortable and don't block outside sound.
I totally agree with you with that fancy touch control. I am like you I hate those buds with touch control - it never controlled!
I bought them, and I had to return them. They kept turning off, and the touch controls were terrible. Then the right one didn't charge well, so I ended up with only the left earbud while running. I returned to my Shokz Openrun, the best I've had.
yep the old ones work perfectly
This trend with touch controls and no way to turn earbuds off is annoying on any earbuds, and I don't understand it. Not only is it just easier with buttons (also when walking), but now I also have to bring the case if I'm going somewhere and want to turn them off? It's ridiculous
Totally agree
I'm like you in that I like being able to put my headphones on for the last 1-2k of an effort to get me through the hard bit, and then as I cross the line, pull them back off and around my neck without any fuss or faff. I think these would still be a good purchase for everyday headphones, especially for the zombies that walk around busy centres, headphones on, with no awareness of what's happening around them, but at £180 there are better optionsthat can give ambient awareness for a cheaper price. They seem to have created a great product for the wrong market and the wrong price
Very helpful. Almost considered buying them. Glad I‘ve watched your video 👍
i love these insights and how popoks breaks it down and makes it plain!
Honestly these sound almost perfect for me, I wouldn’t be using these for running (maybe on the treadmill) but I normally use my phone or Apple Watch to change songs or whatever.
I have the OpenRun Pro headphones & love them. I can’t wear earpods cause my ears are too small & I have a sensitivity to things in my ears - so I feel like these might be a perfect thing to try.
don't buy them they hurt after awhile
@@scrbsprite34736 Bought them & they only hurt if I wear them overnight (which doesn't happen often), I use the OpenRun Pro to listen to stuff before bed now.
Spot on. I have touch control sports earbuds from JBL.. I can't use them for running or for yoga as every time I touch with shoulder during yoga or having a hat on or anything like that they always stop or act up or jump track.. Should not put touch control on sports headphones. That's it. I have to regular shokz and I do like those.. Sound is good enough for me there.. Only the back loop gets in the way if I have a hoodie or winter gear on when running..
Don’t sit on the fence Fordy! :) brilliant video, I love the honesty. I have a basic pair of Shokz that do everything I need from them.
Yep that’s all you need
For this price I would suggest the Powerbeats Pro also with the ear hooks and they are better audio quality. The only negative is the right earbud is sensitive on the charger and sometimes doesn't charge when you think it is so just check to make sure it's charging properly.
Just bought them and think there must of been an upgrade as vol up and down , pause next track/ prev track all good. Sound quality is superior to open move shokz and no annoying vibrations. Only issue I have is that wearing them for longer e.g plus 1 hr they begin to feel uncomfortable. Hopefully I can sort that out.
Love my Open Run Pros… totally dissatisfied with Open Fit for all of your reasons. In addition, for me they don’t get loud enough in a busy traffic environment; they cover the ear - sweat can’t escape. I use them at home, inside.
Agreed. Aftershokz with buttons is easier. I'm not concerned about sound quality when I run. I just need something to distract from the pain!!! 😂
Agree!!!
I own one and I love it. But you are right, the controls could be better. Touch controls work accurately for me but will prefer buttons over touch any day.
Fair enough!
Man, I can't tell you how much money you've saved me in the year I've been running and following you on here.
Glad we can help
Thanks for honest review of those. I'm recreational runner training 3 times per week. I have philips bone condution headphones but I don't like them fully because of the few issues. Nr one issue is the headband. If I use any cap it's really annoying me. Also with no cap if sometimes I turn my head around I can feel it. Really annoying. Also sound quality is really mediocre but this is just the technology issue. Rock music is not rich enough, bass is non existent on these. That is why I'm searching for something that can replace philips. I also do not control anything on headphones but on my apple watch ultra - no issues to change songs, volume etc - even during faster paces. I really need comfort, good fit(no bouncing during running/falling off) and better sound quality than bone conduction. I have airpods pro but still like to hear my surroundings. Thisi s not possible with awareness mode on those.
I brought a pair and completely agree fordy regarding the controls they are terrible to use. I sent them back
Hero
I love the passion. chill pill needed, I’ll stick with the old school pros.
