Tell me about sun sleeves

[absoludicrous]

I tried SParms sleeves (not the shawl) from reading another golfwrx thread. I also picked up the Nikes to see how they compared. I don’t have any bad things to say about them, but would suggest you try them out if possible. I do have a slight preference based on feel, but wouldn’t hesitate to recommend both.

 

The SParms are a little shorter on my arms. Although I do have a longer wingspan for my height. The Nikes are a little long, but a little better for my arm length. The SParms weren’t too short, but I would prefer slightly longer.

 

The Nike sleeves are really tight on my biceps compared to the SParms. I much prefer the SParms as they don’t slide down, but I don’t feel like I’m constricted and loosing blood. The Nikes do eventually get looser, but my preference is with SParms.

 

The material of the SParms feel better than the Nikes in my opinion. They’re a little softer, but the Nikes feel fine. I usually pick the SParms first if they’re all clean because I do prefer the feel.

 

Both feel pretty cool on a hot day and do it’s job. I haven’t been burned yet, so they seem to be doing a good job. My arms have less color compared to my legs and hands. I only use sunblock for those.

[robp11]

I have the Outdoor Research sun sleeves....they work very well.  They are a little longer than most, and have thumbholes so you can completely cover the backs of your hands if you like.  However, if you don't want to use the thumbholes you can just hike them up and the extra length doesn't get in the way.  They stay up very well.  I got them at REI.  

[Righty to Lefty]

On 4/30/2022 at 9:45 PM, ThinkingPlus said:

SParms shawl

 

Best I have ever seen.  Not cheap, but well made.  Unisex sizing so good for you guys as well.  Used extensively on the LPGA tour.

+1...I did find some on sale for $20 but they are well worth and and though the shawl version looks crazy...they absolutely work and actually do have a cooling effect unless it is nasty humid and no evaporation is happening. 

[Minarets]

I guess my question is why the shawl? 
 

it doesn’t protect any more of you than the sleeves, right? Their sleeves work great and like someone mentioned they don’t strangle you like Nike sun sleeves.  The Sparms sleeves are the best I’ve tried.  

[vtpachyderm]

Join another to the fan of sun sleeves. I use those designed for cycling - Castelli. I also have slightly thicker ones for the cooler summer temps here in Norway when the sun is still strong, but the air temp is a bit chilly.

 

I actually used them in 30C+ temps and some humidity in India a couple of weeks ago, and they worked a treat.

[ThinkingPlus]

1 hour ago, Minarets said:

I guess my question is why the shawl? 
 

it doesn’t protect any more of you than the sleeves, right? Their sleeves work great and like someone mentioned they don’t strangle you like Nike sun sleeves.  The Sparms sleeves are the best I’ve tried.  

Couple of reasons I can think of.

 

1) Some folks can be allergic to the grippy material in sleeves.

2) Some of the sleeves don't grip well or stretch out over time (SParms may not have this issue).

3) Finding just the right amount of constriction to hold without cutting off circulation.

 

Shawls don't have any of these potential issues by design.

[Righty to Lefty]

17 hours ago, Minarets said:

I guess my question is why the shawl? 
 

it doesn’t protect any more of you than the sleeves, right? Their sleeves work great and like someone mentioned they don’t strangle you like Nike sun sleeves.  The Sparms sleeves are the best I’ve tried.  

Well if you don't get lucky on the fit of the sleeve like you did then you are either going to be dealing with the sleeves pinching or slipping and that is completely eliminated by getting the shawl.  I thought they looked silly at first until I tried em on and I've never looked back as they are fantastic and you don't even realize that you have them on and you are never tugging at them or adjusting them.  

[North Butte]

To me one advantage of sunsleeves over a long sleeved shirt is that some air does tend to flow up under the (short) sleeve of my shirt. It's a pretty minor thing but I do feel it on the muggiest days. I'd think a shawl arrangement would lose that extra airflow up around the "arm pit-al area", wouldn't it? Seems like it would be a second layer under the shirt all the way across the shoulders.

 

OTOH, the ultra lightweight shirts I wear in high summer do let a fair amount of sun through onto my shoulders. Maybe the second layer of shawl material would up the SPF of the shirt on top of the shoulders. 

[ws65]

I tired a knockoff of the Sparms and did not like the way the shawl fit around my pits. I just received some Devops compression long sleeve shirts. Its made of practically identical material its just a full shirt. Here's hoping I'm not hot in them. (Ordered on Amazon). I'm 5'10" about 185 and the XL was snug but good, sleeves a little long (I tried the large but it was really snug, sleeve length very good). So if you're my height and weight but don't have some belly, the large might be better).

