007DT

I plan on getting a HANS device this year... Does anyone have any feedback on the new "starter model" that came out in January?

Circuit Motorsports

From one of the bigger dealers of HANS that I work with the new Sport Series will realistcally be available in Feb. Not too shocking since they aren't out yet and it's the 27th.

Saw it at PRI. When you pick it up it is noticeably heavier than the other 2 models. However it will be resting on your shoulders when you are driving so you won't notice it so much.

The 'wings' on the side are notably higher than the other versions.

Other than that it looks like any old HANS device.

stownsen914

Thanks for this information. I am set to buy a HANS in the near future and am considering the Sport model. I was under the impression that it was the same outwardly as the higher-priced models, so I latched onto your comment about the 'wings' being higher. Do you mean the horizontal surface upon which the belts rest, or the small vertical extensions that help keep the shoulder belts in place (or neither)?

Scott

Circuit Motorsports

Those wings may be higher because of different materials used as well. I don't know. I am talking about the small vertical extensions.

They won't substitute for mounting the shoulder harnesses correctly though. I know people with early HANS devices with no wings, no friction material that have no problem with the belt staying on when they are properly mounted for a HANS device.

Bryan Watts

It's interesting though that every new HANS released seems to have higher and higher "winglets" and more abrasive friction material.

Circuit Motorsports

I'm sure every little bit helps. However when I walk through the paddock I see a large number of people who wear a HANS and their belts aren't mounted the way HANS reccomends.

mitch236

I'll bet the higher vertical wings are a result of consumer pressure. If you have your setup correct, the belts won't slip off. But alot of drovers were complaining about belt slippage and since having vertical wings won't affect performance, they added them. I'll wager it's just marketing.

ltc

They're fighting the laws of physics in trying to keep the HANS under the belts in an off axis impact. Of course if they fix the problem (by capturing the HANS & the belts), then they won't be SFI38.1 compliant.

It has been interesting to watch the design evolve over time (wings, no wings, back to wings, larger wings, 3" belts, 3"-2" HANS specific belts, back to 3" belts.....)

mitch236

I don't think so. HANS is part of a complete safety package. You need a full containment seat with head-halo and side nets on both sides. That would keep the torso intact in an off axis impact.

ltc

Perhaps, but I don't believe in an off axis frontal impact, you can rely on the driver remaining completely inside the full containment seat, since you still have to deal with belt stretch.

The HANS/shoulder belt interface, throughout all of its iterations, is fundamentally and fatally flawed. It is analogous to trying to hold something up by simply squeezing your hands together....there are limits to friction, cross sectional area, yadayada....

That having been said, the HANS is better than nothing.