Track Safety Clothing / Gear

[Rad Ray]

For those who participate in sanctioned races or otherwise spend a lot of time on the track, what suits, gloves, shoes, helmets, etc. have you found best in terms of protection and comfort?

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[MadMage]

The only way to gauge protection is via the rating (unless you are going to test yourself). SFI is the international standard (though FIA is also common), the higher the number the rating after the / the better the protection. Most gasoline car folks run a /3 or /5. The minimum level you will need will be specified by the group. Most do not require for HPDE classes.

Comfort is generally directly related to how much $ you spend. Generally, the more you spend, the lighter the suit at the same protection rating. Lighter equals less hot, equals more comfortable.

In general I like gloves that have external seems. I prefer boot cut on my suits rather than cuffs. But you needs layers (Nomex underwear, gloves, high top shoes) if you are not using cuffs to insure fire does not creep into the leg or arm.

Helmets you need to have fitted (i.e. don't buy online unless you have already tried it on). Different brands have different shapes, different humans have different shaped heads. Expensive helmets have removable/customizable interior pads to fit different head shapes. Use a shop that specializes in racing safety gear, not just any shop that uses or sells such gear. I use We Don't Lift Racing in Arizona.

 

[TW00Si]

^^ all covered. Close thread.

 

[Dazzling2394]

Helmets you need to have fitted (i.e. don't buy online unless you have already tried it on). Different brands have different shapes, different humans have different shaped heads.

I agree with it all, but this part I want to confirm. I have to drive 2 states away for a race shop, and I've started doing that. My first helmet I did my best via a snowmobile/dirtbike shop, ordering & trying on - it sucked. Balls. Hard.

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