I'm hearing mixed opinions on whether the 2" wide or 3" wide shoulder belts of a harness should be used for the Hans Device.

One argument says the 2" is the correct width because of the Hans horseshoe width.

The other argument says the 3" works fine, if not even better than the 2", because it has better coverage of the horseshoe.

Some have even suggested the 2" was introduced for Hans use as a tool for belt manufacturers to bolster new harness sales.

Personally, I use 3" belts with my Hans Device and it seems to work fine.

Any opinions?

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Tests have shown that the HANs devices with or without wings work with either 2" or 3" belts. I have used it with both and prefer the 2", but only because it takes less fussing around to get the belt properly positioned and tight.

 

what geoffrey said.

i have had both 3 and 2" they both work, but 2" sits on the yolk better.

HOWEVER, if you have the 2" you MUST use HANS.

any time you are wearing harness WITHOUT HANS, you need 3".

so 3" is more versatile, but i still like 2" better for the fit and i always drive with HANS on so 2" works fine for me.

 

Personally I prefer the Hans specific Schroth belts. 2" over the shoulders (easier to get in place I found when getting in), and then 3" in the sternum for more torso support. I have a lot of upper torso, so this is important for me

 

By "wings". . . do you mean the helmet straps that attach to the Hans?

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I have been happy with the Schroth 3" belts and my HANS. Never tested however.

 

Actually, this is not true. There have been no tests that have shown that the 2" belts worn without the HANs device are any less safe than wearing a 3" belt without a HANs. The 2" belts are built to the same standard as the 3" belt. However, the 3/2" belts do say "for use with HANs only".

No, the wings are on all new HANs devices where they are added to the edge of the collar so the belt doesn't slip off the side of the HANs device. Early versions of the HANs device did not come with "wings".

 

That maybe true, but for racing most groups do NOT allow 2" belts to be used without a HANS. Safe or not most racing won't allow it so the original point is still valid.

 

OK, then. . .
I'm getting new harness belts anyway (for pull down and pull up adjustability reasons) . . .

So, I use a Hans device . . . would I get the 2" or 3" shoulder belts?

And, if I go with Schroth belts, then which model and why?

Thanks

 

If you wear a HANs, I would get the 3/2" shoulder belts, and depending on your size, you may consider the 2" lap belts which on some body types position the belts better. The Schroth Profi belts have the camlock on the sub straps with a wide metal bar (about 4") and on some people it is uncomfortable. The Hybrid model has loops on the sub straps that slip around the side belts and require a little more dextarity to latch, but can be much more comfortable.

 

geoffrey, you are correct.
i am not aware of any scientific tests done b/n 3" vs 2". my statement was based on the label on the belt stating for use with HANS only"

sorry for the confusion.

 

Two things I found interesting when watching (on TV) all of the driver switches at the Daytona 24:

1) It seemed that every single DP car was equipped with Willans harnesses... Not a single Schroth... which is BY FAR the overwhelming favorite on this board.
2) They all appeared to be 3" belts (with HANS).

 

I've been advised similarly with emphasis that any passenger or driver not wearing a Hans cannot / should not use the 2" shoulder. So while you feel you may always wear a Hans, so you use the 3/2 shoulder, if it is possible somebody without a Hans might drive your car, then you might want the 3" shoulders.

Having just gone through this whole exercise, I've decided, based on my own feelings and the advice of many, to use 3" shoulders (and 2" laps) on both sides as that is the most versatile configuration. If you are 100% confident that you alone will drive and will always use the Hans, then I can't see a reason not to use the 3/2. In my case, I share the car with my son and while he may always use the Hans, one of his instructors might not and may want to drive the car for a couple of laps.

 

The benefit fo a 2" from what I've been told by a few belt mfrs is that when you can't mount the harnesses to the standards that HANS recommends that the 2" belt can be used to help maintain the belt on the device. However a 3" belt properly mounted works great and is easy to deal with while using a HANS device. If you are curious what the mounting should look like, check out the HANS quick start guide.

 

FWIW, I would suggest talking with Joe Marko at HMSMotorsports
www.hmsmotorsports.com

Very knowledgeable on Schroth and HANS, highly respected individual.