View Full Version : Karting gear
Is there a brick and mortar shop in the area that sells karting/racing gear? I want to buy a rib vest and maybe gloves. If I order online I will not receive it in time for Sunday's endurance race. My ribs are killing me and now I realize why I need a vest :twak:
peterjank
03-22-2007, 02:27 PM
You might try Northstar Motorsports over in Barrington. They stock some karting stuff.
http://www.northstarmotorsports.com/products/sfID1/60/sfID2/79/manufacturerID/23
I think Rick Apichairuk has a rib-protector for sale here on ChicaoRacers as well.
He tried the one I'm selling and it was too small.
He tried the one I'm selling and it was too small.
=( Vic = lots of love around the belly. Too much --> :drinking:
Thanks for the link. I'll go check them out!
El 77
03-23-2007, 07:42 AM
Vic,
If you don't get a ribvest before the enduro, your more than welcome to try out my ribvest if you like.
I used mine for the first time last night and now I don't think I will ever ride in a kart again without one. My ribs do not feel all beat up like it used to.
The next morning I feel fine, just my arms are pretty tired.
Thanks for the offer El, but all I can think of is 'fat guy in a little coat' ;)
My brother and I are going over there tomorrow morning to take a look at whatever Northstar has in stock.
Do you plan on doing outdoor karting? If so, I would get a good rib protector like the one El has.
Here are the ones I would recommend for outdoor karting use:
http://www.ribtect.com/RibtectVest_Two.html
http://valhallaracing.com/vest.html
http://www.pslkarting.com/shop/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=51&products_id=1257
Martin has one called the "Body Armor". I can't find a link for it though.
Do you plan on doing outdoor karting? If so, I would get a good rib protector like the one El has.
Here are the ones I would recommend for outdoor karting use:
http://www.ribtect.com/RibtectVest_Two.html
http://valhallaracing.com/vest.html
http://www.pslkarting.com/shop/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=51&products_id=1257
Martin has one called the "Body Armor". I can't find a link for it though.
I looked at the Ribtect, Sparco and Armadillo. The Armadillo seems to protect just as much as the Ribtect for about $90 less. The Sparco looks like it has a little less protection than the Armadillo/Ribtect. I'm tempted to just rough it this weekend for the Enduro and order the Armadillo.
MPIGP - Phillip Gordon
03-23-2007, 05:16 PM
I looked at the Ribtect, Sparco and Armadillo. The Armadillo seems to protect just as much as the Ribtect for about $90 less. The Sparco looks like it has a little less protection than the Armadillo/Ribtect. I'm tempted to just rough it this weekend for the Enduro and order the Armadillo.
Vic
The Armadillo is a little bulkier than the Ribtect. If you don't mind that, you should be happy with it.
I called Northstar and unfortunately they did not have the Sparco in my size. I think I am going to purchase the Armadillo.
Martin Lenick
03-23-2007, 08:31 PM
Is there a brick and mortar shop in the area that sells karting/racing gear? I want to buy a rib vest and maybe gloves. If I order online I will not receive it in time for Sunday's endurance race. My ribs are killing me and now I realize why I need a vest :twak:
I have a Body-Armor rib-protector that you can use, if, and only if, you get Rick to change your user name.
Edit: I read the rest of the thread... I swear by the Body-Armor brand. My ribs were a mess until I got it. I don't use it anymore at CIR, but won't go out without it in TaG. It's foreign made (Italian, I think), and I bought it through DRE in Streamwood but they might be defunct.
What I have now is a medium, so it might be too small. I gave my first one, a large, to Erjon who I've never seen use it. If he hasn't re-gifted, or sold, what I gave him, maybe he'd be willing to let you have/buy it.
El 77
03-24-2007, 10:33 AM
I know its a good idea to have the ribvest for outdoor karting but I also honestly feel that a rib vest is a good thing for Indoor Karting.
I totally agree with you. It's just that some of the rib protectors that can be used for indoor karting do not offer enough protection for outdoor karting. The list of my recommended rib protectors contain the ones that I think would offer enough for both indoor and outdoor karting.
I have a Body-Armor rib-protector that you can use, if, and only if, you get Rick to change your user name.
Edit: I read the rest of the thread... I swear by the Body-Armor brand. My ribs were a mess until I got it. I don't use it anymore at CIR, but won't go out without it in TaG. It's foreign made (Italian, I think), and I bought it through DRE in Streamwood but they might be defunct.
What I have now is a medium, so it might be too small. I gave my first one, a large, to Erjon who I've never seen use it. If he hasn't re-gifted, or sold, what I gave him, maybe he'd be willing to let you have/buy it.
Thank you for the offer Martin. Unfortunately I think a medium would be too small =) I wouldn't mind taking a look at it though if you bring it out to CIR.
I totally agree with you. It's just that some of the rib protectors that can be used for indoor karting do not offer enough protection for outdoor karting. The list of my recommended rib protectors contain the ones that I think would offer enough for both indoor and outdoor karting.
