Karting1.co.uk

[m1tch]

Hi all,

I am started to save up for some race wear, I know that you can hire it out at all the karting tracks but I will also be drag racing my SV650 kart when its finally built so I might as well get my own stuff, I do have a Rotax max senior kart that is MSA legal so I would also need to make sure that the kartwear I have is ok to comply with MSA rules so I can use it for when I do get into racing properly - this year will basically be free practice and getting the kart setup and some seat time.

I know I will need:

Helmet
Gloves
Boots
1 piece suit
Rib protector

Do I also need fireproof undergarments etc? I havn't ever needed racewear so far so I don't know what you would usually wear under the suit lol

How much should I budget for initially? - I will look at upgrading once I get more into racing and the speeds are higher - will start at the super GX200 class initially then move up to Rotax.

I don't mind buying everything second hand apart from the helmet which will be brand new.

Thanks in advance

[Vaknar]

You can wear whatever you look under the suit, I've seen some people in nothing! I wear a skintight baselayer, as I find that most comfortable.

I use a V2 Pro helmet, and have no problems with that, except it looking a little ugly. It's cheap though so I'd recommend that.

I used a Tillet Original Ribtec and have had no problems so far, sometimes it slips upwards in my seat and can press under my arms, but that doesn't happen much.

MIR racewear is what most people on a budget use. You get what you pay for with those really.

[m1tch]

[Vaknar]

You don't need a neckbrace, but it's a good idea while your neck muscles are still weak.

You could try eBay and other websites, but new I'd say Dartford Karting or Spellfame.

[Craigh88]

I was looking for budget race wear and come across some arrox kit at kartmania last year. I'm very happy with that for the price I paid for it.

[Rotaxnewb]

Www.zipnorth.com is the Mir agent and has some really good prices on suits at the moment I think he is clearing some stock so best to ring him. The cheapest branded suits are omp generally although I've some some homologated suit from a Pakistani company called long term race wear for about £50 all in.

[SRSmatt]

One important thing to remember is, no matter your budget, is to not skimp and save on your racewear - it's your safety at the end of the day.

Make sure what you're buying is to the regulations required, such as your race suit being 'Level One' or 'Level Two' approved.

The most important part for me, is the helmet - sure you don't need it painted and all fancy, but make sure, if you spend any money, you spend it on this. Make sure you buy something approved and comfortable, you won't regret that as an investment.

All the best,

Matt
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[Rotaxnewb]

Just out of interest the difference between a level 1 and level 2 is the time it takes for the suit to burn through while sliding along the ground. Level 1 has to last .8 of a second and level 2 has to last 1.5 seconds.
Doesn't give you much time does it! Ouch!!

[m1tch]

[monaco_man]

A helmet is something worth spending a little money on... You only get one head! Something like an Arai is high quality, and looks the business too. As for suits and gloves etc, ORG makes reasonably priced gear, although I'm not sure how available they are in the UK.

[m1tch]

[wolemid]

You can get good quality stuff for not a bad price, if you shop around. The intial outlay may seem expensive but;

1: You only have 1 life so buy the best you can
2: If you keep it properly it will last years.

The only thing which i buy every year is a set of gloves because they wear quite quickly and im out most weekends racing
_________________
2011 - 4th in British Champs - 3rd in World Finals
2010 - 5th in British Champs - 4th in World Finals

[wolemid]

[m1tch]

[m1tch]