Buying track day gear ...... What are your recommendations?
Discussion
Myself and my Dad are starting out doing some track days and would like some advice from the yourselves as to what gear we should be looking at buying and from where?
Obviously there is no point in us both getting full race kits so what would you be recommending as the best investments?
-Helmet - "I've Been told Cheap Helmet Cheap Head" But how much ££ is too much?
-Shoes?
-Gloves?
All help is appreciated guys.
Obviously there is no point in us both getting full race kits so what would you be recommending as the best investments?
-Helmet - "I've Been told Cheap Helmet Cheap Head" But how much ££ is too much?
-Shoes?
-Gloves?
All help is appreciated guys.
I bought a Simpson helmet and some Sparco gloves (for grip on suede wheel) but YMMV.
Still don't have shoes but can't see it making a great deal of difference to an amateur?
Anything by half decent brands should keep you right though I'd think! Demon Tweeks has a good selection of stuff but not the cheapest most of the time without a code.
Still don't have shoes but can't see it making a great deal of difference to an amateur?
Anything by half decent brands should keep you right though I'd think! Demon Tweeks has a good selection of stuff but not the cheapest most of the time without a code.
Firstly the car & it's spec may change what is pertinent here & would certainly help.
Helmet - Good quality & well fitted with good certification is important.
Some will say you need it to be rated for a car, but no TDO I know of specifies this. However, that is not to say it may not be important.
To start with (until you decide at what level/frequency you will do the trackdays) I would say stick with bike helmet fitted in person at a bike shop, made by a reputable name. Here is a good starting point (http://sharp.direct.gov.uk/testhelmetlist?sharp-make=All&sharp-type=All&sharp-rating=5&discontinued=1) for you to pick your price range of well specced helmets.
Shoes - Personally, I just go for comfortable (not man made fibres) flat soled shoes with thin soles for good feedback from the pedals.
Gloves - Not for me I'm afraid.
Helmet - Good quality & well fitted with good certification is important.
Some will say you need it to be rated for a car, but no TDO I know of specifies this. However, that is not to say it may not be important.
To start with (until you decide at what level/frequency you will do the trackdays) I would say stick with bike helmet fitted in person at a bike shop, made by a reputable name. Here is a good starting point (http://sharp.direct.gov.uk/testhelmetlist?sharp-make=All&sharp-type=All&sharp-rating=5&discontinued=1) for you to pick your price range of well specced helmets.
Shoes - Personally, I just go for comfortable (not man made fibres) flat soled shoes with thin soles for good feedback from the pedals.
Gloves - Not for me I'm afraid.
There's a million helmet threads.
You don't need a raceonsie. But remember you'll need long sleeves on what you wear. I hate wearing shirts out of work so I have a number of cotton long sleeve t-shirts. Avoid man made fabric. Not just because you sweat more in it. But should the worst happen, and you come into contact with fire, cotton burns off you, plastics melt into you.
I wear a knackered pair of old work shoes on my feet, as they have a thin sole.
You don't need a raceonsie. But remember you'll need long sleeves on what you wear. I hate wearing shirts out of work so I have a number of cotton long sleeve t-shirts. Avoid man made fabric. Not just because you sweat more in it. But should the worst happen, and you come into contact with fire, cotton burns off you, plastics melt into you.
I wear a knackered pair of old work shoes on my feet, as they have a thin sole.
vanman1936 said:
Latest Evo has loads on track day gear - good read
Agreed - but some of their suggestions are at the serious sharp end of the financial scale. Their advice on cheap helmets is spot on though - I bought a V2 helmet as a generic trackday lid for when not wearing my Bell racing one and i've been mighty impressed with it. Otherwise, a pair of decent quality driving shoes or karting boots will do the job. Save on the gloves, I find they just slip on the leather wheel. You don't really need that much kit to start with - pay for the best helmet you can afford and then go from there.Due to delays in 2015 helmets coming through, I took a bit of a gamble and ordered an OMP Grand Prix 7s helmet. Not particularly expensive, but the quality matches other more pricey helmets (a much nicer product than my precious hedtec) and it fits like a glove. Also pre-drilled for hans and comes with all the right stickers for Motorsport. It's one to consider.
However, if you're running an enclosed car with airbags, I'd have no problem with a open face helmet..
However, if you're running an enclosed car with airbags, I'd have no problem with a open face helmet..
Sorry if it has already been said, but some TDOs require a full face helmet for open top cars, Caterhams, MX5s etc. On a sunny summer's day you will want the roof off.
V2 helmets are between £100 and £200 and are well made and up to the proper standards.
If ordering online or by phone, measure your head as they suggest, but if, like me, you are right on the border between two sizes, go for the larger of the two, as your head swells slightly, both when you get hot (which you do when track driving) and when you start to think you are God's gift.....which comes 30 seconds before your first spin.
The point about wearing long sleeves and long trousers is a good one - many TDOs won't let you out on track with shorts or tee shirts, even if the sun is melting the tarmac. And windows have to be all but fully closed, which is a pain if, like mine, your track car has a V8 heater by your left hand side and no aircon..... .
V2 helmets are between £100 and £200 and are well made and up to the proper standards.
If ordering online or by phone, measure your head as they suggest, but if, like me, you are right on the border between two sizes, go for the larger of the two, as your head swells slightly, both when you get hot (which you do when track driving) and when you start to think you are God's gift.....which comes 30 seconds before your first spin.
The point about wearing long sleeves and long trousers is a good one - many TDOs won't let you out on track with shorts or tee shirts, even if the sun is melting the tarmac. And windows have to be all but fully closed, which is a pain if, like mine, your track car has a V8 heater by your left hand side and no aircon..... .
I just use karting boots and gloves and motorbike helmet.
The real no-no is thick soled, or air-soled shoes/trainers as it seriously reduces pedal feel.
I dont tend to knock my skid lids about like a motorcyclist would daily, but im probably buying new ones ever 3-4 years on average.
I just bought another one for about £50 with built in sunglasses.
The real no-no is thick soled, or air-soled shoes/trainers as it seriously reduces pedal feel.
I dont tend to knock my skid lids about like a motorcyclist would daily, but im probably buying new ones ever 3-4 years on average.
I just bought another one for about £50 with built in sunglasses.
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