Now that I'm back from a "One Lap of Canada" last-hurrah trip with my old track car (BMW), I need to get myself suited up for my upcoming first race in the new race car!

I was wondering what those of you out there (1) use personally and (2) recommend for a person on a tight budget.
Approximate prices and suggested vendors would be a plus. I have talked to several people about their recommendations, but it would help me and other new racers on this board to see everything in one post.

Suit
Shoes
Gloves
Socks
Anything else?

Thanks everyone!

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by whitney &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Suit
Shoes
Gloves
Socks
Anything else?</TD></TR></TABLE>

My suit = OMP "Superfirst". It's 3-layer Nomex, but it's extremely comfortable and breathes really well.

My shoes = OMP Clubman. No rips after a year, nice and comfy.

My gloves = OMP Professional. Great price at $60/pair.

My socks = OMP "over the calf, ie: pantyhose" nomex.

In addition to the above, I'd recommend at the very least a helmet support. My neck and upper back are much less weary than they were prior to using one.

The above were my choices, and all of them have worked great so far. On a budget, I'd highly recommend looking into the "G-force" products at http://www.racerwholesale.com. The prices can't be beat.

I bought my stuff from http://www.ompusa.com.

Good Luck!

 

I second the OMP Superfirst suit. Check the OMP outlet store (http://www.ompusa.com/Outlet/index.html) for decent deals on pretty much anything.

Gloves, shoes: G-Force.

Socks, underwear (yes, with the 3-layer suit): IOPort Racing. Regular Nomex socks, Pyrotect Firewar underwear (not itchy like Nomex, still protects. Better than sweating all over the suit....)

Jarrod

 

I like Sparco Fast Tech gloves are my favorite. They have the seams sown on the outside so they are more comfortable on the inside. I guess it all comes down to what feels comfortable to you.

 

Whenever I see the phrase "tight budget", I always think Racer Wholesale...

The G-Force stuff they carry is good but doesn't have the flash that some other more expensive brands have.


Modified by bulldog_RS20 at 7:18 PM 6/11/2003

 

Head and Neck Restraint... of some sort. I'm on a tight budget too, but wouldn't race without it.

 

Hi. i am "mr. budget". just ask anyone!
my gear:

1. Racer's Wholesale 3 layer suit. G-force. heavy, hot, but cheap. especially hot when you have to run the heat full power to keep the motor from blowing up!
2. Racer's Wholesale gloves; G-Force.
3. Racer's Wholesale hi-top shoes. G-Force.
4. Racer's Wholesale neck brace (horse collar). G-Force.
5. nomex socks.
6. window net. G-Force.
7. 5 pt harness. G-force

i guess i am a rolling advertisement for G-Force! i bought it all off season a couple years ago. all new stuff (i tried to find used but that is really difficult). total cost was around $500 or so.

it all feels OK and covers all the requirements. I actually "tested" the suit a year ago when my vintage Super Seven blew up at the Glen spraying boiling coolant up the bonnet and onto me. I was protected from the scalding water completely by my suit. well worth the $170.

good luck.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by XR4racer &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Head and Neck Restraint... of some sort. I'm on a tight budget too, but wouldn't race without it. </TD></TR></TABLE>

Not to hijack my own thread or turn this into a lengthy discussion, but what's the short list of options, prices and general pros and cons for restraints? Anyone (Bowie?) knowledgeable enough to comment?

 

I've got GForce mid-tops... I've been using them for autocross and karting for the most part, and the fire-retardant lining around the ankles has kindof gotten worn away in a number of places after 2 years of using them. Not much of a concern for me, but might be for a w2w racer where fire is more of a concern.

Someone should tabulate the results of this thread and install it in the FAQ. Would be a good thing to have.

 

I bought these shoes off RPW a little while ago.
only $50
http://www.racerwholesale.com/...21%21

I like them a lot, and they just keep getting better the more I wear them and break them in.

 

chrizzome shizzoes

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

 

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

Not to hijack my own thread or turn this into a lengthy discussion, but what's the short list of options, prices and general pros and cons for restraints? Anyone (Bowie?) knowledgeable enough to comment?</TD></TR></TABLE>

I have actually done a good bit of reading on this, and there is a fantastic thread on Improved Touring.com (or two or three threads), but here is what I have gleaned.

The industry standard has been the HANS. Worn properly, it will save your life. There are, however, problems with HANS.

1) If it is adjusted properly (no slack at all in the straps) it can be fairly restrictive and uncomfortable. (varies by opinion, neck length, neck thickness, but a repeated complaint)
2) If it is worn too loosely, it will not protect you. An example given was that if HANS is worn with 1" of play in each strap, the forces from a 35 G front impact are reduced to "Just over what will kill you"
3) Some drivers have complained about their belts slipping off the HANS, rendering it ineffective. I would imagine this could be fixed with a little creativity.

There are several other devices, I will list them, and what I know about them, in the order I rank them (my OPINION, I am NOT NOT NOT an engineer!)

