Are Aftershokz bone conductor headphones worth buying

[Pippa49]

I borrowed my friend's Aftershokz for the Brighton Half however I couldn't hear anything due to the noise however was able to hear my Gymboss prompts. I have a pair of wireless headphones that go over the ears but am thinking of getting a pair of the above. Just wondering if they are worth the money. I also have an mp3 so have a choice of how I listen to music. Are they allowed at the Brighton Marathon?

[andystev]

Can't help with headphones, don't use them. But this from the FAQ:

"We will not stop you from using a personal music device whilst participating but we strongly recommend that you do not."

Might help.

[Pippa49 Half Marathon in reply to andystev]

Thanks. I am hoping that the atmosphere will be enough.

[tony_a]

I’ve had some for nearly a year. I run mainly in the early morning when it’s quiet and do most of my long runs on country roads so they’re great for safety as I can hear cars coming. Not so good if constant noise (e.g. busy roads) as it does tend to drown out your music.

So if you run when it’s quiet I’d highly recommend. Super comfy and battery lasts well.

[Sqkr Half Marathon]

I've had some for about eighteen months, and still love them. I've never had a problem hearing music during events, and I've done some pretty big ones. I've heard some people mention they need to charge theirs often but mine go on forever (left them in the drawer turned on when I went south three weeks ago, when I went for a run on Monday they told me charge was still medium), so don't know if that is model specific? I have the Air ones because I've a small head.

[Madge50 Marathon]

If the race is run under the UK rules, bone conductors are allowed, ‘in ear’ or complete over ear (noise cancelling) are not.

I’ve got wired aftershockz, as I use iPods/MP3 players not my phone.(they are cheaper than the Bluetooth version)

I love them, you can hear traffic etc., everything around you and still hold a conversation, as well as still enjoying your music, I haven’t used them at an actual event as yet, as have found the crowds and on route entertainment , as well as my fellow runners fantastic.

I would certainly recommend aftershokz.

Mx

[Pippa49 Half Marathon]

Thanks for all the responses. I am still thinking.

[Tasha99 Marathon]

Yes! Can hear all talk and traffic whilst listening to music! The mini ones should be ok though. No need for the regular type.

[Pippa49 Half Marathon]

Thanks. Are they usually cheaper than the regular ones?

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to Pippa49]

Slightly. I’m 5’10” and the regular ones were still too big for me. I think they’re made for men’s wider necks.

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Tasha99]

What are you saying ??😂

[Pippa49 Half Marathon]

Thanks. I borrowed my friend's Aftershokz and I liked them but decided to buy a pair of wireless headphones by riwbox which are great whilst it is light but tempted to get some like my friend for when it gets darker. I do run without music. I also have my Sony mp3 as back up!

[GoGo_JoJo Ultramarathon]

I just bought the newest; Trekz Air. I've only used them once outdoors so far and am undecided.

I like hearing the birds and traffic.

I don't like feeling like they're a little big (I considered the "mini" which would have been quite a saving but opted for the newer design).

I think they would be hard to hear podcasts on. I tried listening just to the radio whilst cooking and I struggled to hear some conversational stuff. Running with music was better.

Jury is still out so far!

[Sqkr Half Marathon in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

I've listened to lots of podcasts on mine, but only on coastal routes (I get bored of just music on long routes like that!) and I do hear them well. I don't know how they would compete in a busy trafficky sort of area though.

[Pippa49 Half Marathon]

Thanks. It is a hard decision. I had the riwbox headphones for my birthday but wondered if I should have bought Aftershokz instead. Just not keen on the price and considering some of the reviews on Amazon I don't think it is worth risking the money. Obviously people have high expectations and then they are not fulfilled. You don't always get what you pay for so expensive does not always represent good value.

[Coddfish 10 Miles]

I have a pair. The obvious benefit is you can hear the outside world, making them (in my mind) a lot safer than in-ear headphones. For me they are comfortable too, as I have never got on with ear buds. Sound quality is ok so long as you position them correctly, but it’s not going to be as good as most other earphones. The battery only lasts around 90 mins which isn’t long enough for my long runs.