First test of the new Castelli Perfetto RoS 3 jacket

The Castelli Perfetto RoS 3 introduces a new approach to protective cycling clothing design. With innovative membrane technology (Polartec AirCore) and free of PFAS chemicals, this jacket is designed to offer breathability, wind protection, and water repellency. It adapts to various weather conditions while meeting high environmental standards. We have already been able to wear it and tester on a few releases. Here's our take.

By Guillaume Judas – Photos: ©3bikes.fr, ©Castelli

As with other brands, it is often difficult to find your way around the Castelli clothing range with product names that are not always easy to identify. The Perfetto range is an iconic collection designed to offer versatility in varying conditions (rain, wind, moderate cold or dry weather). The name evokes perfection in terms of protection and comfort, with an emphasis on breathability to prevent overheating during intense efforts. The term RoS (Rain or Shine) also evokes versatility, with a usage range of 4 to 16 °C, expandable depending on the underwear worn. This collection includes different jackets of varying thickness, with or without sleeves, convertible or not, as well as gloves and shoe covers designed for wet and windy conditions.

This brand new third generation Castelli Perfetto RoS therefore aims to meet the needs of practitioners seeking performance and comfort, all using for the first time a completely new membrane to meet new environmental standardsPFAS, commonly used in textiles for their waterproofing and breathable properties (such as rainwear or sportswear), have been banned for several months, which poses many challenges for manufacturers when it comes to renewing their ranges.

Exclusive technology

Polartec® AirCore™ fabric, developed in collaboration with Castelli, is at the heart of this jacket. Castelli and its sister brand Sportful currently hold exclusive rights to AirCore technology in the cycling sector.Made from recycled polyester, it uses an electrospinning process to create a membrane composed of microscopic filaments, 100 times thinner than a human hair. This structure allows good air circulation while remaining dense to protect against the elements. According to Castelli, the Perfetto RoS 3 is suitable for temperatures of 4 to 14°C, working equally well in dry conditions and in the rain.

Unlike autumn/winter clothing which focuses mainly on waterproofing, This jacket focuses primarily on breathability. The AirCore fabric offers an air permeability of 0,7 CFM (cubic feet per minute) and a moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) of 35 g/m²/000 h, which facilitates the wicking of perspiration. With a hydrostatic pressure resistance of 24 mm, it offers sufficient water repellency for normal rain, while avoiding the accumulation of moisture from perspiration.

Comfort and adaptability

The stretch membrane of the AirCore fabric can bestretch up to twice its original size. The Perfetto RoS 3 thus offers a comfortable fit and great freedom of movement, while offering a close-fitting cut that creates relatively few creases. Combined with the lightness of the jacket (222 g in size S), this flexibility allows it to beadapt to intense efforts without floating in the wind, while maintaining effective thermal regulation. As always with Castelli, the jacket is available in seven sizes, from XS to 3XL, and in four colors for women's and men's models.

Despite its light weight, the Perfetto RoS 3 stands out for its welded seams at the shoulders, to enhance protection against wind and moisture. These seams also ensure very good visibility thanks to their reflectivity. The sleeves, which are quite long, can be easily slipped over long gloves when used in very wet conditions. There is also a tailcoat-shaped lower back that protects the kidneys from water splashes.

The rather high collar limits air ingress, but remains comfortable and never irritating. The main zipper is doubled in its upper part to offer additional protection against drafts. Note that it can be operated in both directions, which is very practical during breaks to satisfy natural needs. Two adjustable gussets with a zipper offer even more ventilation if necessary, at the front of the jacket. Finally, small holes at the bottom of the three back pockets allow water to escape if necessary.

First conclusive tests

Of course, I haven't had the chance to yet testthe Perfetto RoS 3 in extreme conditions, since it is a brand new model presented at the beginning of September, but I was able to get a fairly precise idea of ​​its insulation and comfort qualities on a few windy and wet outingsI am familiar with the Castelli Perfetto range, having used a jacket and short-sleeved jersey for several years, whether in autumn/winter or early spring. I appreciate these garments for their adaptability and versatility, with a flexible usage temperature depending on the base layer chosen.

This is still the case here, with a first test in a temperature of 17°C, wearing only a sleeveless base layer. From the first few hundred meters, I appreciated the jacket's insulation and its impermeability to unpleasant gusts of wind. The high collar, the arrangement of the seams and the length of the sleeves provide perfect insulation. But I never felt like I was overheating, despite a session devoted to climbing several successive hills at a good pace. On the windy summits, I was also able to take advantage of the close-fitting cut, which avoids the "parachute" effect of some winter clothing. Thanks to its lightness, the flexibility of its fabric and its breathability, the Perfetto RoS 3 is very comfortable, even after three hours in the saddle.

I couldn't ride with the jacket in continuous rain, but I had the opportunity to experience a few successions of showers, including a fairly strong thunderstorm, but short-lived. With a temperature that dropped to 13°C as indicated on my meter. Under these conditions, the water repellency of the fabric proved to be more than sufficient, since I didn't get wet at all. Water didn't have a chance to penetrate, neither through the neck, nor through the sleeves, nor through the bottom of the shorts, which is inevitable when you're exposed to humidity for too long. However, I found that the Perfetto dries quite quickly, which further improves comfort over long distances.

With a thicker, long-sleeved base layer suitable for winter conditions, There is no doubt that the jacket can withstand temperatures around 5°C, in the case of fairly sporty use, at a committed pace. For more "passive" warmth and suitable for a contemplative pace, there are other products from Castelli, thicker, less light and less fitted, which are also suitable for many practitioners whose objective is not necessarily performance.

Future reference

The Castelli Perfetto RoS 3 redefines the standards of autumn and winter cycling clothing, combining innovative PFAS-free technology with exceptional comfort. Thanks to the Polartec AirCore membrane, it excels in breathability while providing effective protection against wind and rain. Its close fit, lightweight design, and thoughtful details, such as reflective seams and a two-way zipper, make it an ideal ally for rides in variable conditions.

This is definitely one of the jackets I will use the most in the coming months., even if I would have preferred to receive it in test in a color other than black, to bring a little cheer to the dim atmosphere of the end of the year.

=> All articles Tests