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Old 12-05-2005, 07:43 AM
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Default Winged seats?

How many of you run winged seats?
Like these
http://www.subesports.com/prod.../1341

And are they safer than regular seats?

Do the wings block your vision?
Old 12-05-2005, 08:29 AM
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Default Re: Winged seats? (ekim952522000)

I use a fiberglass Sparco Circuit (I have a 30-32" waist and barely fit).

Obviously much safer than a regular seat for side impacts.

The side head restraints don't really block your vision at the track, but I would not recommend them at all if you drive your car on the street. I had no peripheral vision at all for most merging situations when I drove with it on the street, especially with a harness on. Adjusting the mirrors did not help much. For autocross, some "looking ahead" situations may be more difficult.
Old 12-05-2005, 08:51 AM
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Default Re: Winged seats? (ekim952522000)

I also have a circuit.

Head restraints are great. They dont block your vision at all on track. I drove with it on the street for a couple trips too, and while not recommended, I could always see what i needed to, it just sometimes took a little more moving my head around to do it.

Im 34" waist, 205 lbs, and I definately dont fit in the seat very well. Can you say back pain?
Old 12-05-2005, 09:17 AM
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Default Re: Winged seats? (ekim952522000)

I have the same seat and it works great. My main reason for buying it was the protection offered in the case of a multiple roll over.

As far as being able to see what's around you .......................... I only need to see what's behind me
Old 12-05-2005, 09:18 AM
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Default Re: Winged seats? (elgorey)

I always wondered if the wings on most fiberglass/CF seats are large enough to contain your head in a severe impact. They look too short to me. (just a thought, I haven't seen data to say one way or other).
Old 12-05-2005, 09:28 AM
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Default Re: Winged seats? (FLATOUTRACING)



Yet another Sparco Circuit user. At first I was worried about losing some peripheral vision because of the side restraints, so at a test day I did one session with my old Pro2000, then the next with the Circuit and found out I can see just as much as I could before. The "wings" are angled down so your field of vision goes over them, and I figure since I use a HANS Ill be limited to how much I can see anyway, I also love my Wink mirror.. you can "see the moon from it" as my nascar buddy told me lol. The seat doesnt fit as well, I am also 31-32" waist and still a little tight at first, but after a few laps I forget about it. I was hoping Sparco would come out with a newer version of the seat, alittle wider, maybe Pro2000 dimensions and same price range. I love the Recaro HANS seat but its too much $$$, so Ill stick with my Circuit for now.

Old 12-05-2005, 09:43 AM
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Default Re: Winged seats? (Racerboy03)

I use a RECARO Racer SPG...



It's a pain checking blind spots for lane changes when driving TO the track, but I never even think about the wings when I'm out there ON it.

When I rolled at Rally Tennessee, I could vividly feel my noggin boinking back and forth between them. Combined with a head and neck restraint system, it's a great package. The only addition I'm making in the next car is the addition of an "off-side" window net, between the passenger side wing and the dashboard. It's a good idea to prevent your noggin from coming back on the outside of the wings, after you stretch in an offset impact.

K
Old 12-05-2005, 12:30 PM
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Default Re: Winged seats? (Knestis)

Yeah I'm thinking about trying the recaro one i've heard its slightly wider

Old 12-05-2005, 12:40 PM
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Default Re: Winged seats? (ekim952522000)

I have the sparco touring (elephant ears).

I love it. Does not block my vision in anyway whatsoever. The added protection and piece of mind is well worth it.

If anything, the only potential draw back would be that the "ears" on the touring seat block the window a bit if you ever need to make an emergency exit through the window.
Old 12-06-2005, 07:18 AM
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Default Re: Winged seats? (Coach Crack Monkey)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Coach Crack Monkey &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I always wondered if the wings on most fiberglass/CF seats are large enough to contain your head in a severe impact. They look too short to me. (just a thought, I haven't seen data to say one way or other).</TD></TR></TABLE>
meant to be used in conjunction with h/n restraint I believe.

one thing that confuses me is that the wings have "impact absorbing" rubber/foam, but not the back of the seat. The back of the seat is the most likely to need to absorb heavy helmet impact in the event of whiplash

another quick note about the circuit, its meant for shorter people (as well as skinny people)
I have to take the bottom cushion out for the wings to be even with my helmet. (not like i wouldnt have to take it out anyway, its a miata)
Old 12-06-2005, 07:26 AM
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Default Re: Winged seats? (elgorey)

quick question: does anyone know if the Recaro side mounting points are compatible with the sparcos? I think my next seat will be one like Kirk, and I wonder if I need to change the side mounting rails...
Old 12-06-2005, 07:32 AM
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Default

I currently use a circuit, but I'm switching to a RaceTech this winter. They have more options and sizes so you can find one that fits you. Cost a bit more, but not too much. The RT4009HR is only $50 more than the Circuit, and it's a much better seat. It's FIA approved, but also has threaded bosses in the back of the seat so you can mount it to the cage.

These are worth checking out: http://www.racetechseatsna.com


Modified by Jason Saini at 5:02 PM 12/6/2005
Old 12-06-2005, 07:52 AM
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Default Re: Winged seats? (SJR)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by SJR &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">quick question: does anyone know if the Recaro side mounting points are compatible with the sparcos? I think my next seat will be one like Kirk, and I wonder if I need to change the side mounting rails...</TD></TR></TABLE>

I have both recaro and sparco sidemounts and the distance between the two side mounting points are practically identical. Plus your sparco side mount has holes that are oblong to allow different reclinging angles, so I dont see a problem switching between seats.

