I have been using the DeSoto CoolWings for about a year now and have found them to be very helpful. I tested them out on a variety of training rides last year and could definitely tell the difference, and that was without the ability to dump water on them as I do at races. I like the fact that they keep the sun off my skin which that alone contributes to a feeling of being cooler.
The other thing they allow you to do during races is to hold ice on your brachial artery. I would take a cup of ice and dump it into both arms of the sleeves -- which then would collect at my elbow -- which *really* helped keep me cool.
I have a pair of Pearl Izumi sunsleeves that I use all the time during the summer. They're great on particularly sunny days to keep direct sunlight off your skin. Not as effective if it's warm and overcast though, but maybe that's just a psychological thing.
"Cool" idea Joe! I raced a couple IMs with arm coolers, but racing is not the reason I got them. I wear them religiously on my weekend long rides in Tampa. If I didn't, my forearms would be leather from the sun beating they take with so much time in the aerobars.
Temp control was a huge factor in the success of a 24 event that I did for charity a few years ago. The day topped off at 105*. I used the arm coolers and the cooling beanie that DeSoto makes. Similar tricks that Joe mentioned. Can't tell ya anything other than I know they helped and I recommend them to anyone that tends to overheat.
Trouble with the heat once or twice --> bad day, maybe hydration, electrolytes, life funk, try something different in preparation. Trouble consistently with hot days training or racing ----> work things like these cooling fabrics and other tricks cuz everyone is different, some are more sensitive than others.
I have the Desoto Wings and the Zoot IceFills or whatever they call 'em. I agree with Daniela and prefer the Zoots. They feel cooler. That stated, the Desoto Wings offer far more protection from the sun since they're full sleeved and cover the back of the shoulder as well.
The biggest issue with both (and especially the Desoto Wings) is when and how you put them on during the race.
Fortunately my warm races last year were wetsuit legal, so just wore them under the wetsuit. I believe the actual DeSoto fabric has decent SPF whereas the Zoot fabric is only 4 or 8. I had really hope to like the DeSoto since they had the full upper back coverage as well, but they didn't seem to cool as well.
At IMWI I'd drop a bunch of ice down my front and hold some in my hands. Most stations had the ice with a hole through it so I could loop it around a finger. As it melted I'd reach down for more. I'm sure that was an interesting site.
Fortunately my warm races last year were wetsuit legal, so just wore them under the wetsuit. I believe the actual DeSoto fabric has decent SPF whereas the Zoot fabric is only 4 or 8. I had really hope to like the DeSoto since they had the full upper back coverage as well, but they didn't seem to cool as well.
At IMWI I'd drop a bunch of ice down my front and hold some in my hands. Most stations had the ice with a hole through it so I could loop it around a finger. As it melted I'd reach down for more. I'm sure that was an interesting site.
I train in Savannah, GA with no shade and high humidity constantly. A few years ago I found myself with a Kona slot(lottery) and I went for it. I violated one of the cardinal rules and raced with gear I had not trained with... the DeSoto arm coolers. Every aid station I doused them with water and I could not believe the difference that they made compared to my training and race simulations. They made a dramatic difference in keeping me cooler and more comfortable. Since then I use them on race simulation but not most training rides. Every time I am surprised on what a difference they make. I have not tried the Zoot product, but would counsel anyone to invest in arm coolers if training/racing in an extremely hot climate.
I don't want to hijack this thread, but have a related question. Has anyone used arm coolers in a NON wetsuit swim? If so, what brand were they and how did they feel in the water -- e.g., do you think it was extra drag, did they hold water, did they help you glide, did they help with the catch, or did it not make any difference whatsoever?
Paul, I put them on after the swim. What works best for me is to get a set that are one size too big for a non wetsuit race. I then either slide them just over my wrist in T1 or leave them on my aerobars. EIther way, I actually put them on while riding (unless it is a long T1 and i can do it while running to my bike) which is why i get them one size too big so they are easy to get out. THey still work the same and i just soak them with water at the first aid station.
Honestly I never tried swimming in them with no wetsuit as I felt like to much of a tridork to even try it out.
Roll them up like doughnuts and put them on your wrists in T1, a little powder doesn't hurt. Roll them up your arms when you've got a free minute of admin time on the bike.
@Aaron: I have the Pearl Izumi sunsleeves (but not EN branded). They work pretty well for me. The temps are coming up as we get into the summer, so I basically wear them for all my rides now. I always soak them with cold water before I head out, and it makes a huge difference in feel. It's also pretty surprising how quickly they can dry out too, and that evaporation really helps keep the heat away. Now I kind of want a dedicated water bottle just for keeping my sleeves "hydrated"...
Comments
I have been using the DeSoto CoolWings for about a year now and have found them to be very helpful. I tested them out on a variety of training rides last year and could definitely tell the difference, and that was without the ability to dump water on them as I do at races. I like the fact that they keep the sun off my skin which that alone contributes to a feeling of being cooler.
The other thing they allow you to do during races is to hold ice on your brachial artery. I would take a cup of ice and dump it into both arms of the sleeves -- which then would collect at my elbow -- which *really* helped keep me cool.
Temp control was a huge factor in the success of a 24 event that I did for charity a few years ago. The day topped off at 105*. I used the arm coolers and the cooling beanie that DeSoto makes. Similar tricks that Joe mentioned. Can't tell ya anything other than I know they helped and I recommend them to anyone that tends to overheat.
Trouble with the heat once or twice --> bad day, maybe hydration, electrolytes, life funk, try something different in preparation.
Trouble consistently with hot days training or racing ----> work things like these cooling fabrics and other tricks cuz everyone is different, some are more sensitive than others.
I wear them during warm training and racing, and will dump water on them to help cool down. At the races, a little ice in the bra helps as well
The biggest issue with both (and especially the Desoto Wings) is when and how you put them on during the race.
At IMWI I'd drop a bunch of ice down my front and hold some in my hands. Most stations had the ice with a hole through it so I could loop it around a finger. As it melted I'd reach down for more. I'm sure that was an interesting site.
At IMWI I'd drop a bunch of ice down my front and hold some in my hands. Most stations had the ice with a hole through it so I could loop it around a finger. As it melted I'd reach down for more. I'm sure that was an interesting site.
Paul, I put them on after the swim. What works best for me is to get a set that are one size too big for a non wetsuit race. I then either slide them just over my wrist in T1 or leave them on my aerobars. EIther way, I actually put them on while riding (unless it is a long T1 and i can do it while running to my bike) which is why i get them one size too big so they are easy to get out. THey still work the same and i just soak them with water at the first aid station.
Honestly I never tried swimming in them with no wetsuit as I felt like to much of a tridork to even try it out.
Looking for options for IMFL early portion of the bike ride and later portions of the run...
Great Thread, Now to go buy a pair