The headset from Aftershokz stands out from the others in the field on a fairly significant point. Instead of having earbud tips that go into the ears, these are worn on the outside of the head. The sound is transported to your inner ear via the cheekbones. Yes, this sounds weird perhaps, but it works surprisingly well. The reason for this construction is that one is still supposed to be able to hear what is going on around one when running or cycling outdoors. Instead of closing yourself off from the world, you can hear the traffic, the birds chirp, your footsteps and breathing. There is a meaning in this madness.
The hoop is made of titanium, and is easy and comfortable on the head. No matter how much you shake your head, it stays put. The buttons to adjust volume are located on the right side of the hoop. I found the placement a bit cumbersome and hard to find in the beginning.
A new experience
It is almost self-evident that you don’t get the same sound quality with a pair of bone conducting headphones as with regular earbuds. For that same reason, I can easily forgive both a lower and a flatter sound. Nevertheless, I was impressed with how well they actually played and appreciated the different qualities of this headset. The construction means both that some sound is lost and it is difficult to hear the music if there is too much noise and that they are best suited for outdoor use.
Conclusion
Trekz Titanium is a fun gadget. They are comfortable to wear, and play well despite their natural limitations. Unfortunately, their use is somewhat limited as they are not suitable for anything other than outdoor activities. For the outdoors, they are outstanding.