J Berk

Hi

A few quick questions....

Started to DE last year and love it. Plan to continue and have been thinking that an R3 is probably a wise investment. Thinking this route as I do not plan to turn the car into a track car...at least in the near future...so no cage or harnesses....

Would like to know:

a) any ups/downs?

b) anything I should know before ordering (size, fit, options, etc)

c) if you have one, where did you buy it ?


thanks in advance !!

best

Joe

Circuit Motorsports

a) Ups--an option as you realize, that is not dependant on belts so it can be run without harness, according to Safety Solutions. Downs-- Some people don't like how the 'pad' that goes behind the driver changes the driving position. With fixed back seats some people end up changing the mount.

b) Be sure to measure the chest size when you are wearing what you will normally wear when driving.


c) I can get them

lipamax

I'm using R3 for several years now.
If the padding (trimming) was properly done, you will not feel it, or at least will get use to it quick.

Circuit Motorsports

It's not a feel it thing, it's that it pushes the back forward ever so slightly. I know a few people who have mentioned that they didn't like how it changed the angle of the seating position. Not many, but a couple. The more I think back it's people who had been in the same car for a long time and noticed a little change like that.

Primadonna drivers and such.

I've only worn one in a non-moving car and didn't really notice the back pad.

ApexPerformance

We've had some DE instructors purchase the R3 since they also instruct and jump from car to car. Obviously, newer DE students most likely will not have racing seats or harnesses in the car but the standard 3-point seatbelt.

It does help to try them on if you are near a dealer that stocks them. We've had customers review the size chart only to realize they need a different size. However, you do want to wear it as snug as possible around the chest area (kind of like a helmet - if it fits snug, it should be the right size).

gbaker

Con: No one knows how well it works. The manufacturer doesn't release test results for technical publication.

mrbill_fl

I have been using one for several years now.

I didn't feel it much when I had reclining (soft) recaros. (steet seats)

but when I put in a real race seat, (last yr) I did notice the difference as it was pushing me more fwd in the seat.

-you'll also notice the restricted head movement. but, not a big deal once you use your mirrors exclusively.

& backing into your pit is a little tricky...

lipamax

I've got use to it so quick, so I don't even know it's back there.


Unfortunately I had a chance to test it and it WORKS! At least did for me when I hit the wall hard after T-boned contact w/another car.

opus

Were you using 5- or 6-point harness or using stock 3-point belt?

I am re-opening up this subject, as I would like to get a H&R device. But, I only got stock seats. As of now, R3 is really the only choice for me. Defnder will be coming out with an adapter for use in 3-point belts, but there is no estimated date when it will be available.

So, R3 question.... How well will it work on stock 3-point belts with airbag? How much protection will I get from side/offset/rear impact?

Bryan Watts

If the manufacturer doesn't release this sort of testing information, I doubt anyone around here has access to it.

Patrick E

I agree with this. I never notice any discomfort, even without using the pad, in stock seats. However, in a racing seat I definitely notice. The pad helps a lot, though, and while the driving position was a little different, I quickly got used to it.

And backing up is indeed tricky!

ApexPerformance

Safety Solutions shows some testing graphs in their catalog but they are in comparison to other competing manufacturers. They do not compare with a 5- or 6-point harness versus a stock 3 point belt with an airbag.

brucegre

I know how well it works, and that's really well. I know you can't prove dick empiricaly, but the fact that it's SFI approved and saved my neck in a bad crash bode well for its efficacy in similar situations.

mhm993

Minor funny thing about my r3

I find it more comfortable in my car without the back pad. Guess I fell in the prima donna category--but I digress.

The cover on my pole position seats pulls tightly in a couple spots where there is no padding underneath, near my shoulder blades. There are little wings on the back of the r3 at that same location, and they ripped the seat cover just a bit on both sides. Not the end of the world to repair the cloth on a race seat, but FYI.

ECS

I've been using it for about 4 years. I have the GT3 seat in my Carrera S with a harness bar and 5 pt belts. I ordered the fabric seat. In this seat (not sure about the leather one) the middle section comes out as it's only velcro'd in. The pad fits very well in that section so I don't feel it at all and I am about as far forward as I would be with the pad in. BTW - It's a daily driver and the GT3 seat is great everyday.