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review
Headwear
GripGrab Windster CapGripGrab Windster Cap

GripGrab Windster Cap

7
by David Arthur @davearthur
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published Feb 24, 2013

0
£17.95

VERDICT:

7
10
Comfortable, well fitted, and above all top performing skull cap when it comes to keeping your head warm
Weight: 
28g
Contact: 
www.wiggle.co.uk
How we test

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GripGrab's Windster Cap is a good option for winter riding. Keeping your head and ears warm can be a challenge when cycling at this time of year and the Windster has a windproof front panel with good insulation around the head that should give you a head start (sorry) when it comes to staying warm.

I've been really impressed with GripGrab's gloves and overshoes, and the trend for high quality and well designed products continues with the Windster Cap. Rather than a one size fits all approach, it's offered in four sizes (though wiggle only list three size) covering head sizes from 51 to 62 cm circumference. Fit then was excellent and it wrapped around the head and over the ears with no tightness or restriction. There is also a ladies' version.

Pull a helmet over the top and you barely notice it, it simply disappears. You just notice how well it keeps the cold wind off your head. The soft microfleece material is stretchy and just fits perfectly, and the sides come low enough to cover up the ears. I would like to see the windproof panel at the front extended higher, so there's better protection from the air passing through the helmet's air vents.

We've tested many skull caps on roadcc and the GripGrab sits at the top-end in terms of performance. It also sits somewhere in the middle of the range of prices you can expect to pay, from the expensive Castelli WS Skully at £28 and the Ride Aquazero at £8.99. And because GripGrab is exclusively distributed by Wiggle in the UK, they're already discounting from the RRP - they're currently offering 10% off.

Verdict

Comfortable, well fitted, and above all top performing skull cap when it comes to keeping your head warm.

road.cc test report

Make and model: GripGrab Windster Cap

Size tested: Medium

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?

A soft, lightweight and insulating cap with windproof front. It offers protection for the ears and forehead and fits perfectly under a helmet. Ideal for cycling, running, cross-country skiing, hiking and Nordic walking.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Soft Microfleece

Windproof front

Skull fit

Fits comfortably under a helmet

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10

It's very well made.

Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10

It's insulating and the windproof front panel really makes a noticeable difference.

Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

It's been well used and gone through a dozen washes and still looks new.

Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
8/10

It doesn't weigh much at all, you barely notice on it your head.

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
8/10

The three sizes offered means you get a very good fit, and the material is stretchy enough as well and the multi-panel design ensures there's no restriction or tightness.

Rate the product for value:
 
6/10

There are cheaper skull caps available, but it's very well made and as we've found with other GripGrab products it's built to last.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Fits under a helmet and keeps the head warm.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

The windproof panel, though it could be a bit taller.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Means you have to wear a helmet, looks silly without one.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.

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?

It ticks all the boxes, but I've knocked it down a point for value.

Overall rating: 7/10

About the tester

Age: 31  Height: 180  Weight: 67

I usually ride:   My best bike is:

I've been riding for: 10-20 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, time trialling, cyclo cross, commuting, touring, mtb,

 

windproof
GripGrab Windster Cap
gripgrab
Cap
David Arthur @davearthur

David worked on the road.cc tech team from 2012-2020. Previously he was editor of Bikemagic.com and before that staff writer at RCUK. He's a seasoned cyclist of all disciplines, from road to mountain biking, touring to cyclo-cross, he only wishes he had time to ride them all. He's mildly competitive, though he'll never admit it, and is a frequent road racer but is too lazy to do really well. He currently resides in the Cotswolds, and you can now find him over on his own YouTube channel David Arthur - Just Ride Bikes. 

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