Lateral head restraint systems: right-side net vs. halo seat
02-01-2021, 11:24 AM
#31
You wont have an issue with a halo seat, i also have a spec boxster. I particularly like the Racetech 4119 with the back brace. With the seat being so rigid, It really give you a lot of feedback. I'm 6' and 250 pounds and dont have any issue getting in our out.
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Maytag (02-01-2021)
02-01-2021, 11:56 AM
#32
Track Day
02-01-2021, 02:13 PM
#33
Three Wheelin'
I worried about limited visibility, ability to turn my head, etc. when I started using a HANS and a halo seat a bunch of years ago. Both felt a little funny at first, but seriously, by the time I pulled onto the track for my first session with them I'd already forgotten about them and it was fine.
Last edited by stownsen914; 02-01-2021 at 02:14 PM.
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ProCoach (02-02-2021)
02-02-2021, 09:38 AM
#36
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There's a lot that goes into chosing the right halo/containment seat. The height of the halo compared to your head and eye level is certainly a big factor. I would say we sell non-halo seats 3 to 1 over halo seats because of site line and egress concerns. If you sit close to the wheel, both can be very difficult.
Personally, we use non-halo seats in our race car. Nadine sits very far forward to the point that it's actually a bit difficult for her to get out as it is without sliding the seat back. She can, but its not easy. We test fit a halo seat once and with her, it would actually just about touch the A pillar roll bar, so zero chance of egress. I've driven a couple cars with halo seats where I couldn't see the side mirrors or what was next to me because the halo was right at my eye level.
The SAFEST solution is full halo PLUS center net. For neck injury concerns, its definitely the halo seat thats better. Its called a "containment" seat for a reason. But the trade off is the potential for egress and visibility issues, something you won't know unless you try it.
Personally, we use non-halo seats in our race car. Nadine sits very far forward to the point that it's actually a bit difficult for her to get out as it is without sliding the seat back. She can, but its not easy. We test fit a halo seat once and with her, it would actually just about touch the A pillar roll bar, so zero chance of egress. I've driven a couple cars with halo seats where I couldn't see the side mirrors or what was next to me because the halo was right at my eye level.
The SAFEST solution is full halo PLUS center net. For neck injury concerns, its definitely the halo seat thats better. Its called a "containment" seat for a reason. But the trade off is the potential for egress and visibility issues, something you won't know unless you try it.
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Bob Saville
Getting You On Track!
www.naroescapemotorsports.com
704-395-2975
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'07 SPC
'71 914/6 Huey
'04 GT3
02-02-2021, 06:48 PM
#37
I'm in....
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All; Excuse me for resuscitating an old thread, but this seems the most appropriate place for my questions.
I've just jumped into the Spec Boxster world, with a very clean, prepped car. The current seat is a Halo seat that is too narrow for me, and expired anyway; so I'm shopping for a replacement.
I've got lots of HPDE experience, and many years of Superbike racing in my youth, so I'm no stranger to racing, But I've never spent any "real time" in a race car. I have some fears about feeling claustrophobic in the car, wearing a race suit, gloves, HAANS device, etc, but I'm sure I'll acclimate. But the HALO seat has me sort of quaking in my boots, haha. Climbing into and out of the car is pretty difficult for me right now, even in shorts without a helmet on. I'm sure there's a "trick" I'll get figured-out eventually, but part of the difficulty is clearly that halo protrusion on the existing seat. I think climbing into and out of this car would be MUCH more simple without that; which brings me to safety. If I can't get out of the car, how safe IS it?
Having read this thread, and countless other sources, I'm just as confused as I was at the beginning of my search. :sigh:
I'm hoping that with more years of use and experience with the Halo seats, and further refinement of the products, that perhaps there has formed a consensus on the matter?
So to put a fine point on it: IS a HALO seat more safe to a degree that makes it worth the additional difficulty of getting out of the car, and the lower visibility while racing? OR is there a balance between a Non-Halo seat and a right-side net that gets us a better balance?
Thanks in advance.
I've just jumped into the Spec Boxster world, with a very clean, prepped car. The current seat is a Halo seat that is too narrow for me, and expired anyway; so I'm shopping for a replacement.
I've got lots of HPDE experience, and many years of Superbike racing in my youth, so I'm no stranger to racing, But I've never spent any "real time" in a race car. I have some fears about feeling claustrophobic in the car, wearing a race suit, gloves, HAANS device, etc, but I'm sure I'll acclimate. But the HALO seat has me sort of quaking in my boots, haha. Climbing into and out of the car is pretty difficult for me right now, even in shorts without a helmet on. I'm sure there's a "trick" I'll get figured-out eventually, but part of the difficulty is clearly that halo protrusion on the existing seat. I think climbing into and out of this car would be MUCH more simple without that; which brings me to safety. If I can't get out of the car, how safe IS it?
Having read this thread, and countless other sources, I'm just as confused as I was at the beginning of my search. :sigh:
I'm hoping that with more years of use and experience with the Halo seats, and further refinement of the products, that perhaps there has formed a consensus on the matter?
So to put a fine point on it: IS a HALO seat more safe to a degree that makes it worth the additional difficulty of getting out of the car, and the lower visibility while racing? OR is there a balance between a Non-Halo seat and a right-side net that gets us a better balance?
Thanks in advance.
02-02-2021, 08:51 PM
#38
Rennlist Member
As with everything, a safety system is a sum of its parts, and you have to be comfortable with the risks you're taking. There are things we can do for safety, not everything works for everyone. Some things are no-brainers, they're often mandatory, like a Hans. Others are not as clear cut. No doubt a containment seat with a Hans and nets on either side are useful in a crash to keep your head from being bounced around. If it means you can't get out of the car, it's benefit becomes a lot more unclear. I am tall, my seat is way back, so I can get in and out without sliders, although I'm sure it would be quicker without the wings. To me, it's worth the extra protection.
As far as the other stuff goes, you get used to it pretty quickly, and it's not nearly as claustrophobic as an MRI scanner, say 😂
As far as the other stuff goes, you get used to it pretty quickly, and it's not nearly as claustrophobic as an MRI scanner, say 😂
