Best Choice for Head and Neck Restraint?
 

Did a search but did not find what I was really looking for. I am looking at some type of head and neck restraint and would like some opinions from those who are using them what is best and why. I drive a 1000 cc lightning sprint and want to be able to get in and out of the car safely, I do not have a full containment seat but that is an option also. Thanks in advance.

Dave

Re: Best Choice for Head and Neck Restraint?
 

I use the hybrid pro. Have had it since 2009 my first year in micros. Staying with me through my career (or the life of the device, whichever comes first...hopefully the life of the device!) I know people who have used the hutchins, but its got way too many straps. The HANS is popular, but in a frontal impact wreck, you can easily break your collarbone(s) because of how the device lays across your shoulders.

Re: Best Choice for Head and Neck Restraint?
 

Does it use the belts at all or is it independant and use the driver as the anchor?

Re: Best Choice for Head and Neck Restraint?
 

I have worn a HANS once. Have never worn a Hybrid or Defender. I do own and use a D-Cell, the one that was designed and marketed for open wheel/multi angle impact uses...and I really really like it. It's very similar to a hutchens device but with fewer straps and doesn't anchor the same way as the hutchens (instead of one strap under your crotch it has 2 that wrap around each upper thigh just below the pelvis) It uses the pelvis as the anchor and is basically like wearing a repelling harness. It has no impact on the fit and feel of the shoulder harnesses like some of the HANS type devices. Has a quick release tether on each side that you can tape or velcro to the front of your helmet to make finding it easier. I seem to be able to get out of the car easier with it on than with the HANS, it's way more comfy on the shoulders, and still lets me feel the same in the seat as not using a device...the HANS felt like it made me sit different.

The only drawback with MY D-cell is that I purchased it before SFI had a rating system for head/neck restraints so it doesn't have that little tag on it. It seems like I read that D-Cells are now SFI certified but since mine doesn't have the tag I bet I wouldn't be allowed to race with it with any sanction that mandates SFI certification and enforces the rule. I have used it with a couple of midget series that require an SFI device, explained to them what I had and they told me it was OK, but I imagine USAC would tell me no. Heck I once watched USAC reject a sprint car from passing inspection because of no steering wheel nose pad....then they told the driver that he could duct tape a shop rag on the wheel and be allowed to race

Re: Best Choice for Head and Neck Restraint?
 

The shoulder belts do go over it but there are straps that go around the driver that hold it in place. Like was said above, it works laterally as well as frontal and can take multiple frontal impacts.

We just purchased two Hybrid Pro Rages at the shootout for my son in his 600 mini and me. The Pro Rage will save a little money as it is a carbon fiber and composite as opposed to the full carbon fiber model.

The other good thing about this system is it is not restricted to certain seat inclines. That is to say if you race a sprint car one week in an upright seat and a mod the next in a lay back seat the system will work with both. The Hans will not.

I did a lot of research on H&N systems and to me this was the best fit for open wheel dirt cars. Lots of professional sprint car and late model drivers are using this system. We spoke with Safety Solutions (Simpson) at the shootout and he made some very good points that getting out of the car in a hurry is much easier with this system, especially if you are running a late model or modified with the smaller window openings.

They will be back at the Chili Bowl this week if you are attending it. If so, bring your helmet as they will install the anchor devices for you at no extra charge.

Re: Best Choice for Head and Neck Restraint?
 

Another thing I like about it is that I can use it in conjunction with my neck collar...that helps eliminate compression of the neck and adds another layer of fire resistant material between the helmet and neck area...and also helps keep dust from getting inside the helmet.

Dfender, love it and would not wear anything else.

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Re: Best Choice for Head and Neck Restraint?
 

While the neck restraint is very important it is only one piece of the safety puzzle. I would not let my kid drive a car that did not have a full containment seat. A HANs or other neck device protects the head/neck from back to front.....it won't help with side to side, that's where the seat comes into play.

I use the Hybrid Pro. Put it to the test the 2nd time I wore it when I killed a car against concrete. It worked well, no neck pain, and both my eyes pointed on the same direction. I'm just not comfortable with something between my belts.and my shoulders, so I was resistant to wearing a Hans device.

