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review
Jerseys - short sleeve
Castelli Prima Jersey FZ Castelli Prima Jersey FZ Castelli Prima Jersey FZ
Castelli Prima Jersey FZ

Castelli Prima Jersey FZ

8
by David Arthur @davearthur
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published May 8, 2013

1
£75.00

VERDICT:

8
10
Smart sweat reducing fabric, good looks and fit make it ideal for spring and summer
Weight: 
165g
Contact: 
www.saddleback.co.uk
How we test

At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.

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The Castelli Prima Jersey FZ uses the Italian company's ProSecco 3D which is very lightweight and breathable for keeping you cool on hot days. Combine the cool styling that strikes a good balance between understated and bold, plus the good fit, and you have a top quality jersey for spring and summer.

ProSecco 3D, despite also being an Italian sparkling wine, is actually their name for a fabric with a small recessed circles in the fabric that holds the surface of the fabric away from the skin. The fabric also has a hydrophilic treatment to help it remove sweat more quickly. These features combine to help the jersey wick sweat away keeping you dry. It also stops it getting that clingy feeling that can afflict some jerseys when they're saturated with sweat.

It works too. The jersey boasts impressive ability to keep you dry when it gets warm and you're putting in a lot of effort. Combined with a good quality base layer you really can stay dry and even towards the end of a ride, the jersey isn't hanging with sweat.

Comfort is right up there, the fabric feels just lovely next to the skin. Fit is judged well, the medium I tested certainly a little on the small side but not tight. It's not Castelli's tightest fitting jersey, but as with all Italian clothing, it really is best to try the sizing before you buy - it's a bit smaller than US/UK designed clothing.

The multi-panel construction contributes to the jersey feeling like a second skin, with a one-piece shoulder/sleeve design that ensures an exemplary hugging around the top of the arms. There's three large pockets plus the addition of a small zipped pocket, a handy place to safely store your house/car keys during a ride. You can load the pockets up and not worry about sagging, they stay put in the small of your lower back well.

It's one of Castelli's smarter looking jerseys, with a an understated look. The word Castelli wraps underneath the arms and around the back. It's an unusual design decision but with the flashes of Italian flag from the sleeves, it somehow works. It comes in four colourways as well, so plenty of choice for colour matching with the rest of your wardrobe.

Verdict

Smart sweat reducing fabric, good looks and fit make it ideal for spring and summer.

road.cc test report

Make and model: Castelli Prima Jersey FZ

Size tested: Black

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

Light weight and great fit are what this Castelli Prima Jersey FZ is all about. Our ProSecco 3D fabric is an airy fabric made to keep you cool and dry. Combine that with our new hybrid raglan sleeve construction for maximum on-the-bike comfort. A very stylish, very Italian, racing jersey, with all the great performance details you come to expect from Castelli, with the added drama of sublimataion printed graphics.

Prosecco 3D fabrics provide great wicking keeping you comfortable for longer while still retaining great shape. The full length YKK zipper adds to the versatility.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Full length camlock zipper

Sublimation-printed graphics

3 open rear pockets plus one zippered pocket

Reflective tabs

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10

Excellent.

Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10

It works really hard when you sweat heavily to keep you dry.

Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

Yes, it is a durable jersey.

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
8/10

The fabric feels airy over the body, and the multi-panel design gives a very fitted cut.

Rate the product for value:
 
8/10

It's an investment, but the fabric is exceptionally good.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

The fit, comfort, shape, and even the style. Zipped pocket is a nice addition.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Nothing really.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.

Would you consider buying the product? Yes.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes.

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 31  Height: 180  Weight: 67

I usually ride:   My best bike is:

I've been riding for: 10-20 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, time trialling, cyclo cross, commuting, touring, mtb,

 

jersey
Castelli Prima Jersey FZ
Castelli
David Arthur @davearthur

David worked on the road.cc tech team from 2012-2020. Previously he was editor of Bikemagic.com and before that staff writer at RCUK. He's a seasoned cyclist of all disciplines, from road to mountain biking, touring to cyclo-cross, he only wishes he had time to ride them all. He's mildly competitive, though he'll never admit it, and is a frequent road racer but is too lazy to do really well. He currently resides in the Cotswolds, and you can now find him over on his own YouTube channel David Arthur - Just Ride Bikes. 

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1 comments

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Colin Peyresourde | 11 years ago
0 likes

Nice. I have the Fuga and I like that too. Styling on this one is better i think.

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