The more comfortable you are, the easier it is to function at your optimal level. However, experiencing the discomfort of sweaty palms can make it hard to focus on the moment, especially during athletic pursuits and outdoor adventures. Finding a solution that wicks away sweat instantly can be a game-changer for glove-wearers, allowing you to continue your activities at full speed ahead. That’s why applying xylitol cooling fabric to gloves can make all the difference.
What is Xylitol?
Xylitol is a natural sugar alcohol that’s most commonly seen in sugarless gum products. Sharing the same level of sweetness and volume as sugar, xylitol can be used in many of the same ways – often to sweeten certain foods such as cereal, hot beverages, and baked goods.
A naturally occurring substance, xylitol acquires its name from the word “xylose” (or “wood sugar”), as it was first made from birch trees. It can also be found in a wide range of fruits and vegetables such as strawberries, bananas, spinach, eggplants, and lettuce. Humans and animals even produce small quantities of xylitol when metabolizing glucose, with adults producing an average of 5 to 15g of xylitol per day.
Benefits of Using Xylitol in Glove Materials
Xylitol also has another unique function and has found a place in the glove world due to its inherent cooling properties. When it comes into contact with moisture or sweat, Xylitol absorbs excess heat and creates a refreshing, cooling sensation against the skin. When Xylitol is added to the anti-perspiration arsenal of glove-wearing athletes, including cyclists, it helps to remove moisture from their hands. The benefits are:
- Firmer, steadier grip
- More comfort
- Fewer blisters
- Ability to ride longer and farther
- Less work on the body to remove sweat
- Less risk of injury due to an unsteady grip
- Ability to maintain fast reaction time when braking and steering
- Protects the bike from unwanted sweat dripping onto the gears and shifters
Introducing AX Bolt InstaChill™
AX Materials has added the multi-functional compound xylitol to their fiber coating technology, InstaChill™. InstaChill™ When it’s activated, Instachill™ promptly wicks away sweat and the moisture is then converted into a cooling effect, resulting in the ultimate experience of chilling comfort.
This technology can be combined with any AX Bolt material. AX Bolt incorporates knit polyester with air-mesh constructions and other performance treatments for comfort, cooling, and protection. Just wearing AX Bolt with InstaChill™ for 2 minutes can result in a 3-degree drop in temperature.
AX Bolt K290 RPET + InstaChill™
As one of the key materials in our AX Bolt line, AX Bolt K290 RPET + InstaChill™ is a lightweight single-layer mesh created for comfort, cooling, and protection. Made from 100% recycled polyester yarns, this material is an excellent option for fourchettes, gussets, flex zones, and back-of-hand applications.
AX Bolt K290 RPET is one of AX Materials’ recycled polyester materials (RPET), which is made from recycled polyester waste and post-consumer water bottles.
- AX RPET materials remove an average of 12 plastic bottles from landfills per material yard and are made using water-based manufacturing that eliminates solvents from the supply chain.
- Water-based manufacturing enables the production of DMF-free and reduced DMF materials. This process takes away the need for using traditional solvents in manufacturing while still giving the material an authentic look and feel.
If you’re looking to create the ultimate pair of gloves, AX Materials has best-in-class materials to get you started. To request a free material sample, contact our team of experts today.