Taken one
I'm on my THIRD pair of these now and about to return these because of consistent issues with one earbud not connecting/charging regardless of resetting. I thought I was unlucky with the first one or two, but for three to be faulty there has to be a design issue. It's a real shame as the sound quality is good, but they are SO unreliable. Conversely, the new OpenRun Pro's which I recently purchased are excellent.
loved the honestness !! now...the important question ! - what are you using to record the video's when you are out running ??? - thanks
Mixture of cameras from GoPro to insta
Honesty?
I don’t disagree with wanting to have better controls on these. I have a pair myself and also dislike the touch functionality. I’ve found it a lot easier to control play/pause/skip tracks & volume by using my Garmin watch controls. Obviously you would need to run with your phone and your Garmin watch paired to that, but if you do this, it’s a lot easier to use the physical buttons on my Garmin watch to control music or answer calls for these headphones and I never need to actually touch them in my ears then.
I care about 3 things... battery life, which this seems good enough. Then, comfort and sound quality. I use my phone for everything else. Will I be happy with these, or is there something better I should look into?
Love my shokz aeropex, had them for 3 years now. This review made me go check to make sure the openrun haven't gone down the same design route. Tha k god they haven't. 100% agree, don't need to be faffing with touch gestures etc when running. Bad enough with the minor annoyance of trying to skip backwards with 3 presses of the button, and it skips forward because ur third press wasn't quick enough. Long live tactile buttons and controls for ease of use.
Yep buttons are the future
Thankyou for the honest review, I have some old Shokz bone conductor headphones and they’re bloody useless with the Garmin Fenix 7 audio prompts, looking for something better.
I was a serious runner until 1991 when a drunk driver ended running for me. Who needs to carry a smartphone when running? At 62, I regularly do brisk walks and cycle for hours and admit getting enjoyment from my smartphone. The SHOKZ OPEN FIT complete the package for me, even in severe winter. Controls aren't an important element for many of us.😀
Agree, sweaty and breathing through my hoop, or running when it's chucking down - I NEED buttons! My Shokz OpenRun will do me fine, and as you said, can drop them onto my neck to listen to the birds tweet, or to free my mind!
yep this is exactly it
Thanks for sharing!
Looks like a Garmin on your left wrist. Pair them with it and use the buttons on your watch.
Fordy has been unsubscribed from the shokz Xmas card list.
Honest review 👏🏻. At £180 you certainly can get a better option, the shokz opened pro are a good option.
Yeah I know but had to be said you can’t make bad products and let journalists say they are good when they ain’t
While the sound is great, they actually dont handle sweat very well. The speakers gets clogged with loss of sound volume and/or quality as a result. Shokz costumerservice does not recognise this as a fault and say that "that is just the way it is" with openfit.
So if you do tend to sweat when working out, choose another set of earbuds. Too bad, actually, as they fit very well and the sound is awesome (as long as you dont "sweat the sound away")
Thanks for sharing your experience! It's always helpful to know how products perform in real-life situations, especially for those who sweat during workouts.
Oh wow Fordy the Openfit really made you grumpy! 😄 I love my Aeropex and was really excited about these. Disappointed that the usability is a faff. No one needs that when they're chasing down a PB!
They really made me grumpy 🤣🤣🤣
Sony's touch control is great. You can tap your ear instead of the headphones and it works great in real life. That's too bad Shokz Openfit cant do that.
Using the Garmin music watch controls would be easier 😮
Maybe yeah
I like the look of these, but appreciate the honest feedback. I have a similar complaint with the Sony Linkbuds, really like them but the touch controls don’t always work. I end up setting them up assuming I’m not going to change volume or skip tracks, which limits use-ability. I like the buttons on my Aftershokz, easy to operate on the move.
Buttons all the way!!!!
Try to the Sony float run
Good morning. Good information, Fordy. I have the JBL headphones. Like from 🇪🇸. A nice day for everyone. 🏃🌞
Cool 👍
I have a set of them and I love mine. I use my more air pods and Sony Xm5
Hello. I use the controls with smartwatch. Listen loaded music in. Dont need to carry the Phone. Peace
I agree....I too hate the touch functions on all earbuds...not easy to use...
I just got mine, I agree with you 100% .
Touch Buttons are so hard to use , even when I’m not running and yes, I do miss the neck band on their OpenRun. Also, I rise off my headset after a run or ride, and I like to air dry them while charging…. Can’t do it with these since they need to be in the case to charge, and it doesn’t feel right having them inside the case when they are wet or damp.