1) Isaac (www.isaacdirect.com) I own an Isaac device. I have not used it in competition yet. Adam (phatS) has and loves it. I was sold on the Isaac for several reasons. Firstly, it is non-adjustable. It consists of 2 small dampers that attach to your helmet and to your shoulder belts, one on each side. There is no way for me to screw it up, once it is on. Second, it stays in the car, so there is nothing bulky or cumbersome to try to crawl in and out of the car with. Lastly, it works as well as the HANS (proven in tests) but costs much less.

2) The Wright Device. I am a touch fuzzy on this one. From what I understand, Jay Wright was crippled by a neck injury while racing, and developed this device, made out of commonly found stuff. He will sell you plans to build one, but I don't think he will actually sell it assembled, for liability reasons. This one is supposed to be right up there with Isaac and HANS in terms of effectiveness.

3) Hutchins Device. A system of harnesses for the torso, connecting the body to the helmet, to limit neck movement. The complaint on this one is if you wear it tight enough to work, you can hardly move your head at all. It is a decent, very cheap, alternative.

4) the G-Force device, as seen in racer wholesale. I have VERY SERIOUS doubts on this one. It appears to attach the helmet to the shoulders by a strap, which makes me wonder if it might INCREASE injury in a side impact. I am afraid of this one.

That is what I know about the subject. others please chime in. Adam, didn't you meet with Gregg from Isaac? He seems to genuinely care about racers, and will give honest advice about all neck restraint systems. He would rather you race with someone elses system than none at all.

Hope this helps,

Bowie

 

I am on the tightest budget of anyone I know. I bought my car in late 2001 with the intention of beginning wheel-to-wheel only in 2003, but I managed to start last year. These are the items I bought:
OMP trend 3-layer, new 430$CAD (less than 300US$)
Bell Mag 4 SA95, used, 125$CAD
G-Force shoes, 50$USD (Racer Wholesale)
Sabelt 5-point, 110$USD (Racer Wholesale)
OMP socks
G-Force Balaclava
Sparco Sprint seat, used, 125$CAD (stolen since)
Leaf gloves, 75$CAD

I managed to start road racing a year earlier than planned, got my EMRA license and got to race at WGI in my first season, so I was pretty happy. Also, I had no new safety-related expenses this year, which allowed me to enter more expensive events (like at Tremblant in May).

 

Yes Bowie, I have been running the Isaac device since my first race of the season at RA. I really like it a great amount and my experience has been that it is not a hinderance at all on track. The one thing I have tried to get used to is detaching it to the helmet when I come into the paddock from a session/race but on track, I cannot tell its on. We switch out the device during pit stops for the ECRs and we have yet to be late out of the pits this year (five so far) so its easy to work with as well. Where at first it took some fumbling to connect myself in, it never took more than a second to get out of it. And now its about 20 seconds to get into both sides - that's so entirely doable (and I have stopped showing up to the grid all gussied up bonus!).

I would not hessitate to contact Gregg about your options Mike. He's genuinely interested in safety and as he has said many times now, get some H&N restraint, any of them will help to some degree. Like Bowie, what I really appreciate w/ the Isaac is that I cannot screw up putting it on and taking user error out of the equation is a big bonus for me.

Mike, on the other equipment, I have an OMP suit which I personally feel is very heavy compared to others (and I have heard several folks confirm this), I will go a different direction (probably Momo or Sparco) next time. Simpson World in Kannapolis is a great place quasi-near you that you could try on shoes/socks/gloves/balaclava. Walt has some very nice gloves that IIRC were pretty practical price-wise so you might want to ask him for details on those.

 

Spend the extra money up front on a nice Sparco or OMP suit. If you don't now, you likely will later anyway.
I used to own a Racer Wholesale suit and while they are certainly favorably priced, they are heavier, hotter, and don't breathe as well as the higher end suits. I used to call mine "The Sweatsuit."
Fine for a solo 1 where you will only be in it 5-10 minutes at a time, but just plain torture on the grid at Road Atlanta in July.

Look at the Sparco Sprint 5 (?) or Fashion as well as some of the lower end OMP and Momo stuff. You wont regret it.
Simpson has some good stuff as well, but the pricing isn't much different than the Italian stuff.

PS - And yes, chicks do dig the Sparco. Never forget this.

Helmet - I'm on my 2nd Bell SR Pro and really like it. Provides face protection but is roomier and less claustrophobic than a true closed face helmet. Since many people run their helmets with the visor open anyway...
I know 3 people who have bought G Force helmets that do not like them. The lining wears quickly and they are apparently slightly heavier (but I haven't checked this myself). Remember that every ounce counts when your head has to continually hold that thing up when cornering.

Balaclava - Again, get good ones (at least 2... a sweaty balaclava sucks nutz). I had a couple from racer wholesale... thick and didn't breathe well. Now I use Sparco... much thinner and cooler with the same rating as the RW stuff.

Remember... you get what you pay for. Don't skimp on the safety stuff.

Scott, who skimped the first time, and had to buy everything twice as a result.

 

Listen to Scott, he is right about that.

Where have people found good prices on Sparco stuff?

