Yesterday, on the official first day of fall, Castelli introduced three new jackets for riding in the cool temperatures and/or inclement weather that lie ahead. Building on the success of the Perfetto RoS 3, the new Perfetto 4, Perfetto Pro, and Gabba Pro are the next generation of jackets to feature the revolutionary Polartec AirCore fabric. Introduced last year, AirCore was developed in partnership with Polartec and is exclusive to Castelli (and sister company Sportful).
Now, Castelli is incorporating this lightweight, breathable, windproof, and water-repellent fabric into three new jackets. The Perfetto 4 (men’s and women’s) adds more loft and insulation for everyday riders. The Perfetto Pro (men’s only) takes a more streamlined, race-ready approach. And the Gabba Pro (men’s only) introduces AirCore into the iconic, race-ready Gabba range. Let’s check them out.
Castelli Perfetto 4
With the 4th generation of the Perfetto, Castelli chose to split it into two distinct models: the Perfetto 4 and the racier Perfetto Pro. According to the brand, rider feedback suggested that the Perfetto RoS 3 was lighter and therefore less warm than previous versions. Taking this into account, they introduced a new 219g AirCore fabric to give the Perfetto 4 more loft and insulation, which gives it a recommended temperature range of 4-12°C / 39-53°F.
That AirCore fabric is PFAS-free with a semi-air-permeable membrane, and it reportedly breathes so well that Castelli removed the zippered vents found on the previous version. The tailored fit includes a redesigned splash tail to protect against road spray, along with metal drainage holes in the rear pockets. The Perfetto’s recognizable shoulder taping has also been updated, with the transparent chameleon tape providing a similar but fresh look.
- Fit: Tailored
- Weight: 286g (men’s), 239g (women’s)
- Sizes: XS-3XL (men’s), XS-XL (women’s)
- Colors: Black, Brilliant Orange, Steel Fade, and Twilight Blue (men’s) and Black, Hibiscus, and Twilight Blue (women’s)
- Recommended Temp. Range: 4-12°C / 39-53°F
- RRP €260 | $330 | £280
Castelli Perfetto Pro
The Pro version reimagines the Perfetto as a more streamlined, minimalist race piece with more of an emphasis on maximizing breathability and stretch. It’s made with a 150g AirCore fabric, “which delivers an optimal balance of breathability, stretch and protection for riders operating at higher speeds and sustained intensity.” Castelli says the Soudal Quick-Step team has been using it since the start of the season.
According to the brand, the Perfetto Pro’s lighter AirCore fabric has a temperature sweet spot of 6-14°C / 42-57°F, while fending off light showers and road spray. Transparent tape on the shoulder seams adds reinforcement and targeted rain protection without adding bulk. The two-way zipper allows you to dump heat on your terms, while the splash tail and floating pocket design have been refined from the Gabba R.
- Fit: Race
- Weight: 226g (men’s only)
- Sizes: XS-3XL
- Colors: Belgian Blue, Black, Electric Lime, and Shadow
- Recommended Temp. Range: 6-14°C / 42-57°F
- RRP €280 | $350 | £300
Castelli Gabba Pro
With the Gabba Pro, Castelli essentially took the same 150g AirCore fabric and body-hugging fit as the Perfetto Pro and made it into a short-sleeved jacket. As such, it looks nearly identical to the Perfetto Pro, but has short sleeves and only comes in Black or a Black Race Edition with pro racer-inspired logos. The Gabba Pro is only available online.
- Fit: Race
- Weight: 196g (men’s only)
- Sizes: XS-3XL
- Colors: Black and Black Race Edition
- Recommended Temp. Range: 6-14°C / 42-57°F
- RRP €260 | $320 | £230
- Availability: Online exclusive
“It’s always an exciting moment introducing a new Gabba into the range, as it’s a jacket that revolutionized the cycling apparel market in the same way AirCore™ transformed how modern cyclists dress for colder conditions. This, and the Perfetto Pro, are jackets you want to wear when you need breathability, mobility, and a competitive edge, while the Perfetto 4 is everything you loved about our previous Perfettos, but taken to the next level. All three jackets provide excellent warmth, breathability, and protection against intermittent showers, but if torrential rain is forecast, we’d recommend the Gabba R for complete waterproof coverage.”
-Steve Smith, Castelli Global Brand Manager
Polartec AirCore
Here’s a quick refresher on Polartec AirCore. The AirCore fabric was co-developed by Castelli and Polartec. It is engineered from recycled polyester yarns with the goal of creating a tight membrane that blocks the elements but still allows air permeability. In the development process, breathability was prioritized over water-repellency. This is because they believe getting wet from sweat inside a jacket is just as problematic as getting wet from the rain.
According to Castelli, AirCore “was engineered to be both essentially windproof and waterproof.” It blocks the majority of wind, but lets a nearly imperceptible amount of air in — permeability is claimed at 0.7 cubic feet per minute. The hydrostatic pressure test score of 5,000 mm means that it is highly water-resistant — essentially waterproof — too.
According to Castelli, “AirCore actively ventilates sweat away from riders’ bodies using the natural power of airflow, creating a microclimate that keeps the core stable and performance high, even during the most intense rides.”
In the cycling industry, Castelli and its sister brand Sportful have exclusive rights to the use of Polartec AirCore fabrics. We’re told that numerous other outdoor clothing brands will be utilizing AirCore technology and fabrics this winter.
Availability
The new Perfetto 4, Perfetto Pro, and Gabba Pro jackets made with Polartec AirCore fabrics are available now. Head to the Castelli website to learn more or find a dealer near you.
