Double-hoop rollbars: Good?

Yeah, another rollbar thread. Sorry.

The wife and I recently started talking about safety in the miata. This leads us to the subject of this rollbar thread. We want the protection of a rollbar, but want a classic, sporty look. We are interested in safety first, trackability a distant second (I've never participated in so much as an autox, although I like the idea alot). We are leaning toward a 4-point, double-hoop chrome/stainless rollbar.

So, I come asking for anyone to chime in who has any experience/thought/opinions regarding double-hoop rollbars. I'm aware of and have seen a little bit regarding the Deuce (Hard dog) and Boss Frog, but not really much other than the advertising hype. I'm looking for information like: are there any others to consider? Do any of them have trouble fitting under a soft top? Are there any distinct disadvantages of a double-hoop?

Have any of these aftermarket rollbars undergone automotive industry testing? (Boss Frog states right on their install instructions that they have not.)

I'm currently trying to find out what I can perusing other threads/site, but double-hoop specific info is proving to be sporatic vs single hoops.

Regards.

They look silly look at this guy! ;)

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos..._1464871_n.jpg

I have had my Harddog Deuce for 7 years and love it. I have done 4 track events with it and no one has questioned it.

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos...0_956412_n.jpg

I have Deuces in two of our Miata's.
I like mine enough to buy one for my wifes.

Least intrusive, no blocked mirror, no top interference, and It looks good.
I personally can't stomach the Frog, its ugly.

With the 2 tubes between the seatbelt towers, its the best bar to be in a side impact.
(which is much more likely than flipping it)

I would be glad to show you mine.
Sit in it and see what you think, compare it to your other choices.
I can also provide installation on whatever bar you decide.

http://inlinethumb15.webshots.com/44...500x500Q85.jpg

Thanks guys. Yeah, I need to make it out to another g2g and talk about them with you guys. Is there going to be one next Wed? You know, it's the day before Thanksgiving.

Rogue, I'm not sure what you mean by the two tubes, but I am interested in any potential upgrade in side-impact protection. I'll have to see it I guess.

Regards.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Piff

Thanks guys. Yeah, I need to make it out to another g2g and talk about them with you guys. Is there going to be one next Wed? You know, it's the day before Thanksgiving.

Rogue, I'm not sure what you mean by the two tubes, but I am interested in any potential upgrade in side-impact protection. I'll have to see it I guess.

Regards.

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The Harddog Deuce has support bars that you can't see (they run under the parcel shelf). The picture below shows one pre-installation.

http://www.simon-fraser.com/images/m...everything.jpg

You can clearly see how it would add protection in a side impact.

Now if we look at some of the other bars out there, we see that they offer varying levels of lateral support, but non offer a bar that goes straight across between the seatbelt towers like the Deuce does:

Harddog Sport
http://www.topdown.net/images/harddogs/hd_m2_p7.JPG

Harddog Sport Double Diagonal
http://www.topdown.net/images/harddo...2_diags_p8.JPG

Harddog Sport Double Diagonal W/Harness Bar
http://www.bethania-garage.com/images/hs2dh.jpg

Harddog Hardcore Single Diagonal
http://www.bethania-garage.com/images/tb1.jpg

Harddog Hardcore Double Diagonal
http://inoneear.com/miata/rollbar_01.jpg

Brainstorm Single Diagonal
http://mangocats.com/miata/graphics/bar1.jpg

Boss Frog Double Hoop
http://www.teammiata.com/images/Boss...p_assembly.jpg

Very nice comparison Titus. Not that it helps much but I decided long ago to go with the double hoop offered at GWR when I do upgrade my bars because I expect a far greater chance of side impact than rollover. But this bar can easily handle either.

http://www.good-win-racing.com/miata...CHoopCOMP2.jpg