Vermarc Aqua Zero review

Considerably cheaper than the Gabba and worn by the likes of Mark Cavendish, how well does the Aqua Zero perform?

Cycling Weekly Verdict

A serious contender, that we highly recommend. Whilst not quite the match of the Gabba in performance, it destroys it on price.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Considerably cheaper than a Gabba

  • +

    Pocket cover protects contents

  • +

    Fit

  • +

    Water resistance is good

  • +

    Windproofing is good

  • +

    Breathability is good

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    Only available in Black

  • -

    Pocket cover hampers access

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You can trust Cycling Weekly. Our team of experts put in hard miles testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

Having been the clothing sponsor for Omega Pharma-Quick Step and Lotto-Belisol, Vermarc claims to offer Italian quality, efficiency and versatility. The Vermarc Aqua Zero falls straight from the Castelli Gabba mould. The jersey ‘breathes’ well, and was effective at expelling perspiration from the inside. It performs well in a wide range of temperatures.

MIP_049269

The pocket cover, hampers access, but does protect the contents
(Image credit: mike prior)

Water-resistance comes courtesy of a resistant coating and hydrophobic membrane, able to deal effectively with light rain and showers. Its water resistance remains effective after multiple washes too.

The fit is good and the fabric is stretchy, but the tailoring is not quite as refined as that of the Castelli Gabba 2 — we experienced some slight bunching on the chest when in a tuck position.

The pockets don’t have drainage holes but they do have a flap that covers the top. This protects the contents but does hamper pocket access, especially when you are wearing gloves.

The Aqua Zero is only available in black, and is certainly not a hi-vis option, since the reflective detailing is not substantial. Though this is not quite as polished a product as the Gabba 2, it performs very well and earns bonus points for being considerably cheaper than its Italian cousin.

Contact vermarc.co.uk

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Oliver Bridgewood - no, Doctor Oliver Bridgewood - is a PhD Chemist who discovered a love of cycling. He enjoys racing time trials, hill climbs, road races and criteriums. During his time at Cycling Weekly, he worked predominantly within the tech team, also utilising his science background to produce insightful fitness articles, before moving to an entirely video-focused role heading up the Cycling Weekly YouTube channel, where his feature-length documentary 'Project 49' was his crowning glory.