Can we talk HANS devices?

In the most recent paper issue, I read the article about safety gear (even at a non-competitive driving school) and it resonated with my ever-more-risk-averse-as-it-ages brain. 

Many of the items I already have, but one large exception is a HANS device. I also won a $200 summit racing GC from the challenge last year that is yet unspent, so I figure this might be a golden opportunity to up my safety game. I will start by saying that I fully agree the HANS device is (after a seatbelt and a helmet) probably the most likely thing to save your life. Yes, fire is bad but it's less of a problem if your head flies off your body at initial impact. Also as someone who sits at a computer all day for work, I have plenty of neck issues on my own - thank you very much. 

Big questions: 

1. I love the idea of being able to use the same HANS device in many cars, and maybe share it with other drivers similar in size. I see the GRM article says you can use the Simpson Hybrid with both a 3 point seatbelt and a harness. That would be a huge feature in my mind - if it is true. I don't see anything on the Simpson website about this, and I would think it would be a strong selling point? Why wouldn't they tout something like that on their own website? Anyone have more details? 

2. Should I jump for better "helmet connection" hardware? Looks like there are a few options here with a not-insignificant price difference, but I am struggling to find details about the honest differences (again, HANS device websites could be way better here). 

3. Looks like the simpson hybrid specifically comes with a 'seatbelt attachment' as an upcharge if you choose it. Does that have anything to do with question #1?

What else should I know?

Only the Hybrid S is rated for use with 3-pt OE belts...not the other versions.

Read the blurb here: https://www.simpsonraceproducts.com/products/head_and_neck_restraints/hybrid/hybrid_s/parts/HYSMED11PA

I used to own both a HANS Pro Ultra (top of the line "normal" HANS) and then bought a Hybrid S (originally called the FIA Hybrid).  I used the HANS for my caged cars with race seats/harnesses and the Hybrid for my trackable street cars.  Eventually I sold off the HANS because it was way less comfortable and afforded no better protection than my Hybrid, full harness or not.

I also consulted with many friends who work in the industry as tire test engineers and vehicle dynamics calibrators.  They all use Hybrid S.  Good enough for me.

This video we did on the Hans vs Hybrid S might be helpful. 

Hybrid S can be used in all scenarios, 3 point, 5/6 point belts no problem.  I had both a HANS and a Hybrid S, sold off the HANS.  I do have the HANS anchors on my helmet and matching straps on my Hybrid S.

ahhh. thats confusing. So the Hybrid sport isn't rated for 3-pt belts but the Hybrid S is?

Also, what is the "seat belt anchor system" - it appears to be the two straps with D rings at the bottom, and they seem to be standard on the Hybrid S but an option on the Hybrid Sport. 

Hybrid Sport:

Hybrid S:

Correct.  The Hybrid S is the one you want.  

In reply to ChrisTropea :

thanks, that is helpful as a starting point. 

You want the Hybrid S.

You may also want to listen to Ross Bentley's Speed Secrets Podcast Episode 118, with guest Trevor Ashline.

Ashline is the inventor of the Hybrid system and the VP of Engineering for Simpson (who also owns HANS) works on both HANS and Hybrid Head & Neck Restraint systems. It was a very illuminating podcast. Where Ashline discusses the history of head and neck restraints, how they developed racing safety gear following Dale Sr.'s crash, how HANS vs. Hybrid work, some of the testing of the Hybrid S which was done to confirm it works with 3-point belts, and why head & neck restraints are useful even in a street car. 

I really enjoyed listening to that episode and learned a TON. 

I think we're answering why the Hybrid Sport is ~$600 and the Hybrid S is ~$1200

I have a regular Hans Classic.   It may be inferior in flexibility, comfort, and all manner of things to the feature rich Hybrid S but it still keeps my Head attached?  Like my neck won't fall off right?

In reply to nocones :

Not entirely sure if serious...But a HANS or Hybrid they all work and all work well, when used as intended. The main difference between them is the mechanism of action in how they apply tension to the tethers. 

The HANS the harness shoulder straps apply rearward motion to the device, which pushes the device backwards - as you go forwards into the harness - to tension the tether. The tether is behind the head. This requires that there be approximately equal force applied to both sides of the device for it to work correctly. I.e., it must be used with a 4-point or higher harness. 

The Hybrid S uses the harness (or seatbelt) shoulder straps to apply downward motion as you go up and forward into the harness/belt, tensioning the tether. The tether is along the collar line (behind and below your head). Because it does not require the same symmetrical force application, a single shoulder strap as in a 3-point belt, can allow it to work correctly. 

