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review
£26.99
VERDICT:
Effective arm-warmers that stay in place
Weight:
85g
Contact:
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.
What the road.cc scores meanGood scores are more common than bad, because fortunately good products are more common than bad.
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The interestingly named Zap arm warmers from Sugoi are towards the top of their range of arm accessories at £26.99. They offer plenty of features and do a grand job of keeping your limbs warm while offering reflective details to assist in getting you seen on the darker rides. They represent value for money and whilst they are a little oddly titled the Zap Arm Warmers do what they are supposed to.
Made from 88% polyester and 12% spandex, the Zap Arm Warmers hold their shape and fit well. Sugoi have packed a number of technical features into this accessory. Using breathable fabric with a warm wick to assist in keeping the heat in coupled with the reflective pipping down the arm these are a useful addition to any cyclists wardrobe.
To make the arm warmers comfortable and effective, Sugoi have used flat seam construction to ensure there isn't a bulky finish to them. There is no point in losing the jackets and going with the gilet if you're then creating lots of drag on your arms with heavy, over-sized arm warmers.
The main factor in the Zap Arm Warmers is the fit and fabric technology they have used. The stretch insulation provides very good thermal properties over a range of temperatures. They have been designed to stretch in four ways; the fabric moves with the body so they have you covered and protected at all times.
To keep them in place the Zap arm warmers have a soft gripper to ensure they don't slip down your arms. At the other end the cuff is again, snug on your wrist but not too tight. The only slight concern is they are quite short, they fit well and do stretch so if you have long limbs check the fit.
The Sugoi Zap Arm Warmers are good at what they do and that is keeping your arms warm.
Verdict
Effective arm-warmers that stay in place
road.cc test report
Make and model: Sugoi Zap Arm Warmers
Size tested: n/a
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?
Even in winter you can sometimes getting out without jackets, waterproofs etc, sometimes a gilet with arm warmers to accompany them is enough of a top layer. The Sugoi Zap Arm Warmers are good for keeping your limbs warm, staying in place and have reflective elements to boot.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
Made from 88% polyester and 12% spandex, the Zap Arm Warmers hold their shape and fit well. Sugoi have packed a number of technical features into this accessory. Using breathable fabric with a warm wick to assist in keeping the heat in coupled with the reflective pipping down the arm these are a useful addition to any cyclists wardrobe.
To make the arm warmers comfortable and effective, Sugoi have used flat seam construction to ensure there isn't a bulky finish to them. There is no point in loosing the jackets and going with the gilet if you're then creating lots of drag on your arms with heavy, over-sized arm warmers.
Rate the product for quality of construction:
9/10
The Zap arm warmers are well made. They are designed to be flat in terms of seams and when you wear them. The materials used enhance this and they are secure by an effective gripper which stops them slipping down the top of the arm and you becoming the Norah Batty of the arm world. The stitching is well done and after several washes there is no sign of any deterioration.
Rate the product for performance:
9/10
Arm warmers have a simple brief, stay in place, keep your arms warm and anything else is a bonus. The Zap arm warmers do all of the afore-mentioned jobs and do them well.
Rate the product for durability:
8/10
After weeks of wear, the Sugois are not showing it. They still look as if they have just been taken out of the packet. No staining or bobbling on the material.
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
8/10
They won't be the lightest arm warmers available but they are warm and this is a small price to pay.
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
9/10
The fleece lined inner is soft on the skin and the gripper does its job just make sure you roll it over before sliding up your arm as it will grip well.
Rate the product for value:
8/10
£26.99 is the sharper end of pricing but then you are getting good value for your pennies.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Designed to be aerodynamic, warm and secure and the Sugoi Zap arm warmers achieve this. The reflective trim down the side is a bonus without being too obvious.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Comfortable and effective. They've been designed to do a job and they follow that brief to the letter.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
They aren't the longest, I personally prefer a little more length on the arm warmers. Luckily enough they stay in place and don't move around when you ride.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.
Would you consider buying the product? Yes.
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes.
Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?
The Sugoi Arm Warmers have been designed to keep your arms warm. They won't keep the rain out for long but they will do everything else well.
About the tester
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
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