If you have a small (circumference) head, you may want to consider going the "mini" version with 1.5inches shorter band. Having said this, if you are planning to use the normal sized band over a hoodie, it will interfere with the clothing. Some adjustment to the unit to move the rear side downwards/towards the neck may be needed at the expense of the bone-conduction driver sitting slightly higher on the cheekbone.
Using it while cycling, the OpenRun Pro 2 won't interfere with the positioning as long as it's not an aero-helmet.
Sound - Now with 4+2 Customizable EQ and DualPitch™
This is a flagship model - and rightly so with dual-driver known as DualPitch™ technology that changed how the OpenRun pro delivers the sound. DualPitch™ brings in both bone conduction and air conduction into one unit. Resulting in precise high and mids using the bone conduction and subterrean bass delivered from the air conduction.
The introduction of DualPitch™ also reduced the vibration effect of the OpenRun series that uses TurboPitch™. Those of you that felt a bit uncomfortable on the strong vibration may want to test and try if the sensation has been reduced. Personally, I actually like the vibration. It reminds me of the days when i had 2 units of 12 inches subwoofers installed in my car.
Having experienced and tested all the Shokz product, I can say that the Pro 2 is definitely a different listening experience. You have to hear it to believe it. Also, as mentioned above, it has way less ticklish sensation or vibration or I would say there was none in my week of testing this product pre-launch.
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Customised EQ |
4 preset EQ which is Standard, Vocal, Bass Boost, Treble Boost is same as the OpenFit series. And as they are the same, you have the ability of creating and saving two other EQ that suits your listening style. It is important to note that the EQ only works when you stream using your phone (where the app resides) and not when it is streamed from your devices (laptop or watches).
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More than sufficient for all your intent and purpose
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This is because the quality is significantly impacted by the sound codec of your device and limited by what Shokz can process. In this case, OpenRun Pro uses sub-band codec or SBC which allow up to 300kbps transfer rate. This is also the most general codec compatible with all Bluetooth transmission, at the expense of quality.
The Shokz is compatible with profiles such as A2DP (high quality audio signals profile), AVRCP (remote control profile for sending command such as play, skip, pause etc), HSP (Headset profile aka to be used for communication) and HFP (handsfree profile).
About IP55 Protection
The IP protection of Pro 2 is the same as Pro which is IP55. It is however lesser than the OpenRun with IP67. In my last year of using the devices with IP55, there is absolutely no issue to have the unit drenched in sweat and in rain. No issues to pour water over my head or even taking it to shower. Only do not immerse the unit in water (read: do not wash it in washing machine) or take it for swimming.
IP stands for International Protection (rating). It comes with two numbers and an optional letter. It defines the degree of protection against solid contact and water in electrical enclosures.
The first digit defines the level of protection the enclosure provides against access to hazardous parts such as electrical contacts, moving parts, and ingress of solid objects (like dust, sand, finger)
The second digit refers to liquid protection against well, water or liquid, generally.
The bigger the number, the better the protection. Naturally the IP67 would meant better protection versus IP55.
- IP55 protection against limited dust ingress and protected from low-pressure water jets from all direction
- IP67 protection against total dust ingress and immersion up to 1m depth, but not meant for swimming
Looking at it, it is evidence enough that IP55 is sufficient protection taking into account splashes of water from heavy rain or sweat. I would not worry too much as all my unit has been in service for the past 2 years with no issues. The Pro 2 will definitely stand to this level of usage if not better as with better materials and technology vs the older models.
TL:DR
Pros:
- Less vibration vs OpenRun Pro. Way less ticklish if you are sensitive about it.
- Sound quality noticeably better than OpenRun Pro. The DualPitch™ is not a marketing gimmick.
- Because of open ear concept, you can hear your surroundings and still able to have a conversation while running or cycling or in the gym. Beyond sports-usage, the ability to hear your water boiling, fire alarm and other surrounding noises.
- Less potential for in-ear infection or impacted ear-wax as it does not go into the ear. No sweat or heating/hot issue as the unit doesn't sit in the ear canal or has the earpad covering like the traditional headphones.
- Comfortable fit, doesn't fall out. Difficult to lose as it is secured in a band-construction
- Suitable for those with medical or auditory condition. Those with ringing ear (tinnitus) condition may be able to enjoy music better as it does not rely on the eardrums to transmit sound vibration. Works well with hearing aid as the vibration helps amplify the sound picked up by the bone conduction.
Cons:
- Pricier at RM899 (aligned with their flagship) - but this in my mind is subjective if you were to compare to the higher end earbuds or Bluetooth communicator devices (specific for work)
- Sound leakage if you bump the sound too high (above 75%). If you are in a quiet environment or taking a confidential call/privacy matters, it is best to lower the volume or find a more secure place.
- Can potentially cause hearing loss much like traditional headphone/earphone due to exposure to loud noises for much longer hours.
This unit of Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 (orange) is provided to me under the Shokz Malaysia and Nove Marketing Sports Ambassador program for 2024/2025 year. The unit retail for RM899.00 and comes with 2-years warranty. Make sure you only get your Shokz from Nove Marketing as the authorised distributor and also from Malaysia authorised dealers.
There are a few scam website that often offer too good to be true pricing. To purchase, please click this link and use TRISTUPE15 on check out for 15% discount on older models (sorry this is not applicable for OpenRun Pro 2, OpenFit Air and OpenSwim Pro at this moment of time)
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Thank you Shokz Malaysia |
Full Technical Info of OpenRun Pro 2 vs the two previous generations
About Shokz:
Shokz is a US world's leading brand. Shokz's headphone focuses on
Open-Ear technology, which are bone conduction technology and DirectPitch™
Technology with the purpose of ensuring the listening experience while
keeping safe.
Bone Conduction Technology: transmits sound via vibrations
through the skin and temporal bone directly to the cochlea, bypassing the ear
canal and eardrum. This ensures clear sound even in noisy environments without
affecting others.
- Bone
Conduction Headphone: OpenMove, OpenRun,
Open Run Pro, OpenRun Pro 2, OpenSwim, OpenSwim Pro, OpenComm, OpenComm 2
- DirectPitch™ Technology: which is also called Air
Conduction Technology, enhances audio by using phase cancellation, where
opposing sound waves cancel each other out. With multiple vents, it directs
sound towards the ear canal, reducing leakage and enabling immersive, private
Open-Ear listening.
- Air
Conduction Headphone: OpenFit, OpenFit
Air