Youth Racing Head and Neck Restraint Comparison
There are currently 3 companies, producing 4 total head and neck restraints, specifically for kids.
All 4 head and neck restraint systems are tested and certified by the SFI Foundation. The certification is labled as SFI 38.1. This independent testing is very stringent and very difficult to pass. Many potential prototypes have not met the test standards and therefore, never made it to the racing market.
Adult(s) should become familiar with the particular device the child is wearing, as it is imperative that the head and neck restraint is being worn correctly, in order to be effective in a crash. All the head and neck restraints have fairly simple hardware to connect the device to the helmet, however, it may be difficult for the child to perform correctly. The adult(s) should always assist in properly attaching the tethers to the helmet and verifying that the shoulder harnesses are properly located on the head and neck restraint.
The initial purchase of a Head and Neck Restraint can be a little shocking to the wallet and the racing budget, but they do maintain a good portion of their value on the resale market. So if your racer outgrows their device or decides to get out of the sport altogether, a well taken care of Head and Neck Restraint can be easily sold to new racers or racers looking to upgrade their safety.
HANS 3 Youth Model
The HANS III Youth is their third youth specific model in the past decade. Throughout that time-span, the HANS is the most popular seller when compared to other brands. Fits neck circumference sizes of 12 1/2 inches to 14 1/2 inches. Occasionally, racers young and adult, do not like the feeling of this device on their shoulders and neck, opting for another brand. Although, keep in mind, a similarly designed HANS device is used by the majority of pro racers throughout the world.
The HANS 3 can be "put on" and "taken off" while seated in just about all racing vehicles.
Most of our customers with young racers order the "Quick Click" helmet anchors versus the "Post" helmet anchors. The "Quick Clicks" seem to be a little easier to attach and detach the HANS from the helmet.
How often should a racer need to replace their HANS Device?
Simpson Race Products, who are now the manufacturers of the HANS responds, "The answer is that unless it saves your life in a major wreck you may never have to replace your HANS Device. Keep the device away from sunlight as this attacks the high performance resins used."
Simpson Hybrid Sport
Same basic design that many pro drag, dirt late model and off road racers use. Sizing is determined by a chest measurement and begins at 22 inches. The Hybrid Sport is a good choice for young drivers who do not like equipment around their neck. At first, it can be a little cumbersome slipping into this device (kind of like putting a backpack on).
The Hybrid Sport does need to be "put on" and "taken off" when outside the race vehicle.
Chest strap design is similar to the old Simpson R3 model, however, the Hybrid Sport does not need the added seat back pad.
We stock Simpson Hybrids with the D Ring hardware only. The D-Rings are by far, the most popular, due to simplicity of use and price point. For $29, additional drivers can share a Hybrid device by purchasing additional D-Ring anchors. Anchors attach and detach the device to the helmet by pulling on the tethers and loading (or unloading) the device hardware into the helmet hardware.
Necksgen Rev
By far, the smallest Head and Neck Restraint currently available. Somewhat resembles the HANS, but the rear section has a much lower profile and the device does not extend into the upper chest area. Simplistic hardware makes the NecksGen Rev easier to attach device to helmet, prior to racing.
The Necksgen Rev can be "put on" and "taken off" while seated in just about all racing vehicles.