Support road.cc

Like this site? Help us to make it better.

Back to REVIEWS
review
Arm & leg warmers
Polaris Venom leg warmers Polaris Venom leg warmers Polaris Venom leg warmers
Polaris Venom Legwarmers

Polaris Venom leg warmers

7
by Caven O'Hara
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published Jun 30, 2013

0
£19.99

VERDICT:

7
10
Polaris Venom leg warmers are an ideal second layer to ward off chill winds but beware the gripper. You can suffer on long rides!
Weight: 
120g
Contact: 
www.polaris-apparel.co.uk
How we test

At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.

What the road.cc scores mean

Good scores are more common than bad, because fortunately good products are more common than bad.

  • Exceptional
  • Excellent
  • Very Good
  • Good
  • Quite good
  • Average
  • Not so good
  • Poor
  • Bad
  • Appalling

Polaris Venom leg warmers help to ward off the chill and stay very firmly in place.

You need something on those cooler days to provide a little extra warmth. We're not talking full on winter protection, just a thin enough layer to allow the muscles to function without the cold seeping in.

Using a mix of nylon and Lycra the Polaris Venom leg warmers are very stretchy with a smooth finish. The material feels thin but is effective. The stitching on the seams is thick but not intrusive so you have no rough edges irritating the skin. There is a small reflective element otherwise Polaris have gone for a simple finish.

The problem you can get with some leg warmers is their inability to stay in place. The last thing you need is your leg warmers slipping down so you're riding along doing an impression of Nora Batty.

The gripper elastic on the Venoms is really effective. There is no chance of these leg warmers going south. The hold is so good you need to roll the gripper over and pull them into place before flipping it back. Either that or risk losing skin or hair depending on your preference for shaven legs! On longer rides, make sure you adjust them otherwise the gripper is so effective it will leave marks.

The final piece of good news is if you feel warm enough to remove them, they won't take up much room in your pockets. The nylon/Lycra combination allows them to be packed down really compactly. At £21.99 they offer good value at a reasonable price.

Verdict

Polaris Venom leg warmers are an ideal second layer to ward off chill winds but beware the gripper. You can suffer on long rides!

If you're thinking of buying this product using a cashback deal why not use the road.cc Top Cashback page and get some top cashback while helping to support your favourite independent cycling website

road.cc test report

Make and model: Polaris Venom Legwarmers

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?

An extra layer is useful on fresh days or morning and the Venom leg warmers from Polaris keep your pins comfortable.

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

The mix of materials allow for a smooth, stretchy finish which is easy to wear and lightweight.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10

The gripper used to keep them in place is almost too effective. On a long ride when the legs are in use a lot, any extra movement over a prolonged period can become uncomfortable.

Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10

They pack up very small whilst able to perform in all but the coldest of temperatures.

Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

I've used them on many occasions and they are well made and sturdy.

Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
9/10

Not only do they pack up into a compact size they weigh very little.

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
7/10

They are really comfortable, you can easily forget you are wearing them if only the gripper wasn't quite so harsh.

Rate the product for value:
 
8/10

They are reasonably priced for a lightweight set of leg warmers. Whilst not a heavy duty pair they do serve a purpose and do it effectively.

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

They work well as a second layer to keep out the chill. Once you've finished with them they pack down well and can be easily slotted into a pocket.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

They are lightweight but still work well.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

The gripper is a bit severe over a long period.

Did you enjoy using the product? I did but would struggle if I had to use them over too many long rides.

Would you consider buying the product? Perhaps

Would you recommend the product to a friend? I would certainly say they are worth looking at.

Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?

Almost a very useful addition to my spring wardrobe.

Overall rating: 7/10

About the tester

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

 

Polaris Venom leg warmers

Latest Comments