2017 Gear Guide: This Year's Most Popular Racewear & Driver Equipment
Welcome to the Drivers Equipment Edition of the Murray Motorsport Gear Guide!
At
MurrayMotorsport.com we sell a vast variety of product to a diverse range of customers worldwide, from performance car owners looking to tune and add performance, to drivers competing in various Motorsport disciplines; from Endurance Racing to Hillclimbing and Rallying to Single Seater Formula.
Based on customer feedback and purchasing habits we've compiled a list of our best selling and most popular products across some of our most shopped Motorsport categories. In this article we've focused on racewear and driver equipment.
Here are our most recommended (by you) & best selling Helmets, Suits, Frontal Head Restraints, Gloves, Boots, Seats, Harnesses, Fire extinguishers and Steering Wheels
HELMETS
- Stilo WRC DES Comp (open face- Rally)
In terms of rally helmets, Stilo’s
WRC DES Composite Rally helmet is peerless. From the pinnacle of the sport at the WRC right down to national and clubman level; the Stilo WRC DES helmet is omnipresent with all leading crews on the forest and tarmac rally stages of the world. Features such as the microphone integrated into the helmet shell design, noise cancelling earmuffs, along with enhanced padding to provide superior protection all combine to make this the helmet of choice for drivers such as Sebastien Ogier, Kris Meeke and Thierry Neuville. Designed to work with Stilo’s acclaimed
DG-10 and
WRC DES intercom systems; the importance of such high quality communication and protection can be best displayed in this
video. This helmet is also available in a
Carbon variant.
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The
Stilo ST5 FN has evolved in the last number of years to become the fastest growing helmet in the circuit racing market. Features such as a uniquely designed aperture to allow enhanced cockpit vision,
interchangeable visors with tear off facilities and the supply of noise reduction earmuffs have seen the ST5FN race ahead of its competitors to become the helmet of choice amongst top single seater and saloon car racers. The pedigree of the design is validated through success at the highest level with an F1 win for Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas and at the Le Mans 24 Hours with Porsche’s Earl Bamber. This helmet is also available in a
Carbon variant.
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- Sparco Club-J1 (Trackday)
Ideal for the track day enthusiast, the
Sparco Club-J1 is an ideal helmet for those who like to take their car to the circuit for a weekend’s fun. At a budget price, this non-fireproof helmet provides great comfort and has proved to be especially popular with amateur drifters.
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FHR: (Frontal Head Restraints)
Our best selling HANS device; the
Schroth Super Sport XLT provides previously unseen value for money for a HANS device. This HANS device features a hollow collar, offering improved weight reduction at the fraction of the cost. The reduced weight of the device offers enhanced comfort for the user. This is a 20° HANS device, available in M and L sizing, and is designed for an upright seating position, as mostly found in all sports cars, touring cars and rally cars. The importance of these devices is graphically illustrated
here. For drivers racing in closed cockpit and formula cars, the
Adjustable HANS device is also a very viable alternative.
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The
Simpson Hybrid Sport offers an alternative to the traditional HANS device. Designed to be worn over the race suit, it is commonplace for many crews to put on the Hybrid the morning of the event and not remove it all day, such is the level of flexibility and comfort it provides, while at the same time optimising driver safety. In the confines of small cockpits, it enables a driver/crew to put on the helmet without having to get out of the car. The Hybrid comes with sliding HANS post tethers as standard, but many drivers avail of the M61 Quick Release option with accompanying Helmet Anchors, which enables the driver to disconnect the helmet from the Hybrid device, using drawstrings once competition has ceased. These are particularly popular with rally crews, who need to negotiate public roads in between stages and require flexibility of movement/vision at junctions. The Hybrid is also available in
Carbon and
Child/Youth options.
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Designed using technology and data gathered in the demanding environment of Formula 1; the
Schroth XLT Carbon is a HANS device designed from carbon fibre, with the aim of highly optimised weight reduction. It is available in both a 20° and a 30° option, to suit saloon, rally and sport car drivers and a 30° for drivers of formula cars. Fitted with a sliding tether system for enhanced vision and patented SlipStop™ contact surface for premium fitment and comfort, this is a top of the range HANS device.
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SUITS
Often the major stumbling block for newcomers to motorsport, and indeed established competitors running on tight budgets, is being able to afford a race suit that is comfortable, stylish and within their price range. Well, with the
OMP FIRST-S two layer suit, customers can have the best of all worlds, with a range of vibrant, young colours and designs at an affordable entry level price. Unlike many entry level suits, this model features floating arms and a stretch panel in the lower back, enabling flexibility for the crew and inevitably also for when they have to get their own hands dirty! If customers are looking for something a little more fitted with improved style & breathability within the same price bracket, the
FIRST EVO is also fantastic value for money.
