What do you think about carrying headphones in swimming pools? It must be difficult with conventional headphones, but the AfterShokz Xtrainerz bone conduction headphones make it possible as they are explicitly designed for the purpose. Being a swimmer, listening to music underwater motivates me. If you also want one for yourself, read my AfterShokz Xtrainerz Review.
Xtrainerz is waterproof headphones with 4GB built-in memory that works underwater and outside. Moreover, the headphones offer to go 2 meters deep underwater without bothering the premium sound quality.
Although there are other waterproof headphones, the specialty in using Xtrainerz bone conduction headphones is that you are aware of your surroundings without removing them because they neither get inside or over the ears but instead rest above the ears to enhance the listening experience.
AfterShokz Xtrainerz Waterproof Headphones Review
The MP3 headphones work when the skull bones carry the vibrations to the innermost part of the ear, bypassing the outer and middle ear. Hence, the cochlea takes the signals to the brain and later translates them as sound.
In addition, there is no need to pick up a phone and establish a stable connection as they need to be Bluetooth enabled. You can transfer music files to the internal storage and use them as an MP3 player.
In this article, I will mention my experience using AfterShokz Xtrainerz. What do I like about them, and what improvement do I need in them to fit the headphones in my swimming plus workout routine?
Design and Fit
I was not accustomed to using the bone conduction headphones, so a sense of curiosity rose in me about the fitting. But after the first swimming session, we were comfortable with each other.
The headset is undoubtedly lightweight (30 g) and adjusts as they do not displace from the position, even with a swimming cap and goggles. Moreover, the build quality is quite flexible and durable with a titanium frame. There is much more to describe them:
Specifications
- Design: Open-ear design
- Waterproofing: IP68 rated
- Playtime: about 8 hours
- Internal Storage: 4GB of Mp3 storage
- Surviving Capacity: 2 meters deep in water for 2 hours
- Connectivity: MP3, WMA, FLAC, WAV, AAC
- Charge time: 2 hours
- Weight: 30 g
How to Wear Xtrainerz?
Wearing headphones might seems confusing to you, and with swimming headphones, it becomes more difficult. The reason is that you have to maintain your posture underwater and still have to access the control button.
- First, adjust the headphones with the neckband behind the head and the earpieces close to the ears.
- Start wearing a swimming cap from the front and then stretch and shape it on the rest of the head.
- Ensure the cap covers the tips of the ears; so that the headphones’ earpieces are positioned under the cap.
- Put on swimming goggles. Stretch the rubber handles on the back of the head or the space where the cap and headband meet.
What’s in the Box
- Xtrainerz Headphones
- Silicone Carrying Case
- USB Charging Cable/ charging base
- Swimming Earplugs
- Swimming Cap
- User Manual
- Warranty Card
Connectivity
The disappointing thing about them is the unavailability of Bluetooth connectivity. Then how do the headphones deliver sound? In this regard, the headphones offer 4GB built-in memory that can store up to 1400 songs.
At first, I installed the 25 hours of audio containing a mixture of audiobooks and my favorite tracks. Still, it had 3 GB of space left to welcome new soundtracks. Furthermore, I can keep my headphones off when wearing Xtrainerz.
Apart from using them underwater, I also tested them for running and cycling. The result is impressive. The reason is that MP3 headphones do not suffer from audio lag and disrupted signals, unlike headphones with Bluetooth connectivity.
The only tiring work for me is to install my favorite list of songs in the internal memory from time to time so that I make the best use of the Xtrainerz. Along with MP3, the headphones also support WAV, VMA, FLAC, and AAC audio files.
Controls – How to Operate Xtrainerz with 4 Buttons?
Every headphone has control buttons set up. Similarly, Xtrainerz has a control panel on the right side of the earpiece. The fantastic thing is that the power button is sandwiched between the volume buttons, so turning off and on the device is quite accessible, even for a layman.
Control setup is not as complicated as it looks at first. Still, understanding the manual, your fingertips become habitual like mine to operate the headphones effortlessly. Moreover, the two volume buttons perform a dual task; adjust the volumes and reveal the battery’s status.
The last and most crucial button that rests underneath the control panel is one that you use to switch between General and Swimming modes and repeat the playlist. The headphones are designed for swimming but also offer a general mode for cycling and running.
Pro tip: you can also play or pause the song with the center button – the power button.
Sound Quality
The Xtrainerz sound is the most debatable question. I can now answer as I have used them for several swimming sessions. The Xtrainerz uses the premium pitch 2.0+ technology that delivers clear sound and higher volumes.
