Carbon X clothing

admin · #1 02-06-2006, 07:38 PM

Anybody use any of this stuff. Is it as good as nomex? I'm looking for a new pair of gloves this year, I had the Sparco outside seamed ones last year but the stitching tears easy. So, this year, I'm looking for a set of gloves with normal stitching.

I'm reading Ross Bentleys books and he warns against gloves with leather palms and no nomex. I found a lot of gloves with leather palms but they are 'treated' and some such as Sparco's new ones claim FIA rating on the leather.

Anybody know anything about gloves, nomex or carbon X. Leather palms of nomex palms.

Lobo6 · #2 02-06-2006, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by admin

Anybody use any of this stuff. Is it as good as nomex? I'm looking for a new pair of gloves this year, I had the Sparco outside seamed ones last year but the stitching tears easy. So, this year, I'm looking for a set of gloves with normal stitching.

I'm reading Ross Bentleys books and he warns against gloves with leather palms and no nomex. I found a lot of gloves with leather palms but they are 'treated' and some such as Sparco's new ones claim FIA rating on the leather.

Anybody know anything about gloves, nomex or carbon X. Leather palms of nomex palms.

No leather designer driving gloves.

Any reputable manufacturer has SFI/FIA gloves on the market. Hint: You pay more for the "name brands", it's the same with driving shoes. You often get the exact same product but the only variable is the "name" on glove or shoe.

Save your $$ for tires. Don't buy a driving suit either until you are getting to be vary fast or have too much excess cash. Some people show up looking like the next Mario Andretti and then go for a moderate "drive" around the track in the green run group.

billy · #3 02-06-2006, 11:42 PM

Well,
I got a fire suit for nothing from my brother who does rally driving in Ireland. FIA 1986 3 layer nomex. It's old but apparently Nomex doesn't wear out so it should still be good as far as I know.

I hear ya about tires

Lobo6 · #4 02-07-2006, 12:08 AM

Free is one thing, buying something you really don't need is another.

uwaeve · #5 02-07-2006, 07:33 AM

I have no problem with people in any group showing up in a fire suit. If someone is willing to spend the money and be uncomfortable in the suit, then good on 'em. I'm not sure if there have been any burning-car type accidents in HPDEs. But I've also never been on fire. Hence, I can't fault anyone for not wanting to have a suit on if their personal assessment is that a risk of fire exists.

Does anyone have knowledge of cars on fire at HPDEs? If so, were they only modified cars, or have production cars gone up in flames also?

uwaeve

Lobo6 · #6 02-07-2006, 11:41 AM

Uwaeve,

I guess my fire suit remark missed the point.

I'm all for them, but when a total begineer shows up dressed to the nines it usually gets noticed in the paddock.

uwaeve · #7 02-07-2006, 03:19 PM

I agree, just chiming in with my unsolicited opinion.

uwaeve

jstecher · #8 02-07-2006, 05:13 PM

I got your point Lobo and laughed my butt of at it!

I have seen more than a few dudes and ladies show up like that for their first event. Most times it does amount to a sunday drive around the track or slow moving traffic cones.

billy · #9 02-17-2006, 06:29 PM

I talked with a dealer today and he says the CarbonX stuff is like wearing a plastic bag. Quite a few customers that bought it returned it for Nomex. Anyone try it?

Stack · #10 02-20-2006, 03:13 PM

I can think of only one instance where fire was an issue at any of our events... and it was a heavily modified NASCAR-type prepped '79 Corvette. He had a loose fuel hose and it briefly caught fire on track, he was right at pit-in so he was able to make it to pit lane where the workers quickly put it out with the strategically placed fire extinguishers.

Having said that, there is a reason most track require fire/rescue in attendance at HPDE and race events. Anything can happen.

IMHO, thats why its SO important to have your car thoroughly checked over before your events... especially things like fuel lines, loose batteries, etc.

I don't mind newbies going all-out with suits and stuff, so long as they're making informed buying decisions... there's nothing worse than having to fail someone for tech who's just spent upwards of $1000 on suits, harnesses, helmets, seats, etc when they've not read the specs for the events they are doing or they've installed them wrong or something.