Source for Racing Helmets, Clothing, Gear

[zzzzdoc]

Any good sources for good helmets, clothing, racing gear, etc.

I really want whatever helmet that Hampster was wearing when he crashed at 314mph on Top Gear. Anyone who could survive that head impact has one hell of a helmet. The magazine article had the make. I'll look it up.

I'd love some place near Clearwater, FL so I could try on the helmet to make sure I get a comfortable fit.

[pdisme]

Yeah, do not order a helmet online no matter how tempting it is, I did and the fit was no good even though the size was right. I went ahead and kept it anyway since the helmet I ordered online was SA rated (cars) and I need that when I go to the drag strip, but the one I got local was M rated which is for motorcycles; the only difference is some fire retardant properties but I figure if I'm on fire, even race clothing is going to be burning up a quicker than my M-rated helmet. :)

As far as local places, I think you're going to be hard pressed to find clothing and things local, I had trouble with it and ordered most of the accessory stuff online. I got my helmet and gloves from Adam at Motorsports Tampa http://www.motorsportstampa.com/ Top of the line helmts from Shoei will run you $600+ so be prepared for some sticker shock. I went with a middle of the road helmet, cost about $250. I'll get a top end model later if I ever get into competitive events, but until then regular helmets are fine because you're not going to get crazy at HPDE events.

[jrfootin]

Try Victor @ www.vasracingsuits.com

He does a lot of stuff with Lamborghini & Ferrari.

He also specializes in the HANS head & neck restraints which is the best thing in the worls for head & neck protection!!!!!

[Shuey2k]

Zdoc, are you planning on racing or just tracking. I have had several race suits and helmets and I would reccomend the following:

- Wine Country Motorsports in Jupiter, FL. They can send you anything you want and if it doesn't fit, send it back. These guys are support several race series and have a ton of experience.

- Suits: Sparco x-light 270 is THE most comfortable suit you can buy. It's only 270 grams and fits well. Wine Country has them on sale as we speak for appox $1200. Don't compromise on this purchase, it will make your track days in the summer tolerable.

- Helmets: Arai GP5 (used by several F1 drivers) 1k but this is the real deal. HJC makes a great helmet as well, Carbon is 1k or FG is $400. This is the helmet that Schumacher worn for the first two years after Bell and before Schuberth came out with there new helmet.

Gloves: OMP or Alpinestars makes the most comfortable gloves I have worn.

Hope this helps, let me know if I can help you further. On vacation with the kids so I only have a few mins on line before I get the "look".

[pdisme]

Zdoc, you looking for a full driving suit? Maybe if we bought at the same time we could get a price break.

[zzzzdoc]

I'm not sure yet if I'll go the whole 9 yards. Clearly if I'm spending some serious track time, I'll get high quality/safe/comfortable gear.

I'll be near Jupiter in May, I think. I'd probably just drop by Wine Country Motorsports. Do you know if they have a website?

I'll let you know, Dave, before I purchase. Perhaps we could catch a break on joint pricing.

[zzzzdoc]

Never mind. It's www.winecountrymotorsports.com (http://www.winecountrymotorsports.com)

Doh!!!!!

[zzzzdoc]

Zdoc, are you planning on racing or just tracking. I have had several race suits and helmets and I would reccomend the following:

- Suits: Sparco x-light 270 is THE most comfortable suit you can buy. It's only 270 grams and fits well. Wine Country has them on sale as we speak for appox $1200. Don't compromise on this purchase, it will make your track days in the summer tolerable.

- Helmets: Arai GP5 (used by several F1 drivers) 1k but this is the real deal. HJC makes a great helmet as well, Carbon is 1k or FG is $400. This is the helmet that Schumacher worn for the first two years after Bell and before Schuberth came out with there new helmet.

Gloves: OMP or Alpinestars makes the most comfortable gloves I have worn.

Hope this helps, let me know if I can help you further. On vacation with the kids so I only have a few mins on line before I get the "look".

Would you recommend the Arai GP5 over the Bell T6 Interceptor? I'm wondering if the smaller eye shield of the Arai would significantly limit your view.

