Where To Purchase Racing Gear And What Do I Buy?

[johnu97 (john underdown)]

Ok so I finally got the Rotax ready to take to the track for practice days now I need some gear. Mostly just need a moderately priced suit and rib protector. I already have a decent
helmet and don’t laugh but I’m going to use my old boots and Sparco gloves from when I quit in 1990! I raced 250 gearbox on long circuit so we had to wear leather suits, I still have mine and it fits but I don’t want to look like a total idiot out there. Anyway when I was racing my seats were the wrap around kind and I padded areas that were loose or uncomfortable. After karting I did a lot of Supermoto racing and I sustained several broken ribs and other rib injuries which still bother me. My kart is a Topkart with what I assume is their proprietary seat which is slightly loose when I have just a tshirt on but I would imagine with a rib protector it would be ok. So what suit and rib protector would you all suggest and where to purchase? I will also be buying a suit for my 23 year old daughter to wear just for practice days.

[tjkoyen]

You’ll get different recommendations on which vest is best because everyone is different shape/size but the Bengio is a popular option and what has kept me karting after a couple bad rib injuries. More here:

Rib Vest Recommendations for Karting

Are we talking about this one TJ?

Rib Vest/ Protector?

Hello, this is my first season gokart “racing” in a 206lo Senior class. I had a bunch of practice sessions and 1 race weekend. The track we race at can be a little rough at times and now my lower ribs are sore. I got a “soft” rib vest from a co- worker and I am not sure if that was the issue for the rib pain. The ribs got sore over time, it was not due to 1 corner. I think the worst was when I was driving with pretty old tires and they started bouncing a little in corners. I thought it was …

For suits, go with a reputable brand and not an eBay knock-off. Sparco, alpinestats, or OMP make great entry level suits at a reasonable price. More here:

Kart Suits: Budget vs. Expensive

So I’m in the market of getting a new karting suit, as the used one I picked up off eBay when I first started was too small (size 58) and I’ve essentually busted out the seems trying to fit into it (que the fat man in a small coat music now). But I’m torn on whether I should buy a more budget friendly suit in the sub $300 range, or splurge on a more expensive suit by Freem at $700-800. I understand a $500 difference isn’t huge, but it isn’t small either. Thats a few sets of tires at least. Has…

Inexpensive karting suits?

Wesco appears to be a shop, not a suit brand name. RaceQuip is the brand. The suits you have linked there are all SFI-rated, which means they are NOT karting suits, they are Nomex suits. It’s very important you don’t accidentally buy a Nomex suit, as it will NOT protect you in the least in a karting accident, since it has no abrasion resistance and will fall apart if you go skidding across the track. It also isn’t legal per any rulebook. Make sure when you’re looking at suits that it’s specific…

Kart Driving Suit

I am looking for a new racing suit. I have been using a One Industries suit that I bought in 2007. I would like something more breathable and with a bit more freedom in the shoulder. From looking at advertisements I cant really tell how thick any of the suits are. I dont have a large budget here so the Alpinestar KMX 1 or 5 is a bit to pricey. I would appreciate some input as to what some racers from Kart Pulse wear. Thanks Mike

[Bimodal_Rocket (Dom Callan)]

At around 250 the sparco Kerb is a good value (suit). K1 makes the least expensive starter suit. They also make inexpensive gloves etc. For gloves, a nice pair makes sense. I find the minis 273 to be very good feeling (and fun).