Suits, gloves and boots

[robcapper]

Hi all,

Happy christmas! Now that I have my first car in my garage, I need to get some kit... helmet, suit, gloves and boots. I've been doing some web-based research! - and OMP seem to do some suitable stuff at good prices, and bell helmets seem quite decent...

... I'll be trying stuff on at the autosport show to see sizes etc, but does anyone have any good suggestions for the cheapest place to buy it, or stuff to especially avoid (or go for?)

many thanks

[Fireblade]

The National Racesuit, Helmet & Model Car Show incorporating Rabid F1 Fan, previously known as The Autosport Show you mean.

By all means use the place as a giant changing room but if it seems too cheap, ask yourself why?
However, if you only have a £90 head only get a £95 helmet.

[FLoads]

There have been threads about equipment before on here or on the HSA site but I am sure that Steve will give good advice about is "legal" and what is not, especially in respect of helmets. I think that the advice given when considering buying a 'classic' car is buy the best that can afford. F'Blade is correct about your head, you have plenty of hands, feet and sundry bones but only one of those.

[Nick A]

Just check for the specification on the MSA website, by downloading the 2009 Blue Book. Make sure you get the most up to date spec. As there are going to be some specs that are out of date in 2010. Also Helmet fit is important, this can limit your choice, so don't go with your heart set on one, as it may not fit !!

[fyrth]

There is a useful article in the Christmas edition of Speedscene and an interesting quote "be wary of second hand helmets, only appropriate if you are using a second hand head". In my experience suppliers are helpful and knowing nothing I ended up with the right stuff from Autosport several years ago. That said the 2009 Blue Book is worth taking with you.

Fyrth

[blackx]

Cant help with suits and boots etc but as has been said...

If you have £100 for a helmet borrow some money from someone and spend £150....

Prices above are for example purposes only

What I mean to say is spend a good amount and get a good helmet....

The first time you rely on its build quality you will be glad you did

[Fireblade]

Originally Posted by fyrth

That said the 2009 Blue Book is worth taking with you.

If only to have a laugh at the contradictions over a coffee.

[johnbull]

Are your regs on such items as daft as those in Italy?

Are overalls, gloves, boots, underwear, balaclavas, helmets, fuel tanks, seats, seat belts etc all lifed for something ridiculous like 3 years?

The top guys at the CSAI (Commissione Sportiva Automobilistica Italiana) also happen to be directors and shareholders at Sparco, OMP, Sabelt, etc.

It seems a great contradiction that on the one hand they are all trying to sell you "top notch" equipment at top notch prices, yet on the other they are telling you it's only any good for 3 years. After that you can throw it away.

Is it like that in U K too ?

[Fireblade]

In the electrical world it is exactly like that I can assure you.
Change the regs so that they sell you a compete new range of distribution and switchgear.

Anyway back to motor sport. This subject has been debated a few tiimes as replies to peoples queries on this forum regarding seatbelts, suits and helmets.
When the MSA decided to take a straw poll with regard to helmets and standards they only contacted the 2 major sellers in the UK who obviously want to sell more to the punters who already have them.

[Major Mallock]

Hello, Try calling Neil at NFR below: He supplies the F1 stock car boys so the stuff is always good, but they don,t go for fancy "branded" goods, just high function. The only thing to watch for are the standard labels, they do not all always match the Blue Book, but most do. He makes his own racewear and the rest is sourced from the USA

Neil Fitton Racing (NFR)
Large stocks of racewear and safety equipment always in stock.
Formula One race parts and accessories also available:- Oil and Temp gauges, Tachos, Steering Wheels and Hubs, Fire Extinguishers,
MSD Ignition Units, Distributors, Clutches, Starter Motors plus much more. See Neil or Kay at most meetings.

Also Formula One Stock Car now available for use at most meetings, ring Neil or Kay for details: 0161 723 4012.