jakermc

I am ready to buy my first Nomex suit and am wondering what features I should be looking for. I live in a very warm climate (Dallas) and want something that will help me stay as cool as possible. Any recommendations on where to purchase from, brands, etc?

Thanks.

924RACR

Personally, I like having an inner layer of nomex underwear in addition to the suit itself. Preferably 2 complete sets; at very least, balaclavas and socks, so you can change each day. This way you can sweat into the underwear, not so much the suit, change it out each day at the track, and generally stay cleaner.

Definitely spend the money for custom fit, IMO - worth it to be more comfortable.

Can't comment on coolness of different brands, though a coolshirt or phase-change vest would be wise too. Maybe a cool-air system too, if it's really bad out there.

Eric in Chicago

I dont know if one brand is cooler than another,
I would get at least a 2 layer suit (3 layer is better)There are many options out there. You may want to stay away from white suits, I find myself keeping the suit on while checking my car out after I get off the track. Dirt/oil ect will show much more with a suit with white panels.
Two of the most popular brands are Sparco and OMP
There are also some custom suit makers that are a pretty good value. Check out vasracingsuits.com. To stay cool in your car, check out a cool shirt
<a href="http://www.coolshirt.net." target="_blank">www.coolshirt.net.</a> Anyone that has tried one, says it is the best upgrade they have ever done!
Keeps you fresh and focused.

JC in NY

I highly recommend Victor at <a href="http://www.vasracingsuits.com." target="_blank">http://www.vasracingsuits.com.</a> You can get a custom tailored suit for the same or less cost than a shelf model and you can choose exactly what features you want, colors, thickness, patches, etc. He can do anything with Nomex. Many of the Metro NY PCA guys use Victor.

Sloth

Most important... do not skimp on the safety aspect, go for a double layer nomex suit.

The custom fit suits are worth the money if you...
a) Have odd proportions
b) And can find someone that knows how to measure for the application. Nothing worse than your suit pinching your sensitive ares when you are in middle of a session.

I just upgraded to a standard fit Sparco from a custom fit Simpson. I prefer the Sparco b/c the nomex is softer, the cuffs more elastic (easier to take off), and the lighter weight material (still double layer). Not to say the Simpson was bad... it held up very well over two years of use. The real catalyst for the new suit was a loss of 30lbs and the increased drag of the suit flapping in the wind. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" />

I also just got a custom fit Stand 21 suit. I have not had the chance to wear it, but first impression puts it on the same level as the Sparco for fit and finish.

My $.02

924RACR

Yes, I should clarify - I wear the underwear IN ADDITION TO a 2-layer OMP. I also go for 2-layer gloves and balaclavas when possible, over 1-layers. Sometimes I'll wear the 1-layer balaclavas in the heat, though.

RealRideRacing

Here are a few facts that may help you make some decisions on buying suits:
- More people are sent to the hospital due to heat stroke than fire burns. The old adage, "get the most protection you can afford" may hold true in other areas. But those of us who live in 100+ degree ambient temperatures have to use some logic here. Yes, wearing a fire suit will get warm, but you have to be reasonably comfortable. Wearing a 3 layer SFI-20 suit is ridiculous when your body is overheating. Cool suits and forced air helmets will help but are pricey. For most applications, a simple SFI-3.2/5 suit will suffice.

- European suits are no better than the American made ones. In fact, some will argue that the European fire protection tests are inferior to the American ones. Fire protection is measured using TPP ratings for each second of protection the fabric offers. The most common range is between 18 to 28 TPP. After speaking to several manufacturers, I've been told that it's a little known fact but European TPP ratings are actually lower than U.S. ratings. Meaning that a European suit rated at a TPP rating of 28 might measure only a 20 in U.S. TPP rating. The reason for this, as I've been told, is that the European tests are performed with a flame positioned approximately 1/8" away from the fabric, while the U.S. tests are performed with the fabric in direct contact to the flame.

- Once you've decided on a reasonable level of fire protection, your only choices left should be Budget, Fit, Weight, and Optional features. Some manufacturers offer little options that might make you more comfortable. For example, Bell/Pyrotect offers a NASA vented suit that is supposed to keep you cooler. Other manufacturers offer fabrics that don't fade easily.