Which HJC helmet would you recommend? Are you suggesting the HJC HX11? This would likely be for a combination of open wheel and driving my Murci on the track.

Would driving glove choices change for open wheel vs. the Lambo? Same question with driving suits?

Any experience with the Sparco X-Light HC or Tech Lite Suits? They appear to be replacements for the 270.

[pdisme]

I'll let you know, Dave, before I purchase. Perhaps we could catch a break on joint pricing.

Yep, I'm not going to get one just yet but probably soon so I'll keep in touch with you on that.

I'm wondering if the smaller eye shield of the Arai would significantly limit your view.


That's actually one of the things I didn't like about my internet-ordered helmet, it encroached into my peripheral vision and I found that uncomfortable; the HJC helmet I bought locally didn't have the issue, I don't know the model number though, it wasn't a high end one, couple hundred dollars.

[Shuey2k]

Would you recommend the Arai GP5 over the Bell T6 Interceptor? I'm wondering if the smaller eye shield of the Arai would significantly limit your view.

Which HJC helmet would you recommend? Are you suggesting the HJC HX11? This would likely be for a combination of open wheel and driving my Murci on the track.

Would driving glove choices change for open wheel vs. the Lambo? Same question with driving suits?

Any experience with the Sparco X-Light HC or Tech Lite Suits? They appear to be replacements for the 270.

In speaking to WCM those replacement suits are exactly the same just a name change so you will get the same suit at better pricing.

The smaller opening does not effect your vision (at least I have never had any issues in either my Ferrari or Radical). The reason I like the Arai is comfort fit and finish. I am not sure the model number on the HJC but I think the one you are referring to is correct. I have spoken to a helmet painter that is widely recognized and he actually thinks that the HJC is better constructed.

Yes, you can used the same gloves for DE events as you can for driving open wheel.

[Shuey2k]

The HJC AR 11 is a killer deal. I just bought one and it is being painted as we speak. I saw no need to spend the $ for Carbon. It is lighter but...

[zzzzdoc]

Who does your helmet painting?

Also, any problems with fogging with the HJC AR11?

I presume, safety-wise, that FG and CF are identical since they are both Snell SA05?

[pdisme]

I would think so since the energy absorption isn't really done by the shell of the helmet.

Greg, do you have HANS? I was reading about an alternative to HANS called Hutchens II, here's one online:

http://www.ioportracing.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=HUTCH2&Category_Code=HNR

It's pretty much the same concept, a plate behind your head attaches to the helmet to keep your head from snapping forward but the difference is the HANS relies on your harness to hold it and your head in place while the Hutchens has a piece that runs the length of your back and is strapped to you so there's no chance of it slipping out from under the harness during a collission.

[Shuey2k]

Who does your helmet painting?

Also, any problems with fogging with the HJC AR11?

I presume, safety-wise, that FG and CF are identical since they are both Snell SA05?


I can't say as I haven't used it yet but it has excellent airflow so I doubt it.

Axcel graphics in CA. I don't have their site or phone info with me but I think you can find it via a search. If you speak to alex he will give you a deal on the painting and the helmet if purchased together. He isn't cheap but his work is top notch.

The only difference would be weight.

[Shuey2k]

I would think so since the energy absorption isn't really done by the shell of the helmet.

Greg, do you have HANS? I was reading about an alternative to HANS called Hutchens II, here's one online:

http://www.ioportracing.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=HUTCH2&Category_Code=HNR

It's pretty much the same concept, a plate behind your head attaches to the helmet to keep your head from snapping forward but the difference is the HANS relies on your harness to hold it and your head in place while the Hutchens has a piece that runs the length of your back and is strapped to you so there's no chance of it slipping out from under the harness during a collission.

I wear a HANS, I have seen the other unit I just thought I would feel it down my back and didn't want to deal with it.

[zzzzdoc]

Shuey:

I know that shoe fit is a very individual thing, but do you have any preferences for brands of racing shoes? I was looking at the OMP Mugellos. Or the Sparco X-Light Mids (I don't generally like high-tops, but is the extra coverage above helpful as a safety thing in case of fire?)

BTW, thanks for all the hints here. I really appreciate it.

