Educate me on Affordable Driver's suits, Helmets, Safety Equipment

I haven't done much track driving in recent years, but I'm running in the Put In Bay Road Race Reunion at the end of the month, and need to procure a fire retardant driving suit, undergarments, driving shoes, and helmet (SA2005 or newer).
I've bought all of this stuff before, but it was a long time ago and I know things have changed. They didn't give any other requirements than I've stated here, and I'm trying to do this on a budget because I may or may not use this stuff again.
So I guess I'm looking for suggestions on the best low cost equipment, both as far as brands and where to buy. To be clear, I want to get what I need, but I don't want to spend more than I have to. Can you please help educate me on such things?

When I looked (about 5 years ago) really the best easy button was to buy the whole kit from 24 hrs of lemons.

But you could also ask some buddies if it doesn't creep you out.

In reply to rcutclif:

The whole kit from 24hrs of lemons? Waddyamean?

Just a tidbit: If you plan on doing a lot of track driving in the coming years, I think its worth waiting a month or two for the new SA2015 helmets to launch. That's what I'm doing. I think a helmet is one of those things worth buying new and as well fitted to you as you can get it.

In reply to Desmond:

Thanks for the tip. Only thing is that I need it by the end of this month.

Desmond wrote: Just a tidbit: If you plan on doing a lot of track driving in the coming years, I think its worth waiting a month or two for the new SA2015 helmets to launch. That's what I'm doing. I think a helmet is one of those things worth buying new and as well fitted to you as you can get it.

Even if you don't want to pony up for an SA2015, it'll be worth the wait for depreciation on the older-spec helmets.

I'd also advise getting a helmet with HANS mounts, the day when those will be commonly required probably isn't that far off...

Isn't there a group that rents lemons gear too?

Used NASCAR suits can be a bargain. Most are 2-piece but there are plenty of nice 1-piece, some in Spaco or OMP.

Sure you need underwear, or just w/ a single layer suit? Generally if you have a multi-ply suit - SFI 3.2A/5 - underwear isn't necessary though it's always a good idea.

Closeout SA 2010 helmets. What size are you? I may have a Bell M4 Pro that's ratty but legal and perfectly serviceable. You need HANS device? I have a friend selling a like-new HANS Sport.

Everything else from closeouts at OG Racing or Saferacer.

And check eBay, SCCA/NASA/LeMons/Chump forums and racingjunk.com

bravenrace wrote: In reply to rcutclif: The whole kit from 24hrs of lemons? Waddyamean?

http://store.24hoursoflemons.com/category-s/1823.htm

$500 gets you everything you need to be legal for lemons.

Used NASCAR suits:

http://www.raceimage.com/

Did you buy a race car?

I have same general question as OP except more long term racing focused. My car has a cool suit setup so anybody with some good advice about a cool shirt, what hans device, helmet, where to try on and buy, etc. I need to get pretty much everything.

Would rather buy quality once if that analogy applies to this situation. Jcamper

I'm going to throw my $.02 in here, just because I have a friend or two doing Chump & sometimes needing another driver, with or without talent. I've never done it, would LOVE to try it, but got the feeling along with a few hundred $ for my share of the entry I'd have to shell out big bucks for the safety gear. My open face helmet for auto/rallycross and shorts/old gymshoes won't cut it.

Chances are soon after the 2015 helmets come out, those 2005s will be no longer valid.

The 2005 dated helmets will be good through the end of this year. Even if 2015's come out in Oct. like I have heard via internet rumors. Any helmet sold at a "close out" price is going to be a 2010 date and that will be good until 2020 or 2021.

jimbbski wrote: The 2005 dated helmets will be good through the end of this year. Even if 2015's come out in Oct. like I have heard via internet rumors. Any helmet sold at a "close out" price is going to be a 2010 date and that will be good until 2020 or 2021.

By 2020 we'll all be racing flying cars anyway, and I'm sure the next Snell spec will need to be tweaked to compensate.

