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.

[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.

[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?!?

[ny biker]

I often have issues with sleeves being tight on my upper arms when the shirt fits me otherwise, both with short-sleeved cycling jerseys and regular shirts. In fact I think all of my short sleeved cycling jerseys are size large.

I followed the instructions - measured 11 inches, based on the chart either a small or medium would fit, so I went with the medium figuring small might technically fit but would be more likely to be uncomfortable. And the medium fits me fine. It's snug but not skin tight. Not constricting in any way.

[Thorn]

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?!?

Yep. I wear XL in jerseys and a small in arm warmer/cooler thingies. The first time I bought arm warmers I was sure I'd have to send them back. Nope. I followed the instructions and the fit was fine.

[Biciclista]

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?!?

yes, absolutely. I measured my arm while talking to the rep on the phone.
I even argued. She said, no, I was a small.

[witeowl]

Got it, thanks.

Um... except for the costing me money thing. Wait, scratch that. It's an investment so I can keep biking more comfortably into the hot August days.

So... thanks.

[Kiwi Stoker]

Just wanted to chime in here as I have used these armwarmers for several years, just so people have some comparision.

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

These are made from a medium weight knit in white, so they are not light. I ordered the small/medium and even though I have small wrists I find it a bit tight on the cuffs. The top is a roll top and is very comfortable.

I wouldn't say there's a cooling effect at all but your arms are OK warm and it does help keep the sun off (I haven't been burnt through them). As it is a knit you may have to put sunscreen underneath just to make sure. They roll up as per standard armwarmers.

They work but of course I wonder if the arm coolers would be better being a lighter fabric???

[tctrek]

I have Cool Wings and have used them twice on hot afternoon rides. I had the same issue as OP with a little gap in the front between the jacket and the sleeveless jersey, but it didn't make any difference when I was riding.

On Sunday, it was mega-hot here and I wore them for three hours. I poured water on them a few times . They dry super fast. I didn't get sunburned like I usually do and like the OP, my arms stayed dry. My legs on the other hand were covered in sweat and salt and despite sunblock I got a little too much sun.

I've worn them with a racer back top as well as a sleeveless jersey -worked equally well with both.

Overall, I am going to wear them all the time if it's hot. I think they are worth the investment.

[ny biker]

I have Cool Wings and have used them twice on hot afternoon rides. I had the same issue as OP with a little gap in the front between the jacket and the sleeveless jersey, but it didn't make any difference when I was riding.

Yeah, for me that little gap was a style thing, not a functional issue. Every time I stopped I checked to make sure it had not ridden up in back, and it was okay each time.

[KathiCville]

I bought the Cool Wings from TE about three weeks ago in anticipation of the local MS150 ride, where I knew I'd be out in the sun pretty much all day long.

I ordered a Small, but quickly returned it for a Medium. (Thank you, TE, for your usual super-fast shipping.) I wear XS or S in most cycling clothes, but decided I'd rather size up and wear something a little less constricting.

That being said, I LOVE them! I definitely stayed cooler wearing the Cool Wings, and because I was wearing a roomier size, I barely noticed the added layer. Great addition to my cycling duds!