Castelli Polare 2 Bib Tight - Men's
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Item # CST00DL
Castelli Polare 2 Bib Tight - Men's $199.95
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REVIEWS
keith G.Finally cold enough to wear
- Familiarity: I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions
These are extremely well made bibs for cold temps. It's still in the 30's here and I think these bibs will be best once we are below 30. They are good in the low 30's, but I start overheating getting close to 40. As is classic Castelli, the sizing is nuts. I'm 5'8", 153lbs and a size L is really tight. I also find that the ankle closure is way too small. In winter I have layers of socks and overstocks. I can barely get the ankle zipper closed over the sock layers (I don't like the socks being the outer layer, I prefer the bib pants to be over the socks). I'll post again when it gets into the 20's and lower!
DENNIS H.So far so good
- Familiarity: I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions
- Fit: Runs large
I got tired of layering on the bottom and wanted a pair of winter bibs for sub freezing. I have a few pairs of older Castelli wind tights but they weren't putting the wind proof material in the crotch yet then. These cover that area. We had an early cold snap in ny and I did 2 windy 90 minute rides in them in sub 30 degree temps and I was completely comfortable. They are a little restrictive but acceptably so for the warmth. I'm usually a very good fit in Castelli large these are just a little big around the knee and hip but I'm ok with it because the wind stopper material doesn't stretch as much and it allows a little more movement. Also the ankle zips aren't super tight like some other Castelli models. I'm giving them 4 stars for warmth and design one off for fit. Of the wind tights I tried these were by far the best fit for me. It's trickier than regular tights and shorts because of the more limited stretch of the fabric. I checked the box for "runs big" but that's by Castelli standards not normal sizing. I'll check back in at end of season and let you know if I had the stitching problems others experienced.
Clayton Otto was very helpful we tried a few different brands and sizes of wind proof tights sent them back and forth and found the best fit with these. A very good online buying experience.
I decided to review these because normally I buy a piece of clothing it fits and I never think about it again. This is a garment I've had a hard time getting right so maybe my experience will be helpful.
ElmisWell this is not what i would like to..
- Familiarity: I've used it several times
...say about the bibs its for warranty department to see the pictures they cant get them by the email and i wish i can add more than one. Does any one else had same problem?
macweelzFit is almost there
- Familiarity: I've used it several times
- Fit: Runs small
I have worn the Castelli Sorpassos for years and generally like them except for the coldest and windiest days. When I read about the Polares I was anxious to see if they would address the issues I had.
The Polare's front panels are considerably thicker and include a brushed lining. They're much warmer on very cold and windy days than any of Castelli's other offerings. And while not billed as being waterproof, they do a reasonable job if you get caught out in the sleet or snow. The added thickness reduces the stretch a little bit and seems to make bunching behind the knees a bit more of an issue. Shoulder straps are a comfortable stretchy mesh and stay in place without twisting up as they can on some of Castelli’s cheaper offerings. I don’t know how much they contribute to keeping the tights up since the compression in the legs seems to take care of that. And of course, the main part of any short or tight—the chamois—is well placed and comfortable even if it isn’t Castelli’s top-of-the-line chamois. Fit is typical for Italian brands. Size up to give yourself a bit more room.
My only complaint—and it’s a small one—are the ankles. These tights use a raw edge gripper with a zipper at the ankle for ease of entry. The closed diameter of the ankle is really tight compared to other products I’ve owned (other Castelli, Sportful, Pearl Izumi, Giordana, Garneau), and that’s even if I wear wool ankle socks so that there is no additional layer adding to the diameter of my ankle. It’s a bit annoying at first, because I can feel the zipper head pressing into my leg unless I situate it just right. I don’t believe it’s tight enough to reduce blood flow to my feet and make them cold and I eventually get over it after a few minutes on the bike. But still….
Personally, I still prefer the fit of the Sorpassos and if the WS versions had protection over the groin as well as the legs (take a hint Castelli; people have been requesting that for years) I would have bought those instead, especially since it has a better chamois. But these certainly fit the bill for a decent pair of tights good for temps down into the 25 deg - 45 deg F in a light snow or drizzle depending on your tolerance for cold.
Zane DordaiHeight:5'11"Weight:135lbsRuns Skinny
- Familiarity: I've used it several times
- Fit: Runs small
- Size Bought: Small
I normally stick with Giordana, as their products tend to fit me the best, but these were a thicker material than the FormaRed Carbon Tights which gave them the edge in my mind. The Small fits my 5'11 135lb frame perfectly. These tend to widen as the sizes go up and not lengthen. If you're a taller leaner guy (e.g. any taller than me), I recommend mostly sticking with Giordana...otherwise these are a great choice for colder temps (below 45 degrees, down to about 20).
The same thing happened on my Castelli bibs - primarily because they are so tight to get on, I put too much pressure on the seems while stretching them up and over.