"Anyway, I had new springs/dampers fitted and am very glad I fitted the CG-Lock a week later, because I tend to drive a lot more ’spirited’ these days and the CG-Lock keeps my big body in the seat. It feels very good to be a little bit better attached to the seat. More confidence, without the crampness of a full race harness"

Ian Summers
Leon Cupra 20VT

"CG Lock, a funny bit of metal or the difference between a quick driver and a competitive one? I read the blurb on the CG Lock and I nodded along agreeing in principle with what it was saying, but still somewhat skeptical. I placed the order though the web site which messed up due to my card issuer refusing to release my funds… I did have the the cash honest. So the next day I was able to call a nice chap at CG who took my details manually like the old days and my lock was dispatched.

At the end of my trip I came to the idea that there must be a Lap Time that can’t be crossed without proper 5/6 point harness, things get dangerous at around the 10 minute mark. By this I mean under heavy corner loads it can’t be safe to be using your own strength to hold your body in the seat and at the same time doing 120mph over a left hand crest. So if you want to stand any chance of cracking 9 mins you really do need proper harnesses or do you!?"

Vidar Gronsleth
Integra Type R 1800cc

Used on track at the Nurburgring Nordschleife, Germany, October 2008

"I wanted to let you know how pleased I am with the effects of the CG-Lock which I bought from your company recently.

The fact that I feel safe & much more comfortable in my car is worth much more than the cost of this ingenious device. I would happily recommend the CG-Lock to any driver."

Sharon Byrne
October 2008

"Hello all, just to let you know how good your product really is. I have only had one fitted for a few days now and I can keep my posture in the seat better instead of slouching. I feel safer with it fitted as I am kept in the seat far better than just the seat belt alone, especially if I have to brake hard. Cornering is much more fun now, being kept in the seat not sliding. I’ll have to put my bucket seats back in and get on a track now."

Ian Morgan
1.6 205 GTI

"I just wanted to say that the CG-Lock is a fantastic addition to our car. My wife and I picked up the CG-Locks at the MPH 2007 exhibition as we were impressed with the demonstration and its benefits. We’ve recently changed cars to a higher powered 305 BHP Vectra VXR and the first thing to transfer over was the CG-Locks. The devices work great and on long journeys have prevented back pain by holding us firmly into the seats. Everyone who has sat in the passenger seat with CG-Lock have expressed their interest in the device. Good work."

Steve Lloyd
VXR driver

"It made me feel more secure and more confident with the car"

Peter Goodman
Renault Clio 182 Trophy

"First impressions of the CG-Lock was that they’re a bit fiddly for the quick nip up the road kind of journey, but definitely worthwhile for the 5mile plus outings. The wife gets on well with the passenger side belt saying she feels much more secure. The car has been treated to suspension upgrades and also new anti-roll bars so the added firmness of the belt is reassuring. For myself, I think the overall effect is excellent. I purchased the CG Locks not just for the sports feel but for posture as well. I do suffer in the lower back area and the locks do take the tension away from the spine. I’ve also got the aftermarket Seat Sport Recaro’s which are heavily bolstered with lumber support and the locks are definitely a great addition to the whole package.

The thing that impressed me the most was the added security for my 3 1/2yr old girl. The seat that she uses is an Isofix unit that fixes directly to the chassis of the vehicle. This is all great, but this also relies on the original lap belt from the car for restraint. The CG Lock maintains a firm hold of the lap part of the belt which gives me great peace of mind. By locking the unit permanently to a pre-checked tension, I’m guaranteed to always get the seat belt tension right every time. Thanks, great item!"

Christopher Doe
278BHP Leon Cupra R 225
December 2007

With following mods:
Revo Stage 2 software, Full Blueflame Exhaust with 100cell sportscat, Forge front mount intercooler, Neuspeed front and rear anti-roll bars, Upper front strutbrace Jamex lowering springs with uprated rear shocks, Fox racing R1 18″ 8J rims on custom mounts, Seat Sport Front Recaro’s, Custom short shifter, Forge DV07 diverter valve, Gas flowed airbox with Geen panel filter Custom tuned N75 Valve, 4 Bar FPR… and of course CG-Locks!

