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News
RACE SUIT MATERIALS
We receive a number of questions about the characteristics of materials used in race suits. We think there are certain things you should know about these materials.
1. PROBAN: (or banox or FR material which stands for Fire Rated). This material is generally used for industrial coveralls or suits in which sparks or flash flames
may be possible. Somewhere along the line, someone got the idea to use this for race suits. These suits offer the very bare essentials when it comes to actual fire protection. These suits in our view should only be used for the very basic novice racer and even then we continue to question the safety factors presented. Since
this is a chemical process treatment, there is no guarantee this chemical cannot be reduced by wear or washing. A thought may also be that after a number of
washing or cleaning with possible difference solutions of soap, cleaning solvents, etc., no or very little protection may continue to exist. Also, since this material is
cotton, the possibilities of oil stain or gas spillage on this material may present a dangerous factor. These race suits are rated SFI-1.
2. NOMEX: This is a fiber which was developed by Dupont which offers the most inherent fire protection and the most commonly used material in quality brand
name race suits. Nomex seems to be and has been the most widely used material in racing for race suits. Permanently fire retardant, this product is miles ahead of
all other material used. Most all major brands offer double, triple and multi-layer race suits for the best safety factor available in racing suits. These are rated SFI-5
as well as SFI15 and SFI-20. Is there any comparison to nomex suits verses proban suits? Absolutely none and not even close when it comes to added protection.
Nomex race suits are generally thought and used in most types of racing and can include novice or beginning areas of motor sports, but generally, the novice feels a minimum safety factor with a Proban race suit and thinks it's sufficient, but we always question when someone says, "good enough"? Our view is, when is "good
enough" actually good enough when a person faces a bad situation.
Notice - DON'T BE FOOLED:
There are many race suit marketing companies which offer these SFI-5 suits which are called double layer and are part proban and part nomex. And yes, they do
pass the SFI-5 rating, but again, this in our view is a dangerous game to play. These suits may look good and offer a cheaper price, but why not when you are
buying a half treated cotton suit and only half of a nomex race suit. Don't be fooled by many of these retailers or marketing companies which offer these half and
half race suits. MAKE SURE YOU BUY A COMPLETE AND WHOLE 100% NOMEX, double or triple layer race suit when you are looking for safety. We
will NEVER offer any of these half and half race suits. Our reputation has always stood for quality and we want you to stand and be counted alive and safe. Buy
quality because it is an actual life-saver and it maybe your life that a quality race suit saves.
RACE SUIT - CARE:
In today's world, there seems to be products for about anything and everything. The same is true for taking care of race suits. Here are our thoughts on this and recommendations for taking care of your racing suit:
1. We do not put much faith in any product which is marketed that says it is the correct or perhaps the true and only way to take care of or treat a race suit for
safety, cleaning or for any other reason. Is there merit in any of these products? Perhaps, but our view is that we question these products and this is what we tell
our customers and have been for many years.
2. We are not fans of dry cleaning race suits. Why? There are a few reasons, so here we go. Dry cleaning solution may not always be clean in the system so it
could fade, discolor or even hurt the integrity of a race suit. Some and perhaps all of this cleaning solution is flammable and can leave residue in the race suit and
naturally, this is what we are trying to avoid. Why would you want a flammable residue left in a race suit? Makes no sense to us, but many people do this all the
time and time again. Not a good situation.
3. Here is what we feel is the best way to take care of nomex racing suit. When a race suit becomes dirty or sweaty, we simply recommend washing your suit in
your washing machine. Look your race suit over very carefully. If you find oily or greasy spots, you can use a small amount of liquid detergent with grease
remover and rub or work carefully in this area of the suit. Be sure the product you use is not a "bleaching" product, but simply offers grease removing properties,
but to make sure, read the instructions very carefully. Do not use a brush or anything too harsh where it may damage to loosen the weave in the material, but
work it in well even with your hands. Once you are satisfied you have these areas addressed move on the next step. NEVER TURN YOUR RACE SUIT
INSIDE OUT. However, you do need to make sure the zipper is closed and ALL VELCRO is attached to the "matte side" so it is locked together and not loose.
WASHING MACHINE: take shampoo and use about 6 or even 7 caps full of the shampoo and dump into the cold water. Start the washer up until the shampoo
is well mixed. Once all water/shampoo is mixed, then and only then place your race suit in the machine. The washer should be set on gentle cycle only. Let the
washer do its job. Once the cycle has been completed, you can remove the race suit and yes, you can put it in the dryer. HOWEVER: gentle cycle on fluff only,
NO HEAT. Since your race suit is a fairly bulky piece of clothing (one or two piece), you may have to re-start your dryer over for another "fluff" cycle. When
the suit is about 90% dry, take it out and hang it until completely dry.
IMPORTANT: It is advised that you store your race suit in the darkest place possible. Indoor and natural lighting is proven to fade colors more rapidly than when
stored in dark areas; obviously hanging on an outdoors clothes line would be inadvisable. All nomex is a Dupont product and subject to fading of colors and light
will take the color out as quick as anything. It is ok to store your race suit in a garment bag, closet, trailer; anywhere kept out of light. As a side note, if you would
choose not to use shampoo, you can also use Cold Water Woolite (a good product) as well. Same process with this product. By taking good care of your race suit,
you will find it will take good care of you. Now, we are not telling you any product is wrong to use, but in our view of being around racing for more years than you
would guess (guess very high), we have had great luck using this practice of taking care of nomex race suits of all brands.