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The
Alpinestars Delta suit allows drivers to experience the precision, style and finish of the famous Italian brand at a fraction of the cost of the other suits in their range. Alpinestars make no secret of the pride they take in their design and this entry level suit is no different, allowing the clubman race or rally driver to feel like a member of the Williams F1 Team or one of the works Hyundai WRC drivers; both teams being proud users of this revered brand.
This two layer suit features floating arms, is slightly lighter than some of its competitors and comes in 3 different colour options, representing fantastic value for money and style for those on a budget.
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Incorporating design cues and data gathered from such varied and trying environments as Formula 1, WEC, WRC and NASCAR; the
Alpinestars GP PRO suit is a premium, lightweight race suit. Designed with weight saving and optimised driver fit in mind, this 3 layer suit only weighs 295g/m2 and has several unique features designed to improve ventilation and aid flexibility. As at home on a single seater grid as at the start of a stage in a cold, wet forest, this suit represents unbelievable value for money, such is the quality and attention to detail in the style and design.
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BOOTS
It’s not often that a race boot can often rival and surpass its street or casual counterpart, but the
Alpinestars Tech -1 T manages to do just that. The Italian manufacturer has designed this leather race boot with style and functionality in mind using data derived from elite race series, but also one crucial component….it looks cool!! Features such as ventilation zones ensure that the coolness does not stop at its looks, while a specially designed sole ensures fantastic pedal feel, comfort and protection. Available in a wide range of colours, F1 style fancy footwork is available to you at fantastic value for money.
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Designed with comfort and value for money in mind, the
OMP FIRST S boot is a fantastic race boot for drivers of all backgrounds, looking for style and durability but on a budget. Designed from suede leather, this boot also features a high ankle, providing great support and protection, along with a robust sole for added comfort and durability, without compromising driver feel. As at home in the forest as in the pit and paddock, this boot comes in three colours, allowing it to compliment the users race suit with affordable style.
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Designed as an entry level race boot; Sparco’s
SLALOM RB3 Race Boot has proven to be one of our most popular sellers across a wide portfolio of clients; ranging from single seat racers to drifters and rally competitors. The classic yet simple Sparco design is an ideal choice for any young competitors starting out or anybody on a budget, as it delivers fantastic comfort, style and protection at a highly affordable price.
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GLOVES
For a driver on a budget but looking for something that little bit more stylish, the
OMP FIRST EVO glove is an absolute must. The hands are the last point of contact when driving and this glove give first class sensitivity and grip to the driver. Using technology and feedback from Toyota’s WRC drivers and NASCAR, OMP have designed their glove range with performance at the limit as a priority. Available in a variety of vibrant designs, this is an ideal, yet affordable glove.
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For the driver looking for a lightweight glove, without compromising on grip and sensitivity, the
Alpinestars TECH-1 Race Gloves are a fantastic choice. This glove has proved to be immensely popular over the last year, primarily due to the comfort, fit and feel associated with all Alpinestars products, coupled with the value for money it represents. The range of colours on offer provides vibrant yet subtle options that deliver great durability and versatility across various disciplines.
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Designed to meet the rigours and demands of such diverse environments as Formula 1, WRC, WEC and NASCAR; the
Alpinestars Tech 1-ZX is the possibly the best glove on the market at this moment. As with all their other designs, Alpinestars have applied their own unique style and flair to deliver a glove that delivers optimal protection for the driver, while using unique materials and construction to provide unsurpassed levels of flexibility, fit, grip and comfort in a lightweight glove. With a roll call of victories including Porsche in WEC, Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville in WRC and Audi’s Mattias Ekstrom in DTM; showing the versatility of this product, maybe it’s time you joined the winners too.
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SEATS
One of the most versatile seats in the range is the
Sparco GRID II. This has proven to be one of the fastest moving seats of the year, mostly due to the fact that it is almost two seats in one. Each piece of padding on the seat is adjustable and removable, enabling the seat to fit a wider range of body shapes. High sides provide excellent leg protection, while the shell design allows greater shoulder movement. This seat has also proved extremely popular with those within the drifting community. At this price point for an entry level fibreglass seat, the Sparco GRID II represents excellent value for money.
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Wraparound seats have seen a huge growth in the seat market in recent times, with drivers and teams becoming more aware of the importance of side impact protection in race and rally cars. One of this year’s best sellers; the
Circuit II LF from Sparco ,represents fantastic value for money, as it manages to provide an extremely strong seat whilst also being lightweight. Featuring impact absorbing materials in the important areas, it also provides excellent flexibility and comfort through the cushions provided. This model is designed for competitors with a slightly larger build, with the regular
Circuit LF also available; ensuring that there is a seat to suit all types. At this price point, it is excellent value as an entry level option in the wraparound seat range.
