Arm coolers

[phil_rad]

I've seen a few people using these white arm coolers/UV Protectors; what brand are they and do they really work? Are they worth the extra cash? Or would regular arm warmer do a similar job?

[trebor]

The SPF built in is the real deal. I use them all the time without any indication of sun exposure. The "cooler" part is that you are generally wearing "cooler" white vs. black in the heat of the sun, i think. However, in the shade, soaked with sweat, and with a nice breeze they do give an opportunity for a bit of a cooling effect.

As far as coolers vs warmers doing double duty, the coolers aren't really "warmers" either. On a cold morning they provide very little warming characteristics in my opinion.

[trebor]

I've used Pearl Izumi and the REI house brand. PI seems to fit well but the fabric isn't that durable. The REI one's a bit short for my arms... but i've got long ape-like arms, so that's likely my problem. They seem equally or slightly more durable than the PI.

[gbach]

I live in Silverthorne, Colorado.  Right on the Tour Divide route.  I've been using the Pearl Izumi BLACK arm coolers up here and in the desert for the past 2 years.  I really like how they work - I was told they reflect the sun's radiant energy as well as, if not better than the white arm coolers due to the fabric used.  I've never tried the white ones, so I can't comment on any differences between them.  I used to exclusively wear light wool long sleeve jerseys and undershirts - still do because I can wet them down for cooling.  With the arm coolers I can wear a baggy shirt for more effective cooling and I have found that I usually don't need to wet them down for cooling at high altitude or in the desert when the temps are up.

[cavscout]

I use LG arm warmers and have be very satisfied with them.  They have a brushed interior to trap more warm air inside, almost fleece like.  I've never used coolers, but I'd assume they are much thinner without the brushed interior.  Functionally I believe the cooling is also achieved by the warm sweat being wicked away from the body and evaporated by wind, so warmers could serve as coolers but would require more saturation with moisture before the cooling kicks in.  Dousing the warmers with water could jump start that.

[JRA]

I used mine for a long road ride in the hot CA sun just today.  They work great, no sunburned arms after 5 hours in the saddle.
I got mine through Voler.

They are definitely cooler to ride in than my cold weather arm warmers are.

[phil_rad]

Thanks for the advice guys, I'll look into the one's from Voller and PI.

Phil

[FatCloud]

Girls dancing tights is a tip I've heard. Just get the white ones and get them soaking wet.

[trebor]

Girls dancing tights is a tip I've heard. Just get the white ones and get them soaking wet.

But how do you see through the crotch of the tights while over your head?? I joke, of course

[adamgnewman]

I have the PI arm and leg covers. I use them for really long rides/races in the summer like Hilly Billy Roubaix.

I like them a lot. I have pretty fair skin and they certainly keep me from getting sunburned. Totally worth it in my mind. Not sure if there is any cooling effect but that's a secondary concern for me.

The white ones don't stay clean very long, and the fabric is very thin, but if they die I will absolutely be buying another set.

[sirtirithon]

I wear the smart wool arm warmers almost daily when it is 50 degrees or cooler on my morning commute. Either with a shirt or under my gore jacket for added warmth. Love them except for the material has started to unravel after only a year. Got them at REI and might exchange them but I feel a bit guilty as I've used them at 365+ times so probably not.

[JRA]

http://www.boure.com/8604-14.html

I'm (almost) embarrassed to say that I went for a spin today in 80 degree temps.  It was so nice that I wore the jersey above for some sun protection.  A very comfortable jersey.  Very light and airy.  The jersey is a viable alternative to sun sleeves/arm coolers.  

edit: I say "embarrassed" cuz I know so many of my fellow cyclists are still firmly in the grips of Old Man Winter.  Hang in there, spring is near!