Moreover, I also take advantage of the equalization setting and adjust the sound according to my preference. The benefit of using EQ is gaining vocal clarity under the water. While I prefer to wear earplugs for mainly two reasons, the sound improves more, and there is no worry of water seeping into my ear canals.
Overall, my experience with Xtrainerx underwater is fantastic. They maintain the sound quality, even when I go 2 meters deep. However, the sound is no more the same outside water as the audio leakage reaches maximum.
Are AfterShokz Xtrainerz Good for Running?
Xtrainerz are meant explicitly for swimming purposes. In quiet locations, the audio is acceptable, but in crowded locations, you need to adjust the volume. Thus, these are not suitable for commuting purposes.
What Makes Xtrainerz Durable?
Durability is the working power of the headphones, and it depends on more than just spending a hefty amount. Many affordable headsets are durable and resilient. Similarly, AfterShokz Xtrainerz has IP68 waterproofing that rightly justifies the performance.
Moreover, the one thing about them that relaxes me is their undamaged response against corrosion and salt water. All the other headphones that I used have these common issues. So without any tension, I can easily take them to swimming parties or participate in surfing competitions.
Also check: Best Waterproof Bone Conduction Headphones 2023- Complete Guide
Does Xtrainerz have a long Battery Life?
All the features end up in the discussion of how long the headphones provide playtime. Xtrainerz comprises 183 mAh lithium battery, which takes the time of 2 hours to charge them.
Point to be noted: 8 hours of playtime of Xtrainerz is similar to the playtime of Aftershokz Aeropex.
However, the charging setup is relatively easy; you have to tuck the charging port of the headphones, which has four gold connectors, into the charging block to charge them. In addition, I can also guess the battery status during the charging process; the red light indicates a low battery, whereas the blue light goes for a full battery.
The only downside about them is the charging cradle which is different from universal micro to C type USB cables. If I lost the cable, I would have to say goodbye to headphones.
AfterShokz Xtrainerz vs Aeropex
Both the headphones from AfterShokz share the same. However, they are different in purpose. Aeropex is a versatile headphone solely designed for runners with 5.0 Bluetooth connectivity.
In contrast, Xtrainerz is famous for being the best swimming headphones, as the Bluetooth signals have nothing to do underwater, so the connectivity is unavailable. They are equipped with internal memory to store the audio files to store 1200 songs.
AfterShokz Aeropex is IP67 rated, which means you can go underwater for only 30 minutes within one meter. They are excellent for sweat, rain, and dustproof but unsuitable for swimming.
Whereas Xtrainerz is certified with an IP68 rating, you can carry them 2 meters deep for 2 hours. In addition, these headphones can serve as triathlons, which means you can efficiently use them for swimming, cycling, and running.
| What I like | What I don't like |
|---|---|
| Storage space is ample to store songs | Bluetooth connectivity is not available for use on land |
| Undistorted sound in water | A bit difficult to transfer music files |
| Lightweight | Proprietary charging cable |
| Wearable with a swimming cap | The audio leak is very prominent outside the water |
| Earplugs make the listening experience more enjoyable | No noise isolation |
| Music becomes louder in water | In daylight, it isn't easy to comprehend the charging lights |
| Phone-free audio listening | No microphone for phone calls |
FAQs
Do Bone Conduction Headphones Work In Water?
Sound waves need a medium to travel and travel faster in water than in air. Bone conduction technology adopts this mechanism and transfers vibrations via bones. In this way, Bone Headphones let you hear clear audio underwater.
Can You Make Calls with the Xtrainerz?
Xtrainerz is headphones exclusively designed for swimming purposes. However, it fulfills the purpose of running and cycling too. Do not contain a microphone due to the unavailability of Bluetooth. So, AfterShokz Xtrainerz is not compatible with making calls.
How Do I Get My Music on Xtrainerz?
Xtrainerz has 4 GB memory storage. You can transfer the audio files by inserting the headphones into the charging cradle. The other end of the cable goes to the computer’s port. As soon as the drive pops, start uploading the files to internal storage.
Final Verdict | AfterShokz Xtrainerz Review
Swimming and music listening are rare and seem challenging too. If you also want one, Xtrainerz has a long battery, ultimate comfort, excellent storage capacity, and a snug fit. I hope the AfterShokz Xtrainerz Review will help you in the best possible way, as I have also described the pros and cons of the product.