I put Shokz OpenFit 2 earbuds through their paces on runs and in a noisy gym
Shokz have unveiled their new OpenFit 2 True Wireless Earbuds, which they say brings you 'groundbreaking open-ear audio.
And after trying them out for a few runs and a couple of sessions in a noisy gym, we can second their boast.
Arriving in Ireland this week, the new OpenFit 2 delivers superior sound quality and comfort - so much so that as soon as you stick them on, you forget you are wearing them.
We purchased Shokz Openswim headphones a year ago and they proved a game-changer when it comes to a pursuit that can often be cut short due to boredom.
But time melts away in the pool to the extent that, just last week, we did length after length after length for just under two and a half hours (6,000m - the goal is to complete a 10k swim by the end of the year)!
Having experienced the underwater sound quality of Shokz - achieved through bone conduction - and the 'am I really wearing them' comfort, we were looking forward to getting our hands on the OpenFit 2.
And they haven't disappointed.
The OpenFit 2 is equipped with cutting-edge technology that enhances your audio experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in rich, crystal-clear sound.
They use Shokz DualBoost™ Technology - two independent drivers that process low and high-frequency sounds separately.
This really does deliver a richer and more immersive sound quality, and it allows you to enjoy your favourite music and calls while still being aware of your surroundings.
This is particularly important when running in an environment where there is traffic - both vehicular and pedestrian.
The earbuds incorporate a new Upgraded OpenBass™ 2.0 Algorithm.
According to Shokz, this is engineered to deliver powerful and deep bass tones that are precisely directed to your ears.
By focusing on sound directionality, OpenBass 2.0 ensures that you can fully enjoy bass-heavy tracks while still maintaining clarity in the higher frequency ranges, resulting in a well-rounded listening experience.
Another innovative inclusion is their Improved DirectPitch™ 2.0 Technology.
This harnesses a variety of advanced engineering techniques to optimize how sound is delivered to your ears while minimizing sound leakage.
It ensures that the audio you hear is clear and undistorted, regardless of your environment, and is tailored to promote focus on your audio without disturbing those around you.
With two curious daughters climbing on me at one point while testing these earbuds, we can confirm that the audio blasting through the OpenFit 2 was heard only by yours truly, even though the sound isn't delivered by buds that sit inside your ears, but instead rest at the entrance to your ear canal.
Having worn a range of in-ear and overear headphones and earbuds in the past, the audio provided by the OpenFit 2 is superior to anything we have heard.
Once you download the app, you can control the sound, and monitor the charged status of both the earbuds and the case.
The different EQ options include Standard, Vocal (good for reading e-books or listening to podcasts), Bass Boost and Treble Boost. You can also customise and save your own EQ mode.
The fit is perfect, and that is down to the flexible ear hooks, which contour to the shape of your ear, and 'Ultra-Soft Silicone 2.0'.
The earbuds remain comfortable even during prolonged wear, while, just like their Openswim headphones, there is minimal movement even during the most hardcore of workouts.
They wrap comfortably around your ear even when wearing glasses and a hat.
Other features, such as physical buttons, make these one of the easiest earbuds to use, while there are many health-related benefits to wearing open-ear headphones.
These include awareness of your environment and the minimising of bacterial growth.
We began the process of reviewing the OpenFit 2 earbuds as fully paid-up members of the Shokz fanclub, thanks to their brilliant swim tech.
And when it comes to audio quality, comfort, battery life (11 hours on a charge and 48 hours with the charging case), we haven't been let down by their latest product.
Open headphones have long struggled to deal with the issue of inferior sound quality compared to their closed-ear or in-ear counterparts, but the OpenFit 2 goes a long way towards bridging that gap.
If you are looking for a summer fitness splurge, something to compliment your workout wardrobe, then OpenFit 2 could be the perfect purchase.
Shokz OpenFit 2 will be available from Thursday June 5 from DID or Harvey Norman and RRP is €189.99. They cost €236 on Amazon.
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