Rapha Pro Team Softshell Jacket v Castelli Gabba

The Gabba is the jacket that redefined what poor-weather clothing should look like. Rather than beng a flappy waterproof shell, it has a close and stretchy fit that does a good job of being waterproof and windproof at the same time as being breathable.

The Rapha Pro Team Softshell is one of a number of jackets from different manufacturers that are looking to to take on the Gabba. I've ridden a lot in both, so how do they compare?

Fabric
At the heart of both these jackets is the breathable waterproof fabric that defines how they work. Whilst I'm sure there are lots of technical differences, they feel very similar in terms of weight and texture and perform in a similar way on the road. The Rapha jacket's seams are better sealed and it's probably warmer overall but there's not much in it.

Fit
I've found the jackets size differently: I'm an XL in the Castelli and a large in the Rapha. For me the Rapha is a better fit overall: I like the high collar and the fit around the arms and shoulders is good for me. The Castelli is good too, although I’m not a fan of the exaggerated flap at the back (it’s designed to keep the mud off but it doesn’t really work for me).

Style
A subjective one but Rapha scores well here. The reflective patches are subtle but give a good effect, and there are a range of shades beyond the usual primary colour offerings for this type of jacket.

Price
Neither of these are cheap options, and at full price are in the £150-£200 range, but you can usually find them cheaper online and you'll generally find better deals on the more widely available Gabba. These jackets are hard wearing so it’s worth checking eBay for a used one in good condition, you’ll find loads of Gabbas there.

Features
The Rapha jacket has more features, and I particularly like the wipe-clean patch on the rear pocket which really helps on wet rides.

Overall
These are both great jackets, but for me the Rapha Pro Team Softshell is probably the best cycling jacket you can buy. It looks great and fits well and manages to be warm yet breathable across a range of weather conditions. I've found that with a light long-sleeve merino base layer underneath this jacket will cope with most autumn and winter weather in the UK (with perhaps an extra layer added for the coldest days). Importantly for a jacket you expect to last, I've used mine regularly over the last year, with dozens of 30 degree washes in the machine, and it's not showing any noticeable signs of wear.

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