Gear suggestions

[6PAK72]

The Newbie with the TR6 has a question about gear.

Having been an avid motorcyclist, I know about the value of great gear - especially crashing at speed and breaking my neck - another story....

So, the TR6 is heading for a street modified class of some sort - It top-ends at 106mph. So the rules read that we don't need Nomex gear, and I'm tough on budget this year.

Can I get some direction on shoes (the TR6 has about 3/16" clearance between the 3 pedals) and gloves? Our helmets meet the Snell and other requirements.

Thank you all for the support.

Jeff Baker
Wilton, NH

[imgon]

There are alot of reasonably priced options out there. I think most of us are in the same boat, we want the best equipment but cost is a factor. If you can live without being color coordinated, search for sales and closeouts on last years models. Search racing supply places (Pegasus, SafeRacer,CDOC,etc), EBay, swap meets, the classifieds on this site sometimes have items, maybe check SCCA's site or other racing car enthusiast's sites. Some people outgrow their stuff or have to have the latest and greatest. I bought alot of my stuff from Saferacer.com. The GForce brand is usually a good bang for the buck. Gloves can be a little tricky to by online or mailorder but most places are pretty good about size swaps so as long as you start ordering soon you'll have plenty of time to exchange if the size is wrong. As for shoes, most are fairly close to not wearing anything, much like lightweight running shoes. My pedals are very close and my shoes never cause me any problems. (I can't drive the car with boots on) It makes it a little harder when you are getting two sets of everything. I'm not sure what your budget is but I was able to get a decent suit for $250, gloves on sale for $25 (a major deal) and shoes for $75. Just take your time you'll find what you need. Good luck. See you in the spring.

[brucesallen]

I am a fan of G-Force for most of my safety equipment but I put the G-Force shoes on the shelf and went back to my older Simpsons. The G-Force were too clunky and inflexible.

[StephanAlfa]

If you are NOT worried about nomex protection, etc I tell you when I started with COM I used ASICS Wrestling shoes. They are high top for good ankle support yet flexible and thin sole so you can "feel" the pedals.
I eventually graduated to G-Force shoes and I find them excellent for what I need. I drive a 73 Alfa GTV and pedals seems similar in configuration to what you described in your TR-6. I use heel and toe aggressively and they work fine and are flexible enough for me. I think Bruce got a "cardboard" version .
The model I have is the hightop with shoe laces up to a point and you close the top with velcro. Affordable and yet meets my reqwuirements. Hope this helps.

[Mario Fallas]

I am a fan of G-Force for most of my safety equipment but I put the G-Force shoes on the shelf and went back to my older Simpsons. The G-Force were too clunky and inflexible.

i got my G-force shoes (hightops) as a gift and after 3 track days i gave up on them as well, a pair of castanellas & them and i'll be ready to do one of those spaniard hot dances so now i use my dual purpose Piloti & find them to be very comfortable for track days as well as walking around
M

[6PAK72]

Thanks all for the details.

I dragged the co-driver over to to outfit in Danvers, and she fell in love with the Puma Kart shoes, which also happened to fit her perfectly compared to a number of other tries. I'm still looking for shoes that are tight enough, but I ended up with keeping my old Nomex motorcycle gloves - all the car gloves were too thick and the gauntlets are pretty clunky compared to G2, ADI, etc on the moto-circuit.

Keeping our eyes out for suits.

Hope Santa was good to you all,