Hans Device - any alternatives ?

[Tuscan_No27]

Just wondering if anyone has experience of alternative head and neck restraints systems other than the Schroth HANS device.

I've seen that there is now a Hans Sport model which is being sold for around $700 in the US so although cheaper, they're still an expensive investment and before anyone says it, I know you can't put a value on your own life. However I have seen one alternative called the "SRS-1" on an US website that looks to acheive the same thing at under $300 and at that price it looks good value versus nothing at all.

http://www.fasthelmets.com/G-FORCE%20HELMETS.htm

It looks as though this device is limited to use with certain helmets and they may not be MSA compliant (?)

But I'm curious to know what people think and whether there are other designs out there ?

Richard

[Tuscan_No27]

At the risk of answering my own qustion, here are some HANS alternatives but they don't represent a cost advantage over HANS.....

Hutchens Device; $325 (whole bunch of straps - great if you're into bondage)
Hutchens II; $725
Hutchens Hybrid; $1095
D-Cel; $445(but for rough terrain - uses straps around pelvis rather than harness)
R3 Device; $995
http://lfttech.com/cgi-bin/Item.pl?action=ShowCate...

So the SRS-1 still looks good value compared with no neck restraint system, unless you go for a simple donut style pad.

[teamHOLDENracing]

I don't think that is correct. It certainly wouldn't be possible to use the US system in an FIA race, but national or club races would be fine. Unless the blue book has changed this year?

[Tuscan_No27]

I haven't checked the blue book regs but I would also think you can use non-FIA safety devices for club championships if the alternative is nothing at all.

I can't imagine any club or scrutineer risking litigation over a driver getting injurred because he'd gone out without any safety device having been told he wasn't allowed to wear his non-FIA approved device.

But for professional or "non-club" championships, I agree with Kees, their regs probably stipulate an FIA-approved device.