What brand harness do you like and why?
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Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Las Vegas, NV
I chose Schroth. See my post here. It was a custom install by Piper Motorsports in Manassas, VA.
I like their cam-lock system, the patented anti-sub device in the shoulder strap, and the cylindrical thingy sewn into the end of each strap that helps you hold on while tightening the belts.
They are about $100 more than similar harnesses from Sparco or Simpson. But I decided I'm worth it.
I like their cam-lock system, the patented anti-sub device in the shoulder strap, and the cylindrical thingy sewn into the end of each strap that helps you hold on while tightening the belts.
They are about $100 more than similar harnesses from Sparco or Simpson. But I decided I'm worth it.
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Joined: Sep 2002
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From: Dallas, TX
I'm a big fan of Simpson's stuff. It's what I've always used in my drag cars and they made my custom fire suit (yup, I'm too little to fit into their XSmall suit--lol). Luckily, I've only had to worry about the stuff working once, but it REALLY did a great job. Walked away with bruises on my collar bone from the shoulder straps, but that means I was strapped in properly.
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From: SoCal
Originally posted by commasense
I chose Schroth. See my post here. It was a custom install by Piper Motorsports in Manassas, VA.
I like their cam-lock system, the patented anti-sub device in the shoulder strap, and the cylindrical thingy sewn into the end of each strap that helps you hold on while tightening the belts.
They are about $100 more than similar harnesses from Sparco or Simpson. But I decided I'm worth it.
I chose Schroth. See my post here. It was a custom install by Piper Motorsports in Manassas, VA.
I like their cam-lock system, the patented anti-sub device in the shoulder strap, and the cylindrical thingy sewn into the end of each strap that helps you hold on while tightening the belts.
They are about $100 more than similar harnesses from Sparco or Simpson. But I decided I'm worth it.
The cam lock also opens right up even when packed with dirt (oh yes, I know this first hand
)
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Joined: May 2002
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From: Smackahoe Blvd
I went with the Schroth as well; 5pt Profi III non ASM. The Schroth seemed much higher in qaulity than the Sparco and ever since Bill Simpson left Simpson, I have stayed away from them althought I don't know how good his new Impact line was.
The Schroth camlock mechanism seems super slick. The little handles at the end of the belts really help you get them good and snug. I also added the harness pads so they are pretty comfortable. I use them along with a Kirk Roll bar and Sparco Evo2 seat. See here: Belts, Roll bar, Race Seat thread.
The other harness I considered was the Team Tech, but couldn't find one to actually check out in person.
Here is a pic:
The Schroth camlock mechanism seems super slick. The little handles at the end of the belts really help you get them good and snug. I also added the harness pads so they are pretty comfortable. I use them along with a Kirk Roll bar and Sparco Evo2 seat. See here: Belts, Roll bar, Race Seat thread.
The other harness I considered was the Team Tech, but couldn't find one to actually check out in person.
Here is a pic:
Last edited by raceboy; Oct 29, 2003 at 08:14 PM.
Victor - depends what you are using them for. not all the brands above are competition sanctioned, so that can makea huge difference.
If you are looking for a camlock style, I have personally owned Schroth, Sparco, Takata (which I currently run), and Simpson (which we run in our ITS car IIRC - can look tomorrow)- only difference was how they looked when it came down to it.
For a sportsman style one, some are legal, some are not depending on the type of racing you do. I have Willans in my GVR4, and have run Sparo and MOMO ones in the past, all were flawless even after years of use. These sportsman style ones typically us a traditional seatbelt latch, which some people prefer for daily use.
The one thing that varies the most is obviously cost - they go from affordable, to retarded
If you are looking for a camlock style, I have personally owned Schroth, Sparco, Takata (which I currently run), and Simpson (which we run in our ITS car IIRC - can look tomorrow)- only difference was how they looked when it came down to it.
For a sportsman style one, some are legal, some are not depending on the type of racing you do. I have Willans in my GVR4, and have run Sparo and MOMO ones in the past, all were flawless even after years of use. These sportsman style ones typically us a traditional seatbelt latch, which some people prefer for daily use.
The one thing that varies the most is obviously cost - they go from affordable, to retarded
Schroth harnesses baby, its the only way to fly. I have friends who've used Sparco and various other brands, nothing great to say.. belts always coming loose etc. I figure, when dealing with your life.. its probably a wise investment to pay that little extra and go with something serious. AFAIK, the Schroth harnesses are the only ones that are actually street-legal and DOT compliant.
Here is a pic of my setup..
http://clearcorners.com/crapheap/CrapHeap04.JPG
Expensive but well worth it, IMO. Plus, they NEVER come loose and are super comfortable. I've had plenty of chickies say that they "hold them" better -- go figure.
I have friends who've used Sparco and various other brands, nothing great to say.. belts always coming loose etc. I figure, when dealing with your life.. its probably a wise investment to pay that little extra and go with something serious. AFAIK, the Schroth harnesses are the only ones that are actually street-legal and DOT compliant.Here is a pic of my setup..
http://clearcorners.com/crapheap/CrapHeap04.JPG
Expensive but well worth it, IMO. Plus, they NEVER come loose and are super comfortable. I've had plenty of chickies say that they "hold them" better -- go figure.
