My most recent pair is my third pair. I'd say they last two years before they start to get less snug but still perfectly functional. I ride in Hawaii where it is always hot and sunny so I wear these on every ride. Other brands don't use silicone arm grippers to hold them up or they are cut too large for my cyclist arms (I'm looking at you Spesh). I'm 6' 3" and I wear size large but maybe the XL would work too. I love these bright white snug arm covers.
I have many different types of arm SPF protectors, but this one has to be one of the heaviest in terms of material. Most of them are very light and do the job. The Pearl Izumi provides 50+ but you will sweat quite a bit with them at temps above 75degF. I do enjoy them for cool sunning days. They do provide minimal warmth and sun protection. I am 5'3" 130lb and find them to fit very well without any marks left on my arms after removing them.
These fit well with a left and right sleeve. They are a little on the long side, but better than too short, They are a good sunscreen and wick well. I live in the desert where it is really hot. It's true that if you get them wet they will be very cool to your skin until they dry - which is within a mile of starting a ride where I live. After that, they do wick away sweat which keeps you cooler and dry. I like that they are SPF 50 - I'd rather wear these then have a sunscreen film. That said - when it's really hot (and I mean 90+ degrees at 6am and 105+ by 10:00, I am about 60/40 wearing these - and less so on a day where the humidity is about 70%.
I sized up from the measurements on the size chart. The sleeve fit great, but the band at the top was very tight. It restricted my muscle, even though I have soft lady arms. Was not able to try a larger size.
not sure the science behind all this (evaporative cooling) but they work, riding in dry (er) Colorado heat and not dry at all South Carolina. I wish i had converted sooner to these sleeves instead of slathering on the sunscreen. get em. fit is a solid match to my t shirt size. I'm not sure what BTD size guide means...
I ride in Florida where the sun is very strong and the heat and humidity are brutal. I use these to protect my forearms from sun damage, and they work great and fit perfectly. They can also be wetted to provide evaporative cooling while riding. I've used other brands of arm protectors but these are the best in my opinion.
I've had carcinoma removed from my forearm. So these have become a requirement for me. They fit well and are very light weight. Just what I needed. They work as light weight arm warmers when starting a ride early, then keep me protected when the sun comes up. Keep them damp to keep cool when it gets hot.
Usually arm coolers are either to tight or loose..and then sag! These dont..or havent yet.
Act as warmers in the cool mornings..then cooler as the temp increases...esp good when wet...and no sunburned arms
Helped my arms from a sun burn unlike previous rides. They fit well, I actually thought they would hold a lot of arm heat but were cool enough on a day of about 90 degrees. So, yes I will purchase another pair.
To keep the sun off on hot, sunny days, and to keep the chill off on cold cloudy days. The upper arm "gripper" section keeps them from sliding down, yet is not too tight or uncomfortable.
The Pearl Izumi Sun Sleeves are awesome, they never fall down the arm, the fit perfectly. They definitely block the UC rays and are cool to wear. With the cool technology built into the sleeve
Bought these for my wife and we had to exchange them for a larger size. Now that the size is right they look like they will do the job of protecting her from the sun. Won't know for sure until summer.
The new larger size arrived and this one is much better. Not nearly as restrictive yet they stay in place. You'll have to experiment with the size on these but BTD was great with the exchange.
These are exactly what I was looking for to protect against the sun. They do run small to the point of restricting circulation to my hands. I just had to reorder a size up. But if you have sensitive skin to the sun these will do the job protecting you.
