Did a search and turned up zero results for the word "nomex"... odd.

Anyway, I was looking at http://www.ompusa.com/Outlet/suits.htm and they are having some specials. How do I know what is good and lightweight, aside from the price? It's going to be 100+ degree weather next year in Oklahoma so I want something that is lightweight. At this point all I have to go on is that I know I am required to have SFI/3-layer, and that I'm a size 52, and that's about it.

What to look for and what to avoid? Any suggestions?

 

The OMP suits are great. The stitching and zippers are good quality. You SHOULD try on a suit before you buy.

3-layer Nomex is hot - uncomfortable in 85 degree weather. You just have to get used to drinking more water, sweating and sending your suit to be drycleaned on a regular basis.

 

I got a SuperFirst suit from them last year, and I love it.

100+ degrees in Topeka and St. Louis, no problems.

The key is, like Big Phat R said, drink more water and be prepared to clean the suit. Wearing underwear, believe it or not, will help - especially with the suit cleaning part. It soaks up the sweat instead of the suit--and you can machine-wash it every week.

I've got Firewear from http://www.ioportracing.com/suitaccessories.htm This stuff also seems to wick the sweat away a bit, which helps cooling a bit....but the fact is 100 degrees is 100 degrees, dry heat or not. A coolshirt/coolsuit type of driver cooling accessory is the only thing that'll dramatically impact that.

Do note that a 2-layer suit WITHOUT the SFI3.2a/5 label (even if it passes the stricter FIA certification) doesn't officially pass tech without underwear - this could be an issue with suits like OMP and Sparco that are made outside the USA. Depending on the channel they're imported, they may or may not have that label. (Technically, those without the label are gray-market - essentially, imported without going through the official channels.)

If it's three-layers, regardless of rating, it's fine.

YMMV, depending on the crew doing the tech. My first tech session this year they groaned a bit because I didn't have the SFI tag; but I had underwear, so it was OK. Second tech, they gave me an annual sticker - no more issues all year (only needed the helmet for tech).

Of course, I didn't think to just ask 'em to count the nomex layers at that first tech. That woulda taken care of everyting.

Jarrod

 

you wont have a problem with these. the only thing different is a patch. tech inspectors know this and understand and will pass it.

 

Thanks for the info guys! So wearing a 2 layer and wearing the underwear is a bit more comfortable... interesting, thanks for the tip.

Anyone else want to share what brands and "models" they have had success with?

 

omp's are nice and less expensive( i have one)...but compared to the sparco and momo...they are very heavy and dont breathe as well

managable on cool days, but those are rare in socal

if you dont have the extra cash..id recomend the the omp

 

i love my sparco suit.

 

So just to be clear, as long as it is "SFI 3.2a/5" a 2-layer is okay for SCCA requirements?

edit: delinquent: which Sparco are you using?



[Modified by uncleben, 12:31 AM 12/10/2002]

 

Chicks dig the Sparco.

 

all too true

 

I have both a Momo Corse Racing 2000 suit & a Sparco 5 suit. It is sort of tough to compare them because they have different price points. The Momo is entry level & the Sparco is mid level. Both have the same SFI/FIA rating. The Momo is lighter suit which is more comfortable in the summer heat eg Thunderhill in July.
I think that the Sparco has a higher TPI rating which would explain why I feel it is 'thicker. The only thing I don't like about the Sparco, which is my primary suit, is the velcro. They use a 'thiner' section of it than Momo. The neck flap never seems to want to stay closed because of this. You might also consider the Simpson Euro suit. They now make them is stock sizes so you don't have to custom order them.

 

Yep - as long as that tag is on the suit, you're set. If it's not on the suit, it's still not a big deal....but that's what the GCR calls for. (Well, that or something less plus underwear.)

Jarrod

 

Sweet - this is all very useful information that will definitely help me make a decision. I'd sure like to find a place to try on a suit first, but I don't know if I'm going to be able to find a place local of Arkansas/Oklahoma.... maybe Tulsa.

thanks all!

 

Try contacting Randy Saucier in Oklahoma City - http://www.specmiata.com/partners/midwest.htm has contact info.

He's more into building and maintaining cars than selling suits and the like, but if there's anything in the area he should know about it.

Good luck!

Jarrod

 

thanks! I'll call him as I'm getting closer to purchasing... kind of low on funds right now as I just bought suspension for the hatchy