[Minarets]

Well, because of this thread I went ahead and bought 2 new pair of Sparms.  I pulled mine out of the sock drawer from last year and they looked a little dingy.  Need a new set for the year.  

[david.c.w]

Can someone comment how how these really work in the dead heat of summer in a place like Georgia?  On bad days in July and August we have what we call "reverse breeze", where it feels like you are absorbing heat, especially on our front 9 that is sort of below grade.  i really like the concept of Sparms but you cant take it off without looks like a crazed male stripper.  Seems like regular sleeve you can just roll down or take off for a bit and put back on.

 

 

 

[DrDon]

I don't wear the Sparms, but I have been wearing "regular" sun sleeves (UVoider) for many years.   

 

In the heat of summer (here in the WashDC area), the sleeves are actually cooler than having your arms covered in sun block.   You can even wet the sleeves down to help keep cool and still have sun protection.   

[Minarets]

The sleeves actually help with sweat running down the sides of your hands in extreme heat making it easier to grip clubs. Added bonus.  

[LeoLeo99]

3 hours ago, david.c.w said:

Can someone comment how how these really work in the dead heat of summer in a place like Georgia?  On bad days in July and August we have what we call "reverse breeze", where it feels like you are absorbing heat, especially on our front 9 that is sort of below grade.  i really like the concept of Sparms but you cant take it off without looks like a crazed male stripper.  Seems like regular sleeve you can just roll down or take off for a bit and put back on.

 

 

 

Never worn them in Georgia. If it's hot, it's hot.  They will keep you from sunburn.  As far as heat goes, I've found that if there is a breeze the sleeves feel cooler.   If there's no breeze, it's slighly cooler with bare arms.  The sleeves are uncomfortable and squeeze my biceps. The 13.5 inch pythons.  Lol

[Righty to Lefty]

On 5/3/2022 at 1:20 PM, North Butte said:

To me one advantage of sunsleeves over a long sleeved shirt is that some air does tend to flow up under the (short) sleeve of my shirt. It's a pretty minor thing but I do feel it on the muggiest days. I'd think a shawl arrangement would lose that extra airflow up around the "arm pit-al area", wouldn't it? Seems like it would be a second layer under the shirt all the way across the shoulders.

 

OTOH, the ultra lightweight shirts I wear in high summer do let a fair amount of sun through onto my shoulders. Maybe the second layer of shawl material would up the SPF of the shirt on top of the shoulders. 

The material is really light and doesn't bunch up at all in the armpit area and yes there would be some added UV protection across the back where the shawl connects.  

 

On 5/4/2022 at 1:37 AM, david.c.w said:

Can someone comment how how these really work in the dead heat of summer in a place like Georgia?  On bad days in July and August we have what we call "reverse breeze", where it feels like you are absorbing heat, especially on our front 9 that is sort of below grade.  i really like the concept of Sparms but you cant take it off without looks like a crazed male stripper.  Seems like regular sleeve you can just roll down or take off for a bit and put back on.

 

 

 

If it is too humid and no evaporation is goin on then your only benefit from any sleeve would be UV protection as the cooling effect comes from air passing over the sleeve while it is wet but of course you need evaporation going on for that to occur.  The sleeves flat out work though and I was amazed at how fast you forget that you even have em on and no one would even know that you had on the shawl and you could easily take it off without even taking off your polo shirt if you wanted to if you were worried about others perceptions.  

Edited May 5, 2022 by Righty to Lefty

[bluedot]

12 hours ago, david.c.w said:

Can someone comment how how these really work in the dead heat of summer in a place like Georgia?  On bad days in July and August we have what we call "reverse breeze", where it feels like you are absorbing heat, especially on our front 9 that is sort of below grade.  i really like the concept of Sparms but you cant take it off without looks like a crazed male stripper.  Seems like regular sleeve you can just roll down or take off for a bit and put back on.

 

 

 

I wear Sparms thru the summer in NC and GA.  They are cooler than bare arms.

[dcbogeyman]

Been using the SParms sleeves since last May.  Keeps my arms UV protected and cooler v. just sunscreen. Plus you don't need to worry about reapplying sunscreen during the round.

[Twohey]

I've been using the Adidas UV sleeves for years.  Sleeves take a bit of time to get used to, but I've used mine in both winter and summer (100+*) wiht no problems.  The Adidas ones are a bit thicker than most others I've used (including Nikes).

