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Polaris Venom Arm Warmers

8
£17.99

VERDICT:

8
10
Effective, lightweight arm warmers that do just what you want them to
Weight: 
63g
Contact: 
www.polaris-apparel.co.uk

At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.

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The Venom arm warmers from Polaris are perfect whilst the temperatures are still pretty low first or last thing.

Arm warmers have a fairly simple brief, they must temper the chill, stay in place or once you've decided you can discard them, be easy to stash. The Venoms offer sufficient warmth to tick that particular box. They are made from a lightweight UV resistant fabric so offer a level of protection from the sun. The material itself is a mix of nylon and elastane, a combination which provides a very smooth feel on the skin and stretches well.

One problem that can surface with any arm, leg or knee warmers is a gripper that isn't fit for purpose, leaving you with a saggy cuff and a patch of arm exposed to the chill. You'll find this is not something that's a problem with the anti slip gripper on the Venoms. The elastic top is not going anywhere. In fact the easiest way to get them on or off is to roll down the gripper and them slide off/on accordingly.

If you do decide it's warm enough to dispense with them the nylon/elastane properties allow you to roll them into a very small package which can be very easily stowed.

For £17.99 these are not an expensive addition but give you the flexibility of dispensing with a long sleeve top while still keeping your arms warm.

Verdict

Effective, lightweight arm warmers that do just what you want them to.

road.cc test report

Make and model: Polaris Venom armwarmers

Size tested: White, S/M

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?

The Polaris Venom arm warmers make no pretense about their purpose. The mix of materials make for a very comfy fit and they create the extra layer you need.

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

The mix of stretchy material and cast iron gripper mean these arm warmers won't go south. They remain firmly in place and although the material is thin is still provides a decent level of protection from the chill temperatures.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
9/10

The quality is good, with a nice finish whilst remaining light and easy to pack.

Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10

The layer of protection is sufficient to keep your arms warm, enough to take the edge off.

Despite their light almost flimsy appearance they have been more than up to the job.

Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
8/10

The mix of nylon and elastic have produced a light set of arm warmers.

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
9/10

These Venom Arm warmers are super smooth next to the skin. The gripper is fierce but didn't cause discomfort once in place.

Rate the product for value:
 
9/10

For the money you get a decent set of arm warmers that can be stashed easily in a pocket.

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

Effective

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Easy to carry but effective when you need them to be.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Not sure white is the best colour unless you're worried about matching your outfits.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? As a spring or autumn pair, I would.

Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?

Cheap doesn't mean quality suffers.

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 44  Height: 178cm  Weight: 80kg

I usually ride: Currently riding a Pinnacle Evaporite Three  My best bike is: As above

I've been riding for: 5-10 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

 

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