Race Gear - Best places to buy

[v6ter]

Hi Guys, I have been a member of PH for a while and have been a keen track dayer with ten or so dates under my belt.

I am due to take my ARDS next week and join my father racing next year in either the CSCC Future Classics series or Toyota MR2 Championship - Car now purchased.

Anyway, just wondered if you had any recommendations for where to buy racesuits, gloves, boots, helmets from and any preference to brands as far as comfort and durability are concerned.

I have shortlisted some from Demon Tweeks and GPR, but would appreaciate any advice.

Please feel free to register on the community page of our website to follow progress.

http://www.torqueracing.com

thanks

Paul

Edited by v6ter on Wednesday 8th July 00:05

[anonymous-user]

EARS
Merlin
Rally Design
Jays
AWS

you wont find much difference in price for the branded stuff like Sparco and OMP but Jays and AWS are a bit cheaper as its "own brand" gear.

[frodo_monkey]

Agreed with all above - frankly, because of the amount of kit they have in the warehouse, I would drive over to Demon Thieves and go and try it all on. They actually work out pretty much the same price as everyone else once you add VAT and subtract the 10% discount that they give out to the world and his wife

[RobM77]

I'd say it's best to get somewhere where you can try everything on. Most mail order places take things back (Demon Tweeks are excellent and no quibble at all), although I have had issues with a few smaller companies, but it's just a hassle and sometimes you need both sizes there to see which is best. With so much kit on the shopping list it's a lengthy process doing it all via mail order, and you really do need this stuff to fit - it's safety based and not to mention expensive.

One last thing - make sure you try on the helmet with a balaclava underneath and race suit with whatever fireproof underwear you plan to wear on.

[v6ter]

Thanks guys. I will take a trip up to Demon Tweeks on my birtday,you never know I may get a further 5% as its my day!

[v6ter]

pablo said:

EARS
Merlin
Rally Design
Jays
AWS

you wont find much difference in price for the branded stuff like Sparco and OMP but Jays and AWS are a bit cheaper as its "own brand" gear.

Does anyone have the links to these web sites, I have found some but would appreciate them if you have them to hand.

[thunderbelmont]

Try Google - you can find most things there.

[v6ter]

thunderbelmont said:

Try Google - you can find most things there.

I have,found Merlin and Rally design but strugling with the companies like EARS and AWS

[Shaun_E]

AWS: http://www.advanced-wear.co.uk/

[Zumbruk]

Merlin sent out a catalogue with postage owing a couple of years ago, and were very unapologetic (at least to me) about it, and the guy at GPR was rude and unhelpful when I was looking to buy a race seat, so I won't shop at either place. Your mileage may vary.

[1]

Zumbruk said:

Merlin sent out a catalogue with postage owing a couple of years ago, and were very unapologetic (at least to me) about it, and the guy at GPR was rude and unhelpful when I was looking to buy a race seat, so I won't shop at either place. Your mileage may vary.

Change of ownership (and some staff) earlier this year, They now concentrate on clothing and are much more helpful.

[Chris71]

No one mentioned GPR yet? Any thoughts on them?

[1]

Chris71 said:

No one mentioned GPR yet? Any thoughts on them?

Sorry, it was GPR that I was talking about.

Since the change of ownership in Jan they have a better selection and the staff seem to be more helpful.

[24bph]

I have used Max from http://www.racewear.co.uk always helpful and it`s nice to deal with the bloke who owns the shop.

[anonymous-user]

ESCORT & RALLY SPARES
THE WHARF, BUXTON ROAD
SK10 1LZ MACCLESFIELD, CHESHIRE
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.ears.co.uk

looks like they habve gone a bit "chavtastic" over the years, they used to be a good bet for cheap racewear, used spare parts and things.

[JakeR]

Peter Lloyd Rallying have been good when I've used them... good value and service...