[Shuey2k]

Shuey:

I know that shoe fit is a very individual thing, but do you have any preferences for brands of racing shoes? I was looking at the OMP Mugellos. Or the Sparco X-Light Mids (I don't generally like high-tops, but is the extra coverage above helpful as a safety thing in case of fire?)

BTW, thanks for all the hints here. I really appreciate it.

Are going to need a nomex lined shoe? If not I would go to sports authority and buy a pair or wrestling shoes, yes, i know it sounds strange but they give you almost the same feel for $50. If you do I would wait for a few weeks, Puma is coming out with a new shoe that is going to be awesome. Wine country knows all about and should have a few pairs in next week. Just remember that driving shoes run at least a full size small.

If you can't wait buy the Sparcos only because OMP are so hard to get. I currently wear Alpinestars and love them.

[zzzzdoc]

Are going to need a nomex lined shoe?

Don't know if I have to, but after seeing the burns and rehab of a coworker of mine whose Harley fell on him and he couldn't lift it off his foot (3rd degree burns, 9 months of debridements and rehab, real ugly situation) I'd much prefer a Nomex shoe. Are they less comfortable / more bulky than the wrestling shoes?

Also, by a full size small, do you mean I'll need a 45 instead of a 44, or I'll need an 11 instead of a 10?

[Shuey2k]

Don't know if I have to, but after seeing the burns and rehab of a coworker of mine whose Harley fell on him and he couldn't lift it off his foot (3rd degree burns, 9 months of debridements and rehab, real ugly situation) I'd much prefer a Nomex shoe. Are they less comfortable / more bulky than the wrestling shoes?

Also, by a full size small, do you mean I'll need a 45 instead of a 44, or I'll need an 11 instead of a 10?

Nope, they aren't any less comfortable, just expense and availability.

Yes, my general experience has been I have to order one full size larger than I usually wear.

[pdisme]

What's the time differential to third degree burn with nomex, a minute of exposure?

[zzzzdoc]

What's the time differential to third degree burn with nomex, a minute of exposure?
If you are in that minute window, I guess it matters 100% to you. It's that partially pregnant thing.

[pdisme]

I don't think it's something huge like that though. I'm having trouble finding any relevant data online on what type of exposure protection nomex race gear provides, like temperature/flame exposure vs time to burn.

[pdisme]

zdoc, I think I'm going to go ahead with the suit, you ready to get one? Jeans and t-shirt are starting to get uncomfortable with the new car, it's pretty tight in the high-side seats and I have bruises from the harness on my shoulders after Sunday. :)

[jrfootin]

I want a new suit too!

Wait & I'll order one with you guys!

[pdisme]

Cool, hopefully we can get a deal if we were to get three of them; I figure those retailers make a decent markup on that stuff.

[pdisme]

I bet Zdoc's in Vegas right now at race school, we'll probably have to wait until next week to see if he's in.

[jrfootin]

D,

on PBOC did you sign up for general membership or race membership???

[pdisme]

Just general, they offer three or four levels of HPDE classes and even let people share cars with no extra fee. So I paid $400 for the weekend including instructor, although I missed all of Saturday by my own fault which I'll write about later, but got all day Sunday. I let a friend of Greg's drive my car in his solo group too since his supercharged Radical wouldn't run so we just had to put his numbers on the car with my numbers and they didn't care. Really a very down to earth group; costs a little less than Chin but doesn't give you quite as much track time, but when you're on the track there are less people since they split you into different non-solo run groups. I'll update my car club thread with more info on PBOC soon.

I'm going to try to do a NASA event soon too because they have Road Atlanta very regularly like Chin does with Sebring and I want to drive there.

[jrfootin]

sounds like I willl join.

[pdisme]

I want a new suit too!

Wait & I'll order one with you guys!

I've got a customer of mine who sells the 2007 Sparco X Light HC Driving Suit checking into pricing for me if we were to order three; hopefully Zdoc hasn't bought yet and I'll have some pricing in the next day or two.

[Shuey2k]

I've got a customer of mine who sells the 2007 Sparco X Light HC Driving Suit checking into pricing for me if we were to order three; hopefully Zdoc hasn't bought yet and I'll have some pricing in the next day or two.

