Proban suit OK for hillclimbing 2012?
Discussion
e21Mark said:
As I have written previous posts I knew that there were bound to be some ''yes, but what if?'' remarks...
Yes, but it's quite a big 'if' and racing cars don't just catch fire as a consequence of a crash. A number of my pals have toasted their cars (if not themselves) when their engines have scattered themselves; oil has got onto the headers and has caught fire; other stuff has caught fire as a consequence; and the results have been unpleasant.On the gloves thing, I note that we are still only '...strongly advised...' to wear them, and I see lots of tin-top drivers who don't heed that advice - and think they're a bit silly for not doing so.
Indeed, combining the two paragraphs, above, someone I know had a fire on their track day car and had to reach into the flames to turn off the master switch (and hence the fuel pump).
And HANS? Personally, I don't wear one, but I'm probably a bit silly for not doing so, and am prepared for the day when the MSA tell me I must.
Just my $0.02.
Count Johnny said:
On the gloves thing, I note that we are still only '...strongly advised...' to wear them, and I see lots of tin-top drivers who don't heed that advice - and think they're a bit silly for not doing so.
The regs have been updated in 2012. Gloves now required (for circuit racing and hillclimbs). Obviously no-one wants to see people injured whilst competing, by fire or anything else, but I do think there needs to be a balance that allows club level motor sports to remain accessible. I'm not suggesting we put a price on safety just that grass roots motor sport may struggle when the costs become prohibitive. Some people only do 2 or 3 events a year and faced with £1000+ bill just for kit and a licence I imagine the likelihood is that they will simply not bother and the number of competitors will decline further still. Just my opinion.
Actually, I would suggest that there are actually too many series/championships – not too few drivers – so I don’t think one can, albeit obliquely, suggest that the cost of safety equipment is responsible for any shortage of competitors.
Indeed, I would suggest that – if grids are a bit thin in places - it’s because there are simply too many grids to fill and all of this ‘affordable’ and ‘grassroots’ stuff is just a load of old cock.
Unfortunately, motor sport is expensive, safety does have a price on it, and if someone can’t afford to spend a grand on some equipment that might help them to keep their skin and their brains where they belong for, say, the next 5 years, then they’ve come to the wrong place.
Indeed, I would suggest that – if grids are a bit thin in places - it’s because there are simply too many grids to fill and all of this ‘affordable’ and ‘grassroots’ stuff is just a load of old cock.
Unfortunately, motor sport is expensive, safety does have a price on it, and if someone can’t afford to spend a grand on some equipment that might help them to keep their skin and their brains where they belong for, say, the next 5 years, then they’ve come to the wrong place.
Edited by Count Johnny on Thursday 19th April 18:54
I'm not sure that I've suggested either, obliquely or otherwise, but merely reiterated what manufacturers of equipment have said when I have spoken to them over the past couple of days. British grids, at many levels, are in decline but I would imagine that's more to do with the economy than the price of Nomex.
Personally, I consider myself lucky to be able to spend the money I do on competing in a few sprints each year. That said, I have a limited income and have to watch the pennies, which is why over £400 for a suit is a major expense to me.
Personally, I consider myself lucky to be able to spend the money I do on competing in a few sprints each year. That said, I have a limited income and have to watch the pennies, which is why over £400 for a suit is a major expense to me.
Count Johnny said:
Unfortunately, motor sport is expensive, safety does have a price on it, and if someone can’t afford to spend a grand on some equipment that might help them to keep their skin and their brains where they belong for, say, the next 5 years, then they’ve come to the wrong place.
I would argue that a sprint is less dangerous than a track day, for which you only need a lid and in some cases "covered arms". I've never had my lid checked on a track day either -- if it looks like a lid it's generally OK.carl_w said:
I would argue that a sprint is less dangerous than a track day, for which you only need a lid and in some cases "covered arms". I've never had my lid checked on a track day either -- if it looks like a lid it's generally OK.
And, IMO, you should have to be better protected if you do trackdays too.Anyway, I'm off to Brands for our first test of the season in a minute. Hopefully, none of this safety equipment stuff will be of any relevance.
Hi I purchased some Sabelt bits including a TI-100 suit from Mode Racewear's Silverstone shop last month, very happy with the suit so light compared with Sparco etc.. They were also very helpful didnt realize the did made to measure though
Dan Friel said:
I think it's a good call. Whilst you could buy kart boots, the need for fireproof boots is bound to be the next requirement anyway.
You getting a Sabelt suit? They look the business and I've heard good things about Mode Racewear
You getting a Sabelt suit? They look the business and I've heard good things about Mode Racewear
Hi I purchased some Sabelt bits including a TI-100 suit from Mode Racewear's Silverstone shop last month, very happy with the suit so light compared with Sparco etc.. They were also very helpful didnt realize the did made to measure though
Dan Friel said:
I think it's a good call. Whilst you could buy kart boots, the need for fireproof boots is bound to be the next requirement anyway.
You getting a Sabelt suit? They look the business and I've heard good things about Mode Racewear
You getting a Sabelt suit? They look the business and I've heard good things about Mode Racewear
It was a bit of a wrench when I heard proban was outlawed but when I realised I
bought my proban suit in 1998 and have used it for about 3 events a year, I got
good value from it! Ive just bought a sparco sprint 2 layer nomex which hopefull will give similar service! that was a pleasant suprise as being a tall, large pilot i didnt think I would get an off the peg suit but their biggest size fitted better than the proban suit I had made to measure!
Same with helmets in 2010 i got caught out at an event as my old shoei was out of date, same again purchased in 1998! so good value once again, and the current budget V2 helmets solved that problem!
so exspensive to start with but long term not so bad as you wont have to budget for kit every year.
I also sold my old suit and helmet to a banger racer for a decent price so
made a little back!
bought my proban suit in 1998 and have used it for about 3 events a year, I got
good value from it! Ive just bought a sparco sprint 2 layer nomex which hopefull will give similar service! that was a pleasant suprise as being a tall, large pilot i didnt think I would get an off the peg suit but their biggest size fitted better than the proban suit I had made to measure!
Same with helmets in 2010 i got caught out at an event as my old shoei was out of date, same again purchased in 1998! so good value once again, and the current budget V2 helmets solved that problem!
so exspensive to start with but long term not so bad as you wont have to budget for kit every year.
I also sold my old suit and helmet to a banger racer for a decent price so
made a little back!
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