Racequip 5 Point Harness

If you’re a race car driver looking for a top-quality 5 point harness, then the Racequip brand should be at the top of your list. As one of the most popular manufacturers of racing safety equipment, Racequip is known for making incredibly durable and comfortable harnesses perfect for everything from dirt track to drag racing.

In this comprehensive buying guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Racequip 5 point harnesses – from key features and installation to proper maintenance and use. Whether you’re buying your first harness or upgrading your safety gear, read on for tips to help you select the ideal Racequip model and get the most out of it!

What Exactly is a 5 Point Harness?

Before jumping into specific Racequip harness models, let’s quickly go over what defines a 5 point harness. A 5 point harness has 5 straps that secure the driver to the seat. There are two shoulder straps, two lap straps, and one submarine or anti-submarine strap between the legs.

The 5 points work together to keep the driver properly positioned in the seat and safely restrained in accidents to reduce injuries. The multiple straps distribute crash forces over the whole body rather than concentrating them in one area.

5 point harnesses provide more restraint than regular 3 point seat belts for race conditions. They also offer greater comfort and support while driving. For maximum protection, 5 point harnesses are recommended for most types of auto racing.

Why Choose Racequip for Your 5 Point Harness?

With so many harness brands on the market, why go with Racequip? Here are some of the key benefits of Racequip 5 point harnesses:

• Durability – Racequip uses high quality materials like military-spec webbing to withstand wear and tear. Their harnesses hold up through years of racing.
• Customization – Racequip offers a huge range of harness options to get the perfect fit and features for your needs. From strap width to buckle type, you can get the ideal setup.
• Comfort – Design innovations like flex tech webbing make their harnesses are comfortable and allow flexibility for long races. Padding is also available for increased comfort.
• Easy Use – Quick adjuster pulls and easy to release cam lock buckles make it simple to get in and out of Racequip harnesses. Great for frequent driver changes.
• Reliable Restraint – Tested and certified to SFI standards, Racequip harnesses safely restrain drivers in crashes up to 5Gs of force. They give racers serious protection.
• Great Reputation – Popular among professional drivers, Racequip is one of the most trusted brands in racing safety equipment. Their quality is unmatched.

For long lasting harnesses with custom options and the safety features that racers need, Racequip is definitely the way to go.

How to Install a Racequip 5 Point Harness

One of the keys to getting the most performance and safety from your new Racequip harness is properly installing it. Here are some tips for installing a 5 point harness in your race car:

• Read the instructions – Racequip includes detailed installation instructions with diagrams. Read them fully before beginning.
• Mount to roll cage – For maximum strength, attach the shoulder harness straps to the main roll cage or chassis. Avoid mounting to sheet metal alone.
• Mind the angles – The shoulder straps should be mounted at a 20-30 degree angle down from horizontal. Lap and anti-sub straps should be at a 45 degree angle.
• Position correctly – Place harness so straps neatly guide into the buckles without twisting. Straps should cross the chest and hips at a central point.
• Use quality hardware – Only mount the harness with the supplied Grade 8 bolts or stronger. Use lock washers.
• Double check – Give all connections a firm pull test and recheck angles. Make sure mounting is rock solid.
• Retighten – Check and retighten bolts after a couple uses as materials settle into place.

Taking the time to correctly install your Racequip harness helps optimize restraint and safety. Following the guide gets you set up for comfortable, durable use.

Where to Buy a Racequip 5 Point Harness

Racequip harnesses and accessories are sold by a wide range of retailers to conveniently get you the right equipment. Here are some of the best places to buy:

• Race specialty shops – For expertise and custom fitting, visit local race shops. They carry Racequip and similar brands. Try on harnesses for comfort.
• Racing websites – Online retailers like Jegs and Summit Racing have huge inventories of Racequip harnesses, parts and bundles for easy one-stop shopping.
• Amazon – For fast shipping and easy returns, harnesses are available on Amazon. Compare models and prices.
• eBay – eBay is great for discounted new and used Racequip harnesses from individual sellers or stores.
• Racequip website – Buy direct from Racequip.com and take advantage of custom fabrication services, especially for unique race vehicles.

Wherever you choose to purchase, inspect the harness closely upon delivery to ensure it’s in perfect condition before installing. Take advantage of return policies if needed.

