Castelli Unlimited Pro vs. Endurance Gravel Jersey

01.08.24 09:13 1072024-08-01T09:13:00+02:00Text: NoPain (translated by AI)Photos: Erwin HaidenYou have the choice: aerodynamic performance for gravel racing (with or without integrated hydration bladder) or all-day comfort while graveling.01.08.24 09:13 2662024-08-01T09:13:00+02:00

Castelli Unlimited Pro vs. Endurance Gravel Jersey

01.08.24 09:13 2662024-08-01T09:13:00+02:00 NoPain (translated by AI) Erwin Haiden

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You have the choice: aerodynamic performance for gravel racing (with or without integrated hydration bladder) or all-day comfort while graveling.01.08.24 09:13 2662024-08-01T09:13:00+02:00

Worthwhile innovation or unnecessary gimmick? Castelli's gravel jersey with hydration bladder pocket was developed for demanding races on various terrains and is intended to help save valuable seconds. Although NoPain had not planned to race with it, he ordered a Unlimited Pro Jersey in size medium to try out the hydration bladder feature and compare it with the Unlimited Endurance Jersey.

Castelli Unlimited Pro Jersey

The tightly cut professional jersey with a hydration bladder compartment ensures good air circulation and sweat absorption with its durable mesh, making it comfortable to wear on the body with or without a hydration bladder. Carefully selected and placed materials, such as the textured sleeves, optimize aerodynamics and moisture management. Special loops secure and stabilize the hydration bladder hose when it is not needed. The cut is referred to as "Race" and the jersey fits extremely snugly to the body, but it is elastic enough that it doesn't press or pinch uncomfortably anywhere.

Castelli Unlimited Endurance Jersey

The Unlimited Endurance Jersey made of micromesh fabric ensures good ventilation and offers everything you need for long days on the bike. Although it is cut a bit looser than the Pro-Jersey, it still fits relatively snugly to the body. However, the focus is not on aerodynamics, which Castelli emphasizes with the more spacious back pockets and a thick elastic band at the bottom hem that supports the jersey as well as the additional weight in the pockets.

Pro vs. Endurance

	CASTELLI UNLIMITED PRO JERSEY	CASTELLI UNLIMITED ENDURANCE JERSEY
Intended Use	Performance & Aerodynamics with Hydration Bladder	All-day Comfort without Hydration Bladder
Fit	Race	Tailored
Colors	3 Designs	4 Designs
Sizes	XS-3XL	XS-3XL
Material	Air-O Stretch Fabric	Strada Micromesh Stretch Material
Pockets	3 Back Pockets + Security Pocket with Zipper	3 Back Pockets + Security Pocket with Zipper
Hydration	Compartment for 1.5L Hydration Bladder with Loops for Drinking Tube	-
Temperature Range	18°C - 35°C	18°C - 35°C
Weight	152 grams	143 grams
Price (RRP)	€ 129.95	€ 99.95 (currently discounted to € 74.97)

The hydration bladder feature in review

Basically, it doesn't matter whether you want to ride with or without a hydration bladder. The Pro Jersey has a tighter fit and better aerodynamics, which makes it interesting for gravel racers in any case. Additionally, the unused back pocket and the two loops weigh in at just nine grams and don't add any noticeable weight.

Whoever wants to use a hydration bladder should pay attention to three things:
1. The hydration bladder should have a maximum capacity of 1.5 liters.
2. A simple design without plastic handles, frames, or similar is recommended.
3. The drinking tube should be rather too long than too short.

In our photo example, we did almost everything wrong with the hydration pack: too big, too bulky, hose too short. But it should be enough to give you an idea. With the optimal hardware, we are sure that you will stay optimally hydrated during long rides or races even without a separate hydration backpack.