Shopping for Seatbelts & Safety Items

[64GunPilot]

Already have some kirkey race seats, but need to bolt them in. The seatbelts in my car are now expired (shouldnt matter for HPDE but need some for passenger/instructor). Shopping for seatbelts right now. What is the consensus on 5 point, 6 point, 7 point????...(have only ever used 5 points in the past). Once I am competition ready, I'll swap the new safety belts from the passenger side to the driver side to pass tech. Anyways. Any suggestions? Brands? About to start buying a few safety items (helmet, belts, rollbar padding for passenger).

Any suggestions you guys have for all the personal safety items: seatbelts, racesuit, helmet, gloves, shoes, combos, ect and your sources you like to buy from are all appreciated.

[Al Fernandez]

Only real advice I have in this space:
1) ensure you get FIA belts. They don't cost any more but validity period is substantially longer
2) look for belts where the lock cannot be flipped upside down (or better said all the belts cannot be connected if the lock is upside down) and thus the lever ends up against your stomach instead of facing outwards. There have been cases of people doing this while in a rush and then subsequently having trouble releasing.

[ShadowBolt]

Spend money on a good suit. The thick cheap horse blankets are hard to live with in Texas in summer (from late May to late October). I have had good luck getting safety stuff from Winding Road Racing. They have a shop in Austin. They give a discount to NASA drivers. I just purchased a Sparco Victory RS-7. Very lightweight and only $899.00 regular price.


Jerry

[64GunPilot]

Only real advice I have in this space:
1) ensure you get FIA belts. They don't cost any more but validity period is substantially longer
2) look for belts where the lock cannot be flipped upside down (or better said all the belts cannot be connected if the lock is upside down) and thus the lever ends up against your stomach instead of facing outwards. There have been cases of people doing this while in a rush and then subsequently having trouble releasing.

Thanks. Have now done days worth of research (FIA vs SFI). There are some good deals on "new but open box" SFI/FIA dual certified belts on eBay. They are new but their clocks are ticking. Found this set for $150 + $10shipping. FIA cert good til 2022. Might pull the trigger on these. Please tell me your objections....

https://www.ebay.com/itm/RACEQUIP-NEW-7-18-SFI-2022-FIA-BLACK-6PT-CAMLOCK-HANS-PULL-UP-HARNESS-754014/192842073999

[64GunPilot]

Spend money on a good suit. The thick cheap horse blankets are hard to live with in Texas in summer (from late May to late October). I have had good luck getting safety stuff from Winding Road Racing. They have a shop in Austin. They give a discount to NASA drivers. I just purchased a Sparco Victory RS-7. Very lightweight and only $899.00 regular price.


Jerry

Thanks. I wish I could afford that now. A good suit is gonna have to wait until just prior to applying/evaluation for a comp license just due to budget and money timing. However, for HPDE, I do think I may get an FHR device for safety and plus learn how to drive with one on.

Starting to get a little nervous. Been watching a bunch of HPDE accidents on youtube. I don't want to be one of those guys. It was humbling to watch those accidents.

[Supercharged111]

I don't know how people are wrecking in HPDE, it just doesn't happen here in RM. That said, there isn't much to hit here when you do go off, but still. Just pay attention to your driving and don't freak out when you do go off. My goal is to not get passed when my car goes in the dirt, spinning out is not an option.

[drecords]

Thanks. I wish I could afford that now. A good suit is gonna have to wait until just prior to applying/evaluation for a comp license just due to budget and money timing. However, for HPDE, I do think I may get an FHR device for safety and plus learn how to drive with one on.

Starting to get a little nervous. Been watching a bunch of HPDE accidents on youtube. I don't want to be one of those guys. It was humbling to watch those accidents.

Usually the HPDE wrecks I've seen video of is because they are super late correcting a slide and end up tank slapping. Also, if it's well beyond recovery put both feet in and enjoy the ride... continuing to try and save it uses up lots of real estate.

[marshall_mosty]

From a belt prospective, I think a bunch in the group really like the Schroth Clubman belt.
https://www.enjukuracing.com/products/schroth-clubman-harness-pull-down-bolt-in.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIxbWomKbn4AIVmLrACh1KqQQW EAQYASABEgKKNfD_BwE

[64GunPilot]

From a belt prospective, I think a bunch in the group really like the Schroth Clubman belt.
https://www.enjukuracing.com/products/schroth-clubman-harness-pull-down-bolt-in.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIxbWomKbn4AIVmLrACh1KqQQW EAQYASABEgKKNfD_BwE

Are most folks running 3" shoulder belts with their HANS/FHR?

