Head and Neck Restraint

[CBS]

If this has been previously posted, then please excuse me. I’m new to the forum so I would welcome some advice. In my previous 2008 M3, I had attended (5) HPDE’s through BMW Chapters. These events taught me that I have a lot to learn. At my last HPDE an instructor advised our class to invest in head and neck restraint equipment. They specifically mentioned the R3 Rage. Assuming I will use my factory seat belts, can someone advise me on my options and if this is something I should invest in? Thanks.

[lucid]

I've been using the R3 device. Fortunately, never had to test its performance, but I am happy with the way in restrains my neck when in a car with regular seatbeats. You can take it with you to any street car you might be in. It's worth it IMO. My only criticism is that the designers seem to have forgotten that the human spine is not straight; the flat element that runs down the back literally presses against your verterbra and over time it hurts. I simply stuck some padding in there, and it's much better...

[CBS]

Thank you! I will make sure to get this before the season starts. This may be a dumb question since I am not familiar with the R3 but I assume holes will need to be drilled into my helmet? I'm guessing the R3 comes with instructions on how to modify my helmet? I have an Arai GP-5W.

[lucid]

It depends on the type of helmet you have. Some/most are predrilled these days, but if it is not, then you need to drill your own. I had to do that with my old helmet. Yes, it comes with instructions for that. Also, you need to make sure the chest belt fits. I was in between sizes, so I had to send mine back and they modified it free of charge. Their customer service was pretty good. The only other minor thing is that the top horizontal part doesn't fit very well with some seats. It's not as if you can't use it with those, but I've found it to be more comfortable in some seats than others. It worked fine for me in the E92 M3. It does come with padding that has a T shaped hole in it act as an adaptor for the seat, which helps, but I don't know that you want to fix it to your nice leather seat.

http://www.safetysolutionsracing.com...s/r3-rage.html

I am moving to a Hans system for my track car because of the somewhat minor comfort issues I mentioned, but I will keep the R3 for street cars for sure.

I am not affiliated with safetysolutions in any way btw...

[M3 Pilot]

I have recently started using a Hans device. I went with the 20 Deg, sliding tether which allows me to look side to side.



Unfortunately no one in Australia wants to drill my old school helmet for fear of implications, hence I ended purchasing a helmet that came with a predrilled hole.

Installation is relatively easy and quick.

Do take note of the type of harness that needs to be used in conjunction with the Hans device. Some requires different sizes of harness. If you are using a 3" harness, make sure your Hans device is suited for 3".

Here's a website which can explained in more detail than I do.

http://www.stand21.fr/hans/hans-2.html

[CBS]

Thank you Gentlemen! You have given me the advice I was seeking. As previously mentioned I am new to this Forum and Sport and I'm hooked. I'm sure I'll have other questions.

My Wife thinks I've lost my mind (mid-life crisis) but our 4 Teenagers are interested, 1 Teen has already gone through the BMW Teen (Car Control) School in Spartanburg, SC. Our remaining 3 will be going this summer. Good, safe driving is important.

Kind regards!
Chris

[Jaypod]

This may be another alternative. Looks more comfortable than the R3 and not as expensive as the Hans:

http://www.defnderneckbrace.com/index.html

Edit: just realized you mentioned the factory belts, not sure if this is compatible or not

[lucid]

When I bought the R3 device, there was nothing else on the market that did not require a harness. I don't know if that is still the case.

[Kenny@VS]

This is my recommendation. Stilo is what were going to start to carry. their great helmets. they already have the hans mounts and 2 side ports for drink or radio. and you can add a air port as well. All most all other helmets you have to drill for the accessories. And Hans for Neck. Pm if you have any questions. Hope this helps.

[rzm3]

Question: are most racing seats on the market compatible with Hans? Or only the ones that say "Hans" on them? For example, Recaro Pole Position vs. PRO RACER HANS® SPA.

[M3 Pilot]

My understanding was that Hans compatible seats merely allows more space between your head/neck area and the seat to cater to the Hans device, as well as enlarged slots for your harness.

If you find the seat uncomfortable due to lack of room between your head and the seat, you may need to either adjust the angle of your seat or buy a Hans compatible seat.

I would be more concerned about the location in which the harness is anchored/wrapped relevant to the height of your shoulders.

[Kenny@VS]

Originally Posted by rldzhao

Question: are most racing seats on the market compatible with Hans? Or only the ones that say "Hans" on them? For example, Recaro Pole Position vs. PRO RACER HANS® SPA.

The seat has no affect on the functionality of the hans. But I would definitely get Hans style seat belts so the straps fit right on the device.

[turbo8765]

The Hans device fails to limit significant lateral movement of your head. This is a limitation of the device. The "Hans compatible" seat has wings for your head to limit lateral movement.

The seat also has larger ports for the harnesses, I don't know why. I believe the key feature of the seat is the limitation of lateral movement.

[BRDHNTR]

Originally Posted by turbo8765

The Hans device fails to limit significant lateral movement of your head. This is a limitation of the device. The "Hans compatible" seat has wings for your head to limit lateral movement.

The seat also has larger ports for the harnesses, I don't know why. I believe the key feature of the seat is the limitation of lateral movement.

+1

I have a Cobra containment seat (wings like the Recaro HANS) for the driver side and a Cobra "standard" racing seat on the passenger side of my track car. The containment seat is really only good for dedicated track cars as you can't really check blind spots. I am very pleased with my seats. I was going to buy the Recaros, but I couldn't get anyone explain to me why they cost hundreds more than Cobra. I use a HANS, but I also have 6pt harnesses. NOTE: if you plan to buy harnesses for use at DE's, remember that the HANS can be used with 3" belts but it isn't considered safe to use the 2" HANS restraints w/o a HANS. So buy the 3" belts for the passenger side in case your instructor doesn't have a HANS.

[lucid]

Originally Posted by BRDHNTR

I was going to buy the Recaros, but I couldn't get anyone explain to me why they cost hundreds more than Cobra.

I can't offer insight as to why the Recaro SPG Pro Racer Hans costs $500 more than the Cobra Sebrin Pro. However, I did walk away with the Recaro after sitting in both, and it was strictly a fit consideration. My shoulders were making contact with the halos on the Cobra, and I felt like I was floating on top of the bottom cushions. The Recaro has a much different countour at the bottom and you literally sink into to it, and it also offered much better lower back support. My old seat was a Cobra seat (can't remember the model) and I was happy with it.

[dhoggm3]

If this is the Hans for regular-seatbelt cars, I highly recommend it. I use a regular Hans but I've spoke with lots of BMW CCA instructors who use these and swear by them. It's really cheap life insurance.

[Feffman]

I've been wearing a Hans for over two years and wouldn't do another track day without it. Simpson Racig (www.TeamSimpson.com) is an official Hans supplier. Give them a shout for information.

Feff