Driving Suits: Nomex... 1, 2 or 3 layers???

[leadfoot]

Can somone suggest the application for each type of suit (1,2 or 3 layers) that are used??

[kevinR]

I'm not sure what you mean by "application". However, if you plan on road racing you will need either a 3 layer suit or a 2 layer suit and wear nomex underwear. those are generally the rules by both SCCA and NASA.

I don't remember for sure, but I think a 3 layer gives you about 12 seconds in a full fire.

[Tom T.]

Another reason to go with three layer in an open cockpit car is that it will provide somewhat more abrasion resistance in the event of a roll.

TT

[Super-Snake]

I have a three layer OMP Master. Very happy with it.

I second Kevin R but will only suggest a three layer

[Hal Copple]

Since my son and are about the same size, i bought a nice Simpson euro style three layer, but we also wear nomex underwear, boots, gloves, and a had/neck/face baclava.

i am not sure of the spelling of the latter, there is a sweet Turkish desert spelled about the same.

But the important thing is to take the time to actually wear all of it, even on hot days. We only run for fun, not competively, but i never want to be in a burn unit wishing i had taken a few moments to properly put it all on.


Due to costs, i did but it bit by bit.

[BO DUTCH]

Maybe a rule of thumb ??

Single layer suite's application.... driving to the suppermarket for milk.

Two layer suit..... driving on the Inter state at legal speeds.

Three layer suit...... driving on the track at speed.

Get the best suit, gloves, shoes, helmet etc. you can afford !!
Fire is the scarry, worst way to go !! An extra 5 to 10 seconds doesn't sound like much time, but its an eternity in a fire !!

Besides....... They Look Cool !!

[leadfoot]

Thank you... it will be 3 layers!!
(I race to the supermarket for milk anyway)

[Alan Vanhollebeke]

When looking at suits, you might want to consider checking out some made from "PBI" kevlar blends instead of just nomex.

PBI use to be exclusive to Pyrotech brand, but I believe you can get it from other manufaturers now. (even though most don't list it in their catalogs)

I have had two pyrotech PBI suits and have also worn nomex over the years. I had a brand new suit custom made last year (X-mas prez to myself) and it too is PBI.

If you spend much time in these things you want to be as comfortable as possible & the PBI wins hands down on comfort. (it is also a very good material)

The manufacturers have basically two gripes about the stuff.
#1 it is expensive to buy, so your suit will cost a little more.
#2 it takes special shears to cut the stuff, & it is only available in a cardboard tan looking color because it deosn't take to being dyed very well.

On my new suit, we got around this by putting a light layer of nomex on the "billboard" and epaulets of my suit.

Also, it is a good idea to have "pleats" made into the suit around your rib area so you can bend & flex easily in the suit.

You want to be able to move around in the thing without having the sleeves or legs pull up, leaving any skin exposed!

Oh, and make sure they use a fire resistant zipper!

One more thing, I cringe when I see guys at the track working on their cars while wearing their suits. If you get grease,oil, etc on the thing, that is a bad BAD thing!