Summer may be here but Britain's changeable weather means that cooler conditions in the morning or evening are never far away so there are occasions when you need a bit of protection on your arms (of course there can be times even in summer that'll have you reaching for a jacket or windstopper).
Arm warmers are one of those garments that can take the edge off what would otherwise be an unpleasant experience. The Redlevel LR-310 arm warmers offer warmth and comfort, and are very easy to get on or off. They roll up into a small package, more like a pair of socks, so can easily be stashed when it gets warm.
The Redlevel warmers come in a choice of black or white. They have elasticated cuffs to stop them riding up and exposing your wrists and the same at the other end of the tube to stop them slipping down and turning into Nora Batty's tights for your arms.
There are no seams to irritate and they do provide a decent amount of insulation, certainly enough to ward off any morning or evening spring, summer or autumn temperature dips. Made from 90% polyamide they feel quite stretchy. The trouble is after washing the test pair lost some of their length and despite the elasticated cuffs they then ride up exposing your wrists. If you pull them up to make sure they don't do the same at the sleeve end you are left with more wrist exposed.
You can't tell from the name, but Redlevel is an Italian brand, so you'll need to go up a size as with most Italian products. The reduction in size after washing is only slight but enough to extenuate the feeling of a garment on the small side.
For the price these aren't bad armwarmers, they're just not brilliant. Almost but not quite a success.
Keep your arms warm, look good & pack away into a tiny ball but ours shrunk in length after washing
road.cc test report
Make and model: Redlevel LR-310 Arm Warmer
Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?
If you need a little extra protection on your arms the arm warmers from Redlevel are great at doing this. They come in either black or white and I tested the white version, which didn't or hasn't shown signs of dirt but have shrunk a little after several washes.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
The Redlevel LR-310 to give them their full name do a good job of keeping out the cold. The predominately polyamide material keeps the heat in and the cold out.
Rate the product for quality of construction:
6/10
The arm warmers have failed to keep their shape after several washes.
Rate the product for performance:
7/10
Before I washed them these were easily a 9 for performance, yes, even then they came up a little short, then I washed them which knocks a couple of points off the performance mark
Rate the product for durability:
5/10
They've been washed many times and whilst they have not discoloured, they have shrunk a little which only leaves more flesh exposed.
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
9/10
Negligible for a pair of arm warmers, you won't notice.
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
9/10
Very comfortable, easy to adjust and they stay in place.
Rate the product for value:
8/10
Given the price of these Redlevel LR-310s they represent great value.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
In terms of performance for the price you pay, terrific.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Look good and do exactly what you want them to do.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Besides some dodgy graphics the shrinking is annoying and defeats the object of trying to keep your arms warm.
Did you enjoy using the product? Very effective before they shrunk.
Would you consider buying the product? Not really
Would you recommend the product to a friend? With the caveat that they may not keep their size.
Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?
Great to have in the back pocket as they do what you want and wouldn't take up much room if you need to take them off but the trade off in our test pair was they they didn't keep their size. If it wasn't for that we'd be talking of an 8 or a 9 as an overall mark
Age: 45 Height: 178cm Weight: 80kg
I usually ride: Currently riding a Pinnacle Evaporite Three My best bike is: As above
I've been riding for: Under 5 years I ride: Every day I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, commuting, sportives, mtb, Not yet but looking to dip my toe in the world of TT
And a Happy Christmas to you, road.cc staff!
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