Some background:
I'm planning on participating in some road racing in the near future. I've never done any in the past and I'm mostly interested in non-competitive racing just to get my feet wet. My i nitial goal is just to do some track days to improve my abilities as a driver.

I've started looking for the obvious pieces of equipment I will need, such as a helmet. It seems that I'm having a hard time finding retailers that sell such items locally. Browsing Simpson's website is useful, but I'm concerned about buying something that either doesn't fit properly or it isn't what I expected once it arrives.

My questions:
Where do you buy your gear? Directly from the manufacturer's websites? Places like Summit? Is the return policy good?

Any equipment recommendations for a beginner on what to buy or what to look for? Should I just start out with a helmet, or is it a better idea to buy the shoes, suit, gloves and helmet all at once?

Any other input is appreciated.

 

www.saferacer.com is where I get most of my stuff.

Also take a look at www.ogracing.com

Same concerns about fitment as you, that is the aspect where in-person rules. See if you can check out any product during local race shows/demos...or be willing to pay a small shipment fee for returning items for a different size.

 

Awesome, that helps alot.

You've been a huge help with this and my wheel thread.

Shopping is the only thing that is keeping my mind off waiting for the car.

 

No sweat man...I'm trying NOT to shop, lol

 

http://www.racer91m.com/servlet/StoreFront


http://www.on-trackperformance.com/

http://rehagenracingproducts.com/

 

Well, the sites I was going to recommend have already been posted...

I've done 6-7 track days, and 3 seasons of autocross. What do folks think about buying a full fire suit? I know a lot of people don't have that, and I have seen a few crashes, I've never seen a fire. Obviously, if you ever need one it's priceless, but I just wonder if you should put the money toward safety/performance improvements for the car first?

I have a good helmet, neck collar and nomex gloves that I always use. I also have a small extinguisher mounted in the car. (Hand-held, not a supression system.)

 

My experience (Rocky Mountain NASA) is the only people that routinely wear them are those that are required to, or those that get cold in the early AM @ 5800ft in March or October.

I say if you're not required to, spend the cash somewhere else.

 

I am going to Summit Racing today to look for a helmet. I am thinking about doing a track day for the first time in March.

 

Awesome...you're gonna be hooked!