My crush of 2024 follows me to the pool

My little favorite of 2024 is the OpenSwim Pro helmet from Shokz. At first, I was a little skeptical for nautical use, both in terms of comfort and experience. But frankly I was very pleasantly surprised by my new swimming line companion, which should also please other athletes looking for a reliable and versatile helmet.

What is bone conduction?

The OpenSwim Pro is based on bone conduction technologywhich June was able to tell you about in her OpenRun Pro test. As a reminder, the latter offers clear sound while leaving the ears free, an advantage for safety and comfort. Unlike headphones like AirPods, bone conduction will completely bypass the eardrums. Instead of sending sound through the air and the ear canal, this technology will broadcast the vibrations directly into the small bones of the inner ear. These will then send a message to the brain, which is interpreted as sound.

These headphones are therefore stunning. The sound quality is impressive underwater, but also in the open air. External noise is not cut off – without diminishing the user experience -, we are then less isolated and we can react to ambient noise in the event of danger (and avoid an accident) or an external event requiring our attention, such as a car on the road, a call to set the table.

My crush of 2024 follows me to the pool

A design designed for athletes, but a versatile helmet

On the technical side, they are compatibles Bluetooth et MP3with an integrated memory of 32 Go to download and listen to your independently. Ultra lightweight (27.3g) with a waterproof rating IP68 (up to 2 meters for 2 hours), they have a design adapted to movements, with a flexible headband that is positioned at the back of the head.

You can therefore take it anywhere without fear and especially swim without fear of losing it. (you can get it stuck under your hat if it slips during somersaults). They allow the use of earplugs for maximum comfort. Out of the water, they are just as practical for running, cycling or even working thanks to its voice amplifier mode.

No it's not me...
No it's not me…

The only downsides that I could find are in terms of charging. In fact, you should remember to check the latter in the mobile application. With a battery life of 9 hours on Bluetooth and 6 hours on MP3, it takes 90 minutes for a full charge. In addition, it is necessary to go through the proprietary cable (provided in the box or extra for 10.95 euros).

Finally, using the mp3 format has both advantages and disadvantages since you will not be able to transfer your playlists from Apple Music or Spotify and will require you to re-encode your albums (nice if you have stacks of CDs left, or albums that you bought online, a little less if your consumption is only in streaming).

Shokz OpenSwim Pro favorite
With the little cover to protect it!

Mon crush 2024 !

Designed for swimmers and water sports enthusiasts, it offers impressive immersive audio experience. I was amazed by the sound quality thanks to bone conduction, even underwater. It has become my essential companion for swimming sessions, intensive or light. No more annoying headphones or headphones that slip during laps! The hoop design also allows it to be left around the neckand not to lose it at the bottom of your bag.

My crush of 2024 follows me to the pool

This helmet ultimately has (almost) everything going for it: light, comfortable, and waterproof. It has accompanied me in recent months during my many swimming pool sessions, but also at work or, quite simply, in the street. Even though it was designed for water sports, it is no longer limited to purely aquatic use to become an essential accessory in my daily life.

My crush of 2024 follows me to the pool
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