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Using data compiled from their highly successful association with VW’s WRC and World Rallycross winning teams, OMP have developed their extremely popular
HTE-R seat range. It has proven to be one of the most popular seats in the range, amongst circuit racers and rally crews alike, simply down to the level of comfort and the reassuring design of the side protection and headrest restricting lateral movement. The seat is available 3 shell types; the HTE-R XL for competitors requiring a slightly larger seat for comfort, and the HTE-R 400 which is cleverly designed with narrower side bolsters at helmet level for ease of fitment in cars that have confined cockpits. With a ll these options there is a HTE-R seat to suit your needs.
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Harnesses
For the last year we have seen a dramatic increase in the popularity of the
Schroth Profi II-6H harness amongst saloon racers and rally drivers, with most crews choosing to upgrade to this model. Available in a range of colours, features such as the T-Bar for ease of adjustment on lap belts, a previously arduous task within the tight confines of the car, and the implementation of the narrower 2” belts across the top of the shoulders have increased the comfort of competitors using the now almost widespread compulsory FHR devices. With a pedigree born in the aircraft industry and perfected in F1, this is the premium harness of choice for competitors.
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- Sabelt 653 Club Saloon 6 Point Harness
Building on their vast experience supplying the world’s top teams with restraints, Sabelt have taken their knowhow and developed a fantastic value FHR harness for entry level and clubman competitors with the
653 Club Saloon 6 Point Harness. This harness has 2” FHR shoulder straps; designed for added comfort and ease of fit for
HANS and
Hybrid users, along with 3” lap belts and can be supplied in three colours. This harness is ideal for the competitor who is on a budget but wants the latest technology and design.
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- Schroth PROFI II-6 Enduro FHR Saloon Harness
In endurance racing, efficiency is the name of the game. Time gained out on track with fast lap times and quick stints can be squandered during inefficient pit stops and driver changes. With this in mind, Schroth have used their experience supplying many of the top teams in the WEC, including the Le Mans 24 Hours winning Ford team, to develop the
PROFI II-6 Enduro FHR Saloon Harness. This revolutionary harness system features “Zip Adjusters” on the lap and shoulder belts, to allow for fast adjustment and adaptations to be made during driver changes; where every second counts. Equally at home in the world of rallying, this harness can also help minimise time loss during the unfortunate situation of a puncture/tyre change, allowing driver and navigator to get back to doing what they do best as quickly as possible.
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STEERING WHEELS
The
OMP WRC has been one of our top selling steering wheels for the last number of years. This suede steering wheel is designed for use in saloon cars. It has proven to be a big seller with race and rally driver looking for a high quality wheel. This model being is 350mm in diameter and semi dished at 70mm. Fits most commonly used 6 hole hub kits. A fantastic addition to any car.
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This dished 3 spoke wheel has proven extremely popular with a wide range of customers, including clubman rally drivers, track day drivers, drifters and club racers. Finished in black suede with a 350mm diameter and a 65mm dish the
RRS Monte Carlo is fantastic value for drivers wanting to bring the wheel closer at a low cost. It fits most commonly used 6 hole hub kits.
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Available in a choice of leather or suede, the
Sparco R345 brings an element of style to the cockpit of your competition vehicle. With a diameter of 350mm, this 3 spoke wheel is semi dished at 63mm and comes with a horn button. Like most other wheels designed for saloon car use, it features a yellow line at the top, very useful for diagnosing alignment issues in that most important of components; the steering.
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FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
The
2l Hand Held extinguisher is an essential for anyone participating in anything from a track day right up to stage rallying. This model is fantastic value and comes with its own mounting bracket and quick release strap and is filled with AFFF foam. A highly popular item with our customers, for limiting that most unpopular of occurances.
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This entry level plumbed in system is an essential for every club circuit racer. It comes with everything needed to install in the car, be it to replace an existing system or to install in a brand new build. It must be noted that this is NOT eligible for stage rallying. Supplied with FIA mounting brackets, this is fantastic value for an essential part of your competition car.
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- Lifeline Zero 360 FIA 3.0kg Novec
Designed in partnership with the top FIA World Rally Championship teams; the
Lifeline Zero 360 FIA 3.0kg Novec system is designed to provide fast, effective control during the potential incidence of a fire. Using a liquid based gas called Novec, the advantage of this system over previous designs is that it is quicker and more effective at smothering a fire than purely liquid AFFF. A further advantage is the weight saving of this system as opposed to AFFF kits. When your safety and the investment you have placed in your vehicle is at stake, this really is excellent value.
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