Safety Gear

With exception of the Safecraft fire system pending its install, all the other safety equipment is current and in-place now. In the past I've always used Simpson or CROW for belts and window net. Stroud for chute. I went with CROW again for camlock belt and window net. Nice stuff and crafted in USA by small friendly family owned business (Nevada). Will install the fire system after the track rental this month.

For clothing I've always used the Simpson stuff because when I tried on several brands the Simpson stuff was the most comfortable. Last week I realized my helmet Snell rating is no longer good, so I ordered a new one a few days ago from Summit. My old Simpson was made in the USA, but the new one was made in China (Simpson Bandit SA2020). I was a bit skeptical, but ordered it anyway. I was happy after receiving it today because the fit, and quality of parts and materials are far better than I expected. Before making the order I did check out helmets made in the USA, but I didn't like how any of the in-store available models fit when I tried them on (Impact, Racequip, etc).

When helmet shopping I try to find the one with the larger face opening. My first full face had terrible downward vision when strapped in.
I pretty much have all racequip stuff.

Likewise. Arai and Shoei had poor downward vision so I passed on those also. Racequip and Impact had all the features I like, but I couldn’t get one to fit me correctly; Large was too tight, and X-Large was sloppy. I’ve been wearing Simpson’s since ‘84. They’re the best fit and most comfortable for me whether it’s racing or riding my Harley’s. They give me adequate view also.

For belts i really like the Pro1 stuff, great folks and lots of options. Suits I have become very fond of my Sparco stuff, both -15 and -5. I have used all the fire systems out there and have had deploy one once, they all seem similar but this time went to MagsFab for a self deploying unit. My helmet is a carbon fiber Simpson , best helmets out there are made in Italy by Stilo, but they aint cheap....

I was thinking about a Sparco suit, but my current one is still good. Maybe next go around I’ll try one. MagsFab - FireAde system? Saw them a while back when I was speaking with Digsby. I’ve read about the Stilo helmets, but that price……..LOL.

How much is your head worth
Mine is priceless and irreplicable
Buy the best helmet you can get and pray you never get to test it in a crash

I bought a legit Simpson Bandit Snell SA2020 helmet, and one that fits me. No way in hell am I’m spending $2k+ for a helmet.

Who is making those $2,000.00 helmets? Do they come with a complete two way radio system for the driver and crew?
I have never heard of any SFI approve helmet costing that much

https://competitionmotorsport.com/c...MoMP6-QIVBRXUAR10RgyAEAAYASAAEgLhLPD_BwE

https://www.stilohelmets.com/

If you ignore the fit and vision aspect for a moment, is there any real proof that a $2000 helmet offers more protection than a $200 helmet?

Th e proof is in the physics...Your head will weigh less in a crash with a CF helmet vs traditional, less stress placed on the neck.

It comes down to trusting the manufacturer claims. Buying an overseas helmet on eBay cause it was a "deal" likely means the mfg or vendor can make claims that aren't validated, may as well use a Walmart bike helmet. I bought my Simpson Bandit because I like the look and I trust the brand, but my nose jusssst touches the inner snout area at times and it's annoying.

I would shop around a bunch before choosing were to buy a carbon fiber helmet
If my memory is correct aren't all SFI approved racing helmets made form composite materials?
Aren't all fiberglass sold composite materials?
Not made of Kevlar or Carbon fiber but still a composite material due to the mixture of the chemicals needed to make it fiberglass?