Richard Perkins
Ford Focus RS
October 2007

"I had new springs/dampers fitted and very glad I fitted the CG-Lock a week later, cos I tend to drive a lot more “spirited” these days and the CG-Lock keeps my big body in the seat.

It feels very good to be a little bit better attached to the seat. More confidence, without the crampness of a full race harness.

Only problem is when I take the belt off, I must watch where I toss it, so it don’t goes through the window or scrapes up the B-pillar.

When it finally hangs there, it makes a “loop” so I must watch that when I sit down again. This is probably due to me being so big that I need a lot of
belt over my thighs."

Vidar G
Leon Cupra 20VT
August 2007

"Installation was a doddle. it took about 2-3 minutes to fit.

First impressions were really good, immediately I felt held into the seat, nice even pressure across my hips then I was off heading for some twisties!

I have to say I really enjoyed myself! The CG-Lock really gives a good feeling of security and I found myself throwing the car into every bend harder and faster than I have in the past & it left me hungry for more, I might go out for another play later! The device also actually made me feel safer, I felt secure more in my driving position. I’m quite slim being a 32 waist, 5′11, 76kgs so even though the sports seats in the SRI hug my thighs I sometimes feel a little unsupported and travelling along a bendy road I traverse in the seats and have to lean on the door or grab the seat, the CG-Lock has cured that for me. I don’t move around anywhere near as much because my hips are held firmly. I couldn’t help but grin I feel like I’ve got a new car, it made that much difference!

This really isn’t a gimmick I would definitely recommend getting one and especially at the price it is not much for the benefits I’ve experienced and it means you can keep your SRI sports seats and not have to shell out for buckets!"

Lee Clark
VX Astra 1.9 CDTI SRI 150 XP
July 2007

"Panther was feeling a little unwell after we had successfully negotiated the first few mountain passes of the day, so to give her a little rest from being thrown from side to side as I did my best to keep up with the others Mini’s in our little convoy I let her take the wheel as we ascended the narrow gravel Umbrailpass pass out of Switzerland before crossing over the border into Italy.

Waiting at the top of the Passo dello Stelvio for the descent to the Hotel Madatsch, were the rest of the newminiseverns club runners. Noticing Panther’s distinctly pale appearance, Jaffa commented that we should have invested in some CG-Locks like many other members of the group had done before they left England on this year’s Dolomites Challenge. Always the salesman Jaffa offered to demonstrate the benefits of his recent purchase explaining that the CG-Lock wedges your backside into the seat, stopping any sideways movement and suggested that his and my partners traded places for the planned descent down eastern ramp through 48 hairpin bends that stretched out below like a tarmac snake.

Upon arriving Trafoi Jaffa and a much happier Panther were already standing along side his Cooper S, it’s brakes now smoldering as they sung the virtues of being securely restrained during their very rapid descent, the transformation was outstanding. Already preaching to the converted Jaffa offered to fit his CG-Lock into the passenger side of my car on loan for the next few days whilst the well oiled mini club swung into action, a quick phone call to another member back home and through the sponsorship link on the www.miniadventureworld.com website another CG-Lock was very rapidly dispatched overnight and within a few days arrived in Italy along with two more members of our club.

Once fitted the remainder of the trip was far more enjoyable for my passenger and her requests to slow down almost disappeared! – In summary the product is excellent and the companies dispatch service second to none and I would have no hesitation in recommending the CG-Lock to any body that enjoys spirited driving!!"

Car info

2005 post facelift Mini One D 1.4 Turbo

Although the previous owner specked the car to the Cooper spec and it is generally accepted as the ONLY mk1 Cooper D around as at this time BMW did not make the Cooper as a diesel!

Although the previous owner specked the car to the Cooper spec and it is generally accepted as the ONLY mk1 Cooper D around as at this time BMW did not make the Cooper as a diesel!

