Seat harnesses

[cito quod fortis]

Hi.

I'm looking to change my 4 point harnesses to 6 point. The factory ones are Willans at £312 and there's also some Schroth ones mentioned in the factory parts update thread at £336. Is either one better (safer or easier to use) than the other? Are there any other options, eg could I get the same things from somewhere else cheaper etc? Finally, I know where 4 of the holes go, as I have them already, but where do the bottom ones go?

Thanks. Andy

[macgtech]

There are plenty of different options available, however the 6 point factory ones are ideal (unless of course you need an FIA approved harness).

The bottom points go under the seat at the back near the bulkhead, attached to the floor.

Jonny

[ROWDYRENAULT]

Andy, as was said, you have a lot of options. remember when you are evaluating these products that how you tighten the belts is important in this car. You have limited room to pull the belts down towards the floor, better to pull up. Also submarine belts are a great safety tool but the angles that they attach to the center lock point are very important. There was a picture I believe it was here, that showed a guy that had his testicle extruded out of its sack because of the way his submarine harness held him. I know that's a brutal sentenace, but hopefully nobody will make that mastake again. I have a set of sparco's in my GTR and I am very happy with them. Lee

[DHGTR]

I also have 4 point Sparcos (optional 6 point) that im very happy with ..... but if i were doing it again i would go with the thinner straps (2 inch?). Currently have 3inch? and find them to be just a little to wide for comfort.

dave

[Stig]

I acho what Dave says, the 2" harnesses are more comfortable than the 3".

[356Speedster]

I disagree. It depends on your body type.... I'm about 6ft tall and *ahem* slight of build. With the Atom, I found the 3" belts were a lot more comfortable than the 2" belts, which didn't give me enough support. 3" belts felt much more secure, especially when pressing on. Suggest anyone not sure about belts tries them both and gets what suits them.

[macgtech]

356Speedster said:

I disagree. It depends on your body type.... I'm about 6ft tall and *ahem* slight of build. With the Atom, I found the 3" belts were a lot more comfortable than the 2" belts, which didn't give me enough support. 3" belts felt much more secure, especially when pressing on. Suggest anyone not sure about belts tries them both and gets what suits them.

+1

[ultimass]

If you were ever in an accident, 3" will be far better than 2" as the load will be spread over a larger area.

[gyroplane]

I beleive that Schroth would say that a 2" lap belt is preferred over a 3", as it sits within the pelvic crest rather than over the ridges, allowing a tighter belt which reduces crash loads. They like to pair a 2" lap with a 3" shoulder (granted, it's tough to know if it's just marketing, or if there is sound science to it without being an expert myself). I haven't got to the point of ordering/installing belts yet, but I hope to soon. I have found the Schroth guys very friendly and helpful when I've called to chat. They have suggested an "Ariel Atom" belt which is not well advertised or described on their site, but can be found with a search. I think he said that it has the shoulder and lap for each side connected, and the two sides come together. I am leaning towards the PROFI-II ASM which will provide anti-submarine protection with only 4-points for street use, and the ability to click in the crotch strap for added protection on the track. Their "flexi belt" lap belt allows for pull-up or pull-down configurations. Lots of options, and quite a bit of mix-and-match available that doesn't show in their catalog if you want it to work in a specific way.

I have heard that the 3" wide shoulder straps fit through the holes in the Ultima seats, but just barely.

Not sure what the factory Schroth option is exactly, and the image in the Factory Upgrade thread is dead.

If anyone else has any actual experience/advice with the Schroth options, please speak up.

-Sky

[DHGTR]

356Speedster said:

I disagree. It depends on your body type.... I'm about 6ft tall and *ahem* slight of build. With the Atom, I found the 3" belts were a lot more comfortable than the 2" belts, which didn't give me enough support. 3" belts felt much more secure, especially when pressing on. Suggest anyone not sure about belts tries them both and gets what suits them.

You disagree with what - you don't think i would go with two inch straps.

I wasn't making a recommendation just stating an opinion.

[srreck]

I always recommend the teamtech harness. They offer an extra protection for chest/sternum and even pelvic and lumbar. I feel myself really safe with this stuff.

http://www.teamtechmotorsports.com/index.html

[356Speedster]

DHGTR said:

You disagree with what - you don't think i would go with two inch straps.

I wasn't making a recommendation just stating an opinion.

As I said, it depends on your body type what'll be more comfortable, everyone will find a different configuration & manufacturer of belt more comfortable, it'll not be as straight forwards as just swapping size, that's all

Someone mentioned the Atom belt above... it's worth noting that the 2" belt that joins the shoulder & hip straps restricts movement for getting them on / off. This means that to get oin & out of the car, you'll need to release & retighten them each time. Doing that in an Atom is hard, doing it in a GTR will be a nightmare.

Best thing to do will be to try different sizes / configurations, maybe at somewhere like Demon Thieve's place, to see what fits you best

[ezakimak]

One of the lads down hear has a retracting 4 point harness, cant remember who makes it though.

one other question, the pull up v pull down, is this just in reference to the pelvic straps?

Can you get ones with the attachment at the center connector or are the attachment points at the floor mounts?

Ryan

PS sorry about the scrotum, it seemed important at the time. guess it depends how many kids you have.

[cito quod fortis]

ROWDYRENAULT said:

Andy, as was said, you have a lot of options. remember when you are evaluating these products that how you tighten the belts is important in this car. You have limited room to pull the belts down towards the floor, better to pull up. Also submarine belts are a great safety tool but the angles that they attach to the center lock point are very important. There was a picture I believe it was here, that showed a guy that had his testicle extruded out of its sack because of the way his submarine harness held him. I know that's a brutal sentenace, but hopefully nobody will make that mastake again. I have a set of sparco's in my GTR and I am very happy with them. Lee

Thanks Lee, I currently have pull down and this was the reason for changing and I thought I'd go for 6 point as I do some track days and would feel safer with 6. I don't think I'll ever forget the pictures you're referring too! Cheers. Andy

[cito quod fortis]

Thanks for all the comments. I think I'll go for one of the factory options. Not being too technically minded, having the made to measure ones seems sensible and their prices don't look too bad either. Cheers Andy

[deviant]

ezakimak said:

One of the lads down hear has a retracting 4 point harness, cant remember who makes it though.

one other question, the pull up v pull down, is this just in reference to the pelvic straps?

Can you get ones with the attachment at the center connector or are the attachment points at the floor mounts?

Ryan

PS sorry about the scrotum, it seemed important at the time. guess it depends how many kids you have.

Shoulder belts, some adjust by pulling the excess bit down and others adjust by pulling it up.

[MarkWebb]

Down is best if you are adjusting it. Up is best if pit crew are doing it.

[GTRCLIVE]

Edited by GTRCLIVE on Friday 9th March 04:11