FHR Frontal Head Restraint Hans Devices

Choosing a Frontal Head Restraint for Motorsport

A frontal head restraint (FHR) is part of a coordinated driver-safety setup: helmet, compatible anchors and tethers, restraint, harness and seat. HANS means Head and Neck Support and is one type of FHR. Choose the exact equipment for your body, car and current class rules, not by brand or price alone.

Harris Race Radios™ supplies helmet and restraint options for New Zealand and Australian motorsport, with practical fit and communications advice from Aaron Harris, an active racing driver, race engineer and MotorSport NZ Licence Examiner.

Start With Roux and XRON Helmet and HANS Packages

Roux and XRON are our biggest sellers in this helmet-and-HANS package market. They offer useful starting points for comparison, but the right choice still depends on your head shape, fit, budget, seating position, communications needs and event requirements.

Roux Packages

Compare the Roux R1-F SA2025 and Stand21 HANS package with full communications and the Roux R1-N SA2025 and Stand21 HANS package. Check the exact supplied equipment, fitted anchors, helmet and restraint sizing, and audio connection before ordering.

XRON Budget-Focused Package

The XRON SA2025 helmet and Stand21 Club 1 HANS/FHR package is a budget-focused starting point for clubman, entry-level and beginner competitors, MEGA, drifting and speedway where the exact configuration meets class rules. The NZ$1,037 base package includes the helmet, a Medium or Large Stand21 Club restraint and a pair of Stand21 and Roux HANS helmet posts, fitted to the XRON helmet.

Choose helmet and restraint sizes separately. Optional one-way stereo or mono speakers add NZ$59.99; two-way microphone and speakers add NZ$159. Radio, receiver, intercom and additional interface equipment are separate. Match any audio upgrade to your actual communications system. No saving against separate component prices is claimed.

Compare the wider helmet and HANS/FHR package range when another helmet better suits you. For a new Stilo combination, consider the ST6 range rather than the superseded ST5. Confirm exact package availability and inclusions before ordering; not every helmet model has a dedicated bundle.

How a HANS Device Works

A HANS device sits over the shoulders and connects to a compatible helmet through tethers and anchor posts. Used with the specified harness and seating configuration, it is designed to limit forward head movement in a frontal impact. It does not eliminate injury risk or replace the other parts of the driver-safety system.

Browse HANS devices, Simpson Hybrid restraints and NecksGen restraints. Construction, attachment, harness requirements and homologation can differ by model. Do not assume every product from a brand has the same FIA or SFI label or equivalent performance.

Size, Seating Angle and Harness Geometry

Use the manufacturer's chart for the exact restraint. Check shoulder and neck fit while wearing your race suit, helmet and harness in the car. Size names and measurements are not interchangeable between every model.

The listed Stand21 Club restraint has a 20° angle intended for upright seating positions. Match the actual device angle to your seat recline and harness geometry rather than choosing from a vehicle category alone.

Check permitted shoulder-belt width, routing, spacing, anchorage and adjustment against the restraint and harness manufacturers' instructions and current event rules. Neither a two-inch nor a three-inch shoulder belt is automatically suitable for every device. Do not assume every restraint uses identical installation instructions.

Helmet Anchors and Tethers

Use posts and tethers approved for the exact helmet and restraint combination. An apparent M6 insert alone does not establish compatibility. Confirm whether posts are included and fitted, and check the helmet manufacturer's instructions before installation.

The standalone Stand21 Club HANS device does not include helmet posts. Package inclusions differ, so check each listing rather than assuming every combo has the same accessories.

FIA, SFI and Current NZ/AU Rules

Check the physical label and condition of the exact helmet and restraint against current MotorSport NZ, Motorsport Australia, speedway or other applicable category and event regulations. A brand name or listing does not establish universal approval. Open-face helmets must be permitted by your category; a certification label does not override a full-face requirement.

Follow manufacturer inspection, tether replacement and servicing instructions, including after a significant impact. Apply any relevant homologation or recertification rules to the actual device, not to all restraints as a group.

Neck Donuts Are Not HANS Replacements

A foam neck collar or donut is not the same as a tethered FHR. Do not substitute one where your rules require an approved frontal head restraint. Check the requirements for your exact discipline and age group.

Practical Fit and Communications Support

Our broad helmet range lets us match the helmet to the driver and communications requirements rather than forcing an unsuitable helmet to work. For rally, match audio to the co-driver intercom. For circuit or speedway, match permitted one-way listening or two-way communications to the actual receiver or radio.

Send Aaron your budget, discipline, car and seat details, helmet label, harness configuration and intended restraint. Contact +64 27 449 9654 or aaron@harriscomms.co.nz. Rex is available on +64 21 682 912.

Further Reading

Use our Helmet and HANS Buying Guide NZ & AU for package selection, sizing, anchors and current-rule checks, or visit the Helmet Knowledge Centre.