I'll stick with something that I can use for indoor/outdoor karting. I am not planning on outdoor karting yet, but I was not planning on indoor karting either. :)
Mark Hirt
03-24-2007, 04:13 PM
Most of us in the "heavyweight" class find our built in protection works just fine.
Also, if your crashing in the side of the seat stop hitting walls and/or other karts
MPIGP - Phillip Gordon
03-24-2007, 04:45 PM
Most of us in the "heavyweight" class find our built in protection works just fine.
Also, if your crashing in the side of the seat stop hitting walls and/or other karts
I've been trying to figure out what would cause the need of a rib protector at CIR. Mark's post would explain one possible cause :) If your ribs are getting beat up you may want to figure out the cause and eliminate that even if you decide to wear a protector. Proper body movement in the kart usually means quicker lap times and no sore ribs.
El 77
03-24-2007, 06:20 PM
When I sit in some of the CIR karts without a ribvest I find myself sliding around in it and thus, when cornering and NOT hitting anything I slide around in it and hit the sides of the seat. My sides hurt afterwards, somwtimes not so much until the next morning, so I assume my sides are hitting or rubbing the inside bolsters of the kart seats.
I've tried the CIR seat inserts (at the 2/25 enduro), that was a big mistake for me. On the sides they provide nice padding but they add way TOO MUCH padding on the back and I feel like I'm being pushed out of the seat itself and the steering wheel is placed way to close to me as a result. I was not the only driver on my team to express this opinion.
I raced at CIR on 3/22 track 2 for the first time with ribvest (Armadillo brand) on and it was great. I was secure in my seat, it felt like the right amount regardless of what kart i was sitting in. My sides only feel the inner padding of the ribvest and there is a very thing but protective padding in the back which I appreciate. Probably because I can adjust this ribvest to be pretty tight all around my ribcage I felt I did not slide around in the seat, I did not need the insert and was comfortable.
El 77
03-24-2007, 06:33 PM
one more thing...
last month during the 2/25 enduro I watched our team's fastest driver Ryan get pushed into the wall (straight-on) while on track1 in the high speed section of the track by one of the lightweights. He is no 'beginner' driver as far as I'm concerned but it goes to show it can happen to anyone. It was a shunt type accident where his kart looked like it instantly stopped. We were all surprised he did not get hurt from the steering wheel hitting his chest.
After witnessing it firsthand, I decided I needed a ribvest, if not for the comfort, then for the protection.
Ryan won the first Redbull Driver search at CIR and went on to compete in Boston. He posted 28s laptimes on track 5 the first time he drove it at the last enduro. Here's a video of him driving at Autobahn:
http://www.chicagoracers.com/files/NorthLoop106Ryan.wmv
The protection is for protecting you other drivers as much as it is for protecting you against your own mistakes. Even though top speeds are much slower than outdoor karting, the stopping distances are much shorter due to lack of runoff. Ryan essentially went from 35mph to 0mph in the distance of maybe 1 or 2 feet. The situation was exactly the same as what John Oyen and I experienced (http://www.chicagoracers.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1659) except in reverse direction.
El 77
03-24-2007, 08:21 PM
I hear the old saying in my head:
"I rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it."
MPIGP - Phillip Gordon
03-24-2007, 08:28 PM
EL...that makes sense, you're basically using the vest as padding. The protection part I guess depends on the individual. I would dare to say there are several people who would race CIR karts in t-shirts and no helmet :grinno:
El 77
03-24-2007, 09:17 PM
EL...that makes sense, you're basically using the vest as padding. The protection part I guess depends on the individual. I would dare to say there are several people who would race CIR karts in t-shirts and no helmet :grinno:
Yes sir! Feels comfy. :yay: Its like I have my own custom seat insert everywhere I go.
Agreed, the protective part is very subjective.
tshirts and no helmet racing CIR karts? please tell more. :)
Most of us in the "heavyweight" class find our built in protection works just fine.
Also, if your crashing in the side of the seat stop hitting walls and/or other karts
I've been losing a little weight and discovered my ribs recently.
I still haven't figured out how to get the kart to stick 100% and sometimes, like this past Wednesday, when I'm making adjustments I smack a wall or two :hmm:
MPIGP - Phillip Gordon
03-24-2007, 11:13 PM
Yes sir! Feels comfy. :yay: Its like I have my own custom seat insert everywhere I go.
Agreed, the protective part is very subjective.
tshirts and no helmet racing CIR karts? please tell more. :)
I didn't say WET t-shirts but now you got me thinking....hmmm.....
Ryan won the first Redbull Driver search at CIR and went on to compete in Boston.
I must retract my initial statement. Ryan did not win the Red Bull driver search at CIR. He placed 6th or 7th in the Red Bull driver search at CIR. Still an astounding feat in itself.
This is helps to make the ribs feel better too.
http://www.neonsign.com/eng_tackers/images/heinekenbottletin.jpg
CIR needs to start serving Heineken light.
Martin Lenick
04-03-2007, 09:23 PM
This post is out of place, but I just wanted to take the opportunity to say:
Great "avitar" Vic.
Take that, Mr. Bubble!!:)
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