Latch vs camlock

[modifiede30]

So I'm looking at purchasing new harnesses for the next couple seasons and wondered if latch lock are acceptable if the car isn't going to be on the track every weekend. I'd love to get out regularly, but know that life won't allow it. Are there safety reasons that favor camlock over latch lock?

[breakaway500]

I started with the latching style belts...but once I tried the camlocks, I preferred their ease of entry and exit, and the price difference really is not that much. You can get use to either style,and they are both safe..but I give the nod to camlocks (for there more simple operation by anyone,so safer in my mind.)

[brucesallen]

Camlock SOOOO much easier to use

[Bobc]

I have had both but once you try a cam loc you will not go back...
I really liked it at the glen when the car was on fire I was out without thinking about it,just a 1/4 turn of the knob no feeling around for the pull tab.
Also being able to put one belt into the lock at a time is SO much easier than fumbling around with 5 different belts trying to slide them on to the latch.
just my 2 cents

[Jimmy Pet]

being able to put one belt into the lock at a time is SO much easier than fumbling around with 5 different belts trying to slide them on to the latch.

This.
/ Thread

[TroyV]

As an instructor, I find latch belts in a student's car more than just slightly annoying. They take way too long to put on.

[StephanAlfa]

Not sure what you drive.
If you are using a "daily driver" for track session consider getting one of those harness conversions for track (HMS) has those.

If you are going on the route of 5-point (or more) seatbelt then for sure camlock is - per comments above - the preferred on for sure.
HTH

[Resolution78]

i may have a camlock i can sell you cheap....

i have to go look for it but for drag racing it cant be over 2 years old and mines 2 now... and never been bolted into a car

[breakaway500]

"i may have a camlock i can sell you cheap....

i have to go look for it but for drag racing it cant be over 2 years old and mines 2 now... and never been bolted into a car"

If the harness has expired,it can't be used at COM either...

[turtlevette]

I started with the cam style. I've gone to the latch & link because they're so much cheaper $70 vs $140 or more for the cam.

I don't think it's that much harder to belt in and i hate spending more money since we've decided this is a throw away item. It's probably easier to release too.

When they call a run group you have 10 min to mess around. So what if it takes 1 minute vs 30 seconds to get belted in. I'm able to get the latch just as tight as well. I'm a big fan of 5 point belts even if they aren't mandated for your situation as it gives you a feeling you are molded into the car. I decided early on it was insane to trust 30+ year old stock seatbelts.

They're too restrictive for the street though. You see some guys wear them loose. I'd only use the lap portion if i bothered.

[escortracer]

Cam lock

[Georgethefierce]

camlocks and pull UP harnesses are the greatest invention in belts ever....if you haven't used a pull up style harness in a small car you are missing out

[imgon]

+1 on the camlocks. I bought G Force camlocks that have the better safety rating (FIA vs SFI???) and although they were more expensive they are good for 5 years instead of only 2 years so the price difference was wiped out by longer life. Plus in my car it is a PITA to change them out so that added more value to the 5 year replacement.

[modifiede30]

Thanks for all the input - camlocks it is....

[paultg]

+1 on the camlocks. I bought G Force camlocks that have the better safety rating (FIA vs SFI???) and although they were more expensive they are good for 5 years instead of only 2 years so the price difference was wiped out by longer life. Plus in my car it is a PITA to change them out so that added more value to the 5 year replacement.

If I recall correctly the "pull down" has a different rating (5 yrs) vs. the pull up model "2 years". - Paul G.