Sound quality is better than the OpenRun , but as soon as outside noise interferes, they are no better than the OpenRun. This is especially true when using them while cycling when wind and traffic noise are high.
Sound quality are great for running and walking….but aaarrgg , those touch buttons!
Exactly glad it’s not just me
Unfortunately yes, All Shokz are designed to hear noise outside. Otherwise, get a noise-canceling headset.
I'd love to see the video of you using these during a 5k race. Slapping your head to change a track 😂
brilliant idea!!!
Just wondering after reading comments... Did you try reading the instructions for the control functions? But really my question is, can you lay on a pillow on the side of your head with this headpiece comfortably? We have to use headphones or the like while watching TV and in earbuds are very uncomfortable.
It won't be comfortable. The earpiece sits just away from your ear which is amazing when you're upright, but if you lie down then it will press hard against your ear just the same as any other. The only slight advantage is it will press against your ear rather than into your ear which is what happens with earbuds, but it still isn't nice.
Honestly, I've tried. And I've tried a LOT of options for sleep phones (without much success!)
Yeah. Updates have fixed this entire video.
I feel like the only time i would use bone conductors is during competition. Not during regular runs. 🤔 ive only done two races in my life so...
Just bought. Think I've learned 1 tap pauses and 2 taps plays. Not sure why they don't tell us that single tap pauses
I'll be keeping to my normal shokz then for the reasons you stated 😂😂
we need to see an openfit pro with physical controls
I swear by the Bose Sport. Basic, great sound and simple to use.
Good choice
combined with a iwatch ultra no downside mentioned is correct anymore;
I have the openshockz pro. I love everything. I am using to work, running and almost everywhere. I'm not sure if I should get this when im using when i lie down on my bed or somewhere comfortable where i need to rest my head. Can you do a review on that with it? Unless if you went back and refund it xD.
Thanks for the review , sounds like a good alternative to the apple ones( work / gym / PC), but not as you say trails / road work
Yeah
i love this guy 😂
I use mpow flame solo for 30 quid.
I got so fed up of spending proper money on sports earphones and them being rubbish. The mpow for the price are great they have buttons and sound awesome. Try them out absolute bargain. 👍
Will do
Have you ever paused and think about this in another way, that this product is meant more as an everyday headset to be used on commute, in the office etc, rather than running? And that maybe if you need a headset built for running there is the openrun pro?? Mind-blowing I know.
Also, the controls are truly bad, agreed. But if you actually looked at the app you could have understood that there are no slide gestures, only double tap and press/hold. Kinda compromises your credibility going into a tirade without even getting your facts right.
Brilliant thanks 🤣
Not an excuse for crap tech but put the music on the watch and then control the tracks and volume from the watch. But appreciate not everybody has a Garmin with music space.
fair enough
Aftershokz not working with the newer Garmin 6/7 watches kills it for me.
Mine gets clogged with masses and masses of my ear wax hence no headphones at all 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂. Takes ages to get wax out of them using a toothpick
Lovely
Got them, finally after seeing tons of reviews. 20 seconds of listening, sending straight back. Sound quality is terrible. I'd rather get run over than live with that. Maybe I have strange ear shape as the sound changes a lot depending on how it sits on my ear but its just good enough for that price.
When Fordy doesn't like something, he really doesnt 👀🤣
I’m still upset by them
I love your accent.
Absolutely fantastic review. I wish I would have seen this before I bought them. But you are absolutely correct. I've been using open run for years and I love them. I was sadly disappointed after getting these connected. Controls are useless not to mention they have a lag. I do not use these for running but I use them in the car and at home watching UA-cam videos will drive you crazy.
I hate touch controls my Toto’s have that and touch controls are a PIA.
I`m not a runner , but I`m with you on the user experience and functionality , controls should be easy and second nature without having to root around , like my old Bose Q35 proper full sized headphones(which I have worn to death 😃) that have buttons all over the place , and a button down low for volume in easy reach and a button up high for volume the other way , it just works instantly no dicking around.
I even have this annoyance with modern cars , like for example on a stupid Tesla you have to go to the tv screen and go through menus to adjust your door mirrors FFS ! ...... why not just have a knob on the frigging door like common sense old school cars ........ sorry I got off the track ...... but I know exactly where your coming from.
I have been looking for some of the over ear headphones like the Rokz because I hate bloody buds right in your earole , and the bloody things apart from being truly uncomfortable refuse to stay in my bloody ears anyway !
you've earned a sub and a like mate for your honest review ...... thanks for posting.