Key Features to Look for in Racequip Harnesses

Racequip offers an amazing array of harness options to get the right mix of features and budget for your needs. Some key things to look for:

• Strap width – Racequip harnesses come in 2″, 3″, or 4″ strap widths. Wider is more comfort on shoulders. Narrow is lighter.
• Padding – Added foam cushioning on shoulder straps relieves pressure points for greater comfort and less fatigue.
• Buckles & adjusters – Cam lock buckles release with a quick pull. Adjusters loosen or tighten straps as needed.
• SFI certification – SFI approval ensures the harness meets safety standards for your racing class. Look for the spec label.
• Release mechanisms – Harnesses have a quick release or restraints can breakaway for rapid driver exit in emergencies.
• Mounting style – Bolt-in harnesses have buckles separate from mounting points. Cam-lock models integrate buckles into mounts.
• Cosmetics – Racequip offers bold customizable colors and embroidery to look as good as you perform.

With many features to mix and match, Racequip makes it easy to build a harness for your exact needs. Focus on comfort, convenience and certification level to choose the best setup.

Maintaining and Cleaning Your Racequip Harness

To get the longest life and performance from a Racequip harness, it’s important to properly maintain it. Here are some tips:

• Check wear – Regularly inspect webbing for cuts, fraying or damage. Look for torn stitching or bent hardware.
• Clean dirt – Use a soft brush and mild soap solution to keep harness free of dirt, oil and grease from the track.
• Spot clean – For stubborn stains, spot scrub with an upholstery cleaner. Rinse and air dry away from direct sunlight.
• Store carefully – Keep the harness in a cool, dry place away from moisture and chemicals when not in use. Avoid kinks.
• Replace worn parts – Retire any deteriorated harness components. Racequip sells individual replacement straps, pads and hardware.
• Consider age – Abide by SFI expiration dates, typically 2-5 years. Replace a harness after any major crash.

Proper care maximizes the lifespan of your Racequip harness and ensures it provides reliable protection race after race.

Is Racequip SFI Certified?

One of the most important considerations for a racing harness is SFI certification. SFI sets rigorous standards for performance and durability of safety equipment. Meeting certification gives racers confidence in their gear.

The good news – all Racequip harnesses are SFI approved. They have passed all tests to carry SFI identification. However, not all harnesses are certified to the same spec level.

SFI has a range of certifications for different racing purposes:

• SFI 16.1 – Minimum rating for drag racing use. Withstands 3Gs force.
• SFI 16.5 – Upgraded for stock cars and off-road. Rated for 5Gs impact.
• SFI 16.6 – Highest rating for purpose-built race cars. Must take 8Gs.

Look for the SFI spec labelled right on your Racequip harness. Use the appropriate rating for your vehicle type and racing needs. This ensures your harness provides suitable protection.

Racequip also sells non-SFI harnesses for show cars or street use only. For racing, stick with SFI certified models only to guarantee proper safety.

Harness Materials Used by Racequip

In addition to SFI certification, the quality of materials is what sets Racequip harnesses apart. Their innovative materials make the harnesses comfortable, flexible and incredibly strong.

Webbing

The harness straps themselves are made from specialty webbing. Racequip uses mil-spec, Jacquard loom webbing in their harnesses. This military-grade webbing is tear resistant even under high loads.

Many Racequip harnesses use Flex TechTM webbing. It has extra elastane woven in to add flexibility and prevent stap fraying from shoulder strap twist and rotation in a race car. This innovative material helps their wide, padded shoulder straps stay comfortable through long races.

Hardware

Harness buckles, adjusters and mounting hardware must be just as strong as the webbing. Racequip uses aircraft-quality aluminum alloy in their hardware for high strength and low weight.

The harness fittings are treated with an anodized coating for corrosion resistance. Stainless steel hardware is also used in some models.

Comfort Padding

To ease pressure on shoulders and body, Racequip offers harness straps with closed-cell foam padding. This breathable padding makes rides more comfortable without absorbing water or odors.

Quality materials are extremely important for safety, durability and comfort in a racing harness. Racequip sets the industry standard.

Adjusting Your Harness for a Proper Fit

The whole point of a 5 point harness is keeping you safely in the optimal driving position. That requires properly adjusting the harness for a snug, tailored fit.