The main thing you should consider is that your seat and the recaro seat will be different in width.
Old 12-06-2005, 08:00 AM
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Default Re: Winged seats? (Another Drew)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Another Drew &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
The main thing you should consider is that your seat and the recaro seat will be different in width.</TD></TR></TABLE>

according to the specs for seat width:
19.5" for racetech
19.4" for Sparco
15.5" for Recaro, but measured at the actual mounting points, not the widest point like the 2 above seats.


I may need to break out the tape measure. Of course, I *think* that I still have 1 year left in my seat.
Old 12-06-2005, 08:59 AM
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Default Re: Winged seats? (SJR)

I wear 34" khakis and fit in the RECARO SPG Racer perfectly. I've never tried the little Sparco.

K
Old 12-08-2005, 04:39 PM
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Default Re: Winged seats? (Knestis)




If anyone is interested in my black Sparco Circuit let me know, it may be for sale soon. I am working with the guys at Butler Built on a custom seat, let me know.

-Mark
Old 12-08-2005, 04:49 PM
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Default Re: Winged seats? (Knestis)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Knestis &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I wear 34" khakis and fit in the RECARO SPG Racer perfectly. I've never tried the little Sparco.

K</TD></TR></TABLE>

The SPG racer fits snug on me but the sparco circuit is made for someone alot smaller. Someone like 5"7 150 lbs would probably find it perfect.
Old 12-08-2005, 06:01 PM
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Default Re: (Jason Saini)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Jason Saini &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I currently use a circuit, but I'm switching to a RaceTech this winter. They have more options and sizes so you can find one that fits you. Cost a bit more, but not too much. The RT4009HR is only $50 more than the Circuit, and it's a much better seat. It's FIA approved, but also has threaded bosses in the back of the seat so you can mount it to the cage.

These are worth checking out: http://www.racetechseatsna.com


Modified by Jason Saini at 5:02 PM 12/6/2005</TD></TR></TABLE>

Actually it's interesting that you brought up the RaceTech seat - a competitor up here had this seat in his Viper Comp. Coupe and had a bad off at Mosport. One of the wings broke off upon impact but I'm not sure if he was wearing a Hans device at the time. Regardless, he had minimal injuries considering the impact his car took. Obviously the seat's head restraint helped in reducing the significance of his injuries.

BTW, I run the OMP Pista and have had no issues with it whatsoever (32" waist - very narrow seat).
Old 12-08-2005, 06:06 PM
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Default Re: Winged seats? (Another Drew)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Another Drew &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

The SPG racer fits snug on me but the sparco circuit is made for someone alot smaller. Someone like 5"7 150 lbs would probably find it perfect.</TD></TR></TABLE>

No way, im 5"7 160lbs 32 inch waste and it HURTS me. its smaller then a buddy club. I know two guys who fit in it, on is around my height and i think weighs 120lbs or less, and the other is taller maybe 5"10 and 140 or so lbs.


If i can sell my SPG for 750 or so i want to get the profi SPG.
Old 12-08-2005, 07:07 PM
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I've also got a sparco circuit. I have don't have it in the racecar yet. But certainly on the track, with the Hans Device on, you'll never notice that it's there. And if you are any bigger than a 32" waist you'll be quite uncomfortable in the Circuit. it is a very very tight seat. Maybe great for short sprint races, but it wouldn't be great for bigger folks for enduros.
Old 12-09-2005, 06:13 AM
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Default Re: Winged seats? (slammed_93_hatch)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by slammed_93_hatch &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

No way, im 5"7 160lbs 32 inch waste and it HURTS me. </TD></TR></TABLE>

Maybe that's because you have girlie hips?

I have no idea what sparco was thinking making the circuit seat so small. I could deal with how snug it is on my hips but the damn seat is made for someone with a much shorter torso. My shoulders completely cover the harness holes.

I have to say though, I can see why the recaro costs more than sparco seats. The materials and complex shape of the shell shows why.
Old 12-13-2005, 07:15 AM
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Default Re: Winged seats? (Another Drew)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Another Drew &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
I have no idea what sparco was thinking making the circuit seat so small. I could deal with how snug it is on my hips but the damn seat is made for someone with a much shorter torso. My shoulders completely cover the harness holes.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Take out the cushion! Its huge on the circuit. Hell I didnt think anyone except the street ricers left them in.

The circuit isnt that bad, your seat should be pretty snug. Mine has loosened up after a couple weekends to the point now where it fits well enough, and I weigh over 200 pounds!
Old 12-13-2005, 08:18 AM
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Default Re: Winged seats? (slammed_93_hatch)

Jimmy has what we like to call "birthing hips" j/k jimmy i say in a circuit this weekend, and found it to be very comfotable. After all if andy hope fits (he's a big guy) then the smaller guys should too i will be purchasing a Recaro Hans for my racecar once i sell my brand new profi SPG

Anybody want a profi spg? only been sat in once
Old 12-13-2005, 08:56 AM
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Default Re: Winged seats? (elgorey)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by elgorey &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Take out the cushion! Its huge on the circuit. Hell I didnt think anyone except the street ricers left them in.

The circuit isnt that bad, your seat should be pretty snug. Mine has loosened up after a couple weekends to the point now where it fits well enough, and I weigh over 200 pounds!</TD></TR></TABLE>

I tried it without the cushion. My torso must be just too long. I just wasn't comfortable with how low the shoulder supports and harness holes were.
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