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review
Arm & leg warmers
Ekoi Rainstop 2016 Arm WarmersEkoi Arm Warmers Rainstop 2016 Neon Yellow.jpg

Ekoi Rainstop 2016 Arm Warmers

8
by Ashley Quinlan
UPDATED Fri, Aug 19, 2016 09:45

First Published Aug 19, 2016

0
£20.96

VERDICT:

8
10
Comfortable and showerproof warmers, best suited to spring and autumn temperatures
Weight: 
55g
Contact: 
www.ekoi.fr
How we test

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French brand Ekoi's Rainstop Arm Warmers are very good but a bit warm for summer use.

The first thing that strikes you about these arm warmers is the bright yellow colour, but if that's what appeals then I'm afraid I'm going to have to disappoint you: they're currently sold out. You can currently have any colour as long as it's black.

> Buy these online here

Black is probably easier to care for too. The bright yellow is no bad thing – being seen when indicating is vitally important, especially in gloomy weather – but if you get the slightest smudge of dirt or oil on it, you're really going to notice.

Whichever colour you end up with, these arm warmers perform impressively well. Featuring an anatomical fit, they have a waterproof treatment on the outside that helps bead water away; it's a good treatment, and is easily maintained if you use a tech wash detergent for your waterproof kit.

Inside there's a thermo-roubaix lining, which is where the Rainstop arm warmers become a touch confused. While designed for warm weather showers and potentially humid weather – Ekoi claims they're breathable – the lining is more reminiscent of a winter arm warmer.

That means you can get quite warm on your rides if the temperature hits the mid-teens, and although they keep water out, despite the breathability claim they also keep a good amount in too. Perhaps, then, these are more suitable for spring and autumn time instead.

> Read more road.cc reviews of arm (and leg) warmers here

Elsewhere, quality is good, if not spectacular. The grippers are lightweight, but work with the anatomical fit to provide good adhesion to the upper arm, while the seams are soft and very comfortable – completely rub-free.

The cuff end lacks a full sewn seam, but the finish is good and cut to the skin, giving an air of quality despite the lack of fabric used. My M/L size was long enough for my slightly-longer-than-usual arm span, and returned from the wash without shrinking.

Overall, I'm a fan of the Rainstops, even if they're just a bit too warm for midsummer use, in my view. They're a quality item, and are reasonable value for primarily spring and autumn use at £20.96 (current exchange rate allowing).

Verdict

Comfortable and showerproof warmers, best suited to spring and autumn temperatures

road.cc test report

Make and model: Ekoi Rainstop 2016 Arm Warmers

Size tested: M/L

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?

Wet weather arm warmers – ideal for showery weather and damp rides.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Features:

- THERMOROUBAIX® arm warmer - MITI fabric made in Italy

- Waterproof & breathable fabric

- Composition : THERMOROUBAIX® - by MITI

Use :

Use in cold/humid weather also against rain showers

Composition :

- 51% polyamid, 33% Polyester, 16 % Elastane

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10

Very good construction all round.

Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10

Water beads off if they're well looked after, and they have good thermal properties. Not brilliant breathability, as claimed, but that could be down to the ambient temperature on our test rides.

Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

Quality suggests seams and fabric won't fail in a hurry.

Rate the product for fit:
 
9/10

Comfortable anatomical fit. Right up any keen cyclist's street.

Rate the product for sizing:
 
8/10

Very good sizing, although the M/L and XL/XXL sizing options might be a touch limited for those with extra long or extra short arms.

Rate the product for weight:
 
8/10

Not heavy, and shed water rather than absorb it, so stay light.

Rate the product for comfort:
 
9/10

The Roubaix lining is incredibly comfortable, and soft.

Rate the product for value:
 
7/10

Good value, but not outstanding. Ekoi's website converts from euros to pounds, which might have an obvious negative effect on the current pricing.

How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?

Washes well with a tech wash, although the yellow will stain if you get dirty oil on it.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Very well – just a touch warm for true summer versatility.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Water resistance, comfort, fit.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Nothing obvious; perhaps that it's not as breathable as the "breathable" claim might suggest.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Use this box to explain your score

Good quality arm warmers for showery weather. Enough said.

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 26  Height: 188cm  Weight: 83kg

I usually ride: Specialized Allez Sport  My best bike is:

I've been riding for: Under 5 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding

Ekoi Rainstop 2016 Arm Warmers 2016
Ekoi Rainstop 2016 Arm Warmers
Ekoi 2016
Ekoi

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