Castelli PR 2 Speed Suit review

Castelli’s original PR Speed Suit was a techy wonder that saw the top Australian pro triathlete Cameron Wurf break the Ironman World Championship bike course record multiple times while wearing it in Kona.

The Italians haven’t strayed far from the original’s template with the PR 2, but that’s no bad thing.

Aero performance

Both Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and extensive wind tunnel-testing were utilised in the gestation of the PR 2, and 220 Triathlon’s independent wind-tunnel testing marks this out as a serious performer when cycling at both 30km/h and 40km/h speeds.

In our wind-tunnel tests at the Silverstone Sports Engineering Hub with The Bike Tailor the PR 2 excelled and was the second fastest suit overall (behind the Surpas Insane).

Its performance over our baseline suit at a 7.5° yaw angle (simply, the amount of crosswind on your bike) was a hefty 96secs faster at 30km/h and 97secs quicker at 40km/h speeds over a 40km bike leg with the rider on tri-bars.

This drag-reduction appeal includes the lithe but effective laser-cut arms and legs, the latter hugging the thighs but staying restriction-free on the bike and run.

The ribbed sleeves also offer speed-saving potential, while the sizeable duo of rear pockets should deliver further aero gains due to their low-profile nature.

Features

The pockets’ covered openings also help in the water if you’re using the PR 2 in non-wetsuit swims or early-season pool triathlons, while they’re easy to access at speed on the bike.

The kangaroo-style pocket can also carry plenty of energy gels on the bike and run legs, and it doesn’t sag when loaded.

Castelli bills this for middle- and iron-distance racing and that feels right, with the breakaway zipper helping with toilet stops during longer races.

The supportive Kiss Tri pad comes courtesy of Castelli’s second-discipline expertise and has long-course appeal, yet it manages to be far leaner than some of the brand’s previous and overly large options, which were far too noticeable on the run.

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Aesthetics and fit

I much prefer this new blue and black version over the see-through orange of the original PR suit, and there’s also a light black version available (female racers only get the one purple, blue and black version, however).

The sizing ranges from XS-3XL and, unlike some of Castelli’s bike-specific gear, although my medium was figure-hugging, I didn’t need to size up.

Again, the suit sits on the body like a second skin without being restrictive on the swim, bike or run disciplines.

Durability and value for money

The material also stays wrinkle-free to further aid the aerodynamic profile.

Admittedly, that material does feel very delicate, so I’d treat it nicely, save it for race day and avoid any off-road excursions where beastly thorns may lurk.

It’s also one of the lightest suits around, with my medium weighing just 175g on the scales.

There has, however, been a £50 rise in price since the original PR Speed Suit (and a tenner increase in this suit since 2023), making this, until the launch of the Surpas Insane at least, one of the most expensive tri-suits ever produced.

If you’re at the pointiest end of racing and have deep fiscal pockets, however, it could be worth every penny. It’s also currently on sale direct with Castelli, where you can save almost £100.

Want more choice? Take a look at our list of the best tri-suits for men and women for dozens more reviews.

Castelli PR 2 Speed Suit specs

Price:	£360 / $389.99
Available from:	Castelli (men’s), Castelli (women’s)
Sizes:	XS-3XL (men’s), XS-XL (women’s)
Pockets:	2
Breakaway zip?	Yes