School me on fire suits . . .

#1

As I continue progress on getting the car done, one of the major checklist items I have left to acquire is personal safety gear - i.e. HANS and a fire suit, and shoes. (Already have the helment and gloves covered - and fire system is on the way).

HANS is pretty simple to figure out - get the one that fits. Shoes - same thing. But where I am befuddled is fire suits - big range in pricing, and I assume to some extent quality.

I guess what I am trying to find out is what is a good suit for something less than the highest $$ out there. Any reason not to get a G Force - seems like good value. And are most people getting the 3.2A/5 and the fireproof underwear with it? As I read the CCR, it sounded like 3.2A/1 and fireproof stuff is the minimum - but hey, I dont want to get crispy.

Lastly - I dont have any place local to me that sells this stuff - so any tips on fitment?

#2

The most recent GRM has an article all about safety gear, including suits.

Definitely get a 3.2/5.

Sasha

#3

you have more choices than just a Hans (any SFI 38.1) if you want to make your choices more complex :slight_smile:

#4

Funny - after I posted this, I went to the, umm, ‘reading room’ and found that very article.

#5

I tried on a bunch - they vary widely in fit and weight even within 3.2/5. Puma’s are really nice but pricey. Sparco Light was a nice suit. Lots of people seem to have the GForce 545. I think it’s like buying a seat - find one that fits well, and hopefully is not too heavy.

#6

Dave,

My first suit was a $500 or so Sparco and is heavy and hot. Make that very HOT!!! I am not in as good as shape as I wish I was and the heat can be an issue. At the end of last season I purchased a close-out on one of the X something lights. I am going to use it tomorrow at Mid-Ohio (although I don’t think it will be that hot out). The difference in the weight and thickness is amayzing. The close-out suit was around $1K but was $1.5K before. You know the system. New stuff comes out and old stuff goes on sale.

Someone once told me that driving around track in a race car with all the garb is equal to getting in your streat car with windows up, heat on, and wearing full Carhart winter gear. FOr me this is about right.

Good Luck, I am out the door to Mid-O.

Michael

#7

ilateapex wrote:

[quote]Dave,

My first suit was a $500 or so Sparco and is heavy and hot. Make that very HOT!!! I am not in as good as shape as I wish I was and the heat can be an issue. At the end of last season I purchased a close-out on one of the X something lights. I am going to use it tomorrow at Mid-Ohio (although I don’t think it will be that hot out). The difference in the weight and thickness is amayzing. The close-out suit was around $1K but was $1.5K before. You know the system. New stuff comes out and old stuff goes on sale.

Someone once told me that driving around track in a race car with all the garb is equal to getting in your streat car with windows up, heat on, and wearing full Carhart winter gear. FOr me this is about right.

Good Luck, I am out the door to Mid-O.

Michael[/quote]

Which sparco suit was it? What is your size? are you to sell it soon?

#8

Yeah - I dont think heat will be a big factor for you this weekend - and I hope Snow isn’t either! Good luck!

I am working on slimming my fat ass down, but suffice it to say, any ballast I would be carrying at this point is around my waist. :-p

Any ideas on a place in OH/IN/KY area where I might be able to try on a few?