The 5 Best Go-Kart Custom Racing Suits In 2021
A race suit needs to be a lot more than just a number on the back.
We reviewed the best karting suits to help you choose a durable one. K1 Race Gear 10-GK2-R-L remains our favorite because of its versatile performance.
For a more informed decision, let’s have a look at the collection in greater detail.
Our Top Picks For The Best Youth Kart Racing Suits
K1 Race Gear Speed
This suit has strategically placed vents for maximized airflow and optimum breathing. The race suit features a crotch, side, and lower back stretch panel for full motion.
It is also lined with a Cool Max type liner to cool the driver even in the hottest weather conditions. The elasticity in its underarms allows the rider to have 360 degrees of movement.
The suit comes with abrasion-resistant Cordura fabric. This protects against the track while also being Level 2 approved by the FIA.
The track becomes your playground with the right suit.
Specifications:
- Size: Medium/Large
- Weight: 3.44 pounds
- Dimensions: 13 x 16 x 4 inches
- Color: Red/White/Black
K1 Race Gear 10-GK2-R-L
K1 Race Gear 10-GK2-R-L is the ultimate combination of comfort, protection, and style. This garment has an elastic back stretch panel with a breathable inner lining.
It comes with CE-certified knee, elbow, and shoulder pads which make the suit fit every time.
You can wear it not only at the track but also outside of the track for bending, stooping, or kneeling.
This go-karting suite provides a 360-degree range of movement. Plus, elite styling and incredible power will get you a million-dollar look. Both inside and outside the race track.
Specifications:
- Size: Large
- Weight: 3.24 pounds
- Dimensions: 13 x 16 x 4 inches
- Color: Red
RaceQuip Single Layer SFI 3.2A
What’s new about this suit is its lightweight, stylish, and comfortable fabric. The suit also has a brass zipper with a Nomex back to protect against the heat of the fire.
Its TPP (Thermolite Polypropylene) construction promises durability and flame-resistant properties.
And the best part is you’ll get bag pockets in the back to hold your essentials and the wrist and ankle cuffs to keep out the heat.
That means you’ll keep cool with no sweat or heat throughout the race. Focus on the road; no distractions!
No unnecessary bulk that could get in the way while you’re racing.
Specifications:
- Size: X-Large
- Weight: 2.19 pounds
- Dimensions: 15 x 12 x 3 inches
- Color: Red/Black/Blue
Alpinestars KMX-3 V2 SUIT
The KMX-3 V2 SUIT is the ultimate racing driving suit from Alpinestars. It features an adjustable closure system for maximum safety and security.
You’ll get an anatomic arm, leg and torso patterned paneling to fit the driving position.
This is a no-compromise suit. The two thigh pockets are a convenient storage option. Plus, the knitted wrist and ankle cuffs help prevent unwanted movement. Take your safety and appearance to the next level!
Typical of your favorite brand, this suit is a TERRIFIC race fit. This one’s true to sizes, so always consult the Size Chart on your size before purchasing.
Specifications:
- Weight: 1 pound
- Dimensions: 1 x 1 x 1 inches
- Color: Black Anthracite
RaceQuip Black Large 110005
Get the best protection and performance with this suit for your ultimate race day. A two-piece adjustable racing belt and a pleated back panel make way for flexibility.
You’ll be comfortable in its breathable fabric made of polyester with stretch. The race-inspired design has black epaulets, a belt, a high back collar, and wrist & ankle cuffs.
Internal bag pockets will help you keep your belongings with you throughout the day.
The suit also features contrasting black arm & leg stripes and black wrist & ankle cuffs. A two-way brass Nomex-backed zipper will help you get in and out of your suit with no hassle!
Specifications:
- Size: Large
- Weight: 3.29 pounds
- Dimensions: 16 x 12 x 4 inches
- Color: Black
- Certification: SFI 3.2A / 1 rated
Factors To Consider When Buying Racing Go-Kart Rib Suits
Finding the right go-kart racing suit can be difficult. Suits have many aspects to consider. With this list, we hope you can make a more informed choice.
Types of Suits
Your first consideration must be the type of race suit you are looking for. CIK FIA Level 2 certified suits are appropriate for professional racers competing on an international level.
For leisurely and indoor go-karting, you may want to consider a non-certified cotton one-layer indoor karting suit.
Material
Go-kart suit material varies from that of auto racing suits in a subtle manner. Go-kart racing suits usually consist of Cordura, poly-cotton, or Pyrovatex, as opposed to traditional auto racing suits usually made from NOMEX.
Cordura: This fabric is usually made of nylon, though it sometimes comes blended with cotton. A go-kart racing suit with this type of lining is generally more premium. ‘
Among its biggest advantages is that it is highly resistant to abrasion. It protects you if you get injured on the track or lose control of your go-kart.
