ETC Snug Arm Warmers

These ETC Snug Arm Warmers share many of the same attributes of more expensive sleeves but cost just a tenner. They offer a good fit, they stay put, and work in temperatures typically found in early spring and late autumn.

Arm warmers are a pretty simple concept: a tube of material to keep your arms warm when paired with a short sleeve jersey. ETC's take on this little wardrobe staple is impressive for the money.

First up, rather than just a single seam, the Snug warmers have a second one that creates a sort of elbow area. I found this to help with the flex, and stopped any material bunching on the inside of the elbow. They aren't exactly 'shaped', but this really helps.

To keep them in position at the top there are a couple of silicone bands which do the job. I didn't feel as though they caused any unnecessary pressure points.

The wrists kind of take care of themselves.

Sizing-wise there are three options: small/medium, medium/large and large/x-large; I've been using the smallest. The distributor doesn't have a size guide on its website, but I'd say go with your gut instinct: if you generally wear a medium/large jersey, then that's the size to go for.

I usually wear a medium jersey, and though I didn't find the small/medium too small, I would have liked a little more length, hence I'd go up a size.

When it comes to their ideal temperature range, I'd say you are looking at around the high single figures, from around 7°C, up to about 15°C. They aren't quite thick enough for really cold winter temperatures and there is no windproofing as such, so icy northerly winds will make their way through.

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One thing is for sure, though, they pack down very small, so they'll fit in a jersey pocket without taking up much room. 

At just £10 these are some of the cheapest arm warmers we've ever tested, and they certainly don't feel like ETC has scrimped anywhere when it comes to the fabric or build quality.

Neat little touches like reflective logos on the wrist are a bonus, although Emma did notice that hers started to peel off on the ETC leg warmers she was testing.

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Galibier consistently delivers on the price per performance balance, as seen here on the Ardennes II arm warmers. Two different fabrics are used to give increased protection from the elements, and they are shaped specifically for each arm. They are a bargain at £19.58, but that also highlights how cheap the ETCs are.

The UK-made Lusso Active Aero arm warmers offer a similar performance to the ETCs, being more for cooler temperatures than cold ones. They'll set you back £24.99, though.

Overall, for a little bit of extra warmth when riding early or late on a spring/autumn day, the ETC Snug arm warmers can't really be faulted. Cheap and cheerful while retaining decent quality and design.

Verdict

Good cool weather performance and a great fit – not just for those on a budget