FIA approved Suit - advice required!

[MBH]

Just in the process of looking for an FIA approved suit for circuit racing. There seem to be a vast array of different suits out there at wildly differing prices. Can anyone let me know if you actually "get what you pay for" or if the more expensive ones are just lighter and more comfortable / stylish?? Any specific recommendations would be great! thanks

[Simon Mason]

Basicaly those cheap Sparco jobs I think called a sprint do the job adequately. However, if you are serious about racing then you will very quickly want a better suite, specially on hot days or racing a closed roof car. The quality suites also weigh less and feel more comfortable.

Don't however buy a quality suite on price or what a mate says. Buy it on how it fits. They all fit differently.

[MBH]

but is there a difference in their safety credentials? I appreciate they are all FIA approved but I'm guessing that some have better fire retardation properties than others??

[anonymous-user]

the more expensive suits will be three layer nomex, the cheaper ones are two layer. the more expensive ones also have things like floating sleeves.
best bet is just to try as many on as you can and get the one that fits best. do remember to sit down in a driving position too....

[MBH]

thanks - just find it interesting that you can buy a Sparco triple layer nomex suit, that has floating sleeves, is FIA approved etc for £210. Yet you can spend way over £500 for a Sparco suit that is not any safer just a bit lighter, flashier...

[NIck_F]

There are different grades of Nomex - and other materials - and the higher-spec suits will exceed the FIA standard by a higher margin.

The shiny ones tend to wear a bit better and are less prone to pulled threads than the cheaper ones - they also, as has been said, don't make you as hot.

Try before you buy, and buy a size too big.

[MBH]

thanks - btw, why a size too big?

[Racylady]

and, if you intend to sew any badges on your nice new racesuit, remember the new regulations that the thread can only now go through the top layer! If it can be seen through the last nomex layer at the back, the scrutineers will not allow you to race in it!

[NIck_F]

MBH said:

thanks - btw, why a size too big?

They shrink a little each time you wash them, and one of the ways they protect you is by insulation - so a tight-fitting suit is less effective than a baggy one.

Maybe it's just the hillclimbing fraternity, but I see an awful lot of drivers who have 'outgrown' their suits...

You also want plenty of material around the wrists, ankles and groin - so everything remains comfortable and well-protected when you're in your seat, with your arms and legs outstretched, especially if you use a six-point harness.

N.