Arriving for Spring 2022, the new Zhik CST500 performance coastal range integrates a variety of weight-saving, ergonomic and comfort improving features. Comprising of a highly breathable jacket, smock and salopettes that offer excellent versatility, CST500 is designed to enhance movement and provide low bulk protection for a range of conditions and activities such as high-performance round-the-cans racing, coastal cruising and night crossings.
Made from Zhik’s highly breathable, lightweight 3-layer Aroshell fabric technology throughout, Zhik CST500 introduces new Zithane fused reinforcement technology. This highly durable material is an evolution of traditional heavier denier reinforcement panels for knee and rear abrasion protection. Zithane was extensively tested during the 2017-18 Volvo Ocean Race onboard Team AkzoNobel on the extreme race legs. It is both considerably lighter than its predecessors and reduces the amount of stitching and seam taping to create a significantly lighter and more watertight garment.
Secrets of Zhik CST500
A key requirement for the design brief was to introduce a superior hood system for outstanding coastal performance. CST500 incorporates Zhik’s recently launched head-lock hood design, also featured on the new OFS800 offshore range.
Inside the hood is Zhik’s unique inner gusset to protect from wind and water. Adjusted with a 3-point fit system the hood fits snugly to your face and moves with you when turning your head. When not in use, there’s a neat quick stow storage pocket that completely encases the high-vis hood so that the jacket can easily transition to the street and outdoor use.
The medium height collar offers full neck protection and is lined with a soft, quick-drying Hydrobase lining. Strategically positioned and refined reflective elements across the shoulders, hood, front and back improve crew visibility in low light conditions.
The sleeves are designed with articulated shaping for ease of movement and to minimize bulk with a quick access arm pocket designed to hold a personal emergency beacon or MOB device. An ergonomic profiled elastic wrist closure creates an effective tight seal, reduces clutter around the sleeve end and allows for uninhibited wrist movement.
With YKK Aquaguard® water-resistant main zippers, the jacket includes two discreet streamlined zipped cargo pockets, with an outer and inner chest pocket to maximize storage.
The Zhik CST500 Smock has a watertight and comfortable neck seal system that is quick to operate and secure. With an oversized inner gusset for fast venting and a streamlined smooth skin neoprene neck closure.
With the same ergonomic arm design and cuff closure system as the CST500 Jacket, the waistband is made from a smooth skin neoprene with quick seal adjustment tabs to provide a secure, personalized fit.
In addition to the arm pocket, the Smock has an adaptive front pocket with an internal Velcro spline which can be used to divide the large pocket into two sections or keep it as one large pocket space. The Velcro can also be used to secure smaller items to prevent them from shifting inside the pocket.
The CST500 Salopette incorporates the new Zithane lightweight, abrasion-resistant fused reinforcement technology on the seat and knees. This has the advantage of reducing weight without sacrificing durability, as well as eliminating extra seams to provide a more watertight garment. Zithane is also used inside the zipped thigh pocket to provide durability against sharp objects and tools.
The shoulder and upper body panelling is made with Zhik’s XWR performance fabric allowing high levels of breathability, incorporating PFC-free (perfluorinated compound) water resistance and high stretch for unrestricted manoeuvrability.
Articulated leg panels are designed to enhance movement and minimise bulk, and a full-length chest gusset sits behind the 2-way YKK front zip and drains any water to the outside. The PU-coated ankle adjustments enable a quick and effective waterproof seal around your leg or over boots.
Zhik CST500 Prices
RRP (inc tax & vat except where stated)
CST500 Jacket
Mens size S – XXXL, Anthracite, Flame Red or Platinum
Womens size XS-XL, Anthracite
GBP £399.95, Euro €449.95,
US $449.99 (excl sales tax), CAN $579.95 (excl sales tax)
AUS $649.95 NZ $729.95,
CST500 Smock
Unisex size S – XXL, Anthracite
GBP £299.95, Euro €349.95
US $349.99 (excl sales tax), CAN $439.95 (excl tax)
AUS $ 499.95, NZ$579.95,
CST500 Salopette
Unisex size XS – XXXL, Anthracite
GBP £369.95, Euro €419.95
US$429.99 (excl sales tax), CAN $579.95 (excl sales tax)
AUS $599.95, NZ$699.95