[BlackTalon]

Originally Posted by Mister C

Hmmm. Not sure when the 2" wide harnesses became available but when I bought my G Force 5 points (and a HANS at the same time) I was directed by the OG salesman to buy the 3" model. I don't recall 2" being available then so maybe that explains it.

Now I am wondering if I should keep running 3" with a HANS.

If it's comfortable on you then don't worry about it. The 3" belts that fold to a 2" width are mainly for comfort w/ the HANS.

[Handlebar]

This has been... very informative! Thank you all.

Now, off to figure out where these possible harness anchor points are in the car. It doesn't appear that all of them are currently there.

[BlackTalon]

The rear seat belt mounting points may be buried by the newish carpet that is applied over the seat area.

[Mister C]

Originally Posted by BlackTalon

If it's comfortable on you then don't worry about it. The 3" belts that fold to a 2" width are mainly for comfort w/ the HANS.

It's comfortable enough. I cinch them down pretty tight so "comfortable" is not exactly the word I would use. Glad to hear it's not a safety issue.

[BikePump]

Depending on the seats you buy the mounting adapters can provide belt mount points. in my car the outside lap belt goes to the same anchor point that the three point used and the inside one mounts to a specially designed spot on the Brey Krausse bracket.

IMHO its safety gear on the belts - dont skimp on quality. The big difference between the cheaper and more costly ones will be the feel of the webbing, and the quality and smoothness of the adjusters. Some also add features to help you grab the end of the belt for pulling them tight. My one piece of advice is to make sure that any one you get gives you the option of pull-up or pull-down on the lap belts. This makes a big difference for ease of use - especially in the passenger seat since your passenger will change often.

[RunningonMT]

What type of seats do you have? Its important to assure that you harnesses work well with your seats. These are two critical safety features and they must work as a system (just parroting what Vicegrip has said many, many times).

I have a Sparco Pro 2000 seat that is a snug butt fit with very high bolsters. The lap belt on my first harness had a pull-down adjuster that was barely inside the seat. With the tight fitting seat and the adjuster being in exactly the wrong spot, I could not tighten the belt in the driving position. I had to move the seat back (its on sliders), tighten the lap belt to where I thought it should be, then move the seat forward to the driving position. What a PITA!

Some companies offer lap belts that have length adjusting buckles on both ends. This allows you to move the pull-up / pull-down adjuster to be completely inside or completely outside the seat and improve the ease of use. BTW, with this type of lap belt, you can swap the end fittings and change it from a pull-up to a pull-down in a few minutes. Gives you the chance to experience both and decide which you like without financial penalty.

If you have a HANS (or other restraint system) or are planning to buy one, look at the shoulder belt channels on it. Many are made fro 2" wide belts. A 2" belt slide right in and stays in. A 3" belt will fit, but you have to make sure that it stays centered in the channel to assure you get the protection you need. Both work when properly used. IMO the 2" belts are just easier.

[turkis_tii]

Not to tangent a bit, I think ratings for harnesses (and helmets and suits for that matter) based on the SFI, FIA (or Snell) reflects the *minimum* ratings, not the actual protection protection offered, for example in multiple-impact shunts. I personally buy only top brand, FIA-rated, feeling it is a higher minimum standard. Also important is how the harnesses are positioned behind the driver/passenger, the best harness will hurt you if mounted too high or too low -- SCCA has a good write-up in mounting locations.

[jerome951]

DD and Dr. K. hit it. Go check out both at the store and you'll feel the difference in stiffness in the belt material.

The stiffer material on the Gforce made it difficult for me to get my belts nice and tight. Switched to Schroth and made a big difference in being able to comfortably get them really tight.

[Dr K]

Having had both in BOTH cars recently, the G-Force is fine, but the Schroth is nicer. Personal (and pocketbook) preference. I was able to get the G-Force tight. I actually have had some difficulty tightening the "pull-up" lap belts on the Schroth (in the P-car), but possibly related to the angle at the seat. The "pull-down" belts in the Miata are just fine, and they are somewhat more comfortable when fully tight than the G-Force were. I'm comparing cam-lock 6-points on both, but the G-Force were 3" shoulder straps and the Schroth 2" (the stiff G-Force belts in 3" were really not great with a HANS).

[Handlebar]

Originally Posted by Dr K

I'm comparing cam-lock 6-points on both, but the G-Force were 3" shoulder straps and the Schroth 2" (the stiff G-Force belts in 3" were really not great with a HANS).

If I am getting anchor points and harnesses, I am going for the full HANS, man...

That sounds not quite like I want it to.