Compare motorsport arm restraints from Race-Safety Accessories, Sparco and Simpson at Harris Race Radios™. Arm restraints help limit arm movement outside the cockpit when correctly fitted and adjusted. Choose them for your driver, vehicle, harness arrangement and category requirements.
Arm restraints versus racing harnesses
A racing harness restrains the driver's body in the seat. Its lap, shoulder and any anti-submarine straps work with the seat and mounting arrangement to manage body movement.
Arm restraints limit how far the driver's arms can move away from the cockpit. They use arm cuffs and tethers fitted according to the manufacturer's instructions, with the specified compatible attachment and release arrangement. They have a different purpose from the belts that restrain the driver's body.
Neither replaces the other. Arm restraints also do not replace a helmet-connected HANS or other frontal head restraint. Where your category requires these systems, select and fit them as a compatible driver-safety setup. No restraint eliminates injury risk.
For the body-restraint system, browse our separate Racing Motorsport Safety Harnesses & Accessories collection. Read the Racing Harness Installation Guide alongside the manufacturer's instructions for your exact equipment.
Compare the arm-restraint range
- Race-Safety Accessories SFI 3.3 arm restraints: black pair, MPN RSAAR-01BLK, store SKU AR-01BLK. The label photo shows SFI Spec. 3.3.
- Sparco arm restraints: black padded cuffs, sold as a pair, with SFI 3.3 identification shown in the gallery.
- Simpson Racing arm restraints: sold as a pair, listed as SFI 3.3 certified, with padded arm bands and steel hardware.
Fit and competition use in New Zealand and Australia
Open-cockpit drivers, including sprint-car, midget, buggy and other open-vehicle competitors, should check whether their exact category requires or permits arm restraints. Do not assume a blanket requirement or automatic event acceptance from an SFI label alone.
Follow the manufacturer's cuff-position, attachment, adjustment and release instructions. Check the setup seated in the vehicle, wearing your racewear and secured harness. Confirm steering and essential-control access and practise the specified release and exit procedure. Do not assume universal harness compatibility or one-size fit across brands.
Inspect webbing, stitching, cuffs and hardware before use and after an incident. Follow the manufacturer's inspection and replacement guidance; do not modify or repair restraint webbing yourself.
Experienced advice for your complete setup
Aaron Harris is an active racing driver and race engineer, Barcelona 24 Hour class winner (2013), and Bathurst 1000 and 12 Hour competitor, with Porsche Carrera Cup race-engineering experience. Harris Race Radios™ can help compare the range and identify the fit and compatibility details to check for your car.
Read Expert Motorsport Advice or contact Aaron on +64 27 449 9654 or aaron@harriscomms.co.nz. For the separate role of head-and-neck restraints, read our HANS/FHR buying guide.
Frequently asked questions
Are arm restraints the same as a racing harness?
No. A racing harness restrains the driver's body in the seat. Arm restraints limit arm movement outside the cockpit. Neither replaces the other.
Are arm restraints required in every open-cockpit class?
There is no blanket requirement stated here. Check the current rules for your exact vehicle, discipline, category and event.
Can any arm restraint attach to any harness?
Do not assume universal compatibility. Follow both