HANS Device for trackdays?

[Henry Fiddleton]

Hi All,

Im looking at getting a new Helmet, and will be buying one with HANS posts just in case for future proofing/future racing.

I am aware of the angles of the belts required for a HANS device (the issues with getting a the correct angle), however, I have no idea what they are on my MX5.

Has anyone looked into these for TD's?

I know it may be over kill, but I am all for safety first and reducing risk...

(and yes I will look like a plank with a HANS device of a TD, but I wouldnt really care).

Kam

[noneedtolift]

It does limit your field of Vision and does take some getting use to - but has a proven safety record and has already been made mandatory for all forms of racing in some countries for good reason. If you can afford it go for it - no Overkill at all even if you used solely for tds at first!!

As to the angles, good suppliers will have put them into categories (formula, protoypes and Saloon cars for example) which will help in choosing the correct angle. For an MX-5 you'll probably need a Saloon type (20 degrees).

Note that thin HANS belts and a Hans seat as well as a lightweight unit will greatly improve comfort. Ist a bh wearing it for the first time but you'll get used to it quickly.

[HokumPokum]

like all safety devices, all it takes is 1 accident for it to be worth it's while... whereupon even at 100 times value, it would seem cheap.

[spyderman8]

Henry Fiddleton said:

Has anyone looked into these for TD's?

Just to be absolutely clear - you are talking about a car with race seats, a full harness and full cage (or at the very least a harness bar)?

[911p]

Kam, both my dad and I wear HANS during track days. We use the 20 degree incline HANS which is perfect in the MX5 and 911.

ETA - these

Edited by 911p on Tuesday 21st January 00:53

[Henry Fiddleton]

Thanks for all the advice, and the link Ben.

I will be purchasing one before the end of the week as a birthday treat :-)

(FYI yes, my car is rear caged, and bucket seated).

Cheers,
Kam

[DiscoColin]

911p said:

Kam, both my dad and I wear HANS during track days. We use the 20 degree incline HANS which is perfect in the MX5 and 911.

ETA - these

I have also bought one of these (just recently, so still haven't tried it on track though) and I know others also using them, so perhaps it has reached the time for them to become more common for track day use? A TD has potential for a crash every bit as heavy as racing after all...

The footnote to all of this is that my neck has always been more important to me than not looking cool enough in the paddock, and in all honesty I should have bought it after a crash I had over 2 years ago.

[911p]

Very easy taking the helmet with HANS on/off, I just leave the anchors attached at all times and put them on together. You'd be silly not to if you have the money! They are pretty damn expensive though.

[Henry Fiddleton]

Hi Chaps,

I got the deal on offer from JJC Rally.

Helmet and Hans device for around £460 inc VAT.

http://www.jjcraceandrally.com/race/helmet-offers/...

Hope I never have to make use of it!

Kam

[ellroy]

Holy thread resurrection etc etc

I’ve been wondering about this, as a result of an MRI, on my neck.

Any up to date view/thoughts? For info not a cage or harness in either of my cars that go on track.

[smokey mow]

ellroy said:

Holy thread resurrection etc etc

I’ve been wondering about this, as a result of an MRI, on my neck.

Any up to date view/thoughts? For info not a cage or harness in either of my cars that go on track.

Hans won’t work without a harness, the shoulder straps are what hold it in the correct position on your body.

[ellroy]

Cheers

[Sigmamark7]

Without a cage, a harness and the HANS could do more harm than good if you roll and the roof caves in, because you are fixed upright in the seat.

[shirt]

I believe some of the Simpson hybrid restraints can be used without harnesses, but sit down for the price.

[ellroy]

I was just looking at those. The alternative is to get a harness out in one or other cars so costs mount one way or another tbh.

[shirt]

good point, especially with multiple cars