Aftershokz headphones deliver safety and sound quality

I have been a fan of Aftershokz headphones for running since I first tried them out about a year ago. I had touted the bone-conduction style for its safety — they sit outside the ears, allowing the user to hear vehicle traffic, other people, animals and whatever else is in their environment.

But I recently learned first-hand during a run just how important the technology is for runners.

This past Saturday, the forecast called for rain pretty much throughout the day. However, when I awoke just before 7 a.m., it was not raining and the next storm was due in about 90 minutes.

I saw my window, quickly got ready and was out the door by 7:15 for a 5-mile or so trail run. It was an easy run, so I figured a pace of between 9:30 and 10 would get me back home around 8 a.m., with time to spare before the next round of thunderstorms.

Disclaimer: I received an AfterShokz Trekz Air to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro ambassador, and check out www.BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews! https://bibravepro.tumblr.com/

Go to bibrave.aftershokz.com and use code BIBRAVE30 to receive $30 off your purchase. And, as a special bonus, use code TRUCKER at checkout to get a free BibRave trucker hat with purchase.

The run was my first since the Honor Run Half Marathon a week earlier when I set a PR. The Saturday morning run felt good, and I eased into a relaxed pace while running around the local cross-country course while listening to an episode of the BibRave podcast on my Aftershokz Trekz Air.

Suddenly, around the 3.5-mile mark, I heard thunder.

That was my first indication that a storm was approaching. I estimated the distance away and left the wooded section of the trail as soon as I could. I’m not sure whether I would have heard the first claps of thunder with earbuds covering my ears but I am glad my Aftershozk allowed me to hear the important sound.

Beyond the safety that Aftershokz provides, the new Air models have an improved sound quality over the previous version. The Aftershokz headphones are sweatproof and easy to operate, too.

They offer play/pause/skip, voice dial and volume adjustment at the touch of a button for control on-the-go. Since I am a frequent traveler, I really appreciate the protective case that comes with the Aftershokz — big enough to keep the Trekz Air, a watch and their chargers.

I have been very pleased with the life of the battery, which lasts up to six hours, plenty for even in the thick of ultra training. Good thing I have two pairs for when I run my 100K race next year.

And, since that race will be in a densely wooded area, I know that — if a storm moves in — I’ll be able to hear it and get to safety, thanks to the technology of Aftershokz.