There are currently several choices of Head and Neck Restraints available to the racer. These products are offered under the HANS Device, Simpson, NecksGen and Leatt brands. All auto racing Head and Neck Restraints must meet or exceed the SFI 38.1 Specification established by the SFI Foundation for motorsports competition. This SFI Specification establishes uniform test procedures and minimum standards for evaluating and determining performance capabilities for Head and Neck Restraint Systems used by individuals engaged in competitive motorsports. The SFI Foundation defines a Head and Neck Restraint as follows: “An active Head and Neck Restraint System is a protection ensemble providing an alternative load path which decreases both neck stress and head excursion during a vehicle impact without reliance on helmet impact into structures or nets. The SFI 38.1 Specification requires that the “Head and Neck Restraint System must be designed and manufactured to allow freedom of movement of head, torso, arms, etc., commensurate with operating a race vehicle under all race and associated conditions.” According the SFI Foundation, “Effective January 1, 2012, the SFI Foundation requires that Head and Neck Restraint Systems shall be inspected for recertification every five years after the date of original certification. Product inspection, maintenance, and/or replacement procedure is per individual manufacturer. Inspection must be done by the original manufacturer only, and not their authorized resellers or dealers. When a unit is determined by the manufacturer to be acceptable for continued service and in compliance with the current version of the specification, the original manufacturer shall place on the product a new SFI 38.1 conformance label marked with the inspection date.” While many tracks and sanctions do not currently require the use or recertification of head and neck restraints, the SFI Foundation clearly feels that all head and neck restraints should be inspected and either recertified or replaced after 5 years from the manufacturing date.
Head and Neck Restraint Overview:
HANS Device The HANS Device is synonymous with head and neck restraint technology. HANS Performance Products was recently purchased by Simpson Performance Products a leader in motorsports safety equipment. The HANS Device is the most widely used and recognized head and neck restraint in motorsports, and is the product that all other products on the market are measured against. HANS Devices are used in NASCAR, NHRA, IHRA, USAC, Formula 1, WOO and most other racing series.
The HANS III Device represents the third generation of injection molded HANS devices and features a contemporary approach to reducing weight. Using an all new design and polymer, the device features a hollow collar that substantially minimizes weight. Engineered reinforcements ensure an exceptionally strong structure that provides the same level of safety as every HANS Device. The reduced mass guarantees the lightest and most comfortable injection molded HANS ever.
- HANS Device Pro Ultra: The HANS Device Pro Ultra features lightweight construction of the Carbon Fiber Pro series combined with the shape of the HANS Device Sport II. The HANS Device Pro Ultra is extremely lightweight and allows for easy entry and exit from the race car, even smaller tighter vehicles. The hollow core 100% carbon fiber construction features a hollow core for increased weight reduction without sacrificing strength. The sliding tethers offer exceptional head movement for great visibility. The HANS Device Pro Ultra is available with post anchor or quick click helmet anchors and can be ordered with SFI or FIA Certifications (or both). This device is also available in an even lighter weight version called the HANS Device Pro Ultra Lite that weighs in at 100+ Grams less. The HANS Device Pro Ultra is an outstanding choice for the professional racer, especially in classes where every gram of weight is critical. While providing the lightest possible solution in the HANS Device lineup, the HANS Device Pro Ultra also shares many of the trademark HANS Device design characteristics that cause some concern with some drivers including the pressure on the collarbone, lack of side impact protection, potential issues with shoulder harnesses sliding off like the HANS Sport II Device.
The Simpson Hybrid Series is currently available in several configurations including:
- Simpson Hybrid Sport: The Simpson Hybrid Sport Head and Neck Restraint is latest evolution of the Simpson Hybrid Series and replaces the Simpson Hybrid Pro Rage. The Simpson Hybrid Sport weighs in at 20% less than the Hybrid Pro Rage and features DuPont carbon/polymer construction. The Simpson Hybrid Sport design is more sleek and modern and has more defined “wings” for improved shoulder harness retention. It features a sliding tether multi-tether system that enhances side to side range of movement and improves field of vision. The Simpson Hybrid Sport comes with standard Quick Release Tethers and D-Ring Kit. Optional Dual End tethers and M6 Anchors or Post Clip Tethers & Post Anchors are also available. The Hybrid Sport is available with SFI 38.1 or FIA certification (or both). The Simpson Hybrid Sport is an excellent choice for all racers in all forms of motorsport. The Simpson Hybrid Sport provides outstanding frontal and side impact protection. Simpson offers an optional “SAS” Seat Anchoring System that the company encourages for use with Sprint Cars and other classes where it offers even more stability in flips and barrel roll accidents. Some drivers are a bit skeptical of the “strap-on” design of the Simpson Hybrid Sport device, while others prefer it since they literally can put it on once and leave it on all day. It is very popular with young racers who commonly have comfort issues with the typical “horseshoe” shaped devices. The Simpson Hybrid Pro has also become extremely popular open wheel, off road and drag racers alike. Due the low profile design, the Simpson Hybrid Sport it provides easy entry and exit in all types of race cars and works equally well in all seat layback configurations.
- Simpson Hybrid Pro Lite: Simpson's Hybrid Pro Lite is a lighter version of our famous SFI approved head restraint. Manufactured of high quality carbon fiber in the USA, it was developed through extensive testing for unbeatable angular protection. It shares all of the aforementioned features and benefits of the Simpson Hybrid Sport at a significantly higher retail price. The Simpson Hybrid Pro Slide is an excellent choice for professional racers in all forms of motorsport where a lightweight head and neck restraint solution is critical.
- Simpson Hybrid Youth Sport: The Simpson Hybrid Youth Sport Head and Neck Restraint is latest evolution of the Simpson Hybrid Series and replaces the Simpson Hybrid Pro Rage. The Simpson Hybrid Youth Sport weighs in at 20% less than the Hybrid Pro Rage and features DuPont carbon/polymer construction. The Simpson Hybrid Youth Sport design is more sleek and modern and has more defined “wings” for improved shoulder harness retention. It features a sliding tether multi-tether system that enhances side to side range of movement and improves field of vision. The Simpson Hybrid Youth Sport comes with standard Quick Release Tethers and D-Ring Kit. The Hybrid Youth Sport is available with SFI 38.1 certification. The Simpson Hybrid Youth Sport is an excellent choice for all racers in all forms of motorsport. The Simpson Hybrid Youth Sport provides outstanding frontal and side impact protection. It is very popular with young racers who commonly have comfort issues with the typical “horseshoe” shaped devices.