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review
Polaris RBS Armwarmers£19.95
VERDICT:
Warm armwarmers that deliver on the visibility in pretty much all conditions
Weight:
80g
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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Armwarmers are a practical, simple bit of kit that often gets overlooked. For many years I thought that they were somehow specialist items rather than a useful, day-to-day, part of my cycling wardrobe. Polaris's RBS (really bright stuff) armwarmers intend to extend your spring/autumn riding with their thermal lining and reflective trim.
They come in two sizes, S/M and L/XL, and two colours, fluorescent yellow and fluorescent orange. On each there are silicone grippers at the top cuff and a bright white-reflective strip that runs along the length of the armwarmer. The Polaris RBS logo is similarly made from the reflective strip.
One issue I had with the colour was that it didn't match with anything in my wardrobe. The benefit of the classic black armwarmers is that they blend well with many jerseys, whereas high-vis yellow is never going to complement anything. There is unlikely to be a subtle contrast or style with the colours in the RBS range. I know that this one of their selling points – high visibility in daylight and the dark – but occasionally I try to tidy up the random assortment of kit I wear so that it doesn't appear I got dressed with my eyes shut.
They are certainly warm, and provided a decent degree of protection from chilly weather and wind. In terms of fitting they are quite tight. I usually struggle to find armwarmers that don't roll down from the top (not a lot of gun for the cuff to grip) but there was no way these were going anywhere. The silicone grips are very secure, but did leave me with a fair mark on my skin. They could be a little uncomfortable at times, but not excessively so.
They don't have a huge amount of stretch in the material, but enough that the reflective strip on one of them started to delaminate at the top. It stayed attached at the cuff but has steadily unstuck itself, leaving a little loop of reflective material. After a rather wet ride I popped them onto a radiator to help dry them off and the high viz yellow on one has appeared to 'burn' a more orange shade. Given that I wasn't colour coordinating them with anything it hasn't really affected them visually, and the material hasn't got any less flexible.
Verdict
Warm armwarmers that deliver on the visibility in pretty much all conditions
road.cc test report
Make and model: Polaris RBS Armwarmers
Size tested: Small/Medium
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?
Polaris say:
If there is one piece of Polaris Bikewear RBS kit you should add to your riding wardrobe it is our Armwarmers. Perfect for keeping out the chill this winter and keeping you visible on the roads.
They featured warm brushed back fabric that sits comfortable against the skin are are small enough to fit straight into a jersey pocket if the conditions improve. Silicon grippers and reflective print ensure excellent visibility and fit.
They certainly keep the wind and cold air out, and are excellent at being visible. Silicone grippers provide a tight fit that some might find uncomfortable. Material is comfortable.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
Reflective strips and text to pick up passing headlights. Silicone grippers at the top of the arm.
Rate the product for quality of construction:
7/10
The reflective strip debonding quite wasn't a good sign. Overall they seem well put together with no signs of the stitching coming loose, for example.
Rate the product for performance:
7/10
I found them a very snug fit, but they did the job of being bright and visible.
Rate the product for durability:
6/10
Some issues on the delaminating of the reflective strip. Material appeared to acquire orange discolouration after being left on a radiator to dry.
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
8/10
Negligible weight and easy to pack down to fit into a jersey pocket.
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
6/10
The silicone grippers did sometimes leave marks on my upper arms.
Rate the product for value:
6/10
They are priced at £20 RRP which is about comparable for other, similarly brightly coloured, armwarmers on the market.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
They do a good job of keeping your arms warm and add to your visibility.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
I like the simple reflective strip and grippers decent enough to cling to my skinny arms.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
The reflective strip coming unstuck. High-viz yellow doesn't match my kit, or my eyes. There were days when the tight grippers could be a little sore.
Did you enjoy using the product? They were OK.
Would you consider buying the product? No.
Would you recommend the product to a friend? No, unless visibility was their key reason for buying.
About the tester
Age: 37 Height: 182cm Weight: 69kg
I usually ride: Specialized Allez Sport 2008 My best bike is: Moda Tempo 2010
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: time trialling, commuting, touring, sportives, general fitness riding, Triathlon
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