Shockdoctor Bags

 

Here's a preview of the direction Shockdoctor is taking with their 2009 motorsports bags. The new streamlined designs still feature all of the nifty separators for all of your gear. And as an added bonus, these new bags are LIGHT! You'll have to feel it to believe it, but they are the lightest weight gear bags I've ever seen.

Hans Device Sliding Quick Release Tethers and other News

The biggest news from Hans for 2009 are the new Quick Disconnect Sliding Tether Set. Ever since the Sliding Tethers were released by Hans early 2008, customers have been asking for a Quick Disconnect option. A year later and it's ready! In an ingenious piece of simplicity (in my opinion) the Quick Disconnect unit is connect directly to the helmet - you might remember that the fixed quick disconnect unit used a "broken" tether that attached midway on the tether assembly. The add-on kit was available for trial at PRI and it works as simply as it should. I apparently was too tired to take pictures (9 hours of wandering a trade show will do that to you), but here is the press photo from Hans:



In other news, Hans is also introducing a new, less-expensive tether option for all new Hans Devices. Called the "fixed" tether, this style does away with all quick release tethers and anchor sets and permanently attaches the Device to the helmet. When asked about the awkwardness of this, I was told that a good percentage of device users NEVER separate the two (please 'fess up - does this describe you?) Devices with this option will start around $645 for a Sport model. Again, some press photos:



Both options and retrofit kits should be available January 2009.

Sparco Pro ADV Super Carbon

 

Priced at over $5k, we probably won't see too many of these hit the U.S. market. But the technology behind it is still pretty amazing. Yes, it is a full Carbon Fiber shelled Pro ADV racing seat. But it also weighs in at over 40lbs. So what gives? Well, the Super Carbon was manufactured specifically to the FIA's new World Rally specifications; needs to NOT fail when a car cartwheels off a dirt road into a stand of trees at 100mph). So far, this is the ONLY seat that has surpassed these requirements without the need for a back brace.

How does it pass? The weight tells of this seat's overbuilt engineering. It also uses massive mounting bolts (8mm).

Want one? Turn around time is 5-6 weeks. Payment up front, of course ;)

Say Goodbye to Bell's Detend Shield!

 

Owners of older Bell helmets with the clunky detent style shields rejoice! Bell is introducing a Shield adapter that allows the use of the newer, SRV style shields with the older Detent style helmets. Installation is direct and does away with the often fragile older pivot kits that Bell used for so many years. Now you can get the same, smooth SRV performance on your older Bell helmet! (And we no longer need to stock 2 trillion different Bell Replacement Shields!!)

The retrofit kit will run $20-30, plus the cost of a replacement Bell SRV Shield. Look for it on our website early 2009!

...and one more Piloti Shoe

 

Almost forgot about the new Avus model from Piloti. We probably won't see it until later next year, but I like the clean styling and look. These will probably be priced similarly to the current Prototipos.

More new shoes from Piloti!

 

Motowerks - This was a very lightweight (surprisingly so) steel toe boot. We think it would make a great crew shoe. Sugg. Retail $150

 

New luxury model! The name and price are still up in the air (this was very much a prototype model on display). However, I liked the laceless, slip-on design. The sole also takes a departure from the more traditional Piloti sole. It still has the concepts we've all grown to love (rolled heel, etc.), however, it looks much less clunky making the shoe, in its entirety, look much more high-end.

 

Piloti Women's line on the way!

 

And kid's shoes - aren't they "cute"?

We should see the boots early next year. I'd expect arrival of the others by the late spring. Also of note is that, due to driver demand, Piloti is working on a thinner sole for their line of Race Professional shoes. This should bring those models more in line with racing shoes from Sparco, Simpson, etc.

Racing at Summit...In Orlando??

 

Here's our very own Jeff Werth racing a Radical at Summit Point. And I quote, "That was the first time I ever flipped a car!"