New jacket from Castelli: Perfetto RoS 3 jacket with Polartec AirCore technology

The Italian cycling brand Castelli is expanding its Perfetto collection with a new flagship model. The Perfetto RoS 3 jacket builds on the success of the previous models and integrates Polartec AirCore technology for the first time, which was specially developed for active athletes in cool temperatures. The jacket is aimed at ambitious cyclists who don't want to miss out on their training even in the cooler months of the year. With a weight of 282 grams in size L for men and 252 grams in size M for women, it is one of the lighter models in the weatherproof cycling jacket segment. According to Castelli, the jacket is designed for temperatures between 4 and 14 degrees Celsius and offers 30 per cent better thermal performance than its predecessor thanks to the new insulation technology. The Perfetto RoS 3 is now available from specialist retailers and costs 279.95 euros (>> available here). The women's model is available in sizes XS to XL, while the men's version is available in sizes S to 3XL. In terms of colour, customers can choose between black, savile blue and red for men and black, savile blue and brilliant pink for women.

Innovative Polartec AirCore technology

The central innovation of the Perfetto RoS 3 jacket is the use of Polartec AirCore technology, which is being used for the first time in a cycling jacket. This insulation technology is based on a special knitting pattern with a three-dimensional structure which, according to the manufacturer, enables higher thermal performance with less weight and volume. "Polartec AirCore is a revolutionary technology that generates heat by trapping air rather than through the material itself," explains Steve Layton, President of Polartec. The structure of the material creates microscopic air chambers that store body heat and at the same time transport excess moisture to the outside. Compared to conventional insulation materials, AirCore is 30 per cent warmer with the same weight or 30 per cent lighter with the same thermal performance. The technology was originally developed for military applications and is now being used in the civilian sports sector.

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Structure and functions of the cycling jacket

The Perfetto RoS 3 jacket combines different materials to meet the different requirements of different areas of the body. The front and shoulders are made from Gore-Tex Infinium 203 stretch material, which is designed to keep out wind and light rain. The new Polartec AirCore material is used on the sleeves and back, which is designed to provide thermal insulation and breathability at the same time. The jacket has a full-length YKK zip with chin protection and an extended back section to protect against splashing water. Three rear pockets offer storage space for spare parts, food or additional items of clothing. Reflective elements in strategic places are designed to increase visibility in poor light conditions. "The Perfetto RoS 3 is the result of our continuous development work and collaboration with professional teams," says Stefano Ferro, Product Manager at Castelli. The jacket was tested under real-life conditions with riders from the INEOS Grenadiers team.

Sustainability aspects and material development

According to the manufacturers, they also took sustainability aspects into account when developing the new jacket. The Polartec AirCore material is made from 91 per cent recycled polyester, which should reduce the ecological footprint. The production of the material also consumes 64 per cent less energy and 60 per cent less water than conventional insulation materials. "Sustainability is a central component of our product development," emphasises Steve Layton from Polartec. The longevity of the materials is also an important factor, as a longer service life reduces the consumption of resources. The jacket is designed for at least 50 wash cycles without compromising its functionality. The care instructions recommend machine washing at 30 degrees Celsius and not using fabric softener in order to preserve the technical properties of the materials. Castelli guarantees the jacket for two years against defects in material and workmanship.

Areas of application and positioning in the market

The Perfetto RoS 3 jacket is positioned in the upper price segment of the cycling clothing market. With a price tag of 279.95 euros, it is aimed at ambitious amateur athletes and semi-professional cyclists. According to Castelli, the jacket is designed especially for training and competitions in the transitional period in spring and autumn, but can also be used on milder winter days. The recommended temperature range is between 4 and 14 degrees Celsius. At lower temperatures, the jacket can be combined with appropriate base layers, while at higher temperatures it functions as a stand-alone top. "Versatility was a key development aspect," explains Stefano Ferro from Castelli. The jacket is designed so that it can be used in different weather situations and at different intensities. Compared to similar products from other manufacturers, the Perfetto RoS 3 stands out thanks to its combination of weather protection, breathability and low weight.

Availability and future prospects

The Castelli Perfetto RoS 3 jacket is now available from specialist retailers and in the manufacturer's online shop. Deliveries to retailers have already begun so that the jacket will be available in time for the 2023 autumn season. Castelli is also planning to use Polartec AirCore technology in other products in the future. "The collaboration with Polartec opens up new opportunities for us in product development," says Stefano Ferro. Further products with the new insulation technology are already planned for the coming spring collection. According to the manufacturer, the experience gained from use in professional cycling, in particular through the sponsorship of the INEOS Grenadiers team, is directly incorporated into the further development of the products. Castelli emphasises that feedback from professional athletes has contributed significantly to the optimisation of functionality. Since its launch in 2015, the Perfetto series has been one of the Italian manufacturer's most successful product lines and is continuously being developed further.