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      02-06-2018, 03:01 PM   #1
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Nomex Driving suit recommendations?

One of the clubs I have an event with this upcoming season requires a full nomex driving suit, unfortunately. Anyone have recommendations? I'm not looking to spend much.
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      02-21-2018, 02:48 PM   #2
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I just got a Sparco RS-7 for some Chumpcar racing. Their new patented material offers three lay protection with only one layer, which is much cooler. It's around $900. It's much lighter than my old Sparco X-Light three layer suit.

https://www.sparcousa.com/product/victory-rs-7

Also use Traqgear underlayers. Long sleeve shirts are around $150 and balaclava around $60. They have tights and shorts too.
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      02-21-2018, 03:24 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Noel911 View Post
I just got a Sparco RS-7 for some Chumpcar racing. Their new patented material offers three lay protection with only one layer, which is much cooler. It's around $900. It's much lighter than my old Sparco X-Light three layer suit.

https://www.sparcousa.com/product/victory-rs-7

Also use Traqgear underlayers. Long sleeve shirts are around $150 and balaclava around $60. They have tights and shorts too.
Thanks for the reply. Doesn't seem like the forum has much experience in this area.

Do you have any guidance on some of the less expensive options, brands, what to look for, what to avoid? The wife is already not happy about the money spent this year on wheels/tires, hotel rooms. Then there's also the ski expenses.

Thanks.
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      02-22-2018, 09:05 AM   #4
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The SFI is a good resource since they provide certification (Similar to Snell with helmets). Here is a link to an article on their website that talks about their different standards. Each suit should comply with one of the standards (FIA also has standards).

http://sfifoundation.com/article-1/

Generally, the cheaper multilayer suits are just as flame resistant, but with more $$$ comes better breath-ability and lighter weight. Most racinng bodies in the US require SFI A/5. Alpinestar has some really nice suits and offers a good balance of performance/cost.

An often over looked part of wearing a suit is the protective underwear. Many just wear cotton t-shirts or worse yet, under armour, which is flammable. You're up North so cooling is probably less of an issue.
https://traqgear.com/say-no-to-skin-grafts/

End of the day, it's about safety, but I understand the budget pressures too. If you think you will ever do any racing, then buy the good stuff now as it will be cheaper in the long run. Good luck!
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      02-22-2018, 09:28 AM   #5
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How about a good place to buy this stuff used? eBay? Racingjunk? Any other places to look?

Thanks.
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      02-22-2018, 12:42 PM   #6
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I would look on racingjunk. Or check out a local kart forum to see if anyone selling used suits. Who is the club you're running with that required nomex suit?
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      02-22-2018, 02:14 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by imolam3 View Post
I would look on racingjunk. Or check out a local kart forum to see if anyone selling used suits. Who is the club you're running with that required nomex suit?
Ferrari club. I guess those guys don't spend much time considering the added costs...
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      02-22-2018, 02:21 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Noel911 View Post
The SFI is a good resource since they provide certification (Similar to Snell with helmets). Here is a link to an article on their website that talks about their different standards. Each suit should comply with one of the standards (FIA also has standards).

http://sfifoundation.com/article-1/

Generally, the cheaper multilayer suits are just as flame resistant, but with more $$$ comes better breath-ability and lighter weight. Most racinng bodies in the US require SFI A/5. Alpinestar has some really nice suits and offers a good balance of performance/cost.

An often over looked part of wearing a suit is the protective underwear. Many just wear cotton t-shirts or worse yet, under armour, which is flammable. You're up North so cooling is probably less of an issue.
https://traqgear.com/say-no-to-skin-grafts/

End of the day, it's about safety, but I understand the budget pressures too. If you think you will ever do any racing, then buy the good stuff now as it will be cheaper in the long run. Good luck!
Thanks for putting the effort into your tips / wirte-up. I'll spend some time looking though tonight.

I don't plan to race, this is just for a once a year HPDE with Ferrari at WGI. If my mind ever changes about racing, wishful thinking at this point, I know that all my gear should be upgraded.

Initially, I didn't want to spend much considering it's just for a very occasional event. I was even looking for cheap replica vintage Steve McQueen Le Mans race suits Although maybe it's worth it to spend a bit more to get something that's both cooler and safer, and will last longer, as you pointed out.
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      02-22-2018, 04:22 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dvas View Post
Ferrari club. I guess those guys don't spend much time considering the added costs...
I have a feeling it would be the F club. Must be strict where you are, we have all the main clubs track day at COTA and I never seen a club required nomex suit for drivers. You can wear them for extra protection but you'll sweat your ass off without a cooling system like Coolshirt.
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      04-25-2018, 06:02 PM   #10
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Requiring a nomex suit in a modern factory street car is stupid. It would make way more sense to require a proper harness and Hans but i'm sure the Ferrari club isn't going to do that. This is basically a dress code and a way to keep others out.
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      04-25-2018, 06:37 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pruettfan View Post
Requiring a nomex suit in a modern factory street car is stupid. It would make way more sense to require a proper harness and Hans but i'm sure the Ferrari club isn't going to do that. This is basically a dress code and a way to keep others out.
Not to defend them, but they do have a certain track record in their cars that isn't shared with BMWs

Plus, I'm assuming there will be some second hand challenge type cars there. Yeah, it's going to cost a bit to play in their club but I guess a suit is something I can keep forever and should be a pretty cool scene.
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