I sold my Sparco Evo's because the shoulder belt holes were too low for me with the HANS on. I was planning on going with the Cobra Suzuka since the belt holes are higher, but figured I'd explore all the options first.

What does everyone think about seats with head restraint, good or bad? I'm liking the Cobra Sebring (high belt holes like the Suzuka) or the Racetech 4000HR (unsure on belt hole height). Does it restrict movement in the car or become a hassle?

I have the Recaro Pro Racer in my car. Love it. You won't even notice the head restraints once your in and driving.

What does everyone think about seats with head restraint, good or bad? I'm liking the Cobra Sebring (high belt holes like the Suzuka) or the Racetech 4000HR (unsure on belt hole height). Does it restrict movement in the car or become a hassle?

i like them and am switching to one for this season....i recommend sitting in them before you buy one...a few that i have sat in (like the sparco circuit and similar) can be uncomfortable if you have wide(r) shouldersm due to their design...not a huge issue but i noticed some shoulder/back fatigue after my stint in a similar seat in the vir 13hr this year...those seats push my shoulders forward a little bit....

after sitting in a bunch of head restraint seats at pri, i chose a racetech 4009whr

Racing? Make sure to get a HANS ready seat. Much more comfortable.

Yes I'll be using a HANS.

Vendors are no where to be found around here so trying out a seat is difficult.

I have the Cobra Evolution, which has the Big Elephant ear loops which can be seen through. I got mine in the GT flavor and it's quite comfortable for me.

6ft, about 220lbs fairly broad shoulders.

Just sucks that I also have to add a center net on top of the head restraint seat.

Might be a good reason to visit Boston and drop in at HMS.

Thats exactly what I did last time. Mom's whole side of the family lives 5 miles from HMS's new place so I dropped in. I've sat in almost everything they sell but still have yet to find a Racetech dealer.

I'm looking at the OMP Pista. The 2006 versions were about 20mm narrower than current version. I'm thin so 2006 would be better for me.

We sell Racetech and I have RT1000, 4000HR and 4000WHR in stock. And we are running a sale on in-stock seats - 15% off on Racetech and free ground shipping US48. We are near Pittsburgh, PA - probably too far of a drive for you but if interested in stopping in, let me know.

I thought HMS sold Racetech, perhaps they didn't have any in stock for you to try. I am headed up their way early in February for dealer training for Schroth.

I can also take some measurements for you on some Racetechs here if that helps. We do have a seat guide on our website showing dimensions too.

http://www.apexperformance.net/cartgenie/image_options.asp?iid=422


http://www.apexperformance.net/cartgenie/prodList.asp?scat=297

Thanks for the info. Like I said the shoulder belt hole height is the major concern. The Racetech's are 24" high (from the very bottom of the seat measured from the rear) and the Cobra Suzuka's are 26-27" (Thanks again Mario).

Do you have a Sparco Evo L in stock? If you or anyone with one has a minute, can you get the same measurement for it? After that I'll be able to figure out if the Racetech will work and can order one asap.

The "B" is what I'm trying to find out. This is from Racetech's site:
http://www.racetechseatsna.com/images/dimensions.jpg

Here is the measurement from the BACK of the seat bottom to the bottom of the shoulder slots for the following models:

RT4009WHR and RT4009HR - 26" at outer seat edge of the harness slot - the harness slots angle upward and the upper/center measurement of the slots is 27".

Racetech makes a 4009WTHR - I found this through some of my older emails from Racetech --- The 4009WTHR is really for those 6’2’”- 6’6” tall guys or those guys with short legs and are tall torso’ed. I do not have a 4009WTHR in stock to compare but can check with Racetech if needed.

Does anyone know of a Cobra dealer (preferably in northern California somewhere)? Subesports seems like the only distributor within the US, but I'd like to find a place to sit in the seats before I purchase one.

Jesse, i forget what seat you had for the passenger side, but i know it was a 'big man's seat' of some sort, or maybe im thinking of that guy with the caged/cammed/bbk'ed bostongrun...regardless, if that was you do you have that seat still?

will you be selling it?

currently have an outdated Sparco Pro2000. It fits me perfect. I havent tried it out with Hans...but before i go out and buy another Pro2000...what have some of you guys gone with? (assuming u started out with a Pro2000)

currently have an outdated Sparco Pro2000. It fits me perfect. I havent tried it out with Hans...but before i go out and buy another Pro2000...what have some of you guys gone with? (assuming u started out with a Pro2000)

I have a Pro2000 and planned on going to a Circuit Pro. that seat was great for me... unfortunately one of my cage bars prevents it from fitting :(

I have a Pro2000 and planned on going to a Circuit Pro. that seat was great for me... unfortunately one of my cage bars prevents it from fitting :(


does the circuit pro fit the same as the regular circuit?

