new product idea.... need input from racers

[sr73bu]

Hey guys,

I've been working on a new design brand (nothing new) with the PT/ hot rodder in mind (nothing new)... Just some interesting clothing/ hats/etc... PLEASE READ BELOW..

I'm an industrial designer by trade, so I'd really like to branch off this company with something functional... I've gained some knowledge of materials and processes over the years and I have some contacts to make things happen...

ANYWAY....I need your guys opinion on driving gloves... I know many companies (Sparco, RJS, Simpson...) already offer great options for the racer. My intention would be to focus on driving gloves and possibly items to better connect the driver with his/her car.... (steering wheels/shift knobs/pedals...)

SO the quetion is...
what do you look for in a driving glove?
what do current gloves lack?
If I made an autocross specific glove.. what would you look for?
If I designed an autocross specific glove, would you want to see an sfi (flame proof) certification... or would something breathable, with grip and comfort non-sfi approved be ok.
Most importantly, would you buy an autocross specific glove?

Since my plan may remain soley with driving gloves, i want to start developing with your input! I'd like to start with an autocross specific glove.. so any advice from the autocrosser would be great!

I still have alot of research to do and hope to get in contact with sfi this week about requirements.... still trying to figure out if its worth it...

if i go ahead with this, i'll be sending out prototypes to anyone interested in making HARSH, non-sugarcoated reviews/comments... so i can make revisions... stay tuned.

Thanks in advance!!

:cheers:

-Sean

[formula]

I'm thinking breathability is a must at our level at least, since most of us tend to be autocrossing on weekends at car shows or other similar events, and are thus much more like to be out there using the gloves in the middle of the summer, sweating our butts off.

[sr73bu]

I'm thinking breathability is a must at our level at least, since most of us tend to be autocrossing on weekends at car shows or other similar events, and are thus much more like to be out there using the gloves in the middle of the summer, sweating our butts off.

Thanks Formula! I'll keep that in mind! I plan on autocrossing next year when my car is done so i guess i'll find out for myself...

Basically what i found out so far from some autocross events is guys want better grip, lightweight, breathable (i'm researching self wicking material... think Underarmor).. basically an optimized bare hand... of coarse they have to look cool too...

keep the comments coming guys!


:cheers:

-Sean

[coolwelder62]

I like to use an old pair of welding gloves w/the fingers cut out.

[DynoDon]

As one who has raced at both the amateur and professional levels in may different arenas - Off Road, Rally, Road Racing, Drag Racing, Auto Cross etc. these are my views for an autocross specific glove.
1.) Thin and subtle leather on the palm (steering wheel side) would be top of the list. I like to be able to feel the feedback in the wheel and the shifter. Soft cloth on the back side
2.) Breathable - I don't consider this very necessary for an autocross glove as most runs are very short and I always remove my gloves as soon as I finish a run, in any kind of race car. It certainly wouldn't have a downside, just not a priority.
3.) SFi approved or fireproof. If the above consideration in #1 can be met than by all means of course it is welcomed, but since most of us race in a T Shirt and there aren't any rules for it, low consideration.

Good luck, Don

[sr73bu]

Thanks Guys!!!

I was actually wondering about a finger-less version or making it modular (with or without finger cover)...

Thats an excellent point about the t-shirt/jeans autocross attire!!... I think an sfi cert. may be overkill (until I design a road racing glove), since i want them to be very affordable for the grassroot racer...

AWESOME GUYS! KEEP THE COMMENTS COMING! Once i figure out some legal stuff i'll show some concept sketches/renderings... at least the "company" logo

-Sean

[DynoDon]

I would N E V E R wear a finger less glove. Proper grip of the wheel requires the contact of fingers to the wheel.












Did I mention I'm not a fan of fingerless gloves and laugh at the effeminate motorcycle guys that wear them?

[sr73bu]

hahaha... I'll keep that in mind... Unless I make a pair for drummers.... well maybe just Tommy Lee... he could pull it off... lol

[sr73bu]

Thanks for the comments guys!

Any interest in a material that provides grip (wheel/shifter), but also some "slip"... for allowing the wheel to spin or turn through your fingers easier???

-Sean

[CamaroAJ]

what would be ideal would be a motocross glove thats a little longer in the cuff and sfi approved. breathable, good grip, light and takes abuse.

[Jasons72]

Sounds like a great idea, i would be down for a pair if these reach production.

