12 replies to this topic

[CARacer]

I need a head and neck restraint and the SM community's recommendations for same. Brands, anchor type, etc.

As for brands, there is, of course, the "brand name" HANS and the annoyingly-named "Defnder," but I hear they've gone out of business. Any other approved alternatives?

I know at least for the HANS, variables are "version" (20 or 30), tether type, and anchor type. Recommendations?

I won't have any problems with my Kirkey seat, will I? How about installation of the helmet anchors? Easy enough to do myself or should I have a shop do it?

What else do I need to know?

Thanks in advance. I await your wisdom.

[wheel]

I have had a Hans for a long time. Have added anchors to three different helmets, without any problems. Just make sure that whatever you buy has the proper sticker. Some of the early Hans devices will need to be sent back, before next season to be certified with a sticker.
wheel

[dstevens]

The link for the current SFI 38.1 head and neck restraints is

http://www.sfifounda...manuf.html#38.1

For club sports car racing any of them will meet the spec, but for some NASCAR and ASA circle track racing it's pretty much the HANS or an R3.

[Bench Racer]

When using a HANS there is minimal lateral protection from the devise which is why F1, Indy Car & NASCAR all hava a side insert at helmet level or a Halo seat.

MANY SCCA drivers cars have lateral protection beyond the HANS.

[Todd Green]

I know at least for the HANS, variables are "version" (20 or 30), tether type, and anchor type. Recommendations?

The fixed tethers drove me bonkers as I'm used to really looking ahead. Switching to the sliding tethers fixed the problem. I found installing the anchors was trivial and I'm pretty sure no mechanics are worried that I'm going to steal their job. (Helmet was already pre-drilled.)

[wheel]

Looks like the Hans Sport II, with sliding tethers might be the way to go. I just got an email ad for this unit with "the rear of the Hans is cut shorter for easier exiting on some vehicles" The ad is from teamdi.com. $695 delivered.
Don't know if Saferacer has the same deal, or better, with our SM or SCCA discount.

[CARacer]

Thanks for the replies. Since I've never seen any of those Safety Solutions devices used in real life, I'm discounting them and since Defnder is apparently out of business, I'm discounting them. It looks like HANS is my only choice.

Any input about the anchor type ("post anchor" vs. "quick click")? Some other sites I looked up seem to say they don't really matter.

[wheel]

I have no real problem with the standard connections. I always put my helmet on in the car and click the tethers in at that time, without crew assistance.
wheel

[Cy Peake]

Same here, no problems clicking in the straps. However I did have one loosen and spin so that I couldn't connect the strap a few weekends ago. I tightened it and all is well. BTW, I use a halo seat, center net and the non-sliding tether and have never had any problems with freedom of movement or vision issues.

[dstevens]

Thanks for the replies. Since I've never seen any of those Safety Solutions devices used in real life, I'm discounting them and since Defnder is apparently out of business, I'm discounting them. It looks like HANS is my only choice.

Any input about the anchor type ("post anchor" vs. "quick click")? Some other sites I looked up seem to say they don't really matter.

I don't think I've ever seen a Safety Solutions outside of circle track. Realistically HANS is the only game in town and it works. Anchor type is largely a personal choice. Hit the track and check a couple out.

[Brandon]

Quick note that no one else mentioned: the 20 vs. 30 is the degree of recline your torso while strapped in. Predominantly the 30 model goes to formula/non-sedan drivers (more recline in their seats) but that model worked well for me being 6'3" and the necessary recline of the seat required for installation in my pre-built car (cage interference for seat installation).

I think you'll have to get a set of helmet fasteners (quick clicks, quick clips, quick quips - just kidding ) and then sit in your car with the H&N restraint attached & belts fastened.
Then you can try out the various models (fixed, sliding tethers, 20 vs. 30, medium vs. large...) for which one is more comfortable.

Hindsight and all that I should have visited the closest store with the car and have them properly fit me for my HANS but oh well...
I will say wearing one did initially give me a level of confidence I didn't have before so "watch out"!

Be safe out there,
Brandon

[Jeff Wasilko]

Quick note that no one else mentioned: the 20 vs. 30 is the degree of recline your torso while strapped in. Predominantly the 30 model goes to formula/non-sedan drivers (more recline in their seats) but that model worked well for me being 6'3" and the necessary recline of the seat required for installation in my pre-built car (cage interference for seat installation).

I also found that the 30 deg HANS fit me better in my Miata.

[Jerry Cabe]

Installing the anchors into a helmet that is not pre-drilled is really very easy if you follow the directions and do good measurements. The only caution I will offer is make sure the foam and nomex material is well out of the way because once the drill bit goes through the shell, it can easily grab onto the lining. Go ahead-ask me how I know. A piece of metal slid down between the liner and shell should prevent this from happening. Mine still does not have the sliding tethers, but only because I can't bring myself to spend $75 for the kit to convert my HANS.