Mitts are a must when the weather allows. They can make or break your ride by providing the extra bit of comfort for your hands on long strenuous journeys. Polaris offer a broad selection of road gloves and the Venom Mitt is one of their mid range offerings.
Comfort and fit can be the main failings of any glove. You don't want the seams to rub and you don't want them too loose so they move around. The Venom have a tight opening with a slightly small cuff that opens just enough for you to pull them on and off. This could be slightly bigger which would make them easier to pull on or take off.
Once in place they feel right. The back of the mitt is made from a super stretch Lycra material that also incorporates some breathable areas. There is no stitching on the back which meets the requirements of comfiness. Even between the digits there is no rubbing.
A word of warning though: get the size right otherwise you will feel a pinching around the bottom of the fingers. This can happen when your hands slide forward in the mitts after a long period of pressure.
For those that use their gloves to keep airways clear, there is a terry wipe on the thumb area and it's a good size. The front of the mitt has a soft leather-look palm and more importantly has a number of gel inserts in the keys areas to make them feel good on the controls.
For the money, £24.99 you are getting a reasonably priced pair of mitts that tick a lot of boxes, most importantly comfort and fit. The colour scheme is a fairly neutral black and white and therefore should combine with most outfits. Overall they are good value for the money and will be well used this summer.
Mitts that are minimal where they need to be and effective in the key areas. As with any mitts the size needs to be right to ensure comfort on long rides.
road.cc test report
Make and model: Polaris Venom Mitts
Size tested: Medium, black
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?
The Polaris Venom mitts are a road specific glove, with a leather look palm and an emphasis on comfort.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
The mitts have a lycra cuff to aid the use of them coupled with a breathable back makes them easy to use.
Rate the product for quality of construction:
8/10
The mix of the breathable back, lycra opening and palm with lack of seams make for a good combination and a well made glove.
Rate the product for performance:
8/10
The pads on the palm add to the comfort of the mitts which allows you to remain riding for long distances.
Rate the product for durability:
8/10
The mitts feel well made and the stitching is secure.
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
8/10
These mitts are light but effective.
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
8/10
On long rides the Venom mitts have proved to be up for the job. My hands have not suffered any discomfort or numbness.
Rate the product for value:
7/10
At £24.99 they aren't the cheapest you'll find but they do perform well and you get a decent mitt.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
When riding you need a light but well made glove to provide that additional comfort. Your hands spend a lot of time on the bars taking quite a pounding so you need that extra layer. The Venom mitts provide such a layer at a reasonable price.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Polaris have used a simple design but used a selection of materials to create a durable and effective mitt.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
A slightly broader opening for your fingers would avoid a more comfortable fit.
Did you enjoy using the product? I did.
Would you consider buying the product? Yes
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes
Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?
Simple, light but making good use of materials to create a mitt that gives your hands a helping hand.
Age: 44 Height: 178cm Weight: 80kg
I usually ride: Currently riding a Pinnacle Evaporite Three My best bike is: As above
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: road racing, commuting, sportives, mtb, Not yet but looking to dip my toe in the world of TT
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