Head and Neck Systems

euro911sc · euro911sc's Garage

I am looking to get my 1st H&N system soon as I am moving up the DE ladder and have previous neck issues. I am looking to buy something that is approved for NASA/PCA/POC racing so I may go there if I so choose.

I searched here and read several threads on head and neck systems. Most of these threads are a few years old. Now that we are in 2011 and many of you have been driving/racing with some kind of system for several years could you comment on your long term impressions. If you have worn more than 1 kind or manufacturer it would be great to compare.

My current candidates are:

Hans
R3
DefNder
Leatte

If you have others you may recommend please speak up and tell me why. Price is an issue, but I have been saving my pennies and will buy what I consider the most appropriate regardless...

Thanks!

-Michael

John Rogers · 02-15-2011, 08:52 AM

As soon as the HANS came out I bought one and loved it. The feeling of safety was great and it also spread out the pressure of the belts on my shoulders. The only negative issue is a slight reduction in the ability to turn my head which on a race track is not too bad as I use the mirrors a lot. In an auto-x or other area where you have to really look "around the corner" it could be a problem.

Aslet · 02-15-2011, 09:12 AM

There is no real need to wear a Hans in autox. The current attachment tethers also spin with your head, so there is less issue with turning your head than the original fixed tether.

cstreit · cstreit's Garage

I'm a fan of the HANS because of the comfort and ease of use. Many of the other systems rely on straps, buckles, etc.. that look complicated to wear and adjust.

trekkor · 02-15-2011, 10:02 AM

I have the DefNder. Nice piece.

Easy to set-up and use.
We drive for two hour stints. Very comfortable to wear.

$549 including install of helmet attachment points.

I like the quick release tethers that are standard equipment.

How close are you to Wine Country Motorsports in FL?

KT

euro911sc · euro911sc's Garage

Wine Country is right around the corner so I was planning on visiting there to try out the Hans and the DefNder. I have a weak line to a guy who may be able to get DefNder sets at a wholesale price, but I am not too confident yet. If not him then I'll go to Wine Country and support my local race shop

Price is the same as online and I visit there about 5 times a year

I need another bottle of brake fluid anyway

I like that the DefNder comes with options that you have to pay for on the Hans. I think they are being smart about trying to gain their market share. I also like that it can be used in different seats from coupes to formula cars. That way if I go off to race school in open wheel cars I can use it.

I also like the Hans because it has the most historical knowledge behind it. A lot of drivers use it and like it.

I met the guy from Leatte at the PRI show about 4 years ago. They were just starting production and had no web site! The parts he had on display were nice and well made. Their current site, though, seems geared more to bikes than cars.

I know little of the R3 outside what I have read here.

Still interested in hearing more!

neilca · 02-15-2011, 02:56 PM

I wear the Hans.

ErVikingo · 02-15-2011, 04:42 PM

Hans

jerryw · jerryw's Garage

R3
NorCal 944Spec racers are split about 50/50 between HANS and R3

For me the benefit of the R3 was 2 fold. You can use it when at a DE with stock seats/seatbelts. 2ndly (and more importantly) I feel you can get out of the car in an emergency easier with the r3 strapped to you body and not protruding like the HANS when not locked down by the belts.

Feffman · Feffman's Garage

I started wearing a HANS about 1-2 years ago and now I feel naked without it. Very good safety investment on anyones part.

Call the good folks at Simpson Racing (www.TeamSimpson.com). They can assist you with a HANS.

Feff

Vintage914Racer · 02-15-2011, 07:52 PM

I vote HANS. I was worried that it woudl feel respected, but now I echo Feffman in that I feel naked without it.

cstreit · cstreit's Garage

Funny that. I can't imagine putting a helmet on without my HANS now. In fact it would feel like racing without a helmet. Two years ago i hadn't even owned one.

campbellcj · 02-15-2011, 10:17 PM

I just got a HANS a few weeks ago, after meaning to do it for a couple of years. I thought it would take a lot of getting used to, but frankly after a few minutes into the first session with it, that was a non-issue. One of the smarter decisions I've made this year so far...

rfn026 · 02-16-2011, 04:55 AM

If you're around the corner from Wine Country you need to talk with them. You especially need to talk to them about shoulder harness placement. So many people are doing it wrong.

You have several things going on here. The HANS works as part of a system. Belts, seat, helmet and HANS all have to work together.

Richard Newton
Vintage Motorsport Magazine

Bill Verburg · Bill Verburg's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by rfn026

If you're around the corner from Wine Country you need to talk with them. You especially need to talk to them about shoulder harness placement. So many people are doing it wrong.

You have several things going on here. The HANS works as part of a system. Belts, seat, helmet and HANS all have to work together.

Richard Newton
Vintage Motorsport Magazine

Have to agree there, I use a HANS but the installation is critical and most that I see are poorly installed.

Schroth has a great pdf of install instructions, take the time to read them and install correctly. Installation isn't going to be a 1 person job, you need to have an observer that can see the lay of the belts while you are strapped in

JeremyD · JeremyD's Garage

I have the new HANS sport system and just used it for the first event a few weeks ago. not sure I want to run any events without it from this point forward.

michael lang · michael lang's Garage

Isn't it funny how you can't imagine how you got along without something once you have it. I don't have a system yet but I too have been thinking that I should be getting that extra safety in my car. Interesting and timely thread. Thanks.

OffCamber00 · OffCamber00's Garage

When I was in the market, I found a smokin' deal on an R3 and have been really happy with it. As stated above, I love it for instructing in cars w/ stock belts.

euro911sc · euro911sc's Garage

I went to Wine Country and tried on the DefNder and the Hans. Both felt about the same, however it seemed that with the Hans' molded shoulder sections it was a little more non-conforming over my collar bones. The DefNder is more flexible there as it has the straps. Though, the sales person pointed out that I could remove the Hans' padding if I needed to thin it up. I also noted that the Hans did not have harness guides/wings unless you bought the lower priced Sports model.

I need to test out an R3. I like the additional flexibility of having it on regardless of belt setup. Though, I wonder if having that in the middle of your back has any comfort issues when you are outside of the seat designed to use the R3.

-Michael

jerryw · jerryw's Garage

There are both fixed and portable pads for the R3 to cater for moving to seats that are not setup for them.