macnewma

Although it will only be my first track event, I would like to be as safe as is possible for a reasonable amount of money.

Would it make sense for me to invest the $150 on this Wright Device? $150 is definitely within my budget and I would actually spend more on a device like this.

Any opinions on if this is overkill for my first DE? Even if I don't like track events and never use it again, spending $150 on safety is worth it to me (I am pretty sure I will enjoy it and do it again anyway).

Does anybody here have a Wright Device? Any opinions?

Thanks,
Max

Jeff Curtis

Hmmmm, my first thought was, "How CHEESY!"

Upon further consideration, and a good read over the website, it does seem like it's a viable option in the name of safety, a nice, simple AND tested design.

For your 1st DE?? I would normally say don't worry about it, I have seen VERY few incidents with "newbies"...but then it is relatively low-cost insurance.

It's up to you, give it a whirr and tell us what you think...of course, we won't pay any attention to what you say about it UNLESS you provide some decent pics!

Just kidding...but it will help.

macnewma

Yeah, I don't think I will win any style points with it, but it is very similar to the Hutchens device and another one of the restraints.

I know it is probably not necessary, but the insurance is relatively cheap. It will also make my fiance feel better.

I am hoping that someone has actual experience with it.

I also figure that I might as well get used to wearing something like that from the start.

I appreciate your opinion as you are obviously quite experienced.

Thanks,
Max

Jeff Curtis

DAMN!! You've sparked my curiosity and I found a GREAT site that has links to every known head/neck restraint out there.

http://www.roadsters.com/safety/#Neck

I checked them all out, knew about the G-Force, Hutchens, Hans and ISAAC but there's a few others...such as the Wright device, etc.

I dunno, the pros use the HANS, I know of a group that ordered a bunch of ISAACs and I've seen a Hutchens once...it seems fickle to mull over the cost differences, but if you want to drive fast, it seems the obvious choice to choose safety first.

macnewma

Yeah, that is the site where I got the link although I heard it mentioned on here once.

The HANS and ISAACS are awfully expensive and may not be any better than the cheaper ones. The less expensive White Head, Hutchens and Wright seem more practically priced and all very similar. I also don't believe that I would see the same force of impact that the pros might see.

Jeff, you are obviously a serious racer. Have you not considered a head and neck restraint before?

Max

macnewma

The White Head restraint is similar to the Hutchens and Wright restraints. It has been around since 1980. Here is a video:

http://www.speedwaysafetyequipment.com/04001.wmv

And here is their website:

http://www.speedwaysafetyequipment.com/home.html

The video is unbelieveable. I don't plan on testing my device like that

Max

Jeff Curtis

I'm in the midst of considering, want to hear from more people about experiences.

I know the HANS has been tested by a pro driver here in VB...and just recently.

He SWEARS by the device and says if he wasn't wearing it he thinks he would have serious neck/spinal cord damage.

Until I figure out what I want, for now I use the typical helmet support, the tapered one by Sparco...which is what you might consider, until you get into DE/tracking a bit deeper - of course, it's up to you.

I do think it's smart what you're doing though...I commend you on that.

mitch236

I am a super advocate of safety. If you don't mind a disposable device then start with the Wright device and if you continue to do DE's as I'm sure you will, then get a HANS (my recommendation) or Isaacs. The HANS is the most popular and is used by the pros and all the EMT personel know how to disconnect them in a hurry.

Just my .02

macnewma

Yeah, I don't want to be cheap, but I am not completely convinced that the HANS is any better than the rest (or that just because it is better for Schuie or Junior, it is better for me).

As far as removal by EMTs, I can't imagine the Wright device being difficult in the slightest. It wouldn't be any different than a normal harness.

Another ponderance that I have had, is whether it is beneficial to wear a neck roll (normal or contoured) with some of these devices. Obviously, it wouldn't work with the HANS, but with some of the harness based systems one might fit.

I have worn neck rolls in karting and I really prefer the support they provide. I might email the Wright Device guy.

Max

Bill Gregory

In making a decision on which restraint to use, you may want to read the SAE paper entitled "Sled Test Evaluation of Racecar Head/Neck Restraints", number 2002-01-3304, where they test the HANS, Hutchens, and D-CEL. The article can be downloaded from the SAE web site.

jerome951

Based on looking at the design of the Wright Device, I think a neck support would still be advisable.

The Wright system appears to only function in a frontal impact and doesn't appear to offer any protection if you hit something (or something hits you) in the side. A neck support will at least help a little in this area.

macnewma

That is a good point about the side impacts. I wonder if the HANS takes care of that.

Could anybody summarize the SAE article? Google can't find it for me and I don't have the time to search.

Thanks,
Max

RSAErick

How much do the neck supports (rolls) protect you in an accident. I've heard everything from "not at all", to "better than nothing", to "pretty darn well". Comments?

Thanks.
Erick

macnewma

I don't know how much they do, but Bell Motorsports suggests the neck roll they sell and don't suggest using the other devices. They posted this bulletin:

http://www.bellmotorsports.com/helme...nt_devices.htm

It makes sense, but I think it is mainly just *** covering. I might try one of their contoured rolls to go with my helmet that I still need to purchase.

Max

JackOlsen

Bell, in my opinion, is simply looking to reduce their liability.

I don't think cost should be an issue in making these decisions. I chose the Isaac because there is zero chance of the user adjusting it in a way that reduces its effectiveness. In real-world use, I think it's unwise to rely on constant user diligence to keep straps adjusted at a just-this-side-of-uncomfortable level. So in making my decision, anything with straps to adjust was viewed with caution. You're relying on these things over the course of hundreds (or thousands) of uses. In my opinion, they have to become something you don't think about every time you turn the key, like airbags or ABS.