The Hybrid Sport was designed for dirt racing, per Simpson and the designer, it was meant for full tube-chassis cars with roll cages and harnesses. As a result it was designed with more symmetrical force applied to the device for tensioning the tether.

The S was designed for sports cars and race cars based on factory sedans and sports cars, which have less side impact protection built in by virtue of not being tube-chassis cars. Thus it was designed to tension the tether with unequal/asymmetrical force being applied to the device. 

The Hybrid S was apparently tested, independently, by one of the Big3 in their crash test labs (the designer nor Simpson will tell us which of the Big3) and found to be fully functional with a 3-point belt. Hence the designation that it works with 3-point belts.

As far as I know, the Hybrid Pro, Sport, and various HANS devices were not tested. The reason being that they were designed entirely around the concept of symmetrical application of force to both shoulders to tension the tethers. Thus were/are not expected to work with a 3-point belt. 

In reply to DocRob :

Thanks.  I was being serious but intentionally dramatic.   With the near universal praise of the Hybrid S with no consideration given to the more traditional HANS by the recommendations it made me wonder if their was some inherent safety issue or disadvantage with a properly installed and restrained HANS sport. 

I have the Hybrid S, not cheap and only one option but it's required. Very easy to use, takes some getting used to putting things on. Have to plan a little farther ahead than before. 

I talked to someone at Wine Country Motorsports about the different anchors for the Hybrid S. His comment was that almost everyone who purchased the new M6 attachment said that while they were easier to get out of they were much harder to attach by yourself.

In reply to nocones :

No disadvantage in terms of protection. 

Per Trevor Ashline, Simpson tends to see open-wheel/open cockpit drivers prefer the HANs, because the device provides a bit more stability that makes it easier to use in cars experience high Gs and wind. Closed cockpit drivers prefer the Hybrid models, because of the ease of ingress/egress of the car. 

Otherwise it seems like Simpson and their team view them as largely interchangeable devices, when used in racing cars. 

The Hybrid S is the safe choice for folks running 3-point belts. 

In reply to CAinCA :

Attach helmet to device, slide over head/around shoulder. Click the harness, fasten the chin strap. Super simple. 

I used a regular HANs because I bought it well before the other devices came out.

When it came time to get a new one I went with an adjustable HANs as I drive both a sedan and a semi lay down formula car.

Price notwithstanding I do not believe the Hybrid S would work well in my F500 without at least pouring a new seat.

For when 3-point compatibility isn't needed to justify 2x-3x the price, I'm surprised nobody has mentioned NecksGen yet. From the reports I've seen, most who have used both prefer it over the equivalent HANS.

In reply to Driven5 :

I have a NecksGen and it's super comfy. Totally forget it's there.

In reply to Matthew Kennedy :

How is the side to side range/ease of motion with the NecksGen?

I've been using a Zamp Z-tech 6A for a few years, and it has a limited range of motion for turning your head.  Otherwise, I've been pretty pleased with it, but I am looking to upgrade.

Like Andy, I also used a HANS for fully protected cars with proper belts, and a Simpson Hybrid S for cars with 3 point belts. But unlike Andy, I'm still more comfortable in a fully protected car with the HANS,so I still keep both around.

Still, the takeaway message here is if you're only going to have a single device, the Simpson Hybrid S is the only thing I'd recommend,because it's the only that that can do what it does. 

Tom1200 said:

I used a regular HANs because I bought it well before the other devices came out.

When it came time to get a new one I went with an adjustable HANs as I drive both a sedan and a semi lay down formula car.

Price notwithstanding I do not believe the Hybrid S would work well in my F500 without at least pouring a new seat.

My F500 came with the adjustable HANS. Haven't driven with it on yet though. 

In reply to Apexcarver :

I don't use the HANs at autocross but I have to say I don't notice it on track.

I have a traditional HANS (Schroth) as that works with my car. I'd really like a Hybrid S but by the time I'd paid for proper seats, harnesses, rollover protection etc. $1200 (USD for this Canadian!) for a Hybrid S just wasn't going to happen.

Personally, I think Simpson has done a disservice to our sport by not making a Hybrid S Sport using carbon reinforced plastic like you see in the entry level HANS devices. An option like that at $600 bucks would be an easy sell to the HPDE crowd driving cars with oem safety equipment. 

Hopefully by the time I start instructing there'll be a more affordable option to work with harnesses and 3 point belts. 

At a $600 price I would own one.