 

 

[bluedot]

Fwiw, I just took delivery today on three new pairs of Sparms shoulder wraps, which now come in XXL.  The fit is great; a little looser and a little bit longer.  I’m 6-2/180, with a 34” sleeve, if that helps.

[nikeblades00]

I have some Nike arm sleeves I bought years ago and never wore. I think the selling point on these were actually to keep your arms warm in cold weather! Or that's what I thought. 

But I do like this concept. I hate applying sunscreen especially because then my hands get greasy and Soap usually doesn't take it all off completely. Of course the spray is good but I prefer lotion. Still have to use it on face, neck and ears.

[caniac6]

Do the Sparms sleeves come in sizes, or is it one size fits all? I’m asking about the sleeves, not the shawl.

[North Butte]

On 5/7/2022 at 12:10 PM, nikeblades00 said:

I have some Nike arm sleeves I bought years ago and never wore. I think the selling point on these were actually to keep your arms warm in cold weather! Or that's what I thought. 

But I do like this concept. I hate applying sunscreen especially because then my hands get greasy and Soap usually doesn't take it all off completely. Of course the spray is good but I prefer lotion. Still have to use it on face, neck and ears.

I always put my sunscreen on before leaving home, so I can clean my hands afterward. No way I would use my hands to smear sunscreen on my face standing by the first tee like I see so many people do. The stuff I use is designed to be really sticky and rub proof, a quick swipe on the golf towel ain’t gonna touch it. 

[JSSPRADLIN]

2 hours ago, North Butte said:

I always put my sunscreen on before leaving home, so I can clean my hands afterward. No way I would use my hands to smear sunscreen on my face standing by the first tee like I see so many people do. The stuff I use is designed to be really sticky and rub proof, a quick swipe on the golf towel ain’t gonna touch it. 

 

I've tried that but sunscreen just isn't designed to last that long.  Always have to reapply at the turn.  

[North Butte]

31 minutes ago, JSSPRADLIN said:

 

I've tried that but sunscreen just isn't designed to last that long.  Always have to reapply at the turn.  

I use the Coppertone Pure & Simple Baby or generic equivalent that's really gloppy and sticky. Once you rub it in that stuff's just not coming off (whether on your face or on your hands). The active ingredients are Titanium Oxide and Zinc Oxide so it's basically like white paint. It seems to hold up fine when I put it on in the morning then play golf until 3 or 4pm. 

 

Some of the chemical based ones seem to wear out/wear off/lose their mojo after a couple hours. But I can't use those, those "oxy" and "benzo" chemicals turn me red before I ever even get in the sun. 

 

But the gloppy white paint kinds are a pain to clean off my hands after applying. I have to use a washcloth with warm water and soap to scrub it off. And even after a day of playing golf, when I get home and take a shower it takes some scrubbing to get the remnants of the sunblock off my neck and face. 

[chisag]

On 5/7/2022 at 1:20 PM, caniac6 said:

Do the Sparms sleeves come in sizes, or is it one size fits all? I’m asking about the sleeves, not the shawl.

 

 

... Yes Sparms come in sizes. I have two Large white pairs that I rotate.

[drn92]

On 5/6/2022 at 4:21 PM, bluedot said:

Fwiw, I just took delivery today on three new pairs of Sparms shoulder wraps, which now come in XXL.  The fit is great; a little looser and a little bit longer.  I’m 6-2/180, with a 34” sleeve, if that helps.

I’m also 6’2”, but 225 lbs. how loose are the XXL’s?  
 

drn92

[tcbringhurst]

On 5/1/2022 at 5:41 PM, Minarets said:

I HATE my sock tan.  Drives me insane.  I spend all summer at pool to get rid of it.  Would actually probably consider tights of leggings sleeves just to get rid of that sock tan. 

I’m that guy that wears white pants all summer long, not for the fashion but because it keeps the sun off my legs. I have the white puma pants and haven’t really noticed any issues of overheating more than expected with the summer temps. I also will only ride in a cart when temps are 95+ to at least limit exertion during the round. 
 

+1 for the sparm shawl. I’ve been wearing mine for 2+ years with no issues of sunburn/tanning on my arms after 6+ hours in the sun. 

[ronnbee]

what kind Max Homa wearing

[caniac6]

2 hours ago, ronnbee said:

what kind Max Homa wearing

Looks like Max was wearing a long sleeved shirt under his golf shirt.

[Minarets]

Believe he was wearing a warm shirt not solar sleeves.