Our top performing tri-suits: Castelli Core vs Huub Pinnacle | 220 Triathlon (2025)

If you’re looking to invest in your next tri-suit for race day but want to know what features are worth spending more on, we tested two pairs on either end of the fiscal spectrum to help you decide. The Castelli Core is a slick and stylish tri-suit, but can it really compete with the high-performing Huub Pinnacle?

In our independent reviews of both these tri-suits, we found that price doesn’t always limit performance. The two suits both scored impressively highly, so it’s time to find out which is the best when it comes to triathlon racing, run comfort, storage, and durability. To find out the winner, 220 Triathlongear guru, Matt Baird, put both tri-suits to the test for swim, bike, run workouts over varying distances.

Design and key features

Castelli may be best known for their elite cycling gear, but with the Core tri-suit, the Italian brand proves it can design truly exceptional multisport apparel too. While their triathlon range is compact, the Core stands out as one of the best-performing and best-designed options that won’t break the bank.

From the moment you put it on, the Core tri-suit feels premium. The smooth, silky fabric hugs the body in a second-skin fit, providing high-end comfort without any restriction or pressure points. Matt adds:

“Of the budget tri suits I’ve tested over the years, the Core instantly feels higher end; the luxurious, silky material sitting close to the skin with no hints of restriction or hot spots.”

Thoughtful features can be seen throughout, from the wide, textured leg-grippers that enhance both comfort and aerodynamics, to the meticulous seam work and refined internal construction that really elevate the suit’s overall feel.

One of the standout design features is the use of Castelli’s GIRO4 flat leg grippers, which are both secure and exceptionally soft against the skin, helped by integrated silicone strips that keep the legs firmly in place without pinching. The arm sleeves sit flush without digging into the skin, preserving a clean silhouette.

While it lacks the textured aerodynamic fabric of Huub’s Pinnacle, the Core still offers extended, raw-cut sleeves that optimise airflow and reduce drag at a more accessible price point.

Looks are equally sharp. Alongside a sleek all-black version, I like the fresh look of this Belgian blue and white colorway on test, while the women’s version is available in black or Belgian blue/rose. Fit-wise, the Core runs slightly small, which is typical of the brand, so I’d recommend sizing up if you’re between sizes.

Read our full review of the Castelli Core tri-suit.

Moving on to the design and key features of the Huub Pinnacle, now. Huub has built a reputation for cutting-edge aerodynamics and innovation, with top-tier suits like the Anemoi and Sub7 worn by some of the sport’s fastest elites, including a certain pair of Yorkshire brothers. But while those high-end suits cater to speed-focused racers, they’ve been less accessible to newer athletes or those shopping in the mid-range.

Enter the Pinnacle, a thoughtfully designed tri suit that bridges the gap between elite tech and age-grouper practicality. Positioned in the mid-range price bracket which prices it at almost 50% more expensive than the Castelli Core, the Pinnacle draws on Huub’s advanced aerodynamic DNA, while adding long-overdue usability features for the broader triathlon community.

The full-length ‘open zip’ breakaway zipper and full zip garage is a first for any Huub tri suit, allowing for quick and discreet toilet stops pre-, during, and post-race, while improving comfort for those who prefer a less restrictive fit around the midsection.

Meanwhile, the generously-sized dual rear pockets are a noticeable improvement over the minimalist storage found in the brand’s top-tier models, offering ample space for gels and energy bars. While the side-loading design keeps nutrition secure and helps to reduce drag on the swim. Equally, the chamois also remains streamlined and thin.

The men’s versions come in a sharp black, blue, or clay, while the women’s suit is in grape.

Read our full review of the Huub Pinnacle tri-suit.

Huub Pinnacle vs Castelli Core: Specs

In the table below I’ve compared the two tri-suits, including specifications like pockets, weight, and key features.

Where one feature is objectively better, I’ve bolded it. As you can see, there are winning specs to be found in both tri-suits, with other features more of a personal choice, like chamois pad type and whether the athlete prefers the set-up of an open zip at the front.

The Castelli Core clearly has a more affordable price point, while the Huub Pinnacle has more top tier tech involved and a high price to reflect this. Both come sport two rear, aero pockets and a wide range of sizes.

