Of all the racing safety equipment and apparel worn by a competitive driver, a head and neck restraint system might be the most important piece of protection in the race car. These devices are designed to keep your head and neck in place and reduce movement to prevent whiplash, severe injuries, and even fatality. Explore our buying guide to learn everything you need to know about head and neck restraints including measurement, installation, cost, and safety certifications.

What is a HANS Device?

There are many branded head and neck restraint systems available, including those from Simpson and NecksGen, but the HANS (Head and Neck Support) device is the most well-known. The HANS features a U-shape designed harness with a stiff, raised collar that goes around the back of the neck, and two ‘legs' that protrude partway down the front of the chest on either side of the neck, resting over the collar bones.

This device was developed by driver Jim Downing and his brother-in-law, Dr. Bob Hubbard, after Downing's friend and fellow driver, Patrick Jacquemart, died in a head-on collision with a dirt bank while on a test run. The HANS device became available in 1990, but it wasn't until 1997 that the developers created the smaller, lighter version most worn today. The HANS device is considered a premier head and neck restraint system, mandated and worn by all drivers in NASCAR, IndyCar, and Formula 1. The HANS has been credited as a life-saving device by top drivers, including NASCAR champion Jeff Gordon and CART driver Mauricio Gugkemin.

How Does a HANS Device Work?

HANS devices work by using compression force between the shoulders and the racing helmet. Special straps and tethers connect the shoulder area of the restraint to the helmet. The shoulder section, often a U-shaped device, is held firmly in place by the seatbelts. The neck support secures your head or pushes against the bottom of the helmet to minimize separate movements of the head and upper body in a high-impact collision. When the head and torso move together in a crash, instead of independently in different directions, it reduces excessive head motion, neck force, and injury.

Pro tip: Be sure your racing seat belts are the right size for a HANS device or other head and neck restraint system. Choose 3-inch belts for accurate fit.

What is a Hybrid Head & Neck Restraint?

Originally designed and engineered by Trevor Ashline of Safety Solutions, the Simpson Hybrid device is a low-profile head and neck restraint system made for racing protection. This hybrid model allows for easy exit from the car without getting hung up in other belts and straps and still protects from multiple angles. Simpson Hybrid head and neck restraints are available in several styles and configurations.

How Much Does a Head and Neck Restraint System Cost?

Most head and neck restraint systems, including the Simpson hybrid system, generally cost between 400 and 700 dollars. The HANS device varies in price based on size, series, and where you purchase it, but the average cost runs between $399 and $1100 USD.

How to Measure a Head & Neck Restraint System

Safety head and neck support and restraint systems come in a variety of weights, strengths, and sizes so you can choose the best option for your situation. Below are basic measurements and size suggestions. Choose the device that feels the most comfortable on your body. A comfortable, properly fitting device should have a wide enough opening around the neck to fit the body; the edges of the device should not get in the way when moving your arms; the padded section of the yoke should not rub against the neck while driving.

HANS Device Measurement

HANS device size charts are based on neck measurements. Measure your neck with tape flat against the skin; it should be snug, but not too tight.

• Super small: 11 — 13.5 inches
• Small: 12.5 — 16 inches
• Medium: 14 — 17.5 inches
• Large: 16 — 20 inches

How to Measure the NecksGen REV

Measure the diameter of your neck just above the shirt collar.

• 6 inches and wider: Large
• 4 — 6 inches wide: Medium
• 4 inches or less: Small (accommodates only 2-inch belts)

How to Measure a Simpson Hybrid Device

Start by placing a measuring tape against the driver's body across the chest just below the pectoral muscles. Don't pull the measuring tape too tight, but don't leave any slack; the tape should rest snugly against the chest. It's best to measure when wearing your fire suit, but if you're wearing regular clothing, just add one inch to the measurement and follow this suggested size guide for a Simpson Hybrid device:

• 22 — 26 inches: Child
• 26 — 30 inches: Youth
• 32 — 36 inches: X-Small
• 36 — 40 inches: Small
• 40 — 44 inches: Medium
• 44 — 48 inches: Large
• 48 — 52 inches: X-Large

How Do You Install a HANS Device?

