Disadvantages of a full Cage ?

[Steve G.]

How difficult is it to get into a car with a full cage ? I know it's possible to get a caged one without the side rails which probably helps things but I'm not sure I bend well enough to get out of what would be the door opening. I did see someone get in from the top at Gurston. 

The other thing I was wondering was how far above a standard windscreen the front rail was, I know the rear one is taller for helmet clearance.

[Matt_S]

When you say full cage, do you mean the FIA full cage not their trackday cage?

 

FIA Full cage

 

 

Trackday cage

 

[Kingster]

I found it actually made it easier as you can grab on the bars and hoist yourself in!

 

Also, getting in/out through the top was something I would often do especially when the half doors were on it. 

[Andrzej]

I have two Westfields -  full Cage FIA as above and with rear MSA rollbar. 

For me much, much easier to get in/out with rollbar.

Also there was recent discussion re helmet in caged car on road not only on track. 

Additionaly worth to notice that this FIA Cage Has no properly protruding on side side bars.

 

[Flying Carrot Steve]

I've found it easier to get in with a cage and much easier to get out with one. 

 

I tried the top entry method, in fact I posted a video on here showing me attempting it as it was so flipping hilarious!  

 

If you're skinny no problem but at my size not good, much easier to get in and out from the side for me. 

 

[Kit Car Electronics and Essex AO]

I find getting in through the side of a full cage is very easy, but getting out does need a bit of flexibility... Although nothing is as difficult as a standard car with full weather gear!

[Matt_S]

I have a full FIA cage, an aero screen and lowered floors on my car.

 

As for disadvantages there are none, I get in and out through the top of the cage with and without a helmet on. I also have a custom tonneau which is no different than getting in a car with full wet gear, there’s a technique of getting in of course but no harder! 
 

The advantages are; extra safety compared to a normal roll bar, you feel much safer with it and they look awesome!

[Flying Carrot Steve]

1 hour ago, Kit Car Electronics and Essex AO said:

I find getting in through the side of a full cage is very easy, but getting out does need a bit of flexibility... Although nothing is as difficult as a standard car with full weather gear!

 

 

We must compare entry and exit techniques sometime 🤣

[Flying Carrot Steve]

1 hour ago, Matt_S said:

I have a full FIA cage, an aero screen and lowered floors on my car.

 

As for disadvantages there are none, I get in and out through the top of the cage with and without a helmet on. I also have a custom tonneau which is no different than getting in a car with full wet gear, there’s a technique of getting in of course but no harder! 
 

The advantages are; extra safety compared to a normal roll bar, you feel much safer with it and they look awesome!

 

 

They do DEFINITELY look awesome! 

[Naranja_Al]

I’m leaning towards retro fitting a full FIA cage over the winter. The only reason I’m not 100%, is the fact I’d need to drill my chassis rails as I don’t have the pre-drilled holes already….🤔

[Flying Carrot Steve]

17 minutes ago, Naranja_Al said:

I’m leaning towards retro fitting a full FIA cage over the winter. The only reason I’m not 100%, is the fact I’d need to drill my chassis rails as I don’t have the pre-drilled holes already….🤔

 

 

One of our WhatsApp group lads recently did his, not without some issues IIRC 

[Flying Carrot Steve]

 

As for disadvantages as per title, helmets would be advisable although whether a disadvantage depends upon your viewpoint. Then there is the fact the cage could kill you without a helmet. 

 

I often drive without one which is weird because I actually prefer wearing one for many reasons. Laziness or forgetfulness I'm not sure which it is 😂

[Steve G.]

Thanks for the replies. I was interested as having never tried it myself, probably OK at the moment but wouldn't want to make the car undriveable in the future. 

I can see the issues of not wearing a helmet which is one of the reasons I wanted to find a rear only one, not many around and caged didn't seem interested in making just a rear section. 

 

[Steve G.]

6 hours ago, Matt_S said:

When you say full cage, do you mean the FIA full cage not their trackday cage?

 

FIA Full cage

 

 

Trackday cage

 

I think for the effort involved it would make sense to go for the full cage especially the full one is still reasonably accessible.

[Mat Jackson 1975]

15 hours ago, Matt_S said:

I have a full FIA cage, an aero screen and lowered floors on my car.

 

As for disadvantages there are none, I get in and out through the top of the cage with and without a helmet on. I also have a custom tonneau which is no different than getting in a car with full wet gear, there’s a technique of getting in of course but no harder! 
 

The advantages are; extra safety compared to a normal roll bar, you feel much safer with it and they look awesome!

Matt, do you have any photos or details of your custom tonneau?