HANS Device

Joined
9 July 2000
Messages
458
Location
TN
If you have been considering getting a HANS device for increased safety at the track, but was afraid it would be uncomfortable and would limit ingress/egress, buy one. Leigh gave me one for Christmas (thanks Mark for hooking us up) and I used it in the Winterfest Races at Sebring last weekend. I am happy to report that you don’t even notice you are wearing it while on the track. You will notice that it limits the rotation of your head while driving around the paddock though. Wearing the device is like having insurance, you hope to not need it, but it is nice to know you have it.

Bob
 
Check out www.hansdevice.com for the pricing. A model 20 would run you $865 for the economy version. You can send your helmet to them for the anchor install if you don't want to do it yourself. They will do it at no extra charge but you need to pay to ship your helmet.
 
Everything you need to know is at:

http://www.hansdevice.com/choosing.html

I got the MODEL 20RE

20: for an UPRIGHT SEAT (NASCAR, Busch, Sprint, Midget, Quarter Midget, Drag, Modified, Bandalero, Sportscars including Porsche, BMW, Corvette, Honda, Viper etc.)

R: 15 to 18 Inches neck - Size Medium (M) (Called size REGULAR on some models)

E: Economy version. It is available in lightweight (Professional) and regular (Economy) versions. The only difference is weight - there is no performance difference between the versions. The weight difference is only four ounces and considering the harnesses pull down with much greater force than four ounces, this was a no brainer because the economy version is $270 cheaper.

Leigh bought it through Mark Hicks (another NSX owner) who is a distributor. I believe all HANS distributors sell at retail. The 20RE cost $865.

Bob
 
CAVEAT - I work for Hubbard/Downing Inc. maker of the product. If any NSXer has a question you can call me personally at 770-457-1046 from 7am until 4pm Eastern time. Here's some quick answers to the issues being discussed:

Andrie wrote:
"I tried model 20, but had some fitment issue."
Correct - Please note fit is dependant mainly on your neck size and seat back angle, but is also affected by your torso shape, the size of your trapezoid muscles, the way you sit and many other things. This is why if you buy something you are not happy with, we will work with you to ensure any issues are resolved.

1BADNSX wrote:
"there is no performance difference between the versions. The weight difference is only four ounces and considering the harnesses pull down with much greater force than four ounces,"
This is correct - the weight savings are felt by the vehicle, not the wearer. As some teams spend $10,000 an ounce reducing vehicle weight, they are pleased to pay a few hundred bucks to save several ounces. Remember the reduced weight is up high in the vehicle too.
 
Soichiro said:
CAVEAT - I work for Hubbard/Downing Inc. maker of the product. If any NSXer has a question you can call me personally at 770-457-1046 from 7am until 4pm Eastern time. Here's some quick answers to the issues being discussed:

Gary, it is nice to see you back at the Prime. I miss your educated responses to many NSX issues.

Bob
 
Fitting the HANS® Device

LateApex asked:
"Does one need to go to Atlanta for the fitting?"

No. We use neck size -like your shirt collar size- to fit the device. It is available in 4 sizes, Extra Smal thru Large. Here is a link for more information (if the link does not work visit our website and click on Choosing Your HANS).

http://www.hansdevice.com/choosing.html

Thanks. gm
 
Thanks, Bob, and Andrie, for the mention.

As Andrie said, I am a factory authorized representative for HANS Performance Products, and have recieved significant training on available head/neck restraints, and having a 'holistic' approach to cockpit safety. The major components in race car cockpit safety are:
cage
fire protection
seat configuration
seat anchors
restraint harnesses
head/neck restraint device.
If you are missing any one of these elements, your safety approach is incomplete. For street car drivers that don't have to pass a tech inspection, you probably don't have a cage or fire system, but everything else still has critical importance. If you're in a street car, you're already wearing a helmet. If you are a serious track driver, you've probably upgraded your OE lap/shoulder belts to 5-pt harnesses. At this point, You're already equipped for a HANS device... What's stopping you? the money? how much are you already spending on the hobby? :wink: The cost is insignificant when compared to the downside of not having one IF you need it...

The safety of all drivers on the track should be of of paramount concern to everyone...

As mentioned in an earlier post, the HANS device starts at $865, and it is firm. The most exotic models, used in the cockpit of an Indy/Champ/F1 car are over $1600. You can visit the website above, or call HD, or call me, and I can set you up. I also do helmet anchor installations (included in the sale).
 
1BADNSX said:
If you have been considering getting a HANS device for increased safety at the track, but was afraid it would be uncomfortable and would limit ingress/egress, buy one. Leigh gave me one for Christmas (thanks Mark for hooking us up) and I used it in the Winterfest Races at Sebring last weekend. I am happy to report that you don’t even notice you are wearing it while on the track. You will notice that it limits the rotation of your head while driving around the paddock though. Wearing the device is like having insurance, you hope to not need it, but it is nice to know you have it.

Bob

I picked mine up at my last race... they got it installed onto my helmet within 30 minutes. I used it on my second race and it didn't seem to detract from my driving. I think its a good investment, and my parents are happy about it as well. :)
 
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