HANS device

does anyone use a hans device when tracking and if so - which one? i plan on getting one for this spring for use with my 430 coupe

 

A HANS device won't work in a road car with standard belts. You need these three separate components:

1. A harness bar positioned correctly, which truthfully should be part of a roll cage.

2. A racing seat that is HANS compatible.

3. A HANS compatible harness.

Unless you have a 430 Challenge or are planning to cage your car, you're out of luck. There's more info on the HANS site for correct usage requirements.

 

I am actually planning on it too, but keep in mind that you need five point restraints for a HANS.

(edit: and all that he said above )

 

I use HANS. It feels very odd wearing it at first and definitely takes some time getting used to.

 

Yup. I can't drive on track without one anymore... once you get used to it, its hard the feel your head bobble with a big heavy helmet without it. These cars go fast and helmets magniify the weight your head... and you neck and airbags can't be expected to protect the heavier wieght on your neck during a incident. But yes, you do need at least a harness bar, 5 points and some sort of pass through on your seat... but well worth it. There are some carbon fiber devices that mimic the HANS in a three poiint street belt set up that cover your entire spine and strap around your belly or something like that.... good for club days when you don't have harnesses.

 

thanks b-mak

 

All of the above is true I think for 430, but not universally true. There are 4 point harnesses made by Schroth that are approved for use with a HANS device, and in some cases with the stock seat--but with limited vehicle specific applications. The easy 430 solution is one of the other neck braces. Trackpedia.com is one source of further information.

 

FIA has not certified the new sliding hans anchor belt yet. It is available. The new one is supposed to allow more visibility via head motion. On track I do not have a problem with the old two strap but I sure would like to be able to see more when I'm racing 3 wide to the 1st turn or two. You may want to consider this or work your deal for the hans with a major to provide you with the new anchor belt when it becomes FIA legal. Otherwise it will cost you like another 100 bucks.

 

Same as what everyone else has said. Cant be used with a street car.

If you do get all the race stuff..I too have always used them. Ive used 2 different versions and had both in open wheel (Formula Mazda) and in the Ferrari Challenge.

 

try looking at a device , thats designed for tin top cars, and not single seaters, i use one and its great, go to www.leatt-brace.com

 

What he ^^^^ said.

 

Cheap investment considering the downside especially with the new Sports model which is less that $700. They also have a medical gel padding kit (approx $125) for those of us that have broken collars bones.

 

How much lateral support do you get with HANS? I know there is great front to back, what about side to side?

Thanks!

-J.

 

Here a HANS for a sports car, lowest price I ever saw at $ 695.--

http://www.saferacer.com/hans-sport-series-hans-device.html?productid=1296

 

I bet Jeff Gordon is thanking his hans today....

 

Zero. Why and what would you need it for?

 

HANS devices are under a fair bit of scrutiny in Australia at the moment due to two deaths in motorsport already this year where it is believed the HANS device actually contributed to the death, rather than helped.

 

Who is investigating?

 

^^^^ Exactly.
As a former member of the ALMS safety team and currently a racer, I have seen MANY incidents where the driver wouldn't be alive had they not been wearing a HANS. I can't think of a single credible incident where a HANS contributed to an incident. I'll reserve judgement on these incidents in Australia.

To the OP, I say get a HANS and an acceptibly mounted harness. Don't worry if its "HANS-compatible". Any 2" or 3" SFI/FIA harness is "HANS-compatible". (I've talked to Downing personally about it back when people first started bringing it up.) But if your coughing up the dough, the Schroth/HANS belt ARE pretty nice.

 

+1

 

Please expand your comment and support with facts. I think you are doing a disservice by casting doubts about a device that has been heavily tested, approved at the top levels of motor racing and shown time and time again to save lives. Please substantiated your comments or recant them.

 

Ok since I can't delete the posts or edit them I will have to add another.

I apologise that the post was seen as a "slight" against HANS devices, it wasn't the intention. I agree the HANS device is a great idea, certainly has saved a lot of lives and I wouldn't personally have any problem wearing one. While at the time of the post there was talk that the HANS device had indeed contributed to the crash, another week has passed and it can be said (at this point in time) the HANS device had IN NO WAY CONTRIBUTED TO INJURY. The discussion now turns to can the HANS device be modified to protect from side impacts as well as it protects from frontal impacts, i.e how can we improve this great device further? (but that is a discussion for another thread).

Anyway to keep on topic (and probably should have put this in the original post) HANS devices have proved their worth and if you have the opportunity to wear one while racing it would be wise to take that opportunity.

 

What discussion is this and what are the credentials of the participants? Please point us in that direction.

I have a theory about the quality of discussion, but I'll wait for you to tell me.

 

Your theory is probably correct. You know how motor racing paddocks are. The person I first heard mention it is quite well connected but how far up the discussion goes I don't know. As I don't wish to pour any fuel on this fire nor become a martyr this will be the last I say on this subject

However if anything comes of it I will let you guys know