Before you install a HANS device, make sure that your racing seat and harness are compatible and installed properly. Mount shoulder harness anchors so that the inside edges of the belts are no more than 3 inches apart. Harness anchors should be mounted between 1 and 2 inches below the horizontal. Do not exceed a maximum distance of 8 inches between the back of the HANS device and the rear mounting point.

Place the HANS device around the driver's neck from the rear; the yoke should rest on top of the shoulders, behind the neck, and underneath the racing harness straps. The sides of the device should come down the front and rest on the upper section of the chest. Harness shoulder belts should run over the rubber sections on top of the HANS on either side of the neck. Make sure that the HANS device still fits comfortably without digging into your body once you are strapped into your race car and that you have 45-degree head movement left and right.

Ensure a clearance of approximately 1 1/2 inches between the helmet and the back of the seat so that the HANS device can move with the driver. Reshape and trim the seat or padding to allow enough space for the device; eliminate contact between the device and helmet, headrest, and other parts of the car interior. Never trim or reshape the HANS device itself.

How to Attach HANS Device Helmet Anchors

You do not need a special helmet to use a HANS device; the helmet anchors for tethers will fit any competition-approved helmet. Tethers are installed at a pre-set length of 6 inches which works well for most users, but you can lengthen or shorten them up to 1 inch for more movement or visibility. Attach tether anchors based on type as follows.

• Post Anchor: Line up the slot in the catch with slots on the post; push in and slide the catch rearward.
• QuickClick Anchor: Pull the red release tether to open the anchor; slip the tether loop over hasp and close.
• QuickClick II Anchor: Engage the bottom hook; rotate the hasp forward and lock it into the body.
• LW2 Anchor: The tether is permanently attached to this anchor type.

What is the Correct Angle of a HANS Device?

Choose the angle that matches your car seat back.

• 10 Degree Angle. Ideal for Sprint cars, drag racers, drivers under 75 pounds, and people who sit in an extremely upright position.
• 20 Degree Angle. Upright seat position. NASCAR, Sprint, Midget, Quarter Midget, and Modified race cars; sports cars including Porsche, BMW, Corvette, and Viper; UIM and Drag boat racing. Works best for drivers under 200 pounds.
• 30 Degree Angle. Semi-reclined seat position. Formula 1, Formula Mazda, Atlantic, Infiniti Pro, IRL. Ideal for drivers who need more space.
• 40 Degree Angle. This is a rare angle found in extremely reclined seats such as vintage Formula Fords and Bonnevilles.

Pro Tip: When in doubt, measure your seat with an angle meter to ensure accuracy.

Head and Neck Restraint System Safety Certifications

Head and neck restraint systems are rated for safety by SFI and FIA. Currently, FIA uses the HANS device as the standard by which all head and neck restraint systems are measured. In order to obtain FIA approval, the system must equal or exceed the HANS device in strength, safety, and a list of other criteria.

Unlike FIA, SFI does not set standards by a benchmark model like the HANS device. SFI 38.1 certification for head and neck restraint systems requires all new devices to pass minimum testing requirements including:

• Material strength
• G-force
• Fire resistance
• Comfort
• 30-degree impact

Both FIA and SFI-approved head and neck restraint devices are equal in their level of protection and safety.

Head & Neck Restraint Tags & Expiration

FIA certification tags are coded and include a hologram for authenticity and security. FIA tags can be found on the device, post anchor, and tethers.

SFI tags denote the year and month the device was manufactured. SFI certification lasts for five years and officially expires after December 31st of the fifth year. Upon expiration, the device must be recertified.

Head & Neck Restraint Recertification

The SFI requires head and neck restraints to be checked and re-certified by the manufacturer every five years. Once the restraint system is checked and approved for another five years, it receives an updated tag with a new expiration date. Recertification prices vary based on what parts need replacing, from the standard fee to replace just the SFI sticker, to a higher cost that covers a new tag, tether system, and rubber shoulders.

The FIA does not require recertification but still recommends that head and neck restraint systems be checked for wear and tear. The tethers and pads in a HANS device will wear over time and require replacement to ensure continued safety. Always check your head and neck restraint system or HANS device for signs of damage after an impact and replace it if necessary.

Explore Behrent's Performance Warehouse to find protective equipment, gear, and apparel to keep yourself safe on the track, lap after lap.