Arm warmers are a seemingly-simple, yet essential piece of kit. With the Sportful Fiandre NoRain arm warmers, you get excellent weather protection in a simple package.
Sportful Fiandre Light NoRain Arm Warmers Features:
- NoRain nano treatment
- Unbacked wind and water-resistant front panels
- Breathable back panels
- Rubberized cuff keeps things in place
- MSRP: $49
Great protection for cool mornings in the mountains.
Simple, rain-resistant arm warmers
I say simple because the cut is just that — simple. While many arm warmers feature articulated elbows and such, these are straight-cut (more on that later), but the magic here is the NoRain treatment. Having tested it extensively with two Sportful pieces (Fiandre NoRain Bib Shorts and Fiandre NoRain Light Jacket), I’m definitely a fan of NoRain’s nano treatment.
NoRain is infused into the fabric for long-lasting protection. It’s one step above simple DWR treatments because it is semi-permanent. I’ve washed NoRain pieces many many times (30+) and water still beads up. Arm warmers will only need washing once or twice a season, so I’m expecting the awesome NoRain performance on the Fiandre Light NoRain arm warmers to last quite a long time.
Bad bunching. Yeah, these bunch up quite a bit at the elbows.
Heading out into the cold exposes why Sportful calls these “Light.” Yes, they do knock out the wind and yes, they do provide added warmth, but they are unbacked and are best for temps in the 50’s. Drop down into the 40’s and things get chilly.
With the more breathable panel on the backside, they do breathe well during hard efforts. The grippy upper cuffs keep these arm warmers in place on even the longest of rides.
Good bunching. If things get toasty, just bunch them up at the wrists.
Back on my assertion that these are simple and perhaps too simple. There is no articulation in the elbows at all, so they bunch up quite a bit. It doesn’t bother me terribly, but I know they could fit better. Seams do introduce potential weak points for leakage, but it’s 2018 after all… I’m sure Sportful designers can figure that all out.
The Good
- NoRain treatment is long-lasting (especially with arm warmers)
- Stay put quite well
- Love the bright red color
The Bad
- Lack of articulated elbows causes bunching
The Bottom Line: Sportful Fiandre Light NoRain Arm Warmers
Arm warmers and a vest are a great way to extend your riding season. With the Sportful Fiandre Light NoRain arm warmers, you can get long-lasting weather protection and a touch of warmth in a jiffy.