Let me know, I might make it four.

[pdisme]

Will do, hopefully we can get a nice deal.

[pdisme]

I think I've got a good deal for us guys; I'll PM you all the details if you want to put it together since they're giving us special pricing and I don't want to put the name on here so others complain to them.

Basically if we were to buy at least two suits, including shipping, it's $1372/each. If we can get four suits, and order them before 4 PM PDT on Saturday (end of the accounting month), they'll do them for $1115/each.

This is for the 2007 Sparco X Light HC which takes the best of the X-Light 270 and 300 and makes it better. 295 kg/sq meter weight. Color options are:

Blue/shiny gray 5-layer
Gray/shiny gray 5-layer
Black/shiny gray 5-layer
White/blue 5-layer
black, blue, red or gray 4-layer

Sizes 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, 66

http://whoi.be/vroom/d/4198-2/Clipboard01_001.jpg

[pdisme]

I talked to Zdoc, he's out having fun in Vegas but isn't ready for the full race suit just yet; I'm pretty sure we can still get the $1115 deal if we get three of them so you guys let me know what you think.

[jrfootin]

I'm in. Want size 58 in Gray/shiny gray.

ru getting this from wine counrty?

[pdisme]

Nope, a company in Washington. I'll send you the info; if Greg is in too I can get them ordered tomorrow; I left him a voicemail earlier.

[jrfootin]

great no sales tax too!!!!!!!

since it is coming from out of state.

[jrfootin]

that is a good price. Best price I could find was about 1250.00.

I'm in as long as I can get it by Arpil 14th (my next Chin track day).

Let me know if you want me to mail you a check or I'll just meet up with you next week to give you the cash!!!

Can we get it in 2 weeks time????

[pdisme]

Yep, they should ship them the next business day after I order, I'm just waiting to hear from Greg; I called and they were ok with giving an extension. :) I just got in for April's Chin event today so I'll be there too; fortunately I already had the hotel room booked in hopes I'd get a spot.

[jrfootin]

are you going down Friday night or early Sat morning to Sebring?

[pdisme]

I'm heading down Friday, got the hotel booked for both nights. Ideally I'd like to be on the road by 6 PM.

[jrfootin]

I'm going down early Saturday morning.

Chris Hall from Radical is preping and delivering my car. I will trailer the car back so I have an open trailer down to Sebring if anyone needs a lift in the trailer?

[jrfootin]

any word on our suits????

[pdisme]

Tracking number says I'll have them on the 10th. :)

[jrfootin]

Call me on Tuesday when you get them, I will swing by or meet you somewhere. Were they able to get my color & size? Or is mine coming under different tracking number????

[pdisme]

Nope, Sparco got in the one you wanted so everything should be good.

[pdisme]

Just got the suits, these things are incredible, mine feels like it weighs about as much as a winter coat, but it's for the whole body of course. Both suits weigh in at 9.5 pounds total according to the UPS label and that includes the garment bags and washing bags.

[zzzzdoc]

Well, ignoring Dave's usual good advice, I ordered the Helmet via the internet from Wine Country Motorsports. Figured the XL would be the right size, as I wore that in Vegas, and I thought even my inflated squash should fit in an XL. But NO, a little too snug for my tastes. So return tomorrow it is, and wait for a new one. Good thing I didn't need it for this weekend.

Do the Arai helmets run smaller than usual?

I'll likely order a custom suit, as otherwise not sure what kind of fit I'll get. Hard to fit the beer belly in those off-the-rack suits, unless you're 6'4". What colors did you get?

[Shuey2k]

Well, ignoring Dave's usual good advice, I ordered the Helmet via the internet from Wine Country Motorsports. Figured the XL would be the right size, as I wore that in Vegas, and I thought even my inflated squash should fit in an XL. But NO, a little too snug for my tastes. So return tomorrow it is, and wait for a new one. Good thing I didn't need it for this weekend.

Do the Arai helmets run smaller than usual?

