Current specs of race suits and Helmets -

[amier]

Example the helmets are certified to SA2005, what I dont want happening is for example next year it become obsolete, I have a SA95 GP4 which I sadly didnt get teh chance to use is now scrap

Also the race suits, when would the current spec be obsolete?

[terence]

As a general guide,Overalls and helmets have a five year "Life". Current spec,s numbers end with 2005.Unfortunatly we are all in the hands of the FIA.

[AU N EGL]

Originally Posted by amier

Example the helmets are certified to SA2005, what I dont want happening is for example next year it become obsolete, I have a SA95 GP4 which I sadly didnt get teh chance to use is now scrap

Also the race suits, when would the current spec be obsolete?

Depending on where you live maters too. In the US and Canada most car clubs and race orgainzations allow a 10 year window. i.e. the current specs are good for 10 years or two certifications. That means most clubs will accept back to a SA2000 for current use with helmets.

[Tim Falce]

Originally Posted by terence bower

As a general guide,Overalls and helmets have a five year "Life". Current spec,s numbers end with 2005.Unfortunatly we are all in the hands of the FIA.

Current FIA specs for helmets are FIA8860-2004, BS 6658,Snell2000 or 2005 so they have a 10 year life. For UK you can still use the BS 6658-85type A
I have just bought some new overalls as my old ones are FIA1986 which is only good for UK national racing, the new ones are FIA8856-2000 I think.

[amier]

BS 6658-85type A, is that the equiv of SA95?

[Tim Falce]

Originally Posted by amier

BS 6658-85type A, is that the equiv of SA95?

Don't think so as SA95 is no longer eligible for any racing AFAIK

[amier]

Thanks mate

Does anyone here use Hans device for club racing? I just had a look at their site and it does look good from a safety point. What sort of angle Hans would be suitable for a single seater?

[Tim Falce]

A few people use HANS and there is a thread dedicated to it somewhere on TT. You really need to get one fitted to you and the car as it is a lot of money to spend on a bit of safety equipment and then find it's wrong for the sake of having it fitted properly.

[brickkicker]

Originally Posted by amier

BS 6658-85type A, is that the equiv of SA95?

Also I think you will find that the SNELL ones are fire/flame retardant and the BS 6658-85type A is not (it is basicly a motor bike helmet). As SA95 were only taken out this year you should get another 3 years out of the SA2000.

[Eddy V]

For the time being, the latest FIA suit norm (8856-2000) is to stay for a while. FIA can't think of much lately to change the current norm, as the suits are already to top spec.
Helmets will change again in 2010, but your SA2005 is still valid untill 2013 (norm life span + 3 years). Unless FIA comes up with a new rule.

[amier]

Yeah Im hoping to buy a Arai GP5, SA2005, and Alpinestars GP PRO which is 8856-2000. Still deciding on the hans, after all you cant compromise safety.. but we will see...

I think I need a cool £1k+ for suit and helmet.

[midgetman]

>>>>>>As a general guide,Overalls and helmets have a five year "Life".

No, no, no Terence, at least not as far as overalls are concerned. They have a life until the spec changes which as Eddy says is not planned for some while. Unless you so mistreat them that they become unfit to wear of course - I live in hope :-)

[Eddy V]

Originally Posted by midgetman

- I live in hope :-)

And me!