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Dfder is lateral and horizon protection. Made for open wheel dirt cars. I have containment seat, crows nest on both sides and dfender. Maybe a little overkill but one of our lightning sprint drivers was killed 3 years ago most likly because of shaken baby sindrum. Sorry I don't know the medical term. Who knows of the H&N would of help but I am not taken a chance.

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Re: Best Choice for Head and Neck Restraint?
 

My driver prefers the "improved Hutchins" device, with his helmet support, it is a hassle, to put on, but some of the crashes he's been in, I doubt he'd want anything else, and he has no trouble getting out, it isn't necessary to undo the helmet retention, just pull the belt lever, and exit. I just don't care for the H & N designs, allows too much head/helmet movement to suit me, I've seen guys that have them so loose, it looks like they can almost look over their shoulder, just lucky I guess. Bob!:)

Re: Best Choice for Head and Neck Restraint?
 

It looks like the Defnder is not made anymore and I am having a hard time finding the Hutchens or D-Cel anywhere, all I find are Hans and the Hybrid line from Simpson. If the Hutchens and D-Cel still made could someone direct me where to find them? Thanks for all the info.

Re: Best Choice for Head and Neck Restraint?
 

Having just done this last year for myself I am going to chime in my 2 cents. I may not be 100% correct, this is just my interpretation of the data I have found. First, the D-cell and original Hutchens- best I could find, they are no longer being produced. You may be able to find some "NOS" from someone but it is tough. I spent considerable time trying to track down a new one. On top of this, I am fairly certain they no longer meet current SFI certification criteria. I did find an article talking about how the Hutchens was then revised to the "Hutchens 2" or "Improved Hutchens". Bits and pieces of info led me to the conclusion that the Safety Solutions Hybrid and associated products are the Hutchens rebranded due to sold rights\patents and corporate restructuring. This is the product I ended up going with due to the fact that it mixes (IE the name "Hybrid") the "old" Hutchens or D-cel webbing based system and the HANS type system. It has the rigid plate held in place by the belts for the frontal impact safety and the webbing harness around the body to help with side impacts like the Hutchens 1 and the D-Cel (it buckles around the chest and then hooks into the lap belt assembly via 2 steel rings like arm restraints to keep you anchored). It is a bit of a pain to get hooked to the helmt each time you get in the car, but your crew should be able to do it no problem in about 30 seconds. The quick release tethers are nice (2 strings velcro to the chin of your helmet and all you do is pull them to release) making for easier helmet removal. The unit is fairly low profile and gives me no issue getting out of my car fast (I'm one of those wierdos who actually practices speed bails from my car to make sure none of my gear is going to hang up). Overall I am very happy with the Hybrid Pro and the only wreck I had last year (fairly decent rollover) left me with zero neck pain. The folks at Safety Solutions were great about helping me with sizing, picking the right model for my type of racing and budget and every other question I threw their way. As for the DfeNdr, it is my understanding that it is no longer available for retail purchase.

Here is dfenders web site. They are still being made

http://www.defnderneckbrace.com/defndertestimonials.html

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Re: Best Choice for Head and Neck Restraint?
 

Taken directly from their home page: The defNder is no longer being manufactured. Please see update on right side. We will continue to service the product. You may order Parts/Accessories Below.

If it is an avenue you want to pursue (and I have heard they are a great product from lots of people) I would try to track one down fast. At least they still sell servicing parts and plan to "recertify" the product at the end of the 5 year period.

I wear a Hybrid Pro now and love it! I also wore a R3 and went through a bad one at the Action Track and was ok! Both were made by Safety Solutions,but Simpson now owns all of the rights to produce those products.

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Re: Best Choice for Head and Neck Restraint?
 

Yep, Defnder said under the FAQ's no longer made, I will see if one can be found but won't hold my breath. Looks like one of the Hybrids is the answer just not sure which one yet. I will call Simpson about fitment and attatchments and go from there. Thanks guys for the input it helped alot.

Re: Best Choice for Head and Neck Restraint?
 

Ck with Speedy Bill, Speedway motors, I saw an ad they had posted, they had them on sale! Bob!:)

Im not sure where you are from, but there is a Simpson Store in Brownsburg that could take care of you tomorrow.

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