The most important thing to do is practice your emergency exits. Make it a habit to use the exact same routine when you exit your car. Always exit your car with your helmet on so that in an emergency, you won't panic. For example: turn off car, pull steering wheel pin, place steering wheel on dash or hook, release window net, release seatbelts, pull door handle, climb over rollcage, etc. You should be able to exit your car within 10 seconds. Then practice this with your eyes closed (or tape over your visor if you like to cheat). The reason for the last one is in case of an actual fire, your cabin will likely be filled with smoke and you won't be able to see. It's also important that you can reach the fire pull or fire bottle without having to undo your belts.

Once you've exited the car, I recommend getting away from it. Don't try to put it out yourself. Let the trained emergency personnel do this. Yes, it's hard to fathom the thought of abandoning your baby, but the repercussions of an erupting fuel line is worse.

Finally, once the fire is out, push the car a few feet away so that the grass underneath doesn't re-ignite.

Regards,
David
REALRIDE.COM RACING
<a href="http://www.RealRide.com" target="_blank">http://www.RealRide.com</a>

SundayDriver

I agree with David. (Interesting about the US vs. Euro spec - I didn't know about that - thanks.)

One thing to note is that the number of layers does not correspond to how hot the suit necessarily is. A good 3 layer tends to be cooler than an identically rated 2 layer due to the materials.

I wear a 3 layer - rated at SFI /5. I also wear nomex underwear, except when outside temps are really high. At 105 deg, I will reduce the fire protection a bit by skipping the nomex undies(though still within requirements) to be a bit cooler and try to avoid heatstroke.

jakermc

Thanks for the advice guys. I'm leaning towards a 2-layer suit and Nomex underwear.

The VAS racing suit looks interesting. For those that have used it, how is it in hot weather? Also, how is mobility? I have heard that gussetted arms are important as suits that lack that feature may restrict movement a bit.

Thanks again.

Geoffrey

So one question slightly related. Why do most PCA Regions require a fire extinguisher in the car for DEs? If you should get out as fast as possible you certainly aren't going to grab the thing. And two, on the track when there is an incident, you are told not to stop, so it is useless for you helping someone else out. What am I missing?

Sloth

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Originally posted by Geoffrey:
<strong>So one question slightly related. Why do most PCA Regions require a fire extinguisher in the car for DEs? If you should get out as fast as possible you certainly aren't going to grab the thing. And two, on the track when there is an incident, you are told not to stop, so it is useless for you helping someone else out. What am I missing?</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">I thought the fire bottle is suggested, but not required... no matter.

Imagine if you will, your engine blows on the long straight, you pull off and see smoke coming out from underneath the car where the hot exhaust has started a grass fire. Now if you pull off the track in middle of the straight it may take a minute or two for the cornerworkers to make it to your car with their fire bottles. Being able to put it out on your own could make the difference between saving the car and it being totaled. Now a 5lb bottle is only going to help so much, but you might be able to buy yourself enough time till the reinforcements arrive.

Now if the flames are enveloping the car and the interior, then I would be getting out ASAP... with or without the fire bottle. You certainly would not want to get yourself hurt by getting in over your head trying to put out a fire from a burst fuel line.

RealRide...

Very interesting comparison on the Euro suits compared to the US suites. I have never heard about the differences in their test methods.

s2racer

i use a 3 layer with underwear. personal preference regarding style is fine, but i like to have as much protection as i can. granted my race car is an open cockpit, but the only time i really feel the heat is when i'm on the grid, and at the winners circle (or tech)...if you feel it during the race, you're not going fast enough ;-) i don't understand the guys who parade around the paddock in their drivers suit all afternoon. as soon as my session (and race) is over, it's shorts and sandals for me.

Mike in Chi

As to fit, opt for the Jacques Villeneuve look. A baggy suit is much cooler than a sleek, tight fitting one. You don't look as good, but you'll be more comfortable.

UrbanSasquatch

Well, I have a NASA type suit with different material running down the sides, supposed to keep you cooler by up to 26 degrees. The only drawback is this suit is downright UGLY. But I gotta figure, the cooler you are, the better you will drive, reducing the chances you would need the suit in the first place.

At least if our experience in Gingerman was any guide, right Mike? It was over 100 degrees in the cabin of my car during the enduro, hotter during the sprint. I can only imagine the temps in your black car!

John
#806

Mike in Chi

John

Well, the engine did overheat before I did, so maybe the loose suit helped.

By the way John, congratulations on your first in class, and on a track that you hadn't seen in years.
Hope you can make it to Road America

All
John and I had a lot of fun over the weekend. taking turns besting each other's times. although I did have the advantage of some extra horsepower.