Why We Like The Castelli Aria Shell Jacket
Castelli delivers with the updated Aria Shell Jacket — an all-day wind shell that makes you feel proud to battle the elements. Traditionally, weather shells and styling have shared a confusing, if not tumultuous relationship. Oversized and unsightly, the jackets of old flap about in the wind, and sport decidedly non-aerodynamic cavernous folds that make it seem like they are emergency donations from gracious road-side spectators. In the Aria you’ll find a supportive dance partner that protects and conforms regardless of how harshly the wind blows.
Sculpted perfectly to road-racing positions on the hoods and in the drops, the Aria’s mesh panels move with you and maintain a next-to-skin feel, keeping the wind deflected without flapping or increasing drag. The ultralight windproof woven microfiber on the front of the Aria is ideal for rides ranging from 50-65 degrees F, and also provides ease of compact, pocket-storing in case the ride eventually warms.
Details
- Form-fitting training and racing windproof jacket for spring and fall road cycling
- Ultralight and packable microfiber folds into jersey pockets for stowing
- Mesh fabric along the sides and sleeves allows you to move comfortably
- Reflective paneling for low-light early-season training
- Item #CSTZ7AF
- Material
- [face fabric] windproof microfiber, [sides/sleeves] striped mesh
- Season
- spring, fall
- Fit
- form-fitting
- Length
- short
- Center Back Length
- [medium] 27in
- Pockets
- side panel stuff pocket
- Hood
- none
- Reflective
- piping
- Claimed Weight
- [large] 3.5oz
- Manufacturer Warranty
- 1 year
Reviews
Q&A
Overall Rating
4 based on 1 ratings
Review Summary
Fits True To Size
Screen reader users: the following list provides a visual scale to illustrate the product fit. Please refer to the heading above for the fit type in text.What do you think about this product?
View
Selecting an option will reload the available reviews on the pageDecember 24, 2020
Well designed
- Familiarity:
- I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions
- Size Bought:
- Medium
- Height:
- 5' 11"
- Weight:
- 155
The fabrics work well together. The windproof material doesn't breathe (you can't push your breath through it), but the mesh sections vent excess heat and moisture well. Riding in 55-65 F with combination of sun and shade, I was able to keep the jacket on till I started climbing above 65, while wearing a light long-sleeve jersey with no baselayer. The zipper is excellent. Despite the gossamer construction the zipper doesn't snag. Unfortunately, it's not a double zipper, and there are no pockets or flaps to access jersey pockets. Tailoring is a little off. Medium Castelli tops fit me snugly, and this fit as expected across the chest and shoulders, and was good on the arms. But wearing a light long-sleeve jersey will cause the crease of the elbow to be tight. Not enough to cut off circulation, but enough to be a little concerned about popping a seam. Less an issue with a short-sleeve jersey. Castelli tops are always a little long in the torso for me, and this jacket even more so. I have to fold the front over so there isn't a large pouch of excess fabric at the belly. For rides in a somewhat narrow temperature range, I think this jacket is better than a comparable vest and/or arm warmers. Packs extremely small and light.
Need Expert Advice?
Our Gearheads Can Help