Fire suits

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Mick
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Fire suits

Post by Mick » Fri Mar 09, 2007 2:55 pm

I need a new Fire suit.

I bought a cheap single layer G-Force a couple of years ago and it's, well... cheap. I don't know what I expected for $100. The zipper broke the second day and it's really uncomfortable.

It's also very thin. That makes it comfortable on hot days but every time I wear it I get the feeling that in the event of a fire I'd be better off with a pair of jeans.

If I'm going to wear one I may as well get something that's actually going to provide some level of protection, have a reasonably comfortable fit, and last more than 2 events. ..rather than the bare minimum to meet the rules.

There are a lot of options out there and I'm having a hard time making a decision without seeing them in person.

What do people have? Likes/dislikes.
Thanks

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Post by Tsurara » Fri Mar 09, 2007 3:39 pm

Check out the Sparco Sprint 06, 3 Layer Nomex suit, good price, and I think it is pretty comfortable, plus it looks damned good :) Saferacer.com is having a sale on them for 449$ and free shipping.

Downsides are that it is pretty thick, I am sure hot days will be murder.

http://saferacer.com/spsp06rasu.html
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Post by Don P » Fri Mar 09, 2007 3:42 pm

Don't forget to check with our friends at DriverSupply....

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Post by zip4zat » Fri Mar 09, 2007 5:31 pm

Mick,
Someone posted this link last year. I got mine as a closeout at 1/2 price ! Sizes were kinda limited. They were really helpful at getting me into the right size as I was a bit going on faith since I never tried one on.

http://www.ogracing.com/eshop/home.asp? ... up&from=10
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Post by enjoythemusic » Fri Mar 09, 2007 5:45 pm

Tsurara wrote:Check out the Sparco Sprint 06, 3 Layer Nomex suit, good price...
i use a Sparco and love the fit and how they do under the arms and other bits. Wow, that does look like a great price. Tsurara, black might look cool (visually), though on a hot day white is King.

Zip4Zat, tried your llink and in 404'ed. Closeouts at OG are at http://www.ogracing.com/eshop/home.asp?categ=190 . Hope this helps as been debating getting a new suit (super lightweight) but fear the really light ones will not be durable.
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Post by offcamber09 » Fri Mar 09, 2007 6:44 pm

Mick, I have worn a Sparco suit (multi-layer) for several years. It was very thick and not properly sized. I splurged and ordered a custom fit Nasa II suit this year. I heard great things about the Nasa line of suits- they used to manufactured by Bell I think. Pyrotech is selling the suit, but I ordered from I/O Port and got much better service than direct from Pyrotech at the same price. Ken at I/O Port really knows his stuff. My suit is pricey because of the custome size $700. If you can use an off the shelf size the prices drop considerably. The Pyrolite looks like a bargain, at $300 but is heavier than the Nasa II. Check them out:

http://www.ioportracing.com/Merchant2/m ... ry_Code=DS
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Post by WillM » Sat Mar 10, 2007 12:28 am

offcamber09 wrote:Mick, I have worn a Sparco suit (multi-layer) for several years. It was very thick and not properly sized. I splurged and ordered a custom fit Nasa II suit this year. I heard great things about the Nasa line of suits- they used to manufactured by Bell I think. Pyrotech is selling the suit, but I ordered from I/O Port and got much better service than direct from Pyrotech at the same price. Ken at I/O Port really knows his stuff. My suit is pricey because of the custome size $700. If you can use an off the shelf size the prices drop considerably. The Pyrolite looks like a bargain, at $300 but is heavier than the Nasa II. Check them out:

http://www.ioportracing.com/Merchant2/m ... ry_Code=DS
I have the same suit. Ordered it directly from Bell a few seasons back and received good service. The venting really works, which is a great thing at hot events, and not so great at Lime Rock (but that is what nomex or carbonex undies are for). ;)

One of the nicest features, especially for someone like myself, is that all of the sizes also come in "tall" and "short" versions. As Scott mentioned above, Bell will also make a custom suit from your measurements.