I've tried the regular circuit and its TIGHT.

does the circuit pro fit the same as the regular circuit?

I've tried the regular circuit and its TIGHT.

It's tight from what I hear. Fits me well, but not for most people. Not sure the difference between the older Circuit and the new Circuit Pro.

We sell Racetech and I have RT1000, 4000HR and 4000WHR in stock. And we are running a sale on in-stock seats - 15% off on Racetech and free ground shipping US48. We are near Pittsburgh, PA - probably too far of a drive for you but if interested in stopping in, let me know.

I thought HMS sold Racetech, perhaps they didn't have any in stock for you to try. I am headed up their way early in February for dealer training for Schroth.

I can also take some measurements for you on some Racetechs here if that helps. We do have a seat guide on our website showing dimensions too.

http://www.apexperformance.net/cartgenie/image_options.asp?iid=422


http://www.apexperformance.net/cartgenie/prodList.asp?scat=297

For those that don't know already, Clark and Linda at Apex are good folks and provide great customer service. They get a big :buttrock

Just put in an order with Linda @ Apex...so far they've been great!!!

Here is the measurement from the BACK of the seat bottom to the bottom of the shoulder slots for the following models:

RT4009WHR and RT4009HR - 26" at outer seat edge of the harness slot - the harness slots angle upward and the upper/center measurement of the slots is 27".

Racetech makes a 4009WTHR - I found this through some of my older emails from Racetech --- The 4009WTHR is really for those 6’2’”- 6’6” tall guys or those guys with short legs and are tall torso’ed. I do not have a 4009WTHR in stock to compare but can check with Racetech if needed.

Thanks that's a huge help! You dont have an EvoL in stock, do you?

I checked on Racetech's site for measurements on the 4009WTHR. It's 1.5inches wider (not really needed but could live with), but it lists the shoulder belt height as the same. :dunno Misprint? It specifically says for drivers 6'6" and up.

Jesse, i forget what seat you had for the passenger side, but i know it was a 'big man's seat' of some sort, or maybe im thinking of that guy with the caged/cammed/bbk'ed bostongrun...regardless, if that was you do you have that seat still?

will you be selling it?

They were both Sparco EvoLs and they were sold to BMW4LIFE. Rocking the driver's side Vader temporarily to move the car around the garage.

Highly recommend the Recaro HANS XL for larger racers. I am 6'3' 240# with 52" jacket and 38" waist. It fits like a glove and the belt guides are perfect.

Bump for Apex or anyone with Sparco Evos.

Thanks that's a huge help! You dont have an EvoL in stock, do you?

I checked on Racetech's site for measurements on the 4009WTHR. It's 1.5inches wider (not really needed but could live with), but it lists the shoulder belt height as the same. :dunno Misprint? It specifically says for drivers 6'6" and up.



They were both Sparco EvoLs and they were sold to BMW4LIFE. Rocking the driver's side Vader temporarily to move the car around the garage.

I'll check with Racetech, recalling the shoulder slots on the 4009WTHR were a bit higher - will let you know what I find out.

I'll check with Racetech, recalling the shoulder slots on the 4009WTHR were a bit higher - will let you know what I find out.


Another +1 :buttrockfor the folks at Apex. They sold me on Racetech as they brought some samples to 'the Beave' and I sat in one there last time I was there. Every seat I've sat in since hasn't compared, so I bought a pair of Racetech seats a couple years ago and couldn't be happier.....and a friend sat/rode/drive in mine and ordered a pair last year for his 911.
Obviously sitting in a seat is the best way to determine fit. For the investment it is well worth taking your time and doing it right.
Cheers,
Chet

Bump for Apex or anyone with Sparco Evos.


Jesse, I've got an Evo L. Not because I'm large, but because I also needed a seat with the belt holes up higher than avg.

The seat is really too big for me. I've got to find some inserts to fill the gaps! But, my Schroth shoulder belts fit nicely with my hans.

Anyone have a dimension on any of the "tall" seats (Racetech, any others?) from the seat bottom to the top of the harness openings? Seat bottom to underside of head support wings is probably important as well. I tried one of the Sparco Evo 2 Plus seats and didn't fit. Width was fine but the harness openings were too low even without a HANS on and the shoulder supports were armpit supports.

Another thumbs up for Linda and Apex, they helped me a ton last year. Hey Linda, you have the Racetechs sitting there? I wanted to come and try one out this weekend maybe.

Thanks,

Dan

Jesse, I've got an Evo L. Not because I'm large, but because I also needed a seat with the belt holes up higher than avg.

