Hans device + harnesses.??

[big - dave]

Folks.
Im after some "guidance".
Im looking at purchasing a HANS device + compatable harness...
Has anybody any experience with the "slip stop" system that the Schroth company uses.??
Is it worth having.??
I see the Hans device has it moulded in, but not all harnesses do. Do you find the harnesses slip off during a race [without "slip stop"]or is it just another "gimick".....
Also what width shoulder straps do you recomend, As there are 3" or 2/3", Does it matter.?? Or is it just personal prefurance.??
Cheers

Edited by big - dave on Thursday 5th November 10:15

[RobM77]

I've completed 11 races and 10 tests with my HANS and not had the belts slip off. I like them done up very tight and there's absolutely no way it'd happen in normal circumstances. An accident is a different matter though, and I can't comment on that. I've just made sure that my harnesses are the recommended width for use with HANS and that the geometry of the mounting points and my seating position is within what's recommended by HANS.

[tristancliffe]

I have used HANS for two and a half seasons now, and never had a problem with the belts slipping off. The slipstop on the HANS device actually grips the harness webbing very well without slipstop on the harness.

Personally, if you are going to be the only driver and the cost of Slipstop isn't an issue, then go for it. It might help, and can't hinder.
But if you are sharing the car, or there is a chance someone might drive it without HANS, or the money is tight, then don't bother, and the chances of it ever being a regret are very, very slim.

[andy97]

You can use 3 inch belts with no problem. Personally I prefer the version of the HANS with the side "flip ups" on either side to ensure the belts locate correctly to the slip-stop system, http://hansdevice.com/shop_online/HANS-Sport-Serie...

[hbennett]

I am not that familiar with Schroth's slipstop friction material. We use a similar friction material here but it does not have the grooves cut in it. The key to comfort and performance is the proper mounting of the harness. If the harnesses are mounted properly, you will not have an issue with the straps coming off the HANS Device.

Howard Bennett
HANS Performance

[fergus]

andy97 said:

You can use 3 inch belts with no problem. Personally I prefer the version of the HANS with the side "flip ups" on either side to ensure the belts locate correctly to the slip-stop system

I do this with no harness location or movement problems.

[cytefx]

just remember when using hans on std harnesses you need to cross them behind you, i.e. the sholder straps cross over, else they can slip off in accidnet, the crossing prevents this (or so I am told.)

[tristancliffe]

No, they mustn't cross over. Ever.

They must, however, converge slightly behind you (from the plan view), as well as sloping downwards (but again, only slightly) from the side view.

Never ever cross your belts over.

For more information give MSAR a call (nothing to do with me, but they gave me lots of advice).

[Jen-MSAR]

Hello - I work for MSAR and it is nice to see us mentioned here, although unfortunately Tristan has misunderstood the advice a little. Harnesses can be crossed behind the driver and in fact need to be crossed if the distance between the shoulders and mounting point of the shoulder harnesses is grater than 45cm. In order to keep the harnesses spaced correctly we advise using 3 small sections of FIA approved rollcage padding secured in place by tie wraps.

Check list

• Optimal rear downward angle from 0º to max 20º
• Crossed shoulder straps on belts mounted 45cm+ behind seat
• Guides or padding to stop sideward movement at mounts
• Anchor point must hold loads of 15kN (3,500lbs) per mounting point

This is the HANS formula:

Maximum distance inside edge to inside edge of 5” to 7”
Ideal shoulder mount positioning – Y = Z - (X * 0,50)
(If “Y” is negative – cross shoulders)



General Harness installation check list:

• Webbing should lie flat through shoulder openings
• Belts must flow free to harnessbar
• Webbing must not be restricted by seat mounting hardware
• Exposed edges of opening or bars must be smooth & protected
• No mounting hardware in body contact

Correct harness installation is very important both with and without a HANS, although when wearing a HANS a poor installation will show up easier as the belts may appear to slip of the HANS or not stay in place. I know drivers who have had problems with the belts slipping during every session and have found that changing the installation were possible helps and where not possible to change the installation the SlipStop belts have helped massively.

I wear Slipstop belts in my Caterham and as I have narrow shoulders I feel much more secure with the SlipStop system.

As with all our HANS optimised belts - they are not essential when using a HANS - but they do offer the user an added benefit, hence the name optimised. A standard 3" belt will work perfectly well with a HANS (if the installation is correct) although the SlipStop belts and 2" HANS belts will work that little bit better

I hope this helps.

I talk from a professional point of view and also as a driver.

The SlipStop system works with rubber groves that counteract each other - so effectively they lock into place. This helps while driving normally by keeping the harness in the correct position and also during an accident. The SlipStop belts also incorporate a smooth, quick adjuster - which also tightens more than most standard adjusters.

The difference is amazing really - I can loosely hold a SlipStop harness over a HANS and ask the driver to try and slide the belt away from the HANS - at it grips and locks instantly. - It has been a very very popular upgrade.....but as I say not essential - just a great added extra!

[Jen-MSAR]

Here are a couple of other useful pics when talking about correct harness installation with HANS use







Its imprtant to remember that with HANS use - the harnesses MUST CONVERGE behind the shoulders.

Thanks


Jen

[RobM77]

Thank you - really helpful. Printed and filed!

[h_____]

Just to add, I have HANS and slip stop harnesses, for me, the natural way to go. I have 2 race cars, one with slipstop harness, one without. I'll be upgrading the one without shortly. By the way, I bought through MSAR, who (if you havent worked it out by now), know this stuff inside out. Superb service, very knowledgeable.

[MGRacer]

[quote=h_]Just to add, I have HANS and slip stop harnesses, for me, the natural way to go. I have 2 race cars, one with slipstop harness, one without. I'll be upgrading the one without shortly. By the way, I bought through MSAR, who (if you havent worked it out by now), know this stuff inside out. Superb service, very knowledgeable.
[/quote]

+ 1

Excellent advice

[carl_w]

Jen-MSAR said:

What car is that that has a cage in it without removing the rear seat? Looks like a 3-series?

[RobM77]

In my geekiness I would guess at an E36 coupé