Safety Gear for Christmas

#1

So a few of my relatives are bugging me for Christmas ideas and aside from a few books that I want the only thing I really need is safety gear. I think I’m going to do a ChumpCar race or two this year so I eventually need to collect a full set of gear in the near future.

I’m holding off on a suit for now in hopes that I can find one slightly used since they’re so expensive. As for the rest of the stuff here’s what I came up with and I wanted to get some input from you guys. I chose a lot of Alpine Stars stuff mainly because it was either on closeout/special and also because I’ve had a few random things from them and they seemed pretty well made.

I’m planning on stopping by the US Race Gear store on Monday and getting sized on a few things just to be sure. If they have everything in stock then I’m just going to order it all from them instead of Safe Racer.

Helmet

G-Force PRO CFG Carbon-Fiber SA2010 Helmet $350
Medium
http://www.usracegear.com/product/GF-3028

G-Force PRO FIT Blue Shield $50
http://www.usracegear.com/product/8605

Fireproof Underwear

Alpine Stars Nomex Technical Auto Racing Underwear - Head Sock $60
FIA Homologated 8856-2000
http://www.saferacer.com/alpine-stars-nomex-technical-auto-racing-underwear-head-sock.html?productid=870

Alpine Stars Nomex Technical Auto Racing Underwear - Socks $30
FIA Homologated 8856-2000
White Medium
http://www.saferacer.com/alpine-stars-nomex-technical-auto-racing-underwear-socks.html?productid=871

Gloves

Alpine Stars 2012 Tech 1-ZX Gloves $100
FIA 8856-2000 homologation
Black Medium
http://www.saferacer.com/alpine-stars-2012-tech-1-zx-gloves.html?productid=2455

Shoes (9.5)
Unsure. May talk to US Race Gear guy.

Neck Brace

Sparco Nomex SFI Helmet Support $30
Black
http://www.saferacer.com/sparco-nomex-sfi-helmet-support.html?productid=2532

#2

no
no
no
no
no
unsure
no

Get a regular helmet and wear sunglasses under the shield.
Get a full suit so you don’t need fireproof underwear.
I didn’t look at the gloves but I only paid 60 something.
shoes. Whatever

The neck brace needs to be hans or safety solutions. The foam rings don’t cut it you will need to spend at least 550$ for something approved.

I have nothing against US race gear and they are more local but I think I bought everything from OG racing.

#3

The only reason I have the neck collar is for ChumpCar. When I start racing in NASA I’m going to get a HANS.

#4

Here’s the best racing shoes money can buy. Their sole under the forefoot consists of only two layers of leather, nothing more. They give the best feel of your pedals you will find.

They are jazz dance shoes. Back when I was doing 2 events/month I wore out my first pair so now I’m on my second. Legal for racing because they are entirely leather. I put some shoe goo on the underside of them to provide additional traction. The price is has gone up, but $33 is still a bargain. They are sized for chicks so you have to get them 3 sizes larger.

http://www.discountdance.com/dancewear/style_JB1L.html?&pid=8920&Shop=Style&SID=411598971

From the NASA CCR. 15.17.6 Shoes
Shoes made of fire resistant material or common cowhide leather are required. Shoes must cover the entire foot so that there are no exposed areas of skin.

#5

:laugh:

#6

Some of the Alpine Stars stuff you list is on sale TODAY at OG Racing:

http://www.ogracing.com/alpinestars-sale

Tech 1-ZX Gloves - $89
Tech 1-Z Gloves - $79
Balaclava - $49

#7

Or you could talk with Discovery as Ron is a racer and usually carries everything you need on the trailer (or in the shop). Spending a little more on a SFI5 suit will pay dividends in the long run. The more expensive suits are lighter and breathe better, which makes them MUCH cooler. You don’t need nomex underwear with them but all cotton is a necessity. Good shopping, Chuck

#8

If Craig at US Race Gear has what you want, you should buy from him. He is at ALL of our NASA events in the Great Lakes Region and I believe Midwest too. Support the guys that support us at the track. Also, since you’re not in Ohio, when you’re at his store he will treat the sale as if it was online saving you sales tax.

#9

I wouldn’t get into a car with 5/6 point belts without a HANS/DefNder/R3/etc. I’ve seen some huge frontal impacts, where the driver walked away(eg. Gress @ RA), that could have resulted in major injuries/death without the neck support.

Buy one and use it.

Matt

#10

[quote=“juliancates” post=69572]Some of the Alpine Stars stuff you list is on sale TODAY at OG Racing:

http://www.ogracing.com/alpinestars-sale

Tech 1-ZX Gloves - $89
Tech 1-Z Gloves - $79
Balaclava - $49[/quote]

thems good deals. My DIs from 2009 are looking kinda crusty, and these stars are the same price!

#11

+1 for Craig at US Race Gear. Great guy.
Get a head and neck restraint as soon as you can afford it. I would say before a fire suit even.

I like the AlpineStars stuff a lot. What size are you? Or height and weight. I could consider possibly selling my GP Tech, used 1 season, if I like the Royal Purple suit that’s supposedly coning my way. IDK though…

#12

Ordered up a pair–thanks Julian. You’re still my life coach!

#13

Slightly off topic, but since we are talking about head and neck restraints…

Which do you guys recommend, Hans or Hybrid? Craig at US Race Gear spent some time showing me graphs about how the Hybrid was much safer than the Hans. But if you look at higher levels of motorsport (F1, NASCAR, etc.), they all use Hans.

Thoughts?

#14

because until recently only only the HANS was FIA approved (so that’s your answer for F1, GP2, GP3, FIA GT, WRC, IRC…) :wink:

#15

[quote=“Z3SpdDmn” post=69589]+1 for Craig at US Race Gear. Great guy.
Get a head and neck restraint as soon as you can afford it. I would say before a fire suit even.

I like the AlpineStars stuff a lot. What size are you? Or height and weight. I could consider possibly selling my GP Tech, used 1 season, if I like the Royal Purple suit that’s supposedly coning my way. IDK though…[/quote]

I’m around 5’6" and 180lbs although if I continue the path I’m on I’ll be around 165-170 (or maybe even less) by the beginning of the race season. Let me know when you’re thinking about selling it and maybe we can work something out.

I’m going to get a HANS a little bit down the road but it’s unlikely that anyone is going to buy me a $600 piece of equipment for Xmas (hence why I didn’t include the fire suit in the list).

#16

Check fleabay for race suits…they don’t expire. Chuck

#17

So the only thing that really expires is helmet and HANS, right?

#18

I like and have the Hybrid. My theory on why the pro all use HANS is because their seat encase their heads to were the only direction it can go it forward. Down fall to the hybrid is its a bit more complicated.

#19

Any thoughts on the helmet? I think the flames are kind of cheesy but someone suggested on another site that it’s just a decal. Hopefully I can remove it. I tried it on at Autobahn and it felt good and was pretty light. It seems like a good deal for $350.