Lico by Sparco...anyone using the $265 racing suit?

[Kemo]

Here is the description:

The 3-Layer Lico Jade Racing Suit offers a traditional European design with tone on tone box stitching. An all new sandwich of fire retardant materials (including Nomex and the durable FPF fabric) surpasses the SFI 3.2A/5 standards. This attractive and affordable suit is rounded out with stylish boot-cut pant legs and contrasting stripes on the sleeves and pants.

these are selling at OGracing (http://www.ogracing.com/pages/Home) for $265.

any feedback on this suit?

from the description, it looks to be a good deal and its SFI 3.2A/5 Certified.

[Kemo]

ill take the huge response as a "no"

[jhynesrockmtn]

I'd be all over that if I didn't already have a suit that based on the $'s I paid, better last the rest of my life. Don't worry, I didn't go off the deep end but my Sparco Challenge was around $500.

[Grady Clay]

Kemo,

That suit sounds just fine.

The key is to order it large enough so it isn’t tight anywhere when sitting in the car, standing or getting out of your car. A tight suit lessens the burn protection.

I have an old Simpson custom 4-layer (all Nomex). It is large enough for three layers of underwear. In order to not be too hot, I chose the very open weave Wurth underwear. Key for underwear is to interleave the tops and bottoms at the waist. I also use two layers of fine-weave Nomex sox interleaved with the pants. This was all reasonably comfortable even in a 700 hp furnace called a 935K3.

Choice of gloves are also very important. I only use the longest ‘gauntlet’ type in order to never have a gap at the wrist. Choose the most day-glo red-orange so a following driver, corner worker or starter can see your hand signals. Typically race gloves aren’t very durable so have several pairs. This also helps letting them dry between sessions.

The most important part of the system are the helmet, balaclava and neck brace. I buy helmets based on the adage: “What is your head worth?” I can’t speak to the new technology “HANS” and like but I have always used a Nomex go-kart helmet brace that went down my back. I always use Nomex lined helmets and try to find the ones with a sock down my neck. I like the fine-weave Simpson balaclava that comes down to almost mid-chest and mid-back. Again, I interleave the balaclava with the underwear tops. Since I wear glasses, I don’t use the eye-hole type balaclava.

I have a 12 V hair drier that I use on ‘blow’ to help dry the inside of the helmet between sessions. Always leave a helmet on its side with the visor open. If hot outside, leave it in the shade. If cold and wet, put it in a warm dry place. A wet helmet and balaclava cause the visor to fog.

Speaking of visors, the best vision possible wins races. Having the best visor for the situation is critical. Having spares to deal with use damage is important. Having a prefect visor (and windshield) for that late afternoon race into the setting sun can produce a win. An often forgotten issue is to have spare visor hardware. Loosing a unique screw on the pre-grid needs to be fixed.

In wet conditions, there are two types of Rain-X; one for the outside of the windshield and visor and one for the inside. Very useful.

Even in a closed car, I like to use the formula-car arm restraints. Sit in your car and look at all the things that could injure your hands and arms. Imagine trying to exit the car with a broken hand or arm. The accessory ‘helmet hook’ that attaches to the roll bar is the dumbest thing ever. Imagine having your wrist skewered by this.


There is a picture somewhere of my friend Hal Shaw exiting his 934 at an IMSA race. The fueling hose had failed and there was a fireball the size of a large truck. In the picture, only Hal’s legs are visible. The rest of him is in the boiling orange & black fireball as he gets out of the car. He was uninjured as he had this level of protection. Everything else around, including the car, was destroyed.


My only other admonition is: A burn injury is the most devastating of all injuries. We all have had small burns. Imagine that on just part of your arm, neck or worse.

Best,
Grady

[Kemo]

Thanks Grady, your input is always appreciated and respected. Looks like I owe you $12.50

thanks again,