Rookie Crapcan Safety Questions: Grassroots Motorsports forum: Grassroots Motorsports Magazine

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Jan. 24, 2012 11:57 a.m. bluej Dork

Hey guys, this is the year I'm finally going to get on track. Part of that plan is renting a ride or joining an existing crap can team. So I'm putting together my safety gear package right now and that means an SA helmet.

What are the collective's thoughts on air or no air? I'm looking at the Zamp FSA-2 either way so any comments regarding Zamp helmets are welcome as well. The FSA-2 Air is right around $200 so there is no big price concern. I just can't think of any reason not to get the air but don't have the experience to know yet.

Also looking at picking up the rest of the gear from vro.com Anyone have any comments either way on any of this g-force kit? I really can't image putting together an sfi 3.3/5 kit for less than $400 elsewhere. (yeah, I know, socks too)

http://www.vro.com/gforce-505-multilayer-suit-p-186.html http://www.vro.com/gforce-midtop-racing-shoes-sfi-33a5-p-19.html http://www.vro.com/gforce-g5-racing-gloves-sfi-335-p-12.html http://www.vro.com/gforce-2layer-flameretardant-balaclava-sfi-33-p-216.html
Jan. 24, 2012 12:01 p.m. bluej Dork

or maybe I spoke too soon, here's another option:

http://www.racedaysafety.com/commando-lemon-chump-package.html
Jan. 24, 2012 12:15 p.m. Curmudgeon SuperDork

That Raceday Safety setup you linked has a Proban (fire resistant cotton) suit. Nothing wrong with it, it acually tests a bit better TPP than a comparable Nomex, but it is more bulky. That may or may not concern you.

Even though the rules allow it, do NOT get a 2 piece suit! If someone has to drag your unconscious ass out of the car, the suit will ride up and expose the midsection. That = burns.

Even though I don't have to have a Nomex balaclava, I wear one anyway. Hate to ruin this beauty with fire scars.

That Zamp helmet is priced pretty good for SA10. As far as air/no air, I've only done no air.

I will say that if you go to a summer race a Cool Shirt is a wunnerful thing. The cooler/pump setup can be replicated pretty cheap, the fittings are available from McMaster-Carr. Get a shirt for each member and that way all you have to do is unplug/replug during driver changes. You could even do it with only 2 shirts but 1) it takes some planning and 2) ewww. I couldn't imagine wearing Toyman's shirt.
Jan. 24, 2012 12:20 p.m. wvumtnbkr Reader

I wear a two piece suit. It can / does ride up. This IS a safety concern. However, they are way more comfortable to wear when not in the car. Just take the jacket off. Boom done. They are also easier to get a good fit.

I have a zamp helmet. I like it. It fits well. I feel it is a little cheap. My next helmet will be something more expensive. Not that I don't like zamp, but you get what you pay for.

Rob R.
Jan. 24, 2012 6:15 p.m. pimpm3 Reader

No experience with Zamp helmets but I look at equipment the same as I do tools. Buy the best you can afford. I bought a Bell M2 in 2001 and it served me well for 10 years. It was high quality and held up very well. I am contemplating buying a new one that is SA2010. If you buy a cheap helmet you might regret it later, you won't regret buying a better quality one.

Just my two cents but a helmet or drivers suit isn't something I would skimp on.