SoundCore Aerofit Open are even better than these shokz & is why they're not showing the comparison on UA-cam. 😂😂😂 looks nice, feels lite on the ears, but music is low on them. Phone calls are perfect & that's it. I HAD THEM😂😂😂. SoundCore is the better deal
Sorry this was so funny but I totally agree. I have never got on with these functions on other headphones either. Like you say - maybe its an age thing....Give me buttons any day
Gotta be my age 🤣
There are same device out there that has the same function, better sounds but much much cheaper
not sure if you like the controls. 🤣
RIPOFF that is all.
We truly need an uncle roger in this community.
Cheers!!!
Open run for running and OpenFit for NOT running. Problem solved, love.
I don't know for sure if these are hard to use or not, but it's sad to see someone with an audience complaining so much without reading the user manual. Both headphones do have controls and they're "press and hold" and "double tap" options. There's no sliding required. Its not limited to one ear. You can change the functions in the app settings. I don't own these headphones but found that info pretty easily. Your review makes it impossible to know if they are actually difficult to use or you just made no effort to learn about the product you were reviewing.
Fair enough
I did read the manual, none of the touch controls worked consistently, I thought there was a defect with the 1st ones I got sent them back 2nd pair had the same issues, touch didn't work almost all the time. Went back to using oladance
Who the heck is trying to mess with headphones when running fast?
@ 1:10 they're 180 pounds...OMG!! I weigh 205lbs so how can you wear these and still run.. LOL!! 😆
Great review and a little bit of humor there for ya.
I work out and do short treadmill HIT sessions so these would work for me but I'm with you on the button insanity slide, tap, tap, slide, tap...etc. even if you're not running and the price is super high.
So what you're saying is that if I'm not gonna use them for running, or if I do, just keep listening to the same playlist or audiobook, It's just fine?
I never got a pair of wireless in ears for the simple fact that they constantly falls out of my ears, which these seem to solve.
How are they with audio bleed if you're watching something next to someone else?
I couldn’t justify spending that on earphones. Mine cost me £20 and though they are in-earphones, they work and I can listen to The LongRun podcast. May look at cheap set of bone conduction ones to see if they work for me but would rather spend that money on new trainers. #pooreverydayrunner 😂😊
Thanks for the review!! I’m about to replace mine Powerbeats pro and I think I’ll buy the same 😨
With you on the neck band - mine are on and off - and safe around the neck - I think having to always have them around my ears would be irritating if I had no safe easy way to remove them.
You can keep all you shree wam bam wam tech malarkey and better pitch twaddle - they need to be functional and practical for performance is all.
On point
I think you may just be getting old Fordy. I bet the kids are able to work them without any probs!
Prob true 🤣
I bought mine after watching your video. Chose to ignore you great points at the end about inability to RELIABLY control the buds. Big mistake. 24 hours later i was ready to throw them on the ground and mash them into the dirt in frustration. Bringing them back. Sound is awesome. Functionality is terrible.
£180? I'd rather buy a new pair of shoes!
Me too
😂😂😂😂😂
give yah 50 quid for em geezer? hahahah
Easy. Disconnect and don’t listen to anything other than your surroundings. Passionate as always Chris and we can’t ask for more than that👏🏻
Thanks bro
I don’t run 🏃 so I guess I’m ok 🙂
Send them back to Shokz and get a refund.
I'm not a fan of touch control even when it works well. So I won't be considering these now
These hundred layers on top of touch controls are so annoying indeed, just bad design...
You should have learned the controls before posting a review
I tried but they are useless and if you read other comments I’m not alone
£80 tops!
I couldn’t agree more!! Awful functionality.
These would no way be good enough for me and cope with my levels of 😅💦💦 I recently lost my 2nd pair of Jaybird Vista 2 and my first pair of Vista 2 + the case on my original Vista both succumbed to moisture. Recently bought a pair of Bang & Olufsen Beoplay E8 Sport which O am getting on pretty well with.
Something which annoys me about Shokz is this rubbish that they have with England Athletics about being the only safe way to listen to music while you run and therefore the only earphones deemed suitable to wear in races. An absolute nonsense which is nothing more than a sponsorship deal in my eyes. All shokz are poor sound quality.
These sound better but they should as not bone conduction
I'd never spend that much on headphones 😮
So much