The SA2010s are on closeout already. I bought the Lemons package in 2009. The biggest difference in a cheap 3-layer suit vs a nice one is how heavy it is. Compared to a suit from 20-30 years ago, still much lighter. A cool shirt is a cool shirt, but here's a protip: If you get a suit that has red nomex stitching in the epaulettes and wash it with your cool shirt, you end up with a cool PINK shirt. Get a "Hans Friendly" helmet, then get your posts from HANS. Drill two holes in your brand new helmet and call it good. HANS Sport is the go-to entry level, but I had a buddy score a used carbon fiber one. Lightness is good, but it costs a lot of money.

Helmets -- The cheaper ones are heavier. When SA2015 is here (or a screaming deal on a closeout 2010,) I'm getting the lightest helmet I can afford. Your head already weighs a lot and when you add a helmet, that's a lot of lateral G's on your neck and shoulders.

rcutclif wrote:

bravenrace wrote: In reply to rcutclif: The whole kit from 24hrs of lemons? Waddyamean?

http://store.24hoursoflemons.com/category-s/1823.htm $500 gets you everything you need to be legal for lemons.

If anyone here is interested, I have a whole kit I got from doing 2010 Capitol Offense Lemons. Only used for that one race. I'd let anyone local borrow it, or sell it at a deep discount. Its just taking up space in my closet right now.

Underwear, Suit, Shoes, Socks, Gloves, Helmet, etc.

I'm 6'0, ~180lbs, Size 11.

tr8todd wrote: Chances are soon after the 2015 helmets come out, those 2005s will be no longer valid.

depends … if SCCA autoX then the 2005 will be good for another 5 yrs. if TT or racing (pretty much any of the sanctioning bodies) or Trackdays/PDX/HPDE … etc .. then the 2005 WILL go away come next season

the 2015 helmets won't become available to the retailers until Oct .

as the yr progresses there will be more and more selection available from the retailers.. by the first of the yr, most should have plenty to choose from and probably will have sale pricing on the 2010

and P.S. I have a 2010 full face (brand new condition) for sale ( XL) $50 …. just thought I'd slip that in there

In reply to ProDarwin:

I was interested till you said size 11. You know what they say about guys with big feet. ...they wear big shoes. (12 here)

ProDarwin wrote:

rcutclif wrote:

bravenrace wrote: In reply to rcutclif: The whole kit from 24hrs of lemons? Waddyamean?

http://store.24hoursoflemons.com/category-s/1823.htm $500 gets you everything you need to be legal for lemons.

If anyone here is interested, I have a whole kit I got from doing 2010 Capitol Offense Lemons. Only used for that one race. I'd let anyone local borrow it, or sell it at a deep discount. Its just taking up space in my closet right now. Underwear, Suit, Shoes, Socks, Gloves, Helmet, etc. I'm 6'0, ~180lbs, Size 11.

oh reheeally?? you're about to get a PM.

Jcamper wrote: I have same general question as OP except more long term racing focused. My car has a cool suit setup so anybody with some good advice about a cool shirt, what hans device, helmet, where to try on and buy, etc. I need to get pretty much everything. Would rather buy quality once if that analogy applies to this situation. Jcamper

Four words of advice: - Try on helmets to buy. You want one that is shaped like your head, both for comfort and safety - Get neck protection. Both the HANS and NecksGen are great. - Get a CoolSuit shirt (depending on where you are racing). This can compensate for your driving suit choice - Driving Suit - Cheaper = hotter/heavier. You can save some money here, but make sure that you get enough protection

Good luck.

J

http://www.ogracing.com/g-force-cfg-carbon-fiber-sa2010-helmet

Best deal on a nice carbon SA helmet on the market. Crazy good price. You can get non carbon ones even cheaper

http://www.racesuitrental.com/rent_gear.html Never done it myself, but it seems like the cheapest option.