COOL SHIRT question

[Greg Trigeiro]

I think its time to get a COOL SHIRT system before going to the Spring Mtn time trial in a couple of weeks. I remember last July being at Buttonwillow for a HPDE in 96 degree heat and wishing I had cooling that weekend. A 944spec car is plenty hot driving for 30 minute track sessions even in 80 degree weather.

I know there are a couple different shirt cooling brands made. Any advice is welcome.

Greg Trigeiro

[pdy]

I have a Cool-Shirt System model RS-H-10 in each of my track cars (one since 2005). They have worked just fine.

[Dan Chambers]

Jackie Corwin used to use a vest with ice packs for cooling under her race suit. I've seen these on motorcycle riders as well. Jackie, you out there? any info on your old system? I was thinking of investing in one myself...

There's also a gel-filled kerchief you can buy at REI that you put in cool water and wrap/tie around your neck. These work fairly well. I use them when I work in the field in Barstow.

On the cheap, I was thinking of using blue-ice gel packs and bubble wrap taped to my torso.

[Gunter]

Dan
I have one and you can use it in Spring Mountain if you want to use it before you decide what you want.I use a cool shirt system(that's what you should get)! since the vest is a little bulky-but it does work.
Let me know and I'll throw it in the truck(ah, I mean fold it and gently put it in the travel bag).

[Autobahn]

My first spring mtn event was 110+... people were cooking well done steaks on their hoods. I remember driving with sweat dripping in my eyes and preventing me from winning my class!! They are a must for the summer months. Here is a link to one for $400. http://www.saferacer.com/fresh-air-systems-racer-series-cool-suit-system.html?productid=344 They are an awesome invention. I have the cool shirt brand unit, it has gone up in price for some reason? I think I paid about $425 for it.

[Steve Grosekemper]

I have used the same round cool suit system since 2002 or so and have had great service with it.
http://www.coolshirt.net/racing-round-system.html

There are two basic systems that I am aware of and they are:
Cool Shirt:
http://www.coolshirt.net/racing-all.html

F.A.S.T Cool Suit:
http://www.fastraceproducts.com/page/fa ... Y/coolsuit

The pricing is similar but I use the cool shirt systems because I have found parts and service to be easier to get with those units. I have installed and serviced lots of these units and find them to work great. After a 30-minute session in 90+ degree weather you are as fresh as when you started your session. It keeps your mind sharper as well as an overheated brain is the number one reason for brain fade late in a hot session.

Which unit you choose depends on what your needs are. I have the small round unit because I originally purchased it for my 914 where space is a premium. It also transfers well to other cars like the rear seat of just about any other Porsche. If you have the room in the front trunk of a 911 or under the back hatch of a 944 I suggest using the 12 quart square system
http://www.coolshirt.net/racing-club-system12.html
You can put more ice in these as well as block ice which makes them work longer. They also have nice mounting brackets for these larger units.
The ice vests are better than nothing but not as efficient or convenient as the cool suit/shirt systems.

[Jackie C]

Cool vest is what I have. It's slightly bulky but once you start driving you only notice it's cooling effect! The advantage to the vest vs the shirt: 1) the 4 packs that insert into the front and back completely freeze in 15 mins in ice water, so they can be rejuvinated throughout the day 2) you can wear it outside car (awesome!) or in someone's passenger seat if you are instructing. 3) the cells that freeze can be easily replaced if punctured, but I've had mine 4 years and it still works great. Paid $100 then. Worth it.

[Steve Grosekemper]

Cool vest is what I have. It's slightly bulky but once you start driving you only notice it's cooling effect! The advantage to the vest vs the shirt: 1) the 4 packs that insert into the front and back completely freeze in 15 mins in ice water, so they can be rejuvinated throughout the day 2) you can wear it outside car (awesome!) or in someone's passenger seat if you are instructing. 3) the cells that freeze can be easily replaced if punctured, but I've had mine 4 years and it still works great. Paid $100 then. Worth it.

jackie
Those are good points you bring up.
It is really nice to be able to bring your cool with you...
I just don't like the bulk of the vest especially for those of us who are more tightly squeezed into our race seats.
(Not a problem for you I am sure)
I also like to ability to control temperature with an optional pump speed controller or just cycling the switch.
As for two driver setups it is easy to make a extension hose so you can run one unit with two shirts in one car.
A quick search shows vest costs from $175-$225 roughly; so about half the cost.

Either way they are a great addition to making a great day of driving more comfortable and you will be less exhausted at the end of the day.