sperkins

After reading about a fellow NASA member breaking his neck in 2 places in a somewhat minor accident last month at Summit (Story here), I'm buying a HANS. I'm looking at their model 20 Sport Series, but I'm not sure which tether style to get.

The choices are:
Fixed
fixed Quick Disconnect
Sliding

Excuse my stupidity, but I don't know which is the better option. I want to buy the one that is the easiest to deal with. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

0Vector Vette

Scott,
The newest Hans inovation is the sliding tethers. This is what I have. It allows your head to turn side to side more. The quick disconnect is a nice feature because it makes the Hans easier to get on and off. As of now, the sliding tethers are not available with the quick disconnects, though I am told they will be out soon. I have gotten used to attaching the tethers now after the helmet is on, but it does take a little practice. Great device, glad I got one.
Robert

sperkins

Thanks Robert. Another thing I just thought of....Can I modify my current Bell helmet or will I need to buy a new one?

AU N EGL

I have been using a HANS since 05.

I modified my helmet at that time.

geerookie

Sliding Tethers are the way to go. I debated and talked to a few people before I ended up doing the sliding tethers. The shop I bought mine from let me try all the different ones, Sliding tethers, fixed, quick disconnect, Pro and Sport Hans.
The sliding ones let you look ahead and down the corner better. It does take a couple of trys to get used to the connectors for your helmet but it's not that bad.
I believe the Hans will work with any SA2005 or newer helmet. Check their website.

fmrfast

I have the same set up and agree with Robert 100%, after only a little practice, connecting & disconnecting will not be a problem.
Money well spent

Frank

ghoffman

I feel naked without it now. I don't have the sliding tethers but if I bought it now I probably would. Mark at MSI (a supporting vendor) is an authorized HANS vendor and is very knowledgable about trhese decisions.

the blur

there are many other choices as well.
The R3 device.
the new and improved R3, which I think is now called something else.
plus a few others on the market now.

They just mailed me a postcard with all their new devices.

The HANs is solely dependant on proper harness installation, while these other devices strap to your body.

Bill Hetzel

I've installed the attachment posts on a couple of Bells (M3's). It's easy to do. Instructions come with the HANS. Use a couple pieces of masking tape on the helmit to mark and drill the holes. A flat wrench to go inbetween the shell and liner comes with the kit.
Takes about 15 minutes.

Cobra4B

I'm thinking about an R3 so I can take it car to car should I ever start instructing.

beerkat

I use a R3 and like it. I feel that it gives me a little more versatility.

the blur

I have seen instructors walking around with the R3, and matching back padding.
He says " he never leaves home without it"

yakisoba

I'd get the sliding tethers if you can. For anything but the most hardcore applications they should be fine. The stock ones (like I have) are pretty restrictive on lateral head movement and take some getting used to.

linutux

The sliding tethers allow me turn enough to see both side mirrors clearly even though I wear glasses.

I leave the HANS attached to the helmet and put them on as a unit.

mousecatcher

All of the sanctioning bodies really should require a head and neck restraint if you have a harness. I'm really surprised NASA doesn't have such a rule. If you don't have a harness, the HANS is useless.

The advantage of the QD is that in an emergency, it's easier to get the helmet off.

The advantage of the slider is that in the paddock and if you go off road, it's easier to see around you. for normal on-track it doesn't make a difference. even 180+ hairpins are no problem with the fixed tether, although it does just take a little getting used to.

mousecatcher

After reading the story, I'm not sure a HANS would have helped in his case.

1) not clear if he had a harness
2) HANS may not be effective in a lateral impact.

sperkins

Where is the best place to buy one of these?

0Vector Vette

The Hans sliding tethers can be attached to the older style device. Buy the sliding tether kit, around $100. Remove the fixed tethers and the sliding ones bolt on to any Hans device.

FasterIsBetter

If your helmet is Snell SA2005, you should be fine. I would not bother modifying an SA2000, as it will not be acceptable fairly shortly. I have an SA2005 helmet and the posts were added for my HANS, it works fine. Contrary to what was suggested, IMHO, this is not a job for an inexperienced person. You want to be sure that they are installed the right way and in the right spots on the helmet.

Most places that sell the HANS will install the studs for free or a very minimal charge. If you mail-order it, I'd still got to a local speed shop that is familiar with HANS and have them do it unless you are 100% certain you know what you are doing. Better safe than sorry. In that split second before you hit the wall, you don't want to be thinking "Gee, did I install the HANS studs and straps properly?"

ScaryFast

Most places will give you a discount if you purchase the sliding tethers at the time of initial device purchase. At apexperformance.com the sliding tether kit is about $75, but purchased with the actual HANS I think it was only $15 extra. And they installed it.

I see no reason why you wouldn't modify a SA2000 helmet if that's what you have. It really does take 15 minutes. I checked and double checked mine for the reasons fasterisbetter mentioned, and it still only took half an hour.