The only real modifications since are that it has now been fitted with Pipercross Induction kit.

Pat Hume
Emu-p Newminiseverns.com club administrator & Mini2 member
Mini One D 1.4 Turbo
June 2007

"I’m fortunate enough to own a John Cooper Works GP. This car is one of only 2000 in the world. With fantastic acceleration and cornering this car is a car to be driven and that’s exactly what I have been doing.

I bought the car in August last year and since then it has been through much of Europe and along the twisting roads of the Alps and through the St Bernard’s Pass. Now I am about to take on the Dolomites Challenge, covering as many mountain passes as possible in 2 weeks, and a couple of months later, the Italian Job which incorporates 4 track days, including the amazing circuit at Monza.

With so many bends ahead of me I purchased the CG-Lock a couple of months back and the first time I used it was on the Top Gear test track.

The CG-Lock made an incredible difference when taking on corners for my passenger and myself. I no longer have to brace myself before taking a corner which has allowed me to concentrate on the driving at hand. My co-driver no longer has to shift around in the seat and is free to video our adventures as we go along.

After coming back from a recent road trip around France, I’m finding that I’m less fatigued after a long journey. The lock holds you correctly in your seat at all times, stopping you from putting strain on your back.

A ‘must buy’ for day to day driving and track lovers alike."

Chris Keighley
John Cooper Works GP MINI
June 2007

Andrew Fraser
MINI
June 2007

"I received this product with a certain amount of scepticism, not being entirely convinced of the value of a product like this for road use. But in the interest of fairness I fitted this to my Seat Leon Cupra R with an open mind, ready to be converted….. or proven right?

The seats in the Seat Leon are very good. My particular model did not come with the optional, expensive Recaro seats but they are still very supportive and comfortable. The only criticism of the seats I have is they aren’t as snug as I might like, perhaps I need to put on some weight? Overall they are very good though.

Fitting the product was easy; it took all of 5 minutes once I worked out what went where, with the fitting instructions helping greatly. The product itself felt very well put together, it’s very solid, a good quality metal was used and it had no sharp edges. That alone inspired some confidence. Once fitted it was simply a case of finding the right setting for me and taking the car for a drive to see what, if anything, had improved.

The thing that surprised me the most actually answered one of my original concerns with the idea – just how much force can this thing take before pinging off the seat belt buckle? Well I can now answer that – LOTS! I tried with all my might but cannot pull it off the buckle no matter how hard I try. The installation guide claims it can withstand up to 30 pounds of force and I can quite believe it.

On the road, the first thing I noticed after fitting the CG Lock was the sensation I had previously experienced of not feeling snugly fitted to the seat was gone. Instantly it felt like I was in the seat, instead of on the seat. You move with the car and the seat, as if you’re connected to it. This was a good feeling, I felt closer to the car and more a part of what was going on, which in turn offers more confidence in the car. I also felt like I was sitting properly, as the CG Lock did not allow me to slump in my seat as I often did before. I would previously start out in a good, healthy position and end my journey somewhat slumped in the seat. When using the CG Lock I found I stayed in the same position throughout, which has only got to be a good thing for my back and posture!

At this point it’s worth noting that a lot of my driving is on main roads and motorways, but I do get the occasional opportunity to test the handling of my car on a nice twisty road or a challenging corner. It was the latter where I assumed the most benefits would be shown, but in reality there are just as many benefits in normal driving conditions.

Driving with the CG Lock fitted and in use makes you feel more secure. You’re now held nicely in position, you feel securely held down and you feel more ‘at one’ with the car. Just general driving felt better, to the point where not having the CG Lock fitted feels wrong in some way, akin to driving without the seat belt on at all! That feeling of having nothing held against you, nothing to protect you, is quite concerning when driving. I didn’t realise how much I’d gotten used to it until I decided to disengage if for a couple of journeys. I now moved around more, slumped in my seat more and found I didn’t feel as involved in the car. Needless to say, it’s now engaged again and will remain that way!

