Roll Cage
A roll cage is a specially built frame that is inserted into the passenger compartment of a vehicle to ensure the safety of its passengers. It helps prevent injury in case the vehicle rolls over during an accident. They are often used for race cars to prevent serious injury. Some people prefer to use a roll bar, which is a single bar that sits behind the driver. Roll cages are commonly used on tractors as well.
Brands
Seeing as they are generally manufactured for derby cars or race cars,
roll cages can typically be purchased at automobile retail shops that specialize in motorsport vehicle preparation. Some of the leading manufacturers include Custom Cages, OMP, and Sparco. It is important to choose the right roll cage, especially if you plan to race competitively. Finding the right retailer can help you find the right cage for not only your car, but to ensure you meet all rules and regulations of your specific race.
Safety
A roll car will make a car safer in many ways. It is designed to protect the driver (and possibly the passenger, depending on the type of car and cage) from harm in case the car rolls over during an accident. The roll cage needs to be properly manufactured, however, because a poorly constructed cage may actually cause more harm than protection during an accident. Some people believe that you actually increase the chance of head injury with a roll cage, because you may hit your unprotected head on the cage (if you are not wearing a helmet, that is).
Benefits
Obviously if you drive a race vehicle, it is typically required to have a roll cage.
It will protect you in case of an accident, which, depending on the type of racing you do, can be very common. The roll cage can also strengthen the vehicle’s chassis, which means more control and better handling for the driver. This is because the roll cage is designed to be rigid and is usually welded to the interior of the car. Roll cages are generally required by rule for most races.
Drawbacks
While the roll cage does offer great protection, some people suggest that you actually increase your chance of head injury because you may hit your head on the bars. This can be stopped, however, by wearing a helmet. For racers, the biggest con would be the additional weight added to your vehicle, which may make your car slower. For regular drivers, the roll cage often means you have to get rid of your back seat. It can also be difficult to get out of your car unless you add a swing out bar.
Cost
The biggest factors affecting price are the brand type and design. In general, you can expect to pay between $2500 and $5000 for a roll cage, although the price may be more or less depending on various circumstances. It is recommended that you go to multiple retailers to compare prices and quality. While a roll cage can protect you during an accident, if it is poorly made it may hurt you more than help you, so it is important to insure the quality of the cage meets industry standards.