Aftermarket "racing" seat prices

[Erick]

FIA Approval Stamp, which can be found usually on the sides of the seat.

[bmwpower]

In regard of picking a seat, one of my main element of choice is the proven safety record during an accident. Shit never happens, until it does. Therefore, an FIA approval is the proof that the seat has been tested for impact, and integrity after impact. After all, safety equipment must be purchased for events that should not happen, but eventually will.

I'd only buy a seat with proven record. I had a Momo 1000 Lakes rally seat because it had a proven safety record. Same with the Sparco Evo that replaced it. And next will come the SPG. Good quality seats are more expensive to buy, but not only they are safer and more comfortable, but you can also resale them for more than half the initial purchase price when they get outdated. So, the cost of using a higher end seat is around $70-$80 per year. Quite cheap for improved looks and safety...

Thanks...

Where can I find the "proven safety record" of certain seats?

[Massive Lee]

In regard of picking a seat, one of my main element of choice is the proven safety record during an accident. Shit never happens, until it does. Therefore, an FIA approval is the proof that the seat has been tested for impact, and integrity after impact. After all, safety equipment must be purchased for events that should not happen, but eventually will.

I'd only buy a seat with proven record. I had a Momo 1000 Lakes rally seat because it had a proven safety record. Same with the Sparco Evo that replaced it. And next will come the SPG. Good quality seats are more expensive to buy, but not only they are safer and more comfortable, but you can also resale them for more than half the initial purchase price when they get outdated. So, the cost of using a higher end seat is around $70-$80 per year. Quite cheap for improved looks and safety...

[bmwpower]

Answering my own question regarding FIA approved seats...

Good read:

http://www.fiainstitute.com/documents/driver_guide.pdf

http://argent.fia.com/web/fia-public.nsf/6CC535B9F4ADFF76C12574430035205F/$FILE/Competition_seat.pdf

[Erick]

Not all seats are equal, and usually you get what you pay for. Rigidity, comfort, fit, safety and durability don't always come with $300 seats. Corbeau's FX seats are an exemple of what seems like a great deal, but that just don't deliver.

I'd venture to say that for the $300, the one that closest comes to achieving all of those listed above would be the Buddy Club. Although I dont think I can speak for the seat's durability as it's only been a year.

[Erick]

Not to knock your suggestion but I don't really get a warm and fuzzy feeling when I can't find out what material the shell is made out of. Every website I have looked at (including the Buddy Club Racing site) lists it as "The shell is made with a light weight material developed for the high stress of circuit racing". We need to remember that the seat is part of a safety system; harnesses and a cage do no good if your seat snaps in half or the mounts pull out.

Every company has a fancy way of saying "fiberglass".

[Massive Lee]

Not all seats are equal, and usually you get what you pay for. Rigidity, comfort, fit, safety and durability don't always come with $300 seats. Corbeau's FX seats are an exemple of what seems like a great deal, but that just don't deliver.

[SkinnyVT]

But if you're looking to buy a new racing seat, and you are not looking for FIA approved budget, go with the Buddy Club seat. Hands down the most comfortable seat I've ever sat on that my ass can afford.

Not to knock your suggestion but I don't really get a warm and fuzzy feeling when I can't find out what material the shell is made out of. Every website I have looked at (including the Buddy Club Racing site) lists it as "The shell is made with a light weight material developed for the high stress of circuit racing". We need to remember that the seat is part of a safety system; harnesses and a cage do no good if your seat snaps in half or the mounts pull out.

[bmwpower]

I will check out the Buddy Club seat...thanks.

I guess what I really want, and should be prime importance for me due to my previous injury, is a seat that is safe. Are the FIA seats MORE safe than a non FIA approved seat?

[Erick]

Not sure if it's been said, because it's been 5 pages.

But if you're looking to buy a new racing seat, and you are not looking for FIA approved budget, go with the Buddy Club seat. Hands down the most comfortable seat I've ever sat on that my ass can afford.

At $330, it really is a bargain for what you're getting. Holds you in VERY tight. I <3 mine, although the getting in and out process takes some getting used to, so perhaps for daily use, some might not like it.

[Massive Lee]

H bmwpowr

$799 is indeed the regular selling price for SPGs. Not much more than all the Sparcos or Momos. SPGs sometimes go for $749usd. I remember seeing a huge sale at $699usd at the end of the season, probably for moving inventory during the dead season, probably at cost. European retail price for the SPGs ai about 800 euros. Which mens that even at $799 in the US, there's not much profit left.

My Sparco Evo has just expired and I will put an order this Spring for an SPG for my 2002 racecar, after I finish the new rollcage.

[bmwpower]

FIA expiration would concern me.. and I would fix mount them, no sliders.

Yea, I would side/fix mount them. Guy wanted $800 for the set (he had 2). I though that was too much, but $600 seemed more reasonable. Just not sure about "old" seats. Especially since I don't know the history. And yes, long expired FIA.

Hope Lee gets back to me with where he found that $699 Recaro deal... the cheapest I can find them for is $799.

[kishg]

I will check out VAC. I'm near them - I didn't realize they sold them...duh.

These seats any good? Momo Acropolis VTR

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...m=170291954016

FIA expiration would concern me.. and I would fix mount them, no sliders.

[bmwpower]

I will check out VAC. I'm near them - I didn't realize they sold them...duh.

These seats any good? Momo Acropolis VTR

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=170291954016

[SkinnyVT]

Yea, I've been reading up on seats more and it seems like the Racetech seats are touted as being a good solution for people with back problems (like me). The only problem is I haven't found a local place that stocks them.

If you are in northern Jersey then a trip to HMS in Boston might not be out of the question. If you are in southern Jersey, VAC Motorsports in Philly carries them (not sure if they have them all on display).