Kestrel Sport Norway: Triathlon Programme Laboratory Test Report
Kestrel Sport is a Norway-based brand whose triathlon programme is one of its most demanding programmes. This report documents the laboratory qualification of the seamless circular knit supplied to Kestrel Sport for its triathlon programme. Every figure below was produced on bulk fabric, not on an approval swatch.
Kestrel Sport: Seamless Circular Knit in use during swim, bike and run in a single event
Evaluation background
The programme covers trisuits, shorts and transition layers, used for swim, bike and run in a single event. The environment is transitions between water, wind and road and the requirement written into the brief was one fabric that performs wet and dry without chafe. Fabric was selected on that basis rather than on price alone.
Fabric under evaluation
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Seamless Circular Knit |
| Composition | polyamide / elastane seamless |
| Weight | 230 GSM |
| Width | 160 cm |
| Primary function | removes side seams so contact points stop rubbing |
| Target | above 20000 abrasion cycles without yarn breakage |
| Test method | ASTM D4966 |
| Additional note | zoned structure knitted directly into the tube |
| Certification | OEKO-TEX Standard 100 |
Seamless Circular Knit close-up showing the fabric surface
Samples and conditioning
Three bulk lots were sampled at random and conditioned for 24 hours before testing. Results are reported as the worst of the three, which is the number a brand should plan around.
Test methods
The primary method was ASTM D4966, supported by dimensional change to AATCC 135, pilling to ISO 12945-2 and colour fastness to ISO 105-C06.
Evaluation session with the Kestrel Sport team
Results
The fabric reached above 20000 abrasion cycles without yarn breakage, with zoned structure knitted directly into the tube. All supporting tests passed the agreed limits, and the report carries the lot numbers so the results can be reproduced.
Interpretation
Numbers only matter against the use case. For triathlon programme the relevant result is that the fabric keeps removes side seams so contact points stop rubbing after conditioning, which is what protects the wearer during swim, bike and run in a single event.
Test records and inspection notes for the Triathlon Programme
Scorecard
| Criterion | Result |
|---|---|
| Primary function | 4.8 / 5 |
| Dimensional change | 4.6 / 5 |
| Pilling grade | 4.5 / 5 |
| Colour fastness | 4.7 / 5 |
| Consistency | 4.4 / 5 |
“Fifty washes later the fabric still performs. That is what convinced our buying team.” — Kestrel Sport Technical Team
Packed bulk rolls before shipment to Norway
Verdict and recommendation
The bulk fabric met every agreed target. The lot is released and we recommend repeating the same test set on each future delivery of the seamless circular knit. For Kestrel Sport the practical next steps are to keep the current specification for the repeat, retain the shade standard, and issue ASTM D4966 results with every lot so any claim can be supported with data.