[Nessumsar]

If you are aiming this toward the autocross crowd I would suggest making a glove much like a golf glove. Use some sort of supple leather (pig) or leather like material, perforations on the back of the hand for breathing, maybe do a smooth palm and a suede palm version; for people who have smooth/suede steering wheels. I personal would prefer no grip adders (rubber) on the glove, I like to let the wheel slide through my hands. As far as colors I would do black, white, and dark tan.

I don't know how important/necessary a SFI approval would be. As Don said, most of us race in a tshirt...

Do a long-cuff, high-grip rubber-palmed version, SFI glove for the road race crowd.

If you need someone with an XL hand to test them, I can offer some input.

[novaderrik]

As one who has raced at both the amateur and professional levels in may different arenas - Off Road, Rally, Road Racing, Drag Racing, Auto Cross etc. these are my views for an autocross specific glove.
1.) Thin and subtle leather on the palm (steering wheel side) would be top of the list. I like to be able to feel the feedback in the wheel and the shifter. Soft cloth on the back side
2.) Breathable - I don't consider this very necessary for an autocross glove as most runs are very short and I always remove my gloves as soon as I finish a run, in any kind of race car. It certainly wouldn't have a downside, just not a priority.
3.) SFi approved or fireproof. If the above consideration in #1 can be met than by all means of course it is welcomed, but since most of us race in a T Shirt and there aren't any rules for it, low consideration.

Good luck, Don

i think you just described Mechanix gloves with thinner leather in the palm and fingers.

[Bjkadron]

My main requirements for gloves, specifically for driving, are as follows.

1. The must be light enough and fit well enough that I should forget I have them on.

2. The must NEVER restrict movement.

3. They must not diminish the sensitivity of touch. Which pretty much means thinner is better and rubber grips are pretty much out.

4. and last but not least they shouldn't make my hands sweat or feel sticky. also, they shouldn't fall apart quickly when washed.

I'll just be honest. I haven't found a glove that I like enough to buy yet. But If I did I would unless they were priced at an absurd price.

As For my driving style, I really don't let the steering wheel "slip" very much.

Also, I am happy to give anyone "un-coated" reviews of their products as I don't believe that stuff should be compromised because of suck-ups. That may be why few people ask me to test/review their products though.

Anyway cool idea!

[Type73LT]

I would like it as like a second kind of skin. Very lite and flexible. The runs are not that far apart time wise so I only take off my helmet. If the gloves are not form fitting I would have to take them off too so I could strap the helmet again. I would keep the gloves on for doing adjustments to the car between rounds for so protection from heat on the car.

[sr73bu]

Excellent feedback guys! Thanks for your help!

I've already got in contact with SFI... they are sending a packet for me to review... including info about sending in a prototype for certification...

I'll probably work on a "grassroots" glove first... it probably wont be SFI certified, since to some of the points here and at local events, guys are wearing t-shirts and jeans...not to concerned with flame- proof qualities. It seems a "modified" natural grip will out weigh fire safety... nothing is final though.

If this works out, i'll do a road race glove... that will have to be SFI certified.

I'll post some concept sketches and other ideas as soon as i get a chance...

Thanks again!

-Sean

[go-fish]

Military issue flight gloves would work great for the functionality. They are flame retardant and havea thin leather palm. They come over the cuff of a shirt as well.
The only problem I have with them is the fingers are about 1/8 to 1/4 inch too long. If you could get your hands on a set and observe the materials and construction you would have a great base to go off of. Just refine the fitment.
You my search "military pilot glove" or "military aviator glove"?
Maybe one of the USAF flyboys on here could hook you up with a pair.

[Nessumsar]

Can't wait to see what you whip up Sean.

[sr73bu]

Thanks for the input and positive feedback!!! I'm speaking with a patent attorney tomorrow about trademarking for not only the gloves but my brand as well.. as soon as i get that handled i'll begin to post concepts and some designs....

Go-fish!.. thats a great idea... I have some connections with military guys... best friend (USMC-Infantry) and my sisters BF (Army- mechanic)... its funny because both used Mechanix gloves in Iraq for 2 different reasons (one to grip an M-4 and one to grip wrenches)... I also know a NAVY pilot/instructor I can speak with... this is another glove I may look into developing... I wasn't able to join the military so maybe this can be my way to give back in the future... or possibly with donations from my brand, but lets not get WAY ahead of ourselves.. I've still got alot of work to do...

Thanks again!

-Sean