I'll likely order a custom suit, as otherwise not sure what kind of fit I'll get. Hard to fit the beer belly in those off-the-rack suits, unless you're 6'4". What colors did you get?

They do indeed. Great helmets though.

[zzzzdoc]

Good to know. I'll swap it out for one size larger. I guess you can't wear an Arai if you have a real melon head.

[Shuey2k]

Don't mean to tell you something you might already know but you really want the helmet to fit as tight as you can tolerate it. It will break in and get more comefortable as the days pass.

[pdisme]

The problem I had with my online helmet was that it didn't give me the field of view I wanted when positioned on my head correctly; I went local instead and got the right fit and view. And you never know how the size is going to fit, it's a pain ordering sized merchandise online.

The race suit fit excellent though, Sparco's dimensions just happened to be a nearly exact fit to my dimensions. I got the XLight HC in black with grey inserts. Of course it cost a little more than originally planned since Greg decided to be different from me and Jamie at the last minute, so he owes me some beer. :)

Here's the suit:

[zzzzdoc]

Don't mean to tell you something you might already know but you really want the helmet to fit as tight as you can tolerate it. It will break in and get more comefortable as the days pass.

I figured that, but I think it is too tight to tolerate. It does go on, but after even 5 minutes I was feeling uncomfortable. Sort of like shoes, if they don't fit initially, they never really fit later. Not a big believer in this stretching stuff, although I'd imagine that foam compresses better than leather stretches.

I would love to be able to put on both sizes and compare, but I won't be near Jupiter in the right time frame.

Field of view is excellent from it, though, Dave. I got the Arai GP-5W. I do like the extra large opening.

Oh, and don't worry. I'm never offended by good advice.

[zzzzdoc]

The problem I had with my online helmet was that it didn't give me the field of view I wanted when positioned on my head correctly; I went local instead and got the right fit and view. And you never know how the size is going to fit, it's a pain ordering sized merchandise online.

The race suit fit excellent though, Sparco's dimensions just happened to be a nearly exact fit to my dimensions. I got the XLight HC in black with grey inserts. Of course it cost a little more than originally planned since Greg decided to be different from me and Jamie at the last minute, so he owes me some beer. :)

Here's the suit:
I was thinking of that same suit, but in blue. But I think, I'd be much better off with the custom dimension. Otherwise, the suit will be way too long on me. Pretty well rules out having it for June, but I'll take Jamie's generous offer and borrow his suit for that.

[Shuey2k]

The problem I had with my online helmet was that it didn't give me the field of view I wanted when positioned on my head correctly; I went local instead and got the right fit and view. And you never know how the size is going to fit, it's a pain ordering sized merchandise online.

The race suit fit excellent though, Sparco's dimensions just happened to be a nearly exact fit to my dimensions. I got the XLight HC in black with grey inserts. Of course it cost a little more than originally planned since Greg decided to be different from me and Jamie at the last minute, so he owes me some beer. :)

Here's the suit:

Are you kidding me, they ended up charging you two more than agreed? I thought it was for mulitple and not all of the same brand. What was the difference? You should have said something - I honestly had no idea.

[pdisme]

Are you kidding me, they ended up charging you two more than agreed? I thought it was for mulitple and not all of the same brand. What was the difference? You should have said something - I honestly had no idea.

No biggie, there was another price break at 3+ suits but it had to be three of the same suit; I'm just giving you shit.

[jrfootin]

Yea, it only cost me an additional $150.00 bucks!

I guess you wil lbe making up for it by allowing me to drive in the enduro race!

See you guys tomorrow!!

I have Bernie from Radical North America saving us some stalls right next to one another so we can all be together! Just like Husbands & wife's!!! JK:bash:

[pdisme]

Might have some bad news J, Greg told me they just yesterday discovered there's an issue with his third gear in the tranny so he's 90% not coming unless they can pull something together tomorrow morning; he's going down there to check out what they found. I guess they had thought the issue had been found and corrected in the diff and didn't notice this issue until putting things back together.

[jrfootin]

That sucks!!!.

But who needs 3rd gear anyway!!??

Tell him just to skip 3rd gear.

[pdisme]

LOL, I think he was actually considering it, he wants to get back on the track bad.