I've considered buying a 2nd suit, and would most likely buy another NASA 2.
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suits

Post by boltonite » Sat Mar 10, 2007 9:30 am

The G-Force 545 is supposed to be very light, but the Sparco suits are the most popular (from watching WC or Grand Am).

Regardless, having another suit is nice for 2+ day events: wearing a damp suit sucks. I've got extra nomex socks and underwear I wear w/ a cheap 2-piece suit and a nice Momo suit I wear when I don't expect to crawl under my car or do a tire swap. I've got another suit that is a bit "snug" as well as black (hot!): nothing worse than hearing ripping sounds as you get seated ;-)

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Post by StephanAlfa » Sat Mar 10, 2007 10:06 am

I agree with Don that our friends at Driver Supply have a good selection with good prices.
Also if the zipper gets broken you will know exactly where to go :lol: :roll: :lol:

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Post by Mick » Sat Mar 10, 2007 12:34 pm

Thanks guys, this was helpful. I'm looking into the Pyrotect NASA.

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Multi Layer Suits...likes....dislikes?

Post by TroyV » Fri Feb 11, 2011 2:20 pm

I have been browsing around for a new suit for awhile, and really want at least a 2-3 layer suit, but this stuff is really expensive and I don't want to deal with buying something only to return it to get another. I'd rather get it right the first time. The suit i have is single layer, and is kind of pain to get on and off...most likely due to my fat ass. I find myself leaving it in the bag at events which I really don't want to be doing.

I do plan to go to HMS etc... to try stuff on, but what I'm asking for is real world feedback on the suits you may have....likes and dislikes..etc. I'm ok with spending the cash if it is something that will fit well, lasts a long time, and is easy to keep clean.

Thanks in advance,
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Re: Fire suits

Post by TroyV » Fri Feb 11, 2011 2:51 pm

Please disregard my other thread. I didn't realize this was here.
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Re: Fire suits

Post by Mick » Fri Feb 11, 2011 2:57 pm

EDIT: Duplicate threads Merged.

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Re: Fire suits

Post by 6PAK72 » Fri Feb 11, 2011 3:02 pm

Liz and I both really like the Sparco 2-layer and io-Port was fantastic help when we were starting out.

I like the comfort and refreshability of underwear+2-layer, I found myself changing fire underwear on the second day of the summer events and felt dry and clean.
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Re: Fire suits

Post by breakaway500 » Fri Feb 11, 2011 3:39 pm

I swear by the G-Force GF-545. Fairly inexpensive,as fire suits go..but extremely comfortable,light and safe without bulk.

Like wearing your jammies on track! :D

http://www.saferacer.com/g-force-gf-545 ... ductid=923

"The G-FORCE Racing Gear GF545 is one of the lightest weight SFI-5 rated driving suits on the market today. No other manufacturer can even come close to this level of comfort in a multi layered driving suit. Over two years of extensive research and development have been utilized for the creation of this lightweight GTex outer layer that is found only on this suit from G-FORCE Racing Gear.

Most companies need 3 layers to achieve the SFI-5 Rating but G-FORCE accomplished this using only 2 layers! The marriage of a revolutionary GTex lightweight, super shiny outer layer and the soft knit Dupont Nomex interior makes a combination lighter and more breathable than most SFI-5 suits. The clean, crisp custom look comes standard with all the features of a custom suit. 360° knit arm holes, the shoulder-to-arm junction is made with soft knit Nomex for complete arm radius movement and supreme breathability. Nomex knit back panel, the lower back portion of the suit is made with a soft Nomex knit for movement, comfort, and ventilation. Daytona epaulets these defining shoulder points make any driver look like a true gladiator. The clean look is complemented by the Contrasting Box Stitching to accent the craftsmanship and construction of your suit."

Features:
•Lightweight Nomex/Nomex knit
•TPP rating of 23

It also comes in a top/bottom setup if you are not into a one piece. I like the one piece as it never bunches up on you back. If they were (a lot)cheaper,I'd buy them as shop uniforms...very comfy!! :D :sunny:
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