Performance and fit

Castelli has come a long way from its early triathlon designs, where cycling-focused chamois pads threatened to compromise run comfort. With the KISS Tri chamois in the Core suit, they’ve struck an ideal balance, offering generous padding for long-course events while maintaining a run-friendly profile that stays out of the way when you’re off the bike.

Of all the suits I’ve tested over the years (and there’s been hundreds), this is the pad I’d trust for 90km or even 180km rides. It’s plush without being bulky, quick-drying, and clearly engineered for comfort over endurance distances, an impressive evolution in Castelli’s tri-specific design.

The 3/4-length YKK front zipper is another smart feature, with a low-profile zip garage that eliminates friction and keeps the neckline irritation-free throughout the race. However, a breakaway zip, as seen in the Pinnacle, would be more convenient for mid- to full-distance events, particularly during bathroom stops.

The suit’s rear kangaroo-style pockets further emphasize its long-course credentials. Sleekly integrated to avoid drag in the water, they’re also spacious and strategically placed, perfect for stashing multiple gels or nutrition bars. Meanwhile, the extended pocket design means even tall energy gels fit securely and are easy to access while riding or running.

In comparison, the Pinnacle’s performance fit is clear from its design. The extended arm and leg sleeves contribute to a more aerodynamic profile and are securely held in place by silicone grip dots, ensuring they stay put without causing discomfort or restriction during movement. The result is a sleeve and cuff fit that feels locked in but not tight, supporting muscle engagement while reducing drag.

Where the Pinnacle really excels is in its construction. The use of targeted mesh panels strategically placed on the arms, underarms, and back greatly improves breathability and temperature regulation, which I found particularly noticeable during warmer race days.

Comfort and freedom of movement also receive attention with the inclusion of Huub’s ‘arms neutral’ panel design, borrowed from their triathlon wetsuit line. This ensures unrestricted shoulder rotation in the swim and extended comfort on the bike, particularly in the aero position.

However, while the suit’s slim chamois pad keeps bulk to a minimum and supports aerodynamics, it’s better suited to short- and mid-distance racing. Athletes targeting full Ironman distances may find they need more substantial padding for the bike leg.

Fit-wise, the Pinnacle feels super comfortable and supportive, with no bunching or pulling in motion.

Price and value for money

When it comes to price and value, the Castelli Core is admittedly hard to beat. It’s comfortable, stuffed with performance-ready features, and impressively aero for a budget tri-suit. At $179.99 / £169, there are few tri-suits out there that perform to the same level for the price. It’s also £80 less than the Pinnacle, which is not to be sniffed at!

That being said, the Huub Pinnacle takes performance to another level. The second-skin feel pairs with subtle nods to comfort from the silicone leg grippers, to the extended, textured aero sleeves, and the breakaway zip –this suit is made for high-level racing at a mid-range price ($342 / £249.99).

Huub Pinnacle vs Castelli Core: Verdict

As you can tell from my extended comparison of the speedy Core and Pinnacle, both suits have lots of similar strengths that would make either a brilliant option for triathlon brick training and racing.

To make a decision, you’ll need to consider the distance of your intended triathlon race and which features you appreciate the most in a tri suit –is it pocket capacity that has you in a swoon, or are you into a flashy and bright design above all?

Slick, stylish, and good value, the Castelli Core was a winner for our tester over sprint, Olympic, and 70.3 racing. Scoring an impressive 90% in testing, Matt admits “the Castelli Core is a wonderful suit for both short-course and middle-distance racing and one that’s very hard to find fault with!”

Whereas coming in at 93% in testing,Matt says “the Pinnacle, for me, is the most enjoyable, comfortable and suitable tri-suit that Huub have developed and feels like the ultimate halfway house between the elite and everyday triathlete worlds.”

So if you’re after that top level when it comes to streamlined fit, breathable construction, and aerodynamic features, and consider the £80 extra to reasonably reflect this, then the Pinnacle is the pick for you.

How we tested these tri-suits

Each tri-suit we review gets put through the same level of testing, including numerous bike, bike, runs, triathlons, AND brick sessions, of varying distances over the period of several weeks at a minimum.

We test against a range of criteria, including comfort, breathability, support, stability, pocket capacity, durability, aerodynamics, and value. For more details, seehow we rate and test products.