Bowie - Who is about to buy all that crap for the second time.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Catch 22 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Balaclava - Again, get good ones (at least 2... a sweaty balaclava sucks nutz). I had a couple from racer wholesale... thick and didn't breathe well. Now I use Sparco... much thinner and cooler with the same rating as the RW stuff.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Are balaclavas required?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by RacerBowie &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Where have people found good prices on Sparco stuff?</TD></TR></TABLE>
http://www.sparco4less.com
http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk

 

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

Required if you have facial hair, recommended if you want your helmet liners to last/ not stink.

Thanks for the Sparco links!

 

My list of chit:
- Sparco Sprint 2 suit. Purchased for 400 from SubeSports.com (great group of folks BTW). Whitney you're welcome to try mine on some time. As the others have said, DO NOT cheap out on the suit. I've actually borrowed Scott's old cheap suit and the difference is night and day. Not to say that the three layer Sparco isn't hot in the summer, but you're wearing Nomex. So they're all gonna be hot.

- G Force racing gloves. Leather palms. I prefer to drive without gloves but these are actually okay. The colors are running though.

- Get lots of Nomex socks for when you forget some. Keep a couple pair with your suit.

- Shoes - I bought mid-top G Forces. They're comfy and they fit well.

- Head restraint - I still have the horse collar thing. I'd love to get an ISAAC but haven't had the money yet.

- Use a balaclava if you don't already. It'll save your helmet from the unfortunate fate mine has seen. Scott's suggestion to buy two is an excellent one.

Bowie - SubeSports.com is the best place I've seen to get Sparco stuff. Very helpful folks, good prices, prompt shipping. I'm sure there are other comparably-good vendors around.

 

- Suit - Sparco Fashion (2 color) suit. Purchased for ~450 from SubeSports.com. I did my driver's school at CMP in August. I did not melt in this suit. I had expected to be miserable. It really wasn't so bad. I did have it altered locally for a better fit... they don't make ANYTHING for racing shaped for women, regardless of what the ads look like in the magazine.

- Gloves - Simpson and AMP (dunno if I remember this one right). Just make sure you get something that fits you. I suggest actually going to Charlotte or VIR and trying them on.

- Socks - I have 2 pairs of socks, that's so I never lose or forget the first set. So far it's worked.

- Shoes - I've had Simpson high-tops for probably 4 years. Love 'em. Just had to replace the shoelaces, but the shoes are in great shape.

- Head restraint - I have the horse collar thing too.

- Balaclava - This is SO much easier to put in the washing machine than your helmet is. And if you have long hair (which I know you don't, but others reading this might) it will keep that out of your face when you pull your helmet on.

You are welcome to check any of my stuff out this weekend. I'll throw it all in the truck.

Diane ~ who can't wait to see Mike's face after his first race.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by r2x &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">- Gloves - Simpson and AMP (dunno if I remember this one right). Just make sure you get something that fits you. I suggest actually going to Charlotte or VIR and trying them on.
</TD></TR></TABLE>

Please check twice on OMP gloves at VIR (Driving Impressions??) - many do not have FIA/SFI ratings. I almost bought a very nice and very comfy and rather expensive pair of gloves that would not have passed tech.

 

If anyone is interested in an Isaac device, but you aren't sure, give them a call - they've got a rental program in place.

They'll ship you a helmet (wired for radio) with the Isaac installed. I think it's something like $60 for a weekend - definitely not bad in the overall scheme of things.

I did it. I'll be mounting an Isaac on my helmet...well, whenever I get around to it. It's sitting in the case in my living room right now.

Bowie, I think Jay's system actually performs about as well as the other webbing-based systems - enough to save you, but not as well as the HANS and Isaac. The bonus is that you can buy the entire kit from Jay for $150 and the individual pieces for less. (The parts kit for the sytem is free).

Meanwhile the Hutchens etc. is $300+

Another thing to keep in mind: with SCCA's recent move to 2-year life on belts, the head restraint may face similar regulations. Of course, it isn't required yet, so they won't regulate it yet...but....

Links:
Isaac: http://www.isaacdirect.com
Wright device: http://www.over40racing.com/

Jarrod

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Catch 22 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Look at the Sparco Sprint 5 (?) or Fashion as well as some of the lower end OMP and Momo stuff. You wont regret it. Simpson has some good stuff as well, but the pricing isn't much different than the Italian stuff.
</TD></TR></TABLE>

A few (possibly dumb) questions for y'all:

- I'm leaning towards Sparco, and I see the Sprint 2 is discontinued. Is the Sprint 5 the replacement? Good stuff?

- I know I want an SFI-5 suit, to avoid needing to wear SFI underwear... Do I want a 2 or 3 layer suit?

- In the sub-$500 suit category, which is the lightest and most breathable?

Thanks for the responses everyone!

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by elgorey &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
http://www.sparco4less.com
http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk</TD></TR></TABLE>

So all the stuff from Demon Tweeks is FIA rated, NOT SFI. Does this pose a problem? Their site says "most US sanction bodies accept FIA, blah blah". Anyone have experience using this stuff in NASA or SCCA?