Cool Wings - product review

[ny biker]

People have mentioned in several different threads that they like Cool Wings, and others have mentioned that they're curious about whether it really works as advertised. So I figured I'd start a thread to pull it all together.

I bought some Cool Wings recently and so far have tried them once, for a ride lasting almost 3 hours here in northern Virginia. Temps were in the high 80s when I started out, but it cooled down a bit by the end. It was about 5:15 pm when I started so the sun was not at its highest.

Overall, I liked them. When riding in the shade or when the breeze picked up, my arms definitely felt cooler than my bare legs. When riding in direct sun, my arms didn't feel cooler, but they didn't feel too hot either - I never felt like I'd be more comfortable if I took them off.

After the ride was over, I was pretty sweaty, but when I took the Cool Wings off my arms were completely dry. So they really do wick well - better than the sleeveless cycling jersey I was wearing. Also I had run my forearms under a water fountain about 5 miles from the end of the ride, which had a super cooling effect, and the sleeves were dry again before I got home.

I still need to try them out during an early afternoon ride on a hot day, to see if they're still comfortable when the sun is super hot.

One good thing is that this jacket folds up really small, so if I did want to take it off during a ride, it would easily fit into a bike bag or pocket.

I did have a minor issue with the fit. I got a medium which fit fine in the arms (my bicep measured approx. 11 inches). However because of the way it's cut, there was a small gap in the front between the jacket and my jersey. My shoulders and back are kinda broad, so that might be the reason for this - I'd be curious to know if anyone else has this issue. Regardless, it's not a deal breaker for me.

I notice that DeSoto also makes arm coolers and leg coolers in the same fabric. Has anyone tried them?

Cool Wings

http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodDE_CW7.html

Arm Cooler Sleeves

http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodDE_AC5.html

Leg Coolers

http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodDE_LC9.html

[OakLeaf]

Haven't tried the arm coolers yet, but I've got a pair on order, supposed to arrive on Thursday. It's been hot here so I'll let you know! Thanks for the review.

[Pedal Wench]

I swear by the arm-coolers, as does my BF who lives in Florida

[ny biker]

How do the arm coolers fit? Are they very snug on the upper arms?

[Biciclista]

i bought the arm coolers, they told me i needed a small, so i trusted their judgement and they fit fine. Honestly, it hasn't been really hot since i got them, but i did wear them in the sunshine two rides worth and i didn't use any sunscreen nor did i get any itch or burn. so they seemed nice and cool and they fit fine.

I'm sure there will be at least 1 hot day in the next few months.

[witeowl]

i bought the arm coolers, they told me i needed a small, so i trusted their judgement and they fit fine.

So, just to confirm: You followed the directions that your upper arm would be 1-2 inches bigger than the listed dimension? I'm soooo wary. I mean, I'm an XL (or more) in everything, so I'm absolutely shocked to be told by their chart to get a medium. I mean... seriously?!?

[Pedal Wench]

How do the arm coolers fit? Are they very snug on the upper arms?

Not really - they just go on without binding and stay up fine. I have smalls, and I have kinda normal arms - not muscular, but not real thin.