Follow these tips to get the right fit from your new Racequip harness:

• Position shoulder straps flat against your torso without twisting, extending just off the edge of your shoulders. They should fit snugly while allowing full arm movement.
• Lap straps should ride low across your pelvic area, below your belly button. You want them crossing your strong hip bones to take force.
• The anti-submarine strap should fit up between your legs relatively flat against your tailbone. It prevents you from slipping down and out in a crash.
• For comfort, adjust strap ends so the harness buckles sit centered on your body.
• Double check the harness pulls comfortably snug across your shoulders, hips and chest when you cinch it up. No excessive tightness or looseness.
• Test different seated positions to ensure you can comfortably reach controls without harness resistance or digging in.

Taking the time to properly adjust your Racequip harness helps maximize comfort and safety every time you get strapped in.

How Much Does a Racequip 5 Point Harness Cost?

As with most racing gear, you can pay a little or a whole lot for a 5 point harness depending on the features and quality you want.

Racequip harnesses range from around $150 up to $600 or more. Their lineup includes models for all budgets:

• Entry-level – Basic SFI certified harnesses start around $150-$200. Great for newcomers to racing.
• Mid-range – Most popular are $200-$400 models with added comforts like padding. Offer robust protection.
• High-end – Top harnesses with premium materials and custom options extend up to $600+. Popular with professionals.

Harness accessories like extra mounting hardware, replacement parts or racing nets add to the cost. But you certainly don’t have to spend top dollar for a Racequip harness that will safely get the job done.

Consider your budget along with the features and certifications you want to select the best value Racequip harness for your racing needs.

Repairing a Damaged Harness

No racing gear lasts forever, and harnesses do get damaged occasionally through wear and tear. But there’s no need to immediately replace it if the damage is repairable.

Here are some tips for repairing a Racequip harness:

• Examine closely – Look at all straps, webbing, buckles and hardware for problems. Make sure it’s safe for use before repairing.
• Clean first – Wash dirty or greasy harness areas to be repaired so the fix adheres properly.
• Stitch webbing – Small tears or cuts in webbing can be sewn back together with strong nylon thread to extend life.
• Replace hardware – Bent or dysfunctional hardware like buckles should be replaced. Racequip sells individual parts.
• Patch outer damage – Fraying spots can be covered with a webbing patch adhered with resin glue before they get worse.
• Re-pad – Detaching old padding lets you install new replacement padding kits from Racequip.

With some thoughtful repairs, you can refresh your Racequip harness to keep it going strong for many more races.

Must-Have Accessories for Racequip Harnesses

A proper 5 point harness setup requires more than just the webbing straps themselves. The right accessories integrate the harness into your race car securely and comfortably.

Here are some must-have add-ons for Racequip harnesses:

• Harness pads – Used on the shoulder straps, these cushion discomfort and prevent seat belt rash on your neck.
• Sternum straps – This extra chest strap prevents shoulder straps from separating in hard cornering. Crucial for safety.
• Quick release – Lets you detach buckles with one pull to exit quicker in emergency situations.
• Mounting brackets – Professionally mounts harnesses to the chassis for solid strength. Prevents breakage.
• Anti-submarine belts – Extra strap prevents sliding underneath the harness, great for smaller framed racers.
• Harness covers – Customizable woven covers give your harness a cool look while protecting the webbing.

The right accessories personalize your harness setup for security, comfort and appearance so it performs at its best every race weekend.

Ensuring Safety with Your Racequip Harness

Racing harnesses provide superior protection compared to regular seat belts, but only if you use them properly. Follow these guidelines to safely get the most from your Racequip 5 point harness:

• Follow expiration dates – Replace harness after the SFI certification period ends or after any major crash.
• Snug fit – Harness should fit tight enough over shoulders and hips to prevent excessive movement.
• Check attachment – Verify harness bolts are securely tightened before each use. Replace loose hardware.
• No obstructions – Never have straps routed over or around roll cage tubes, headrests or seat edges that could cut webbing in a crash.
• Face forward – Never wear a harness loosely, sideways or backwards. Strap yourself in facing straight forward in the direction of travel.
• Buckle up – Always keep the harness buckled any time you are moving in the vehicle. Leave it secured until you’re parked.

Respecting harness expiration, properly fitting the straps, and buckling up facing forward are the most important considerations for safely tapping into the superior protection of your Racequip.

