tytek

How many on here use a head and neck system, such as HANS or Simpson Hybrid (etc) with their five point harness and race seat during HPDE?

I am going to start driving a car (C5Z) that has a race seat and harness (both seats), and was debating the health and safety aspect of using a head and neck restraint with it. Also, do some of you just (or additionally) use a side mounted nylon net?

The cost of the HANS device or similar product vs. its proven benefit is a no brainer, but I still wonder what people's thought process is behind their decision to use it or not to use it...

C6WNC

I have race seats, five point belts and wear a Hans. If you are going to use the belts you need to invest in a neck restraint. I was told early on when I started DE's the first upgrade beside brake fluid and track pads was safety equipment. Head and neck restraints are mandatory in racing for a reason and the longer you participate in DE's the faster you will go. Think of it this way, if your going 130+ and hit the brake to slow for a corner and the peddle goes to the floor and the tire wall is fast approaching, would you want to be wearing a Hans with your 5 point belts?

Hat_Trick_Hokie

You had it correct here.

If you are using 5-point belts, you need a HANS.

tytek

Here is an intersting article on the subject:

http://blog.parathyroid.com/race-car...racing-deaths/

tytek

So, which device offers best protection? HANS is good for frontal crashes, or so I hear, but doesn't offer much protection for off axis hits. Simpson, Hutchins, Leat, or Necksgen? Those are supposed to keep your noggin from injuring your spine and aorta in various impacts. Is that so?

What head and neck systems do you guys use and why?

Hat_Trick_Hokie

My mistake, I should have used the term “head and neck restraining device".

I'm sure any device that passes the FIA standards will be acceptable.

http://www.fia.com/sites/default/fil...estraint_0.pdf

I purchased a HANS, as it was the "standard". Also, my LeMons team was using them, and it was easier that we all had the same anchors in our helmets.

Bluefire

In a 5/6 point harness you will not reach the airbag. With the added weight of a helmet on your head the forces your neck see in an impact are exponentially higher.

IIRC A 40 mph impact places ~ 1200 pounds of force on your neck while wearing a helmet.

tytek

Yeah, I was familiar with the extreme forces generated during sudden stops, and those are especially true when your neck is burdened with additional pounds.

I found this write up that talks about various devices and their prefromance:

http://www.racedaysafety.com/whhenere.html

RDnomorecobra

Yes I wear one as well. There is a school of thought that you should only use harnesses and a HANS in a fully caged car. Reason being if you rolled and the roof was crushed your head is basically locked in an upright position and would take that impact. I myself do not have a caged car so hope I don't have to test that ...

Bill Dearborn

Even with a 6 point harness a person can come into contact with a steering wheel mounted airbag. In a hit the harness stretches quite a bit. If you watch the slow motion videos of crash testing done with Schroth harnesses you can see the dummy's body gets very close to the steering wheel.

This video is of a side impact but it shows how far the human body will move even when restrained by a race harness and a containment seat. The video shows a seemingly light brush with the wall and the driver's body moves over a foot. Same thing will happen in frontal impacts.

http://www.hmsmotorsport.com/docs/Wh...t_Side_Net.wmv

You really do want the harness to stretch since if it didn't the force of the impact would be dissipated in your body where really bad things could happen like tearing of the Aorta.

Bill

tytek

Wow, haven't see that video yet. That is a violent crash, on the inside. Almost unbelievable... how much force is exerted on the driver.

Bluefire

DAYUM

skxf430

In a frontal hit, the Hans brand seems to be the gold standard. I have yet to see a convincing demonstration from the other manufacturers making a head and neck restraint that is as effective. But, I do hope there is better technology in the near future which incorporates a side impact.

HANS



Necksgen

Last C5

I use the Defender which was the fore runner of the Nextgen. Get the Nextgen, it's more comfortable, as adjustable, and protects every bit as well.

Crepitus

Something commonly overlooked in HN restraint conversation is the importance of wearing the lightest helmet you can afford. Physical fitness is huge as well.

Joy of 6

I also use the defnder. It also good side to side limitations and is fully adjustable for you and your harness system.

One thing I haven't seen in this string is the proper seat. The newer race seats are designed and built with a little extra room for the Head & neck restraint to fit properly. If you don't have the designed seat, the system will not work as designed.

Don't be cheap on safety !!

tytek

It is great to see so much good input in this thread. I ended up getting a carbon fiber HANS device with quick release tethers and will report on its fit and feel (hopefully not function) next time I am out on track in a month or so.

Weight of the helmet is important too; I paid attention to it when I used to ride motorcycles, but somehow didn't do it for my racing bucket. Well... maybe next time, after this one expires.

Z06TWT