Could you ever imagine that your vehicle's seatbelt could be a place where you
could make a single modification to improve the performance and safety of your
vehicle? This little piece of technology gives you "Racing
Harness-Like" security for your regular vehicle.
When modifying a vehicle for performance, most people go after upgrades for the engine and handling first. That being said, it is much like how we would go after upgrades for a PC. We upgrade the CPU, add RAM, and put in a good video card. However, by just concentrating on the performance modifications, we neglect the most important item in the equation: The person.
When we neglect the person, we end up with the cheap ass $15 buck keyboard and mouse combo mated to our high end gaming machine. It doesn't feel great using it, and YOUR performance suffers. Today, we look at something that will improve the interface between you and your driving machine so that you can get the best possible performance from your highend vehicle, or performance modifications.
The CG-Lock is a device that attaches to your seatbelt and gives you the ability to make your lap belt as tight as you need to keep you planted in your seat instead of sliding all over the place, much like what a racing harness would do. In fact, the company claims that you get up to 80% of the holding power of a full racing harness.
What's in the Box?
The CG-Lock comes with everything you need to install it to most over the shoulder seatbelts. I say most because the CG-Lock is not currently compatible with multiple pass seatbelt tongues. The package inlcudes the CG-Lock assembly itself, mounting hardware, and even an allen wrench for an easy out of the box install. Stickers are included to allow you to show off your love for the device after install.
The CG-Lock comes with a full money back guarantee. The claim is "Your lap times will decrease and your driving performance will improve, or your money back!" It's also made right here in Canada.
The CG-Lock isn't just for performance enthusiasts. The regular, every day driver could also benefit greatly from the enhancements this device provides.
Installation
The CG-Lock comes with well documented installation instructions. We found them easy to understand, and the diagrams came in very handy. Our installation took us less than five minutes with only what was supplied to us from CG-Lock. No extra tools were necessary.
If the paper instructions aren't enough, the CG-Lock website has installation videos and tips to give you all the info you need to successfully install the CG-Lock. Once installed, you can jump in your seat, push yourself as far back into the seat as possible, and buckle in.
To adjust slack in the belt, you simply release the CG-Lock using the level on the side of the device. Once buckled in, position the belt down on your leg as much as possible, then pull up on the shoulder belt to secure. Piece of cake. You've done it right if your lap belt is "racing harness tight" while your shoulder belt stays loose.
Performance
After properly installing our CG-Lock, we went for a spirited drive with a co-pilot. While our passenger was sloshing around in her seat, and grabbing for the "OS" handle for dear life, I was firmly planted in, and down on my seat. Things that I noticed during spirited turns and quick accelerations was how light my hands and feet felt on the wheels and the pedals. Heel-toe shifting and braking was nearly effortless while steering was just a light flick away. It was very close to being strapped into a 4 point racing harness system. I'd say you're 60% there vs the 80% touted by CG-Lock.
Getting out of the CG-Lock was as easy as unbuckling a regular safety belt. Just release and go. If you ever need to reach for a wallet or something in the car, you can loosen the belt by simply flipping the cam lever while pulling up on the CG-Lock. You can't do that with a 4 point harness.
If you ever need to remove it, just undo the bolts, and, slide the clamp off, and its gone.
For the Regular Driver...
For the regular driver who is not into performance or spirited driving, the enhanced security and control inspires confidence and peace of mind when on the road. Imagine if you were driving yourself to work, when all of a sudden, a deer jumps out on the road. Your solid connection to the vehicle allows you to react quicker, and more precisely while maintaining control and confidence during emergency situations. In a sense, it's like adding another safety feature to your vehicle.
Concerns...
The added security of the belts definitely feels great, but be careful! It is very easy to overtighten them if you're not careful. Remember, snug, not amputation! Also, because the CG-Lock weighs down the belt, the seatbelt retraction mechanism will likely not work so you'll need to watch it when you slam the door, that the belt is safely inside the vehicle first. As far as long term longevity, the CG-Lock is solid, but because the CG lock secures a bit differently than the seatbelt was for, long term wear at the point where the CG-Lock hooks up may be suspect.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the CG-Lock was a welcome addition to the drivers seat. It is hard to imagine such a simple device doing so much to enhance the driving experience. It really made you feel like you were one with the vehicle and enhanced both control and comfort. I highly recommend it for anyone that's into motorsports, or enjoys a good spirited drive on a curvy mountain road. Plus at only $39.95 US, it is a great value for so much performance.
You can pick one up for yourself from CG-Lock or head over to CG-Lock Canada if you're a Canuck.
Pros
Cons
Ease of Use: 9.5
Performance: 9.5
Features: 9.0
Value: 9.5