Potential Issues to Watch Out For

Even top quality products like Racequip harnesses can develop issues from use and age. Watch out for these common problems:

• Fraying – The harness webbing may fray from rubbing against the seat or chassis. Frayed spots weaken the straps.
• UV damage – Sunlight can deteriorate and fade harness materials when stored improperly. Keep it covered and out of direct light.
• Corrosion – Water and sweat can cause buckles and hardware to corrode. Clean and dry thoroughly to avoid this.
• Twisted straps – Improper mounting allows straps to twist, decreasing comfort. Routed incorrectly, they can even cut during crashes.
• Indentation – Harness pressure can dent or bend the tubing of an improper roll cage. Reexamine the mounting points.
• Expired SFI – Once past the expiration date, aged harnesses lose integrity and may no longer provide sufficient protection.

Regularly inspect your harness and correct any issues promptly to keep it in sound condition for safe use.

Is It Time to Replace Your Racequip Harness?

No matter how durable, every Racequip harness will eventually need replacement. But when is it time to retire your old harness and buy a new one?

Here are the signs indicating you should replace a worn out Racequip harness:

• The SFI certification label shows it’s past expiration date
• You’ve used the harness for more than 5 years, even if lightly
• Any straps are torn, frayed or UV damaged
• Hardware shows corrosion or damage
• There are visibility loose or broken stitches
• Buckles or adjustments are jammed or malfunctioning
• The harness has been involved in a major crash
• Your racing class has upgraded certification requirements

Replacing an expired harness lets you take advantage of newer designs and materials to stay up to date on safety. Don’t take chances with worn equipment – if your Racequip harness shows its age, it’s time for new gear.

Choosing Colors and Customizations

An appealing benefit of Racequip harnesses is the wide range of color options and customizations. You can get a harness with colors and features that match your personality and look great in your ride.

• Standard colors – Racequip offers most models in basic colors like red, blue, black, grey and purple webbing.
• Vibrant options – Want to stand out? Choose from bright orange, lime green, yellow and more.
• Two-tone combos – Mix and match webbing colors for a striking look. Popular combinations include red/black or blue/black.
• Custom embroidery – Get your name, car number, sponsor logos and more embroidered onto the harness straps.
• Pre-cover options – Racequip can put cool removable woven cover sleeves over your straps.
• DIY covers – Add your own unique harness covers from sellers on sites like Etsy.

Don’t settle for boring black – show your personality by selecting vibrant colors or a completely custom harness design from Racequip.

Storing Your Harness Properly When Not in Use

Like any racing equipment, proper storage between events helps a Racequip harness last longer. Consider these storage tips:

• Clean first – Hose off dirt and mud so it doesn’t get ground in. Spot clean heavy stains before storing.
• Air dry – Hang harness to fully dry before stowing it away wet. Moisture causes mildew.
• Cool & dry – Keep stored away from heat and humidity to avoid degrading materials.
• Avoid sunlight – Direct sun exposure can fade and weaken harness fibers. Store covered.
• Lay flat – Folding and creasing the straps over time weakens them. Lay harness flat or gently roll it.
• Rodent-proof – Keep in sealed bins or bags so mice don’t chew up the webbing.
• Detach hardware – Unbolt harnesses from race car seats during long-term storage to avoid warped angles.

Properly drying, cooling and storing your harness maximizes its longevity so you get the most value from your investment.

Is a Racequip Harness Suitable for Any Type of Racing?

Racequip offers an enormous range of harnesses to suit the needs of most forms of auto racing. However, not all of their models may be appropriate for every racing application.

Factors that determine if a Racequip harness suits a racing style include:

• SFI certification – The SFI spec rating must be sufficient for your vehicle speed and impact forces.
• Mounting method – Different vehicles and restraining needs demand different mounting bracket styles.
• Ease of release – Quick exits for certain disciplines like drag racing need specialized fast release buckles.
• Harness mobility – Freedom of movement is especially key in off-road racing over uneven terrain.
• Padding – Extra cushioning provides essential comfort for long distance circuit races.
• Strap width – Narrower straps may beneeded to fit tightly packed race cars.

While Racequip can meet most needs, carefully match the harness capabilities to your specific racing situation for optimal safety and performance.

The Bottom Line

For superior comfort, customization, and proven reliability, Racequip is my top choice for race car harnesses. Their innovative materials and meticulous construction give racers the safest possible restraint with a personalized fit.

Hopefully this guide provides helpful advice for choosing the right Racequip 5 point harness and using it to maximize your protection. Stay safe and drive your fastest with Racequip!