[drecords]

Are most folks running 3" shoulder belts with their HANS/FHR?

I just switched to Safecraft belts with 2" shoulders and like it much better with the Hans. Highly recommend

[centerville]

I had to buy new belts this year and switched to 2" also. Much better for sure.

[BryanL]

Already have some kirkey race seats, but need to bolt them in. The seatbelts in my car are now expired (shouldnt matter for HPDE but need some for passenger/instructor). Shopping for seatbelts right now. What is the consensus on 5 point, 6 point, 7 point????...(have only ever used 5 points in the past). Once I am competition ready, I'll swap the new safety belts from the passenger side to the driver side to pass tech. Anyways. Any suggestions? Brands? About to start buying a few safety items (helmet, belts, rollbar padding for passenger).

Any suggestions you guys have for all the personal safety items: seatbelts, racesuit, helmet, gloves, shoes, combos, ect and your sources you like to buy from are all appreciated.

When do you plan to do your first event? HPDE right? Do you have to have current belts? Mine expire this year and I don't plan on racing after Hallett unless there is a schedule change and ECR is added.

For belts I like the Schroth 6 point but think it may be the higher priced one that below? I like the 6 point and also like the 2" belt for the HANS and then it goes to 3". 6 point is better for the nuts.

Agree with Jerry on getting a good light suit for Texas. I like to buy my stuff from people who support us or are at the track to help us. I originally bought all my stuff from PST at Cresson which is now G Speed and like Luis. Also buy from Winding Road since they show up to the track, provide good info. and service. Sometimes I'll contact Winding Road with what I need so they save it for me like a window net when it's needed or gloves, etc.

[64GunPilot]

When do you plan to do your first event? HPDE right? Do you have to have current belts? Mine expire this year and I don't plan on racing after Hallett unless there is a schedule change and ECR is added.

For belts I like the Schroth 6 point but think it may be the higher priced one that below? I like the 6 point and also like the 2" belt for the HANS and then it goes to 3". 6 point is better for the nuts.

Agree with Jerry on getting a good light suit for Texas. I like to buy my stuff from people who support us or are at the track to help us. I originally bought all my stuff from PST at Cresson which is now G Speed and like Luis. Also buy from Winding Road since they show up to the track, provide good info. and service. Sometimes I'll contact Winding Road with what I need so they save it for me like a window net when it's needed or gloves, etc.

1st event will be April 6-7th but I appreciate the offer. I found a guy selling some good condition expired 6pt Simpson belts for $35 on eBay. Good enough for HPDE for now. My wife really wants to HPDE in a Miata and I can recycle these belts along with my extra Kirkey seats.

Im gonna visit Winding Road in Austin later this year and try on some suits and maybe I can purchase a decent one.

Thanks

[Fbody383]

I've always run the 3" Schroth belts but understand the appeal of the shoulder belts that narrow at the HANS. I also think they have a great belt installation guide. If you need to move your lap belt mounting points to get the angle right, then considering doing so.

And definitely 6 pt belts.

[64GunPilot]

Just made a purchase for these items. The belts are open box but good until the end of 2022. So thats good enough for me. I'll see if these RaceQuip are any good. The helmet had tons of great reviews. So we'll see. And the Stand21 HANS is lower in the price range. Maybe a little heavier than others. I figure these should work for a few years.

I wont skimp on racesuits and such. That'll be in next years budget.

1881

1882

1883

[Fbody383]

Helmet is all about fit... literally, put it on and sit and watch TV for 30 minutes. If there's a bad fit/pressure points you want to know before you're in the car.

[64GunPilot]

Helmet is all about fit... literally, put it on and sit and watch TV for 30 minutes. If there's a bad fit/pressure points you want to know before you're in the car.

Edited for potentially offensive content:

Agreed. Thanks.

[Supercharged111]

Edited for potentially offensive content:

Agreed. Thanks.

I saw it. Tell us how you really feel. :p

[64GunPilot]

I saw it. Tell us how you really feel. :p

Yea.....well......I am in a kind-er, gentler Army, and even the world today is a kind-er gentler politically correct place. Can't say things like you youstacould.

[Supercharged111]

Sure ya can. Not great for promotion, but it can be done.