Castelli’s Idro Pro 2 was designed for the pro peloton to wear in the worst conditions. It’s not cheap by any stretch but this high-performance jacket uses Gore’s much-acclaimed Shakedry fabric. This is not only completely waterproof and windproof but one of the most breathable rain jackets available.
The Idro Pro 2 is beautifully made and designed to keep you dry on those days when the rain doesn’t let up.
Gore’s lightweight Shakedry fabric is used throughout the main panels and arms. Shakedry material is different from most waterproof fabrics because it uses just two layers rather than three that sandwich a membrane. Here the membrane serves as the outer layer, where rain beads and runs off the surface. The performance of this fabric is outstanding at keeping you dry inside and out.
Aimed at professional riders, the Pro 2 comes with a slim cut favoured by race whippets. Most mortals will need to size-up. What makes the Idro Pro 2 different from most jackets using Shakedry fabric is that Castelli has designed it to be more rider-friendly, where fit and practicality are key.
To help achieve the perfect (if slim) cut and allow for any movement Castelli has added Gore’s Topo fabric to the sides, shoulders, elbows and wrists. Like Shakedry, this textured material is completely waterproof and breathable but constructed in a way that allows it to stretch.
The combination of the two fabrics, and the way Castelli has cut this jacket, means it fits almost like a second skin, moving naturally with you as pedal and move around on the bike.
The high cut front means there’s no hindrance when pedalling, while the rear has a long tail. This offers good coverage and keeps road spray at bay while sitting securely in place. It’s also good to see an elasticated hem around the waist to seal any drafts out.
A tall collar with its soft inner lining not only feels good but helps to keep warmth in. The use of Gore’s Topo around the wrists allows for stretch over or under gloves. Up-front a quality waterproof YKK Vislon zip does a top job of keeping the rain out and the decent-sized zip pull means it’s easy to adjust on the fly with one hand.
A useful touch on the Idro Pro 2, which you don’t find on many waterproofs (including the regular Idro 2, which we reviewed last winter), is the addition of external open rear pockets.
These have drainage holes so they don’t fill up and they’re genuinely useful, especially for nutrition when you might otherwise struggle to reach inside your jacket or not bother because the conditions are so bad.
If you ride whatever the weather, it’s features like this – and the jacket’s superb waterproofing and breathability – that allow you to train and race more effectively.
Castelli Idro Pro 2 bottom line
Castelli’s Idro Pro 2 jacket has been designed for the racer on every level, with no expense spared. It’s not as light and packable as some Shakedry jackets, but can easily be stuffed in a jersey pocket, making it useful year-round.
The Idro Pro 2 is clearly not cheap but if you have the cash and want a high-performance jacket for riding all day in inclement weather, this is where you should look. One of the best waterproof jackets I have ever tested.
Product
| Brand | castelli |
| Price | 640.00 AUD,350.00 EUR,340.00 GBP,400.00 USD |
| Weight | 185.0000, GRAM () - |
Features
| br_gender | mens |
| Features | Sizes: S – XL Colours: Black Waterproofing: Not stated Breathability: Not stated |
