My excitement was through the roof when my Editor told me the people at AfterShokz were sending over their new headphones; the AfterShokz Sportz M2 with the microphone. The Sportz M2 are the latest from AfterShokz in their line of award-winning bone conduction sport headphones. For those of you unfamiliar with the bone conduction headphones, they are unlike regular headphones and ear buds that use the eardrums to transmit sound, the Sportz M2 rest in front of the ear and utilize bone conduction technology to transmit sound through the listener’s cheekbones to the ear, bypassing the eardrum completely. These headphones are designed for people who are participating in an active sport, jogging, biking, skiing, etc, to hear beautiful music while still aware of their surroundings. These are not your traditional headphones! Now, on to the good stuff.
Photo Credit: AfterShokz on Facebook
Key Features:
30% smaller, lighter in-line controller with:
- On/Off Switch
- Added volume control
- Built-in micro USB charging port
- Smaller lithium ion battery with 12 hours playtime
- 3.5mm gold-plated connector that fits iPhones, iPods, iPads, and most smartphones
- Improved sound quality
- Matte black wraparound headband – larger to accommodate more head sizes
- Reflective safety strip on back of wraparound headband for added safety
- Open Ear Design Allows You to Make/Take Phone Calls and Stay Connected to Both What You Are Listenting To and The Outside World
Tech Specs:
- Speaker Type: Dual Suspension Bone Conduction
- Sensitivity: 100 ± 3dB
- Microphone: -41dB ± 3dB
- Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20KHz
- Battery: Rechargeable Lithium Ion
- Charge Time: 3 Hours (with USB charger)
- Weight: 45g/1.6 ounces
–AfterShokz Sportz M2 Review-
Design:
(8.5 out of 10) the M2 is the second generation of AfterShokz’s bone conduction sport headphones and they have made 21 improvements from the first generation, which includes better sound quality and a sleeker design. The headphones fit well around the head and fit a variety of head sizes comfortably. I was confused about how they were not adjustable but had multiple people try them on and they seemed to fit everyone well, not sure how that was possible but it is a headphone miracle! The control box has a clip on it to easily attach to your shirt. The buttons are sized well and are easy to find without having to look down so you can focus on your activity. Phone calls will come through and you can control taking and ending the call right from the control box without ever having to touch your phone. Controlling the music volume was also a piece of cake. If you do not clip the control box to your shirt you may be annoyed by the box flopping around is has good amount of weight to it and the momentum can pull the plug out of your music device. The reflective strip on the back adds a nice safety feature for those night runners. Overall I had no issues with design, only small complaint was the weight of the control box but it is an easy work around.
Comfort / Fit:
(9 out of 10) As I stated earlier the lack of an adjustable band gave me concerns about getting a good snug fit while working out, but I was surprised by this being a non-issue. With the headband resting on your neck it gives you the support and stays in place during those good hard workouts or activities. I used the Sportz M2’s on everything from a long run, walks around the park, cardio workouts on a treadmill and was extremely satisfied by the comfort and fit. I never tried the first generation of AfterShockz but the M2’s are coming in at 30% smaller and lighter and it is definitely appreciated.
Audio Quality:
(8 out of 10) This really was my biggest concern when I received my AfterShokz in the mail. Without headphones or ear buds clogging my eardrums, would I really be able to hear the music? When I first put them on my initial feeling was….Tickling. It tickled that area right outside my ears with the vibrations from the bass. It was a unique feeling to get from headphones. While inside my house the sound quality was great and I could hear everything perfectly. The true test was going to be on a run outside as I live in a big city with lots of street traffic on my route. When I went for a run I did lose sound quality, but what surprised me was; it was worth it! Confused? Well, I could hear my music just fine, above average given the amount of street noise around me, but I could hear everything else around me too. It was a weird feeling to be lost in the music but yet still hear a car approaching behind me. It made my run feel safer as I was aware of my surroundings. This gave me great peace of mind and really helped me focus on the run versus having to worry about what could be behind me or around the corner. Also, at night while running through the parks it was great knowing I could hear someone behind me and I could hear voices as well. From a safety standpoint, these cannot be beat. They don’t plug your ear drums so it reduces the wear and tear on your ear drums and also while being active it keeps you aware and alert, while providing great sound!
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