For those contemplating Hans, here might be another choice. Doesn't look too bad. Much cheaper as well. I have wanted a Hans, but have been balking at the price. With the exception of my motor, the Hans would be the single most expensive piece of equipment on my car!! I personally think that the makers of Hans are gouging, because they can. Yes, I know safety knows no price, but I've been waiting and hoping for an alternative. Thankfully somebody is trying to compete.

http://www.leatt-brace.com/

 

Interesting, but doesn't look as comfortable or as safe as the Hans.

 

doesn't g-force or some company also make an alternative to the hans device for around $400? let me see if i can dig it up..

 

unfortunately its not SFI approved, so if SCCA or NASA go to requiring a head and neck restraint device, this most likely will not comply. Interesting design, but it looks like it would be more of a hassle than a HANS. I sure wish there was an approved alternative that cost less.

ahm

 

You've got to give Jim Downing and Ron Hubbard credit for developing the HANS concept in the first place. They came up with a device that would not only limit the neck's range-of-movement in an accident, it would also function just as effectively in multiple high-g impacts (common in motorsports). The Leatt brace does not appear to offer nearly the protection that a HANS device will. And while the HANS is expensive, I've seen too many racing accidents where it cost the driver his life and/or incredible medical expense.

I've used a HANS Mk. I for several years in SCCA racing. I adjusted to it within the first few minutes I had it in the car. Now it appears that I'll have to go with a model 20 because the seating position in my GT3 350Z will be more laid-back. Sure, it's going to be expensive, but the age-old question always applies: how much is your LIFE worth? Don't try answering this when something breaks and you're headed into a concrete wall or any other solid object!!

IMHO a lot of effort by individuals WAY smarter than me have gone into finding a better and/or less-costly alternative to the HANS. In over two decades, nothing has been found to be quantitatively better. Consider that it's the only approved device by the FIA for F1 and those budgets go into the multi-millions. If they came up with ANYTHING conceptually better, wouldn't we have heard of them?

David Muramoto
Sport Z Magazine Motorsports Editor