HANS Device Buying Guide NZ & AU — Fit, Anchors & Rules

If you compete in circuit racing, rally, endurance, drifting or speedway in New Zealand or Australia, a frontal head restraint (FHR) may be required for your category. This guide explains what a HANS device does and how to choose a helmet, restraint, anchors and tethers for your budget and actual driving position.

Practical advice from Aaron Harris, an active racing driver, race engineer and MotorSport NZ Licence Examiner.

Which Helmet and HANS Combination Should I Choose?

Compare Roux, Stilo, Bell and XRON combinations. The best combination is the one that fits your head and body, suits your seat and harness, meets your current class requirements and stays within your budget. A higher price does not make an unsuitable helmet fit correctly. Choose the complete setup, not a helmet and restraint independently on price alone.

Roux Helmet and HANS 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 helmet fit, features, restraint size and angle, fitted anchors and communications included in each configuration. Match any communications connection to your actual radio or intercom.

Stilo ST6 Helmet and HANS Combination

The ST6 has superseded the ST5, so start with the current Stilo ST6 range when choosing a new combination. The ST6 FN Composite is an option to compare with a suitable Stand21 restraint: its listing specifies FIA 8859-2024 and Snell SA2025 certification, factory-fitted HANS posts and no integrated electronics. Check the exact supplied helmet label, fit, restraint size and angle, and any audio requirements before ordering. Do not assume every ST6 model includes the same communications or carries the same certification.

Contact Harris Race Radios™ to arrange an ST6 and HANS combination matched to your requirements. Confirm the exact components and total price before purchase; this guide does not imply that a dedicated ST6 bundle is already available to order.

Bell Sport Mag Helmet and Stand21 Package

The Bell Sport Mag helmet and Stand21 Club Series FHR package is an open-face alternative. Choose an open-face helmet only where appropriate for your discipline and current category rules. Confirm the supplied helmet model and physical label, whether compatible posts are fitted, restraint size and seating angle, and any required communications.

XRON: Budget-Focused Clubman, Beginner and Entry-Level Package

For clubman and entry-level competitors, beginners, MEGA, drifting and speedway drivers where budget is particularly important, consider the XRON SA2025 helmet and Stand21 Club 1 HANS/FHR package. The NZ$1,037 base package includes an XRON Snell SA2025 helmet, a Medium or Large Stand21 Club restraint and included, fitted HANS/FHR helmet posts. It provides a practical starting point without requiring you to buy helmet audio you do not need.

Select helmet and restraint sizes separately. The listed Stand21 Club device has a 20° angle for an upright seating position; confirm your seat and harness geometry and the exact physical equipment labels against your category rules. This recommendation does not mean every MEGA, drifting or speedway event has identical requirements.

The base helmet has empty speaker cups, with no speakers or microphone. Optional stereo or mono one-way speakers add NZ$59.99, giving a NZ$1,096.99 package total. A two-way microphone and speaker kit adds NZ$159, giving NZ$1,196. Radio, race-control receiver, intercom and additional interface equipment are separate. Match any audio upgrade to your receiver or radio. The value is the coordinated equipment selection, fitted posts and local support; no discount from separate component prices is claimed.

Compare Fit and Configuration, Not Brand Alone

If a helmet does not suit your head shape, your seating position needs another restraint angle, or your class requires a different certification, compare suitable alternatives rather than forcing a package to fit. Communications, comfort over longer stints and cockpit clearance can also influence your choice. Package prices and inclusions differ; a saving against separate components is not assumed across the range.

Browse Roux, Stilo, Bell and XRON helmet and HANS/FHR packages or the Helmet Knowledge Centre for further selection guidance.

What Is a HANS Device?

HANS stands for Head and Neck Support. It is a type of frontal head restraint worn over the shoulders and connected to a compatible helmet through tethers and anchor posts. In a frontal impact, the restraint is designed to limit forward movement of the head. It must be selected and used as part of a compatible helmet, tether, harness and seating setup.

When Is an FHR Required?

Requirements differ by discipline, category, event and governing body. Check the current MotorSport NZ, Motorsport Australia, speedway or other applicable rules for the event you plan to enter; do not assume the same requirement applies to every circuit, rally, endurance, drifting, speedway or karting class.

We can help you identify the specifications and rules to check. Confirm final event requirements and acceptance with the organiser or relevant governing body.

FIA and SFI Labels: What to Look For

Check the physical label on the exact FHR device against current category rules. FIA- and SFI-labelled devices follow different standards and care requirements; a product listing or brand name alone does not establish eligibility. Check helmet anchors, tethers and harness compatibility against the manufacturer's instructions.

Inspect tethers, anchor posts and the device regularly and after any significant impact. Replace damaged components with parts approved for that exact device. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and applicable inspection or recertification rules. Do not assume an FIA device has an automatic scheduled recertification expiry, or that SFI servicing rules apply to every FIA-labelled device.

HANS Sizing: How to Choose the Right Fit

Use the manufacturer's size chart for the exact model, then check how it sits on your shoulders with your race suit, harness, helmet and seating position. A single neck-circumference cutoff is not a reliable chart for every model.

If you are between sizes or changing your seat, helmet or harness, contact Aaron with the exact device model and car details before ordering.

Choosing the Device Angle

HANS devices come in different angles for different seating positions. Do not choose from “GT”, “rally” or “open cockpit” alone. Check the manufacturer's recommendation against your actual recline, harness geometry and device model. Confirm final installation against manufacturer instructions and event rules.

Does My Helmet Need FHR Anchor Posts?

A tethered HANS device needs compatible helmet anchor posts. Check whether approved posts are fitted, whether the helmet's certification and construction permit the required anchors, and whether posts and tethers match the restraint. Do not add anchors based on an apparent thread or generic description alone.

If considering Roux, confirm the exact supplied anchor configuration on the Roux R1-F SA2025 or R1-N SA2025 helmet.

Practical Advice From Aaron Harris

Aaron Harris is an active racing driver and race engineer: Barcelona 24 Hour first in class (2013), Bathurst 1000 and 12 Hour competitor, BMW Race Driver Series Champion (2011), and race engineer with Earl Bamber Motorsport, TekworkX, Matt Stone Racing and Porsche Carrera Cup Australia/Asia-Pacific/NZ. He is also a MotorSport NZ Licence Examiner.

Send Aaron your budget, category, car and seat details, helmet model and label, harness configuration and the restraint you are considering. He can help compare fit and compatibility and identify what to check before purchase. Contact +64 27 449 9654 or aaron@harriscomms.co.nz.