On the occasions where I found I could stretch my cars legs a bit and enjoy a more, shall we say, spirited drive, I found the CG Lock excellent. Where normally I would feel myself moving around a little in my seat, due to tight corners, sudden changes of direction or bumpy roads, I now feel in place and connected. This not only makes you feel safer, but it gives more confidence in your ability to control the car as you know your body is not twisting away from the controls or slipping off the pedals. Everything remains in the same place, all the time.

Braking hard also feels very different. The CG Lock stops you from moving forward in your seat, adding to the sense of safety I’m continuously mentioning. Very confidence inspiring.

I have to say I’m converted. Something I would have previously dismissed has proven itself to be a valuable addition to my car. From a driving point of view, I feel more connected, safer and have more confidence in the car and in my ability to control it. From a health point of view, the inability to slump in my seat and generally move around is a big bonus. This is something every keen driver should have. Forget spending your money on bolt-on ‘performance’ modifications and spend it on something that will genuinely help you get more from your car. And believe me, coming from somebody who would have previously rubbished the idea, that says a lot."

Rob Mabey
Seat Leon Cupra R
May 2007

Without the CG-Lock fitted the car goes one way, and you go the other, requiring effort to remain ‘in your seat’. The CG-Lock prevents this, you turn in and turn with the car giving, at first, a slightly strange sensation of being ‘at one with the car’. It also is beneficial under braking, as again, it prevents unwanted movement.

These benefits are felt during legal, safe road driving and I can only recommend this device to anyone who drives a car."

Martin Holt
Mini Cooper
May 2007

Oliver Houchin
2005 Clio Trophy
Upgrades: Performance Friction 97 (PF97) brake pads, Brembo High Carbon brake discs, Goodridge braided brake lines, Janspeed exhaust system, ITG cold air intake system and a CG Lock (!)
May 2007

Theo McNulty
Clio driver
May 2007

Even on normal roads it’s absolutely brilliant, the difference is remarkable. The other nice thing is even when it’s not eye-poppingly tight, it still works really well, and when you do come to a nice set of twisties, you pull up your seatbelt and get it nice and tight - kind of in preparation, which is good too. I’ve only used it for normal driving (thus far) but I would recommend it to anyone for any sort of driving, it is a brilliantly simple but effective piece of kit, and well worth the very reasonable price.

All the performance mods in the world ain’t gonna help if you can’t control your car - I’m not saying this is the be-all-and-end-all, you obviously need to be competent - what this does is give you the chance to concentrate on actually driving, and the confidence to push your car and drive it well, mentally and physically – which I am convinced goes a long to making you a better, and safer, driver.

I have a Honda Civic Type R – and already it has helped me on my way to being able to get the most out of it, even in just normal day-to-day driving – which is a very good thing. Buy one! You won’t regret it."

Mat – Bristol
Honda Civic Type R.
November 2006

… am seriously impressed with it. It simply does what it claims, on the track - really pinning me in the seat! I only planned to use it on the track but to be honest I’ve left it on, it’s comfortable on the road and stops me slumping down in the seat on long drives. I had absolutely no backache at all after the 500-mile trip home.

Paul Sweeny
Alfa Romeo 145 Cloverleaf driver
October 2006

John Prewett
Mazda RX8
October 2006

Gylen Boardman
Director - Coriolis Media
Alfa Romeo GTV owner
September 2006

I have since used this at the Nurburgring, on various trackdays and even in road modified production car hillclimbs/sprints. the best thing I found was that in normal everyday driving it was quick and easy to use where as the bucket seat and harnesses were a little over the top for popping for a bottle of milk! Buy one you will not be disappointed!"

Andrew Hewitt
Peugeot 306 Rallye Driver, Northants
June 2006

Brian Garfield
Past National Autocross Champion, currently Nationally Ranked in Autocross, Autocross Instructor, and past extreme off road competitor

Paul Wedlake

Sergio