How to compare HNR devices

[JimLill]

I am curious what criteria would be used for a club racer to compare HNR. Sure, we can look at all the crash data etc. but most of us will never encounter those circumstances, let's hope not anyway.

I have come to know enough racers here locally, that I have access to a few types, what would you look for if you were able to go to the "HNR R Us" store and pick one?

[kbrew8991]

cannot slip out from under the belts
has approval for the clubs I might run with
price

I figure they'll all function well enough to save my neck in the kind of cars I might crash :cheers:

[billy]

Trevor (LFTTech) told me that if the car isn't caged then it should always save the neck, if the G was big enough to exceed the devices 'rating' then the car has probably imploded and you died from crush not neck injuries. The 70G stuff to the driver seems to only be possible in a caged car due to crumple zones etc.

[kbrew8991]

There is also a point where you're facing internal injuries like your heart tearing off your aorta...

[JimLill]

so, forgetting the data, what would you want.........

[billy]

I'm still happy with the R3. The comfort thing people keep bringing up isn't a factor at all, I don't know I'm wearing it on the track. HOWEVER, the sliding tethers on the Hans now is absolutely wicked. LFT need to add sliding tethers on the R3. Thats a major thing now.

[JimLill]

I have a HANS Sport with S-T that I am going to use as a baseline for anything I compare to......

[kbrew8991]

I'm still happy with the R3. The comfort thing people keep bringing up isn't a factor at all, I don't know I'm wearing it on the track. HOWEVER, the sliding tethers on the Hans now is absolutely wicked. LFT need to add sliding tethers on the R3. Thats a major thing now.

its already available Billy - I asked the guys at Apex about it when they were posting about the tethers expiring :cheers:

see here: http://www.trackpedia.com/forums/showpost.php?p=44063&postcount=4

[gbaker]

1. Performance for all bone stress measures.

2. Keeping the belts on the shoulders.

3. Flexibility (driver size & seat angle).

4. Durability.

5. Cost per year of service.

[Safe Drives]

I am curious what criteria would be used for a club racer to compare HNR. EDIT what would you look for if you were able to go to the "HNR R Us" store and pick one?

1) Certification / Homologation: Check with your sanctioning body as to what they require now or will require next season.

2) Billy Said it, cannot slip out from under the belts, I think this is a big one.

3) Ease of proper / safe install or use of the HNR within your cars safety system. Some HNRs require or should require critical harness mounting angles be exact before use. Other certified HNR manufacturers claim that no shoulder harness is needed at all to extract increased head and neck safety.

4) Reputable manufacturer.

5) Availability.

6) Made in USA.

7) Smell? :D Just kidding! :D

I like this thread, I hope you don't mind a vendor posting.? :)

[billy]

gbaker designs the things for a living so it's cool when he drops in :)

[defNder tech]

This thread is really positive and hope a summary of all the points will be added to the HNR wiki, as these are some important criteria when considering a purchase of a new device or recommending one to a fellow racer.

Also nice to see Mr Baker posting again as i have not seen him on the forum in a while.

[Warpedcow]

gbaker designs the things for a living so it's cool when he drops in :)

Specifically, he works for Isaac. Full disclosure and all that.

[JimLill]

I like this thread, I hope you don't mind a vendor posting.?

I was hoping to hear from end-users so that this winter when I start comparing stuff, I know what racers want. There's plenty of "credible data" and OEM POV already all over the Internet.

As to Made-In-USA, not sure how that is relevant... if it was, would we tell Lobo6 to dump his German cars and buy a 'vette?

[Lobo6]

As to Made-In-USA, not sure how that is relevant... if it was, would we tell Lobo6 to dump his German cars and buy a 'vette?

:lol: Never gonna happen.

[Warpedcow]

As to Made-In-USA, not sure how that is relevant... if it was, would we tell Lobo6 to dump his German cars and buy a 'vette?

Aren't 'vettes made in Mexico with all the other GM cars now anyway? :p :cheers:

[Mad Mike]

I am curious what criteria would be used for a club racer to compare HNR.

Having survived, HNR-less, a bunch of roll-overs, flips and various other dramatic cessations of velocity (boulders, creeks, trees, other cars, tire walls, etc) over the decades without any upper torso injury (I did break a leg and lacerated a knee when marrying a Peugeot 504 V6 rally car - driver's door first - to a large Pennsylvania tree circa 1983) or even much in the way of after-the-shunt soreness (maybe I don't tense up as much before the hit as others - maybe I'm just really, really lucky) my first priority regarding an HNR is whether it will be accepted by the sanctioning organization requiring their use. After that I'd spend money like I'm likely to vote a month from now and withhold support from those who delve into negative advertising. Having read more threads on this subject on more forums than I can count I'll hazard a guess that either of those criteria will leave me with the same set of HNRs from which to choose (unless something new appears between now and when I finally buy one).

[gbaker]

Specifically, he works for Isaac. Full disclosure and all that.
Oops, sorry. I should put that in my sig.

I'm Gregg "The Isaac Guy" Baker, and I approve this message.