smlporsche

I currently have a mid grade Sparco 3 layer suit and while it's fine below about 80 or so it's a real cooker above that.

I went to the CDOC store at VIR this weekend and talked to the rep there about the possibility of getting a 2 layer suit that is light weight and cooler. His reccomendation , which I'm sure has some merit, is that you get what you pay for and the lightest 3 layer suits (~$1300) are actually the most comfortable and breathable.

I'd like the opinions / reccomendations of those who have bought a suit with the express idea of getting one that offered maximum breathability and still legal. (I know about the Stand 21's but I dont want to spend +2G).

Thanks.

Bill935K3

I have thier Pro 2 layer 3.2/5 and REALLY love it.
http://www.leafracewear.com/index.htm
http://www.leafracewear.com/pdf/LeafCatPg1.pdf
For the kind of money your talking you can get a custom tailored suit with a nice style or buy a standard suit and save 3-400
After you look around give Paul Latella a call, he will fix you up. (800) 731-7735
and yes they really do sponsor a Porsche Club Racer ME!!!

Sean F

I have the Sparco X-Light which I like, but I think the solution to your problem is probably a cool shirt system. My suit is one of the lightest around but I still fry in it. I'm going cool shirt for next season.

David 23

I have Sparco Xlite also, and find it great. I'm still warm in 100 degree weather, but probably cooler than others I see in heavier suits.

cooleyjb

I actaully went with a two layer suit from Alpinestars. The biggest reason I went wtih the two layer was the fact that it was roughly the weight and bulk as the super light 3 layers suits at about half the price. It was still FIA 8856-2000 rated too. I'm still toasty when sitting in the sun on grid but once I'm going it's just fine. No cool suit for me.

Veloce Raptor

STAY WITH A 3 LAYER SUIT!! Do not cheat yourself out of protection!!

Cool shirt (plus helmet blower if your helmet can accommodat eit) is probably the very best return for the dollar you can spend on race gear. Take if from someone who sweats A LOT, even in my X-Light.

Seth Thomas

X-light is the way to go for a cool 3-layer suit, if there is such a thing. It is honestly the best suit I have worn and is rated for great fire protection. The difference in price of the Xlight verses 2 layers suits is more than made up for in the extra protection it offers. I were mine with long underwear underneath it and it never seems to hot in the car during a 50 minute or 2 hour stint.

smlporsche

Sorry I've been tied up this am...

VR - I agree that if you're going to get another why skimp on protection but I was wondering if a 2 layer suit and fire retardant underwear might be a better option???

Seth- Did I understand your post that you wear a 3 layer suit AND fire retardant underwear??

On the F1 grid before a race you see the drivers in their fire retardant underwear and a suit. Are they doing what I think Seth said he's doing??

cooleyjb

The difference in burn time protection was less than two seconds over the equal priced 3 layers with my suit IIRC and then I went a bought better albeit slightly bulkier underwear which added to the burn time. Overall the burn time was as good as the top suits for a much better price. I can't find the chart but the burn times, however for even the best suits was ridiculously short before you started to see 2nd degree burns.

Here's a chart that shows what the SFI ratings mean

http://www.sparcousa.com/resourceFiles/24.pdf

A SFI-3.2A/5 protects you from second degree burns for more than 10 but less than 19 seconds. All 2 and 3 layer suits I looked at were 3.2A/5 rated and had similar TPP ratings(when I could find them). The 3.2A/10 and above rated suits I have only seen sold on sites with drag racers as their main customer base.

smlporsche

Bill thanks for the info. I'll look into it.

Veloce Raptor

Yup, 3 layer suit + fire retardant underwear (my cool shirt is fire retardant as well). That is how I roll, too. I would rather have more than enough fire protection than not enough.

Seth Thomas

Yes that is what I do and that is what F1 drivers do. From what I was told the FIA approval includes the use of fire retardant underwear. Without the underwear in place then the approval is not met. I had rather not take my chances on this for the savings of a couple hundred dollars so I wear long underwear under my suit at all times.

JC3D

Suit layers aside, During the driver's meeting last weekend, I heard that there were recalls or some sort of thing wrong with certain suits melting? Anyone have more info on this?

gbaker

http://www.nasaproracing.com/norcal/...it-warning.pdf

Phokaioglaukos

For those of you wearing fire resistent underwear, are you waring long sleeve and long trouser versions?