CyclistCastelli updates the Gabba and Perfetto with new Polartec AirCore fabricThe Castelli Gabba has had a makeover, with its fourth generation switching from Gore-Tex Infinium fabric to Polartec AirCore. Now called the Gabba Pro, its joined by the new long sleeved Perfetto 4 and Perfetto Pro in using Polartecs new fabric.Castelli worked with Polartec to develop AirCore, which it claims is not only water-repellent and windproof, but also lightweight, highly breathable and PFAS-free.Launching the new Gabba Pro, Castelli global brand manager, Steve Smith said, Its always an exciting moment introducing a new Gabba into the range as its a jacket that revolutionised the cycling apparel market in the same way AirCore transformed how modern cyclists dress for colder conditions.The Castelli Gabba Pro uses 150gsm AirCore fabric, which Smith says is tuned for riding at higher speeds and intensity. It has a close-to-body fit and short sleeves and is designed to be worn with arm warmers when its cool. As well as the all-black option, theres a Race Edition, which comes complete with pro-style logos on the upper chest.Castelli says that the Gabba Pro weighs 196g in an unspecified size. Its available in mens fit only, in sizes XS to 3XL and is priced at 230 / $320 / 260. For the moment, its only available via Castellis website.Update to the Castelli Perfetto and the new Perfetto ProCastelli launched the Perfetto RoS 3 last year, the first use of this AirCore fabric worldwide.But Smith says that customer feedback on the Perfetto RoS 3 was that they wanted more warmth, so in response the Perfetto 4, designed for everyday riders, uses a more insulated 219gsm version of AirCore. Castelli says the Perfetto 4 is tailored for temperatures between 40C and 120C, with light showers a possibility. The contrasting shoulder taping that was a feature of the older Perfetto and the Gabba RoS is transparent on the new jackets.It has eliminated the venting zips, as it claims that the new jackets breathability is adequate without. Theres an updated tail to fend off road spray and metal drainage holes have returned to the pockets a feature of the original Gabba when it was launched in 2013.The Perfetto 4 is available in mens sizes from XS to 3XL and four colours and womens sizes from XS to XL and three colours. Castelli claims a weight of 286g for the mens and 239g for the womens jacket.Its priced at 280 / $330 / 260.As with the Gabba, the Perfetto 4 Pro uses the original 150gsm AirCore. Its cut differently to the Perfetto 4 too, with a closer, sleeker fit. It is available in mens fit only, sizes XS to 3XL and again in four colours. Its claimed to weigh 226g and is priced at 300 / $350 / 280.All three jackets provide excellent warmth, breathability and protection against intermittent showers but if torrential rain is forecast, wed recommend the Gabba R for complete waterproof coverage, says Smith.The three jackets arent the only Castelli products to use AirCore, with a raft of other jackets launched last year using the product, including the suitably named AirCore One and the Alpha 150, which uses an AirCore outer layer with a Polartec Alpha insulating layer underneath. The fabric also finds its way into the Polare bib tights and even the Estremo 2 shoe covers.AirCore is made from recycled polyester, with a very tight weave to repel water but retain high breathability, so that riders dont get drenched with sweat in place of rain. Polartec claims water vapour permeability of 25,000 g/m/24h and that AirCore will support a hydrostatic head of 5,000mm. Castelli and Sportful have exclusive use of the fabric for cycling garments.The post Castelli updates the Gabba and Perfetto with new Polartec AirCore fabric appeared first on Cyclist.