The Castelli Rosso Corsa Pro Gloves promise a lightweight and comfortable riding experience, and this review dives deep into whether they deliver. From initial unboxing to on-bike performance, we explore the key features: the innovative Castelli Dampening System (CDS), strategically placed gel padding, and the breathable mesh back. We'll assess the fit, focusing on the initial tightness and how it evolves with use, and examine the grip and overall comfort during extended rides. This in-depth look will help determine if these gloves are a worthwhile investment for summer cycling.This review will cover everything from the initial lightweight feel and soft, stretchy material to the performance benefits of the CDS and gel padding. We'll discuss the surprisingly snug fit of the size large, the effectiveness of the silicone grip, and the overall comfort and functionality of the gloves during actual cycling. Ultimately, we’ll determine if the Castelli Rosso Corsa Pro Gloves live up to their reputation and provide the superior comfort and performance promised for those long summer rides.
Pros And Cons
- Avoids hand discomfort and numbness
- Crash protection wraps around the side of the hand
- Gel padding and silicone grip add comfort and control
- Lightweight and stretchy material
- Dense memory foam-like padding in the palm
- Gel padding in multiple areas of the palm
- Good grip
- Easy to put on and take off
- Tight fit (especially around the thumb)
- The location of the crash protection is unclear from the review.
Read more: 5 Best Cycling Gloves to Buy in 2024
Unboxing and First Impressions
The package arrived with the gloves neatly presented. The box highlighted key features like the Castelli Dampening System (CDS), crash protection, and gel padding. Initial impressions were that the gloves felt incredibly lightweight and incredibly thin.
Upon removing the gloves, the material felt surprisingly soft and stretchy. The back of the glove is minimal, with breathable mesh. The distinct Castelli branding is prominently visible.
Detailed Examination of Features
The palm features Castelli's Dampening System, a dense memory foam-like material that provides excellent cushioning and shock absorption. This system effectively reduces hand discomfort and numbness during long rides.
Gel padding is strategically placed on the palm and along the side of the hand for enhanced comfort and impact protection. The silicone grip on the palm ensures a secure and confident hold on the handlebars.
Fit, Weight, and Sizing
The gloves are surprisingly lightweight, weighing approximately 22 grams each. The reviewer notes that the size large fits snugly, typical of Castelli summer gloves.
While initially a bit tight, the reviewer suggests the fit will likely give in with use. There is a mention of slight tightness around the thumb, but this is expected to improve over time.
On-the-Bike Performance and Overall Impression
The reviewer expresses enthusiasm for the gloves' on-bike feel. The gel padding provides excellent pressure distribution, reducing numbness and discomfort. The grippy material and overall design seem very promising.
The extension flap helps with putting the gloves on and taking them off. The overall comfort and performance lead the reviewer to believe these will be a staple for summer riding.
Final Verdict
The Castelli Rosso Corsa Pro Gloves are lightweight, comfortable, and offer excellent features for summer cycling. The Castelli Dampening System and strategically placed gel padding effectively mitigate hand discomfort and numbness, a significant plus.
While the snug fit might initially be perceived as tight, the reviewer anticipates it will loosen up with use. The overall design, comfort, and performance suggest these gloves are well worth the price and are a strong contender in the summer glove market.