Drag Racing Discussions > Front Engine Dragsters
Safety equipment...
SaltandPepper:
Looking into and am getting ready to buy safety equipment for my start at the strip this spring but am a little overwhelmed with the choices and need some guidance. I have checked out Ebay and although their prices look good I know you only get what you pay for. Some on this forum have suggested I go to Biondo in NJ which is close enough to me to make the trip if I get quality safety gear. I would like to know opinions in regards to single piece suits vs. separate jacket/pants suits, multi-layer vs single layer, and shoulder HNR devices vs. the devices that extend down the chest. I plan to buy a suit/helmet/shoes/HNR/and gloves. Is their a specific rating that will be required at the dragstrip? Realize that I will only be a weekend warrior and will not participate in competition so I think a $1000 race suit may be a bit over the top. I am running a gas engine. Any responses will be appreciated.
dusterdave173:
Two Piece suit is handy You can leave the pants on after a run--a one piece is a PIA on and off after every run
Two choices--Legal or Not Legal
Legal means SFI-15 suit expensive and not fun to wear in the heat
Not Legal means at least double layer quality suit Sparco are some of the finest and being able to try them on is big plus
Biondo is the best shop in the USA for this
If you ever have a fire that price tag on that suit will not matter
I have to admit I often think of getting a two layer to wear when not at an NHRA deal but then I think of the down side of possible harm that could come to me in that car and I stick with my good suit
Helmets are tough --most are imported--even well known brands so ask Biondo what they think--a lite weight helmet is great but not worth it in a drag car IMO I use a Simpson Bandit was under $500 next time I will get one from Speedway or somewhere for less Lots of decent helmets for around $250 range just get a full face job
One layer suits are for spectators not drivers
Calkins:
As mentioned, you have two paths to start, NHRA legal, or just "ok" with the track you run at. What happens if you crash, get knocked out, and the car catches on fire? Are you going to trust others to save you, or buy better equipment to try to save yourself?
Some questions to pick the correct gear:
#1 Open wheel car with engine in front (FED & ALT)?
#2 Engine fuel and induction type?
#3 Automatic transmission with no floor?
#4 Petitional MPH and ET?
I would personally stay away from Amazon and eBay, unless the store you are buying from is well known. Believe it or not, buy there is A LOT of cheap knock off junk for sale, and I would hate to see anyone getting hurt because of fake junk. I recommend Jegs, Summit, and Speedway Motors as good vendors. I have not used Good Vibrations, but they fork over a ton of money to sponsor races, and put money back into our pockets. NTF racer Brendan Murry has a similar shop called Performance Motorsports. You will not find a better guy, and he will take parts off his car to get you going.
Gear brands usually do not matter to people, they just buy whatever. I am picky. I buy great products. I highly recommend Simpson Race Products, Impact Racing, Diest/DJ Safety and Bell Helmets. DJ makes great car products. Simpson and Impact make great driver products. Bell makes great helmets, and Speedway Motors bought the rights to Bell Racing, and makes/sells nice Bell labeled driving gear, at a low price.
GlennLever:
When it comes to safety just ok is NOT good enough!
There is nothing more valuable then walking away at the end of the day and being able to come back the next and race again.
Glenn Lever
Draw 3D:
Before you buy, borrow and get in the car and see if you are comfortable.
I made the mistake of buying and first time I get in the car, I could not move my head at all due to the combination of helmet and head/neck restraint, ended buying different style helmet and shorter head/neck restraint.
Navigation
[0] Message Index
[#] Next page
Go to full version