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All of the Sportsman style harnesses sold in the US are DOT compliant.
All the harnesses you mentioned above are used in the top ranks of motorsport racing, so you really cannot go wrong at all, just depends on which you like, and frankly, what color or style you going for (ie Takata matches nothing, since they are green, but fulfills a certain look for some)
All the harnesses you mentioned above are used in the top ranks of motorsport racing, so you really cannot go wrong at all, just depends on which you like, and frankly, what color or style you going for (ie Takata matches nothing, since they are green, but fulfills a certain look for some)
Out of the ones I've sat in, Willans and Schroths are the best. I can't remember what kind of locking mechanism the Willans had, but I definitely love the rotary-style camlock of the Schroths, and have never had a problem getting in and out of James' car.
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 8,625
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From: Aurora, Colorado
One important item to consider is the latest findings on harness materials and how they break down. The latest studies show that exposure to normal heat and ultraviolet radiation (ie. sunshine) found in most cars will result in most harness materials stretching and losing strength within two years. For competition activities, SCCA has now changed their rules to have belts changed out every TWO years if it has a SFI certification.
I've had Sparco, Bell Motorsports and Simpson belts in past cars and liked them all. Problem is, some of them do not reweb (and certainly not using a competitor's camlock hardware) and thus, the equipment becomes junk in a relatively short time. Put me down for the domestic makers (Simpson and Impact to name two), as they do offer rewebbing of their products at reasonable prices ($60-70). I can't ignore the latest findings (or SCCA rules) and won't spend $300-400 every couple of years!
I've had Sparco, Bell Motorsports and Simpson belts in past cars and liked them all. Problem is, some of them do not reweb (and certainly not using a competitor's camlock hardware) and thus, the equipment becomes junk in a relatively short time. Put me down for the domestic makers (Simpson and Impact to name two), as they do offer rewebbing of their products at reasonable prices ($60-70). I can't ignore the latest findings (or SCCA rules) and won't spend $300-400 every couple of years!
Originally posted by dkmura
One important item to consider is the latest findings on harness materials and how they break down. The latest studies show that exposure to normal heat and ultraviolet radiation (ie. sunshine) found in most cars will result in most harness materials stretching and losing strength within two years. For competition activities, SCCA has now changed their rules to have belts changed out every TWO years if it has a SFI certification.
I've had Sparco, Bell Motorsports and Simpson belts in past cars and liked them all. Problem is, some of them do not reweb (and certainly not using a competitor's camlock hardware) and thus, the equipment becomes junk in a relatively short time. Put me down for the domestic makers (Simpson and Impact to name two), as they do offer rewebbing of their products at reasonable prices ($60-70). I can't ignore the latest findings (or SCCA rules) and won't spend $300-400 every couple of years!
One important item to consider is the latest findings on harness materials and how they break down. The latest studies show that exposure to normal heat and ultraviolet radiation (ie. sunshine) found in most cars will result in most harness materials stretching and losing strength within two years. For competition activities, SCCA has now changed their rules to have belts changed out every TWO years if it has a SFI certification.
I've had Sparco, Bell Motorsports and Simpson belts in past cars and liked them all. Problem is, some of them do not reweb (and certainly not using a competitor's camlock hardware) and thus, the equipment becomes junk in a relatively short time. Put me down for the domestic makers (Simpson and Impact to name two), as they do offer rewebbing of their products at reasonable prices ($60-70). I can't ignore the latest findings (or SCCA rules) and won't spend $300-400 every couple of years!
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From: Smackahoe Blvd
Originally posted by dkmura
One important item to consider is the latest findings on harness materials and how they break down. The latest studies show that exposure to normal heat and ultraviolet radiation (ie. sunshine) found in most cars will result in most harness materials stretching and losing strength within two years. For competition activities, SCCA has now changed their rules to have belts changed out every TWO years if it has a SFI certification.
I've had Sparco, Bell Motorsports and Simpson belts in past cars and liked them all. Problem is, some of them do not reweb (and certainly not using a competitor's camlock hardware) and thus, the equipment becomes junk in a relatively short time. Put me down for the domestic makers (Simpson and Impact to name two), as they do offer rewebbing of their products at reasonable prices ($60-70). I can't ignore the latest findings (or SCCA rules) and won't spend $300-400 every couple of years!
One important item to consider is the latest findings on harness materials and how they break down. The latest studies show that exposure to normal heat and ultraviolet radiation (ie. sunshine) found in most cars will result in most harness materials stretching and losing strength within two years. For competition activities, SCCA has now changed their rules to have belts changed out every TWO years if it has a SFI certification.
I've had Sparco, Bell Motorsports and Simpson belts in past cars and liked them all. Problem is, some of them do not reweb (and certainly not using a competitor's camlock hardware) and thus, the equipment becomes junk in a relatively short time. Put me down for the domestic makers (Simpson and Impact to name two), as they do offer rewebbing of their products at reasonable prices ($60-70). I can't ignore the latest findings (or SCCA rules) and won't spend $300-400 every couple of years!
