5 pt or 6 pt harness for DE?
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Can someone give me the basic advantages and disadvantages of the 5pt vs 6pt harness. Things like safety issues, installation differences (which is a more invasive installation), PCA DE rules (is one favored over another). I guess I'm unclear on the concept of the 6pt (I understand how the 5pt works). I don't race but am planning to move to harnesses and guide bar next season for DE and member track days. I realize I may have to swap out my seats too. Still running the factory 3 pt belts now. I want to try to keep everything as reversible as possible in terms of installation so the car can be returned to stock. I also would like to keep the 3pt belts for street use even after installing the harnesses. Otherwise, my wife will never ride with me again.
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I put 6pt in. It gives you one more attachment point at the crotch. You got 2 at the shoulders, 2 at the waist, 2 at the bottom is theoretically safer. You will have to change seats for any harnesses to work better than stock 3 pt belts. The belts themselves do not have to come out. You can latch them behind your race seats and leave them in place. This is a very good idea. Harnesses allow you to get a Hans. Some H&Ns don't require it. Blah Blah Blah. Take your pick but, get one.
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For me it's easy. The sub-strap is to prevent you from sliding down...I'd hate for the family jewels to be the corresponding body part that fulfills that function...
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5 point comes straight up the middle, my 6 point go through eyes in the lap belt that pull them to the side so the jewels aren't in as much danger of absorbing impact.
#6
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Just sit in a car that has a 5pt and a 6pt and you will know immediately which one to go with. Let's just say, that permanent wedgie feeling on your family jewels is not very comfy
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#7
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IIRC, Tom Gideon of GM Racing Division a couple of years back now commented on NOT using 5 points in any new applications, 6 or 7 points were preferred.
As for protecting the 'jewels', I would suggest the Schroth Hybrid II belts.....very comfortable down below.
As for protecting the 'jewels', I would suggest the Schroth Hybrid II belts.....very comfortable down below.
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#8
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You should also strongly consider a roll bar instead of the harness bar. I know some of the harness bar manufacturers publish how strong they are but they are just not as good as a rollbar and/or cage with proper harnesses. As an instructor, I will not wear harnesses with only a harness bar. I know you want your car to remain stock but it is something to think about. Good luck!
#9
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Not unless it is "improperly installed," because a single sub mounts FORWARD of you, not behind. A correct 5-point setup is MORE comfortable in a static state. Certainly if you hit something and slide under the lap belt far enough, your scenario comes into clear focus!
A properly arranged 5-point will give you 90-95% of the performance of a properly installed 6-point, even the most effective "T-bar" type, or the Schroth Hybrid style. It is only in the last 5-10% of your surviveability (or maybe even less) where the performance advantages of a hip controlling 6 point cradle style system really is "necessary."
Do you stand to have a 90-95th percentile accident? Probably not. In all but the most extreme cases, the well setup 5-point will do the job. They are also much easier to setup properly than a 6-point of any style.
Everyone has to make their own informed decision and risk analysis beyond this point. Next question?
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#11
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LOL. yes indeed, the 5 pt crushes your *****.
#14
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6pt if you actually venture out on the track
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5pt if you like to sit in your car in the paddock in a static position
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