- Used for professional suits
- Patented material by DuPont
- Highly abrasive-resistant
- Used mainly for CIK FIA suits
Poly-Cotton: You can also find poly-cotton suits for karting. Indoor racing suits typically feature poly-cotton as they are incredibly comfortable, strong, and abrasion-resistant. Racing suits made of this material tend to be more affordable.
- Used for indoor suits
- Comfortable & ergonomic
- Lightweight & durable
- Usually in twill-design
Pyrovatex:
Due to being flame-retardant and still highly durable, Pyrovatex textiles are also best for racing suits on go-karts.
- Used for all-round suits
- Patented by Huntsman
- Flame-retardant material
- Used for non-certified suits
Suit Design
It is always best to choose your go-kart racing suit design. There are several color variants and stylistic innovations available with each suit. Suits with different designs do not affect performance in any way, so you can pick the one you like the best.
Suits Size & Measurements
Getting your go-kart racing suits in the correct size is extremely important. If you are getting a professional karting suit or a recreational indoor karting suit, you should make sure it fits correctly.
Some manufacturers offer sizing guides for their go-kart suits. It’s always safer to go to the manufacturer’s website and see if they have the sizes that fit you if you cannot find any in the online stores.
The manufacturers supply measurements for the chest, waist, hips, thighs, arms, and height. Ensure that you double-check the size and fit of your race suit.
Additional Features
There are many different features to racing suits. Compared to entry-level or indoor racing suits, professional go-kart suits usually have more sophisticated design features.
When comparing premium racing suits to entry-level racing suits, you will find that they usually have two or even three layers of material. In addition to providing greater levels of abrasion resistance and comfort, a double- or triple-layer will give greater padded comfort.
A mesh ventilation area is another important feature that provides adequate aeration to the suit’s interior. Here are several more options for racing suits that you should consider.
- Internal/external pockets
- Elastic wrist & ankle cuffs
- Single, double, or triple-layer shell
- Velcro collar/belt
- Pre-curved sleeves
- Neck padding
- Padded areas
Maintenance
Wash your racing suit as instructed by the manufacturer. If you are using your standard washing machine, use a mild detergent at low speed.
In the end, you can hang your suit inside to dry (be careful not to hang it in direct sunlight). Another option is to dry clean your racing suit.
Unless the washing instructions state doesn’t recommend machine washing, this option is more expensive and won’t make much difference.
Certification
A karting suit must have an appropriate certification level. To participate in official events, your product must be CIK FIA homologated. You will need CIK FIA Level 2 certification to participate in international events.
Safety Features
Safety is of paramount importance in motorsports such as go-karting.
It’s because most go-karts do not have roll cages and safety belts, meaning you will directly get exposed to the asphalt. Therefore, you should consider your commitment to go-karting.
Hobbyists and recreational drivers can get by with an indoor karting suit. Make sure that the material is high quality and durable in this case.
When racing professionally, semi-professionally, or on an asphalt track, you may need a suit with double or triple layers with higher durability and abrasion resistance. A Cordura suit is an excellent example of such a suit.
Additionally, your suit should meet the required safety requirements for each event you attend. Your best bet could be a CIK FIA Level 1 or Level 2 racing suit.
Price Range
There is a wide disparity between professional race suits and entry-level suits or suits for indoor purposes.
Karting suits often cost three to four times the price of indoor suits because they have more features and better materials than indoor suits.
Like with design, the price of a suit depends entirely on your budget and your level of involvement in go-karting.
FAQs
How are racing suits different from auto-racing suits?
Go-karting suits are acceptable for auto racing, but they may feel too heavy and thick. It would be best to get a racing suit made for go-karting.
A go-karting suit made of Cordura, Polycotton, or Pyrovatex, on the other hand, is significantly more expensive than Nomex. With the suit, you can lean into corners during the race more efficiently.
What is the best racing suit?
The best kart racing suit constitutes Cordura fabric with a CIK FIA Level 1 or Level 2 certification. This not only proves to be highly abrasion-resistant but also perfect for professional go-karting.
Are go-kart suits fireproof?
Several other racing suits resemble fire suits in appearance but are not certified as fire-resistant. For go-kart racing, suits are typically abrasion resistant, made from leather, nylon, or Cordura, rather than fire retardant.
How long do FIA race suits last?
SFI 3.2A and FIA 8856-2000-certified racing suits have no expiration date. Manufacturers must recertify racing suits that carry SFI 3.2A/15 and 3.2A/20 certifications every five years.
Why do racing suits have shoulder pads?
Construction of the shoulder epaulets allows for easy removal in the event of a crash. Racing requires the use of the HANS device.
The shoulder belts in his car hold it in place, protecting the neck while he drives. An anchor point sits on the collar and links to the helmet’s sides by tethers.
Final Thoughts
This buying guide and the review list should make it easier for you to decide which product to buy.
We did the testing for you to make sure you get the right suit – to get the best race experience and performance.
You should never overlook safety when purchasing your racing suits. Make sure they have the proper safety certification and that it’s appropriate for your kart race!