Polaris Controller child's mitt
Available in a choice of several colours and with all the features you’d expect from adult mitts, the controllers might be just the thing for children looking to cycle longer distances. They offer excellent grip, insulation from road shock and protection in the event of a spill.
The key ingredient is the Amara palm- a synthetic fabric constructed from layers of fine fibres locked together with polyurethane resin to mimic the characteristics of real leather. Its main advantage over natural fibres is low maintenance-it won’t crack, weather or require proofing and it emerges from the wash looking new.
Elsewhere a Lycra back adds comfort and a terry thumb takes care of runny noses. Sizing errs on the generous, which isn’t too much of a problem given the rate at which children grow and the longer fingers offered better defence against early season chill on the tag-along.
Feedback from the young apprentice suggest they give better grip on the bars, Velcro closures make getting them on and off effortless and the Lycra backs ensure a snug fit. The range of sizes and designs means there’s something to suit most children up to twelve; my boy wasn't overly taken by the pink ones that came in for testing though...
Verdict
Compared to others on the market, the keen pricing and generous sizing, coupled with the performance you’d expect from an adult mitt, means they’re a great three season option for budding Bassos.
road.cc test report
Make and model: Polaris Controller Child's mitt
Price: 6.99
Size tested: S
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?
Basically they're adult mitts in miniture. Designed specifically for children's hands they give much better purchase and comfort over longer distances.
Tell us some more about the techincal aspects of the product?
Generous Amara palms, Lycra back, terry thumb and velco closures-everything you would expect on a basic to mid price adult glove.
Well made. Should survive thrills, spills and trips through the washing machine.
Everything you would expect from an adult mitt in miniature.
Double stitching in the crucial areas bodes well for longevity.
My son reports that they are extremely comfortable.
Competitively priced.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Faultlessly.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Thick padded palms, good construction
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Nothing
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Yes
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes
About the tester
Age: 35 Height: 1m 81 Weight: 70 kilos
I usually ride: Rough Stuff Tourer Based around 4130 Univega mtb Frameset My best bike is: 1955 Holdsworth Road Path and several others including cross & traditional road
I've been riding for: Over 20 years I ride: Most days I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: cyclo cross, commuting, touring, fixed/singlespeed, mtb,
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Shaun Audane is a freelance writer/product tester with over twenty-eight years riding experience, the last twelve (120,000 miles) spent putting bikes and kit through their paces for a variety of publications. Previous generations of his family worked at manufacturing's sharp end, thus Shaun can weld, has a sound understanding of frame building practice and a preference for steel or titanium framesets.
Citing Richard Ballantine and an Au pair as his earliest cycling influences, he is presently writing a cycling book with particular focus upon women, families and disabled audiences (Having been a registered care manager and coached children at Herne Hill Velodrome in earlier careers)