I've just started researching harnesses so forgive me (and please redirect me) if there's already a definitive thread. It looks like there's a lot of good information on installation and proper setup, but I'm confused on one thing.

What's the difference between a $75 harness and a $300+ harness? I see both on reputable race sites (ie not jdm ricer harness) and from (afaik) reputable brands. Since it's a safety issue, I'm willing to spend the extra cash. But I doubt there's a common scenario where a $350 Schroth will save my life where a $75 G-Force won't. Or is it a matter of features?

FWIW - This is for time trial/track day/autox (not w2w yet), sparco evo seat, hard dog roll bar, looking for 6 point right now, and following the installation guide here: http://robrobinette.com/S2000Harnesses.htm

 

If they're fia approved, then safety isn't really going to differ among your choices (or not differ at all?)

I believe it's smaller stuff, like smooth belts, better adjusters, smooth camlock release, lightness of parts, etc.

I ended up buying a schroth profi II based on many recommendations from this forum. i like the 2" lap belt for comfort.

 

I've been a long time Schroth customer and will probably never buy another brand.

 

But also keep in mind that all belts expire after a handful of years. One of our cars has a camlock and the other has a standard latch and buckle. I'm kind of digging the camlock...

 

I ran G-Force first then put in a Schroth when I added the cage, both had cam locks. There is a noticeable difference in quality but both work fine. I'll stick with Schroth when I have to replace them in 5 years.

 

It's like helmets - you can buy a $75 one or an $800 one. Both meet the same standards but the pricier one has some fancy features. You have to decide if those fancy features are worth it to you or not. I tend towards the cheaper side of both. For reference, I just bought some $70 RCI latch & link style harnesses for my STI. I had a G-Force Pro/Ultra/whatever (their top harness) camlock in my CRX ice racer. In comparison, the RCI fabric feels like a burlap sack, the adjusters are clunky, and the latch & link is a pain compared to the camlock. But none of those really matter once I'm driving as I wear a shirt (really!) and don't usually adjust my belts once I'm moving unless it's a quick tug to tighten them up.

Camlocks are nice. 2" lap belts are nice but a select few tech inspectors freak out about them not being 3" fabric. I REALLY like pull-up lap belts - it's soo much easier to tighten yourself in when you're not trying to pull a belt towards the door and the trans tunnel. Right hand pulls the left belt towards the passenger's door, left hand pulls the right belt towards the driver's door. Plus you don't have the big steel adjusters between your hips.

I did undo a camlock in an ice race once. That sucked as I was leading! My sleeve caught the buckle in some mad hand-over-hand steering. The chances of that happening are so small that it's barely worth mentioning, and it could just as easily happen to a latch & link style unless it had a velcro flap (like the RCI ones).

 

I have the G-force 6 point camlock and it works fine and works fine with a Hans.
I think the expensive stuff is just nice to have maybe for an enduro or something - I would definitely get a camlock

 

I really like the new SafeCraft harnesses. Pull out, 2" laps, hybrid 2"/3" shoulders available for HANS and has the little tabs to secure the surgical rubber to for endurance racing. Or just for the ALMS look when you unclip your belts
They are currently only SFI approved but include a free re-web at the 2 year mark, and I believe the FIA approval is in the works.
I've installed a set in my time attack S2k in the next issue of Modified Mag.

Andrew

 

Pat,
I have the Schroth Profi ASM FE harness. It's HANS compatible and it's got a push button release so it's DOT legal. On top of that, you can save a few bucks by skipping the bulkhead replacement bar and running a 4 point harness on the streets.

FYI- I think expired belts/seats are legal for Time Trials...but a big no-no in W2W.

 

Thanks for the help guys. I think I may go with something nice like a schroth for myself and a less expensive yet equally as safe harness for the passenger seat. It will get far less use (ie wear and tear) and it's comfort won't be as much of an issue either. And if I feel that it's good enough, I may switch to that for the drivers side when it needs to be replaced. I definitely think I'm going cam-lock for both though.