If phrases such as ‘innovative’ and ‘groundbreaking’ get included in press releases more than they arguably should, Castelli’s new Perfetto RoS 3 Jacket argues that it is the exception.
Constructed from a genuinely new fabric called Polartec AirCore, the Perfetto (Italian for Perfect) RoS (Rain or Shine) 3 Jacket seeks to redefine what ‘breathable’ means. For Castelli, the aim is simple: “Taking innovation to a whole new level, the Perfetto RoS 3 Jacket proves that performance cycling will never be the same again.”
AirCore – which has been developed for Castelli in partnership with Polartec – is said to “tick every box when it comes to being lightweight, highly breathable, windproof and water repellent.”
Fabric technology in focus
The fabric is 100% free from PFAS-based chemicals* and engineered from recycled Polyester yarns. The membrane is produced by a process called electrospinning, where a hydrophobic proprietary polymer is pushed through a hypodermic needle charged at 20,000 volts. Under pressure, it emits a thin jet of microscopic filaments – approximately 100 times smaller than a human hair – which falls like snow to create an incredibly tight membrane that still allows air to permeate it.
As a result, the Perfetto RoS 3 Jacket is reported to perform as well in the dry as it does in rain, in temperatures ranging from 4-14°C (39-57°F).
One jacket, endless possibilities?
The new Perfetto RoS 3 Jacket can do it all, ushering in an important new era for the cycling industry.
Cold-weather cycle clothing has long taken its lead from the Outdoor market that prioritises waterproofness over breathability.
Cyclists know that getting wet from the inside through sweat is as big of a problem as getting wet from the elements. This is, Polartec states, why AirCore has been engineered – to keep cyclists dry from the inside out.
Instead of just blocking rain, the Perfetto RoS 3 Jacket’s AirCore construction takes “a more intelligent approach”. It 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 UK, Castelli is distributed by Saddleback.
