Where best to purchase MSA/FIA Flags?

[Simon Morris]

Due to the slightly hit and miss quality of the flags that you find on post, I hope to treat myself to my own set for next season.
(no particular circuit, I add, I have found good and bad flags at all circuits)

Can anyone recommend anywhere these can be purchased?

Cheers
Simon

[Adam43]

From the MSA/FIA flag shop?

I think Demon Tweaks sell them, but I don't know if it is the best place to get them.

[westfieldbend]

here is good
http://www.sandyjonesracingflags.com/index.htm
bought the little ones for my slot car circuit ages ago

[Stack]

I seem to remember Al Green telling me he got a set from the States. A PM may confirm this.

[Stuart H]

Got my set from demon tweeks. £100 for them but i've had them for 8 years and got my money worths out of them.

[Joyce George]

I have a friend who has made several sets for marshals- much more reasonably priced, pm me for details. They are very professional & lightweight.
Joyce

[Burnsie]

I'm not sure if the Demon Tweeks set mentioned above is a standard "on post" set, or the full set including black, black/white, meatball and chequered flags. Flags GB can provide the complete set (including startline flags) for £144; and the six flags for taking out to post can be bought for £78. All of the flags are 100cm x 70cm, and all come with poles.

[Burnsie]

Sorry, forgot to post the link!

http://www.flagsgb.com/shop/index.php?cPath=36_37

[Chigley]

Make them your self, its not difficult and very cheap. I made a set for myself and MarkCh for about £30. Dowling from B&Q and bit of stain/varnish and some lightweight nylon sailcloth thats all you need. I can supply details for the purchase of sailcloth; offcuts are very cheap.

[rbs]

You could also purchase off cuts from Hot Air balloon manufacturers Cameron and Lindstrand.

[Alan Green]

There's a link above for Sandy Jones flags in the US, which is where I got mine from, asking for a plain blue rather than a striped (US style) blue, I think if you ask for a surface flag rather than a chequered flag I'm sure she'll do that for you.

One thing to be aware of is that the yellow is the wrong shade, it stands out very well but it is a darker yellow than normal - I don't mind using it for club meetings, but for international level meetings I tend to use the circuit provided yellows to avoid any doubt.

Al.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/24-X-30-Pro-Quality-Racing-Flag-Set-7-flags_W0QQitemZ140276195230QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item140276195230&_trkparms=72%3A1301|39%3A1|66%3A2|65 %3A12|240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

[Bodysnatcher]

As Al says, just be careful at FIA or very similar standard meetings. THe FIA actually state the colours very explicitly.

found it
http://www.fia.com/sport/regulations...article04.html

What I have noticed with some personal sets is that the red is not the required size. ie these sets tend to be all the same size - the standard 60 by 80 - when the red needs to be 80 by 100

[bluebeard]

Originally Posted by Chigley

Make them your self, its not difficult and very cheap. I made a set for myself and MarkCh for about £30. Dowling from B&Q and bit of stain/varnish and some lightweight nylon sailcloth thats all you need. I can supply details for the purchase of sailcloth; offcuts are very cheap.

ripstop nylon is also cheap, lightweight, & doesn't hold water

[Eddy V]

Originally Posted by Bodysnatcher

when the red needs to be 80 by 100

For some drivers it should be 160 by 200.

[Stack]

Looking at the prices you could get away with buying just yellow and blue-the most used -and just use the other circuits flags. there's nothing worse than trying to wave a sodden cloth flag!

[Grandslammer]

Always carry my own set in the boot,never sure what condition the circuit set might offer up
Mine are homemade,materials sourced from local markets,the hi-viz yellow proving to be somewhat harder to find but managed in the end
Haven't been to some circuits for a few years but can remember having to work with blanket size and weight flags (some poetic licence there ) plus those with broom,broken,square,plastic tube type handles
Must say that,imo, a lack of purpose built storage whilst on post and even poor care of the flags,plays it's part in their condition though
How many flaggies for instance, keep the flags 'handleup',leaving the flag itself on the ground,in all weather ?

[Chigley]

How many flaggies for instance, keep the flags 'handleup',leaving the flag itself on the ground,in all weather ?

Ah, thats where a clever piece of advice from Racegypsy comes in.

Fold the flag diagonally from the top outside corner down to the lower inside corner and then roll it. A piece of velcro will hold it closed and your flags will never dangle in the dirt ( queue wise cracks/witty tunes). When the flag is needed just rip the velcro apart, pull and the flag unfurls ready for instant use.
This method is by far easier than rolling the whole flag around the handle.

[The STIG]

Originally Posted by Grandslammer

Haven't been to some circuits for a few years but can remember having to work with blanket size and weight flags (some poetic licence there ) plus those with broom,broken,square,plastic tube type handles

Ah, you've been to Donington too!

I would love to get my own set soon. But I think that if I did, I'd also get a proper case for them as well to use as a rack on post. I know of at least one Marshal who does this.

[Grandslammer]

Originally Posted by The STIG

Ah, you've been to Donington too!

I was trying to be diplomatic

[Woolley]

I have a permanently damaged thumb courtesy of one of Donington's blue duvets attached to plastic pipe on a wet day. Putting off the day until surgery, but it will come in time. Doesn't make me feel very diplomatic, though.

[The Flagman]

Interesting discussion - we have diverse views about what to use but common opinions on the state of circuit flags!

I have carried a homemade Blue and Yellow for some time now. Persuaded a local sailmaker to run up some offcuts of ripstop nylon sailcloth. Comes in different weights but the lightest is fine. No problem finding the right colours. And they're colour fast - dyed cloth often fades.

Remember to allow extra for a pole sleeve when sizing.

Simple dowels from DIY shop and varnish plus drawing pins to hold in place. Easy to take off for washing. Bingo - a tenner each complete.

Carry mine in the sleeve for a lightweight stool

We sometimes forget the need to have a bit of weight and balance in a flag - start off with the stick a bit long then shorten to suit

Drawbacks - can be noisy when waved and in really strong winds they are too light. i'm 99% satisfied with mine.
Word of warning - they dont travel well by plane - not allowed as hand luggage and non standard size for the hold so they get caught on the baggage retrieval belt and hold back other luggage! Often do sprints, hillclimbs and karts so next time will have a red as well.

Others colours just work with circuit flags for occasional use.

[Circuitmarshal]

Flags we use at Goodwood come from MBS.
http://www.mbsuk.com
Hope this helps.

[Andrew Palmer]

Originally Posted by joyceswan

I have a friend who has made several sets for marshals- much more reasonably priced, pm me for details. They are very professional & lightweight.
Joyce

Another thread in Joyce's bow. I didn't know you can sow.

[Dave Brand]

Originally Posted by Andrew Palmer

Another thread in Joyce's bow. I didn't know you can sow.

Sow as in seeds or as in female pigs?

[Andrew Palmer]

Originally Posted by Dave Brand

Sow as in seeds or as in female pigs?

As in seeds of cause.

If I'm to be in trouble I not need your help Dave.