The seat is really too big for me. I've got to find some inserts to fill the gaps! But, my Schroth shoulder belts fit nicely with my hans.

Ken- I just sold my EvoLs because the belt holes were too low. I must have a freakishly tall torso. I'm about 6'1" on a good day, 170lbs, 32" waist; the EvoL was too big (wide) for me too. If you have a second, can you measure from the bottom of the seat on the back up to the top of the shoulder belt holes? I forgot to do it before I sold them and now I cant compare it to the Racetech or Cobras.

Ken- I just sold my EvoLs because the belt holes were too low. I must have a freakishly tall torso. I'm about 6'1" on a good day, 170lbs, 32" waist; the EvoL was too big (wide) for me too. If you have a second, can you measure from the bottom of the seat on the back up to the top of the shoulder belt holes? I forgot to do it before I sold them and now I cant compare it to the Racetech or Cobras.


Jesse, I'm in my suit...Zegna that is.:D So, getting dirty is not an option right now.
However, I did get a quick measurement from the seat cushion to the bottom of the hole and the top of the hole.

To bottom of hole: 22 1/4 inches
To top of hole: 25 1/2

Not sure how much the seat cushion compacts when we're in the seat. Looked to me like there could be 1/2-1 inch gained?!

I know those are not the numbers you were looking for, but it might be a really good way of distinguishing from other seats.

Just for giggles, I measured my seating height with a chair and straight edge placed on my shoulder. From seat bottom to mark made with the straight edge...I measured 25 3/4 inches. Assuming that I've got some give with the seat cushion on the race seat of up to an inch...I'm right at the limits of my seat as well with the hans device installed!
Hmmm. I'll have to see what it looks like next time I can get strapped into the race seat.

The seat is really too big for me. I've got to find some inserts to fill the gaps! But, my Schroth shoulder belts fit nicely with my hans.

Find a single seater race shop and have them make you a custom fitted foam insert. Noted, it makes co-driving harder, as you would probably need to remove the stock padding out of the seat shell.

does the circuit pro fit the same as the regular circuit?

I've tried the regular circuit and its TIGHT.

Circuit Pro is bigger (we had to wait for the Pro to come out as we couldn't fit in the regular Circuit either). The guys at Sparco tell they are coming out with another version as well.

Circiut Pro fits guys up to the 200 lb. range that aren't too tall. Guys with really tall torsos will have the head protection rubbing their shoulders. But I believe the guys at Sparco are aware of this and are either re-shaping the Circuit Pro or that will be taken care of by another version.

Jesse, I'm in my suit...Zegna that is.:D So, getting dirty is not an option right now.
However, I did get a quick measurement from the seat cushion to the bottom of the hole and the top of the hole.

To bottom of hole: 22 1/4 inches
To top of hole: 25 1/2

Not sure how much the seat cushion compacts when we're in the seat. Looked to me like there could be 1/2-1 inch gained?!

I know those are not the numbers you were looking for, but it might be a really good way of distinguishing from other seats.

Just for giggles, I measured my seating height with a chair and straight edge placed on my shoulder. From seat bottom to mark made with the straight edge...I measured 25 3/4 inches. Assuming that I've got some give with the seat cushion on the race seat of up to an inch...I'm right at the limits of my seat as well with the hans device installed!
Hmmm. I'll have to see what it looks like next time I can get strapped into the race seat.


Thanks Ken, thats a big help. The numbers arent much better for the Cobra or Racetech so we might end up wingin it.

Circuit Pro is bigger (we had to wait for the Pro to come out as we couldn't fit in the regular Circuit either). The guys at Sparco tell they are coming out with another version as well.

Circiut Pro fits guys up to the 200 lb. range that aren't too tall. Guys with really tall torsos will have the head protection rubbing their shoulders. But I believe the guys at Sparco are aware of this and are either re-shaping the Circuit Pro or that will be taken care of by another version.


yeah i just compared the dimensions with the Pro2000...its very similar.
Looks like the circuit pro will be my next seat.

thanks
franklin

Just got off the phone with Racetech and compared with what we have in stock here - below are some more measurements for harness slots - these measurements are taken looking at the front of seat - with the seat cushion removed - so the measurement is from the bottom of the seat to the bottom of the harness slot without the seat cushion.

RT4009HR and RT4009WHR - 25.5"
RT4009WTHR - 27.5"

PM replied.

Does anyone know of a Cobra dealer (preferably in northern California somewhere)? Subesports seems like the only distributor within the US, but I'd like to find a place to sit in the seats before I purchase one.

Wine country motorsports at Sears Point carries Cobra. Not sure what model you are looking for but call and ask.

For Recaros Griffin in Berkeley has practically every single seat in stock to sit in.

Bassem