Cool Suit

[TX02Z06]

Been looking at a FAST "Cool Suit". Anybody have any experience with it?

If not how about Cool Vests?

[Subdriver]

Dave,
Several SCCA T1 drivers use them and say they are great.
I looked at them this off season and decided to just go with a new helmet with integrated air ducting (Simpson Shark in my case) and the FAST helmet cooling system (which is installed in my trunk). Although I'm not exactly sure why I didn't get the full cool suit, factors that weighed in were:
- cost
- plastic on (or near) my body
- one more hose connected to me
- one more thing to do before the race

The helmet system is great. Even without ice water in the cooler, the breeze over the head is nice. It is relatively easy to hook up - my wife hooks the hose to my helmet right before hooking up the safety net. But, it does restrict my head movement somewhat - can't twist too far to the left before the hose hits the seat.

In Memphis last month it was only mid 70s, but still in long underwear and a three layer suit, it gets warm in the car as you know. The airflow over the head really helped. I didn't really notice how much until I turned it off on the cool down lap. It was like instantly turning on a heater on my head when the airflow stopped. I turned it back on.

The cool suit probably does cool better though.

I also have an ice vest which I used a few times last year. It works well and doesn't bother me, but it was a pain keeping it frozen on a three day trip. Just another logistical issue to worry about. I may use it in the really hot summer races here though...

[No Doubt]

Subdriver is basically saying it helps to keep a cool head.

[TX02Z06]

Brad, Thanks for the information and insite, but you know me and how I like to look for information. I found an interesting discussion in the Spec Miata forum about Cool Vests (I think by Monday I will have the Z06 sold) There also was a discussion about Cool Suits. Here is three sites about Cool Vest. They use a paraffin based paks that you put in your ice chest for 20 mintues.

glaciertek

Coolsport

50degree

The Cool Suits look great, but the cost. I think I am going to look at the Cool Vests at 150 to 170 they might have interest. Texas is hot enought to try them without being in a car.

[Subdriver]

Dave,
I think the cool vest I bought last year was a closeout item. I can't find where I bought it, but it is similar to the ones you link to above.
Mine has a similar type of liquid in it, but it still needs to be frozen first to work well. If I used it for morning qualifying, then stuck it back in a cooler filled with ice, it wasn't as effective in the afternoon. But, still much better than nothing.

[Subdriver]

Subdriver is basically saying it helps to keep a cool head.

I need to remember that on my next first lap...

[TX02Z06]

Originally Posted by Subdriver

Dave,
I think the cool vest I bought last year was a closeout item. I can't find where I bought it, but it is similar to the ones you link to above.
Mine has a similar type of liquid in it, but it still needs to be frozen first to work well. If I used it for morning qualifying, then stuck it back in a cooler filled with ice, it wasn't as effective in the afternoon. But, still much better than nothing.

How does it fit under the race suit?

I had read a few guys in the SM forum could not get all four pak in becasue of the tight fit.

[Subdriver]

How does it fit under the race suit?

I'm sure the answer will be different for everyone depending on the fit of their suit. Mine fit will all four ice packs (two front, two rear), but I never went on track that way.
I would use two in the morning and save the other two for the afternoon. My sessions are normally fairly short, so I thought using all four at once would be a waste.
With one front and one rear I barely noticed them... other than the cooling effect.

[speedpup]

used them in boat racing and they are great. If I had to run more than 25 minutes on a hot day I'd have it again. Especially for the head. Brain fade is no joke and real as temps rise in your head.

[truckrookie]

You guys are wimps

[xsiveone]

The closest thing that I come to a cool suit is when I drink more water than my body can handle and I can't get back to the paddock in time.

X

[Subdriver]

You guys are wimps

Racing in SCCA T1 races that only last about 40 minutes or so in 100 degree temps and near 100% humidty in the MidWest several times last year, I about passed out in my nomex underwear, head sock, helmet, and three layer nomex suit. I have the utmost respect for the guys in all forms of racing that do it for hours.

[xsiveone]

Racing in SCCA T1 races that only last about 40 minutes or so in 100 degree temps and near 100% humidty in the MidWest several times last year, I about passed out in my nomex underwear, head sock, helmet, and three layer nomex suit. I have the utmost respect for the guys in all forms of racing that do it for hours.

I don't like doing DE's in the summer because of the heat and humidity. I can't imagine what it would be like for a full race wearing that much gear.

X

[No Doubt]

"Hellish" is an appropriate adjective.

[xsiveone]

I see these indurance racers just about dying when they get out of their cars, especially when the ALMS is at TMS.

X