There’s still time to get a track session in before it gets proper nippy, so road tester Carl Stevens reveals his go-to circuit kit
ALPINESTARS TECH-AIR 10 AIRBAG - £1024.99
Expensive, but worth it. I’m confident that on at least one occasion this airbag system’s saved my collarbone or even ashoulder from snapping. It’s not perfect – there’s no ventilation as it’s a contained bag, and the closure mechanism and activation aren’t the slickest. Otherwise ace. gb.alpinestars.com
SHARK RACE-R PRO GP - £999.99
One of the best race lids I’ve ever sampled. Comfy, reasonably quiet, aerodynamically impressive at high speed, and looks ace with the big GP fin (this is my paint scheme, done by Rich-Art Concepts; not off-the-shelf). Ventilation could be a tad better on roasting days, but highly recommended. shark-helmets.com
ALPINESTARS RACING ABSOLUTE V2 - £3379.99
Get past the eye-watering price tag – this is one of the nicest suits I’ve ever seen, let alone worn. Detail, finish and feel are stunning, and they took no time to break in. I haven’t been down the road in these yet (yes, I’m touching wood), but have utter confidence in them. gb.alpinestars.com
ALPINESTARS SUPERTECH RVENTED BOOTS - £549.99
If there’s abetter all-round sports boot, I’m yet to try them. I can walk around all day yet they are incredibly supportive, with an inner boot that does wonders for securing the foot in aprang –and I’ve crashed in multiple sets, all of which have held up well. Go for the vented option as they offer anice breeze on warm days. Aside from the price, I’m struggling to think of a negative. gb.alpinestars.com
ALPINESTARS GP TECH V2 GLOVES - £349.99
Yes, more Astars stuff, but the GP Tech V2 are easy to get on and off, have asolid closure system and are very comfy, balancing flexibility with safety. Thin palms give great feel through the ’bars, but will mean they won’t have serious longevity in year-round use. Otherwise lovely. gb.alpinestars.com
VNM BASE LAYERS - £88
Base layers make things comfortable and it’s easier to slide a suit on and off – helpful for medics should you have a big crash. These VnM layers fit well, are super-comfy, and keep things cool in warm weather. I’ve used this set for six years, and after thousands of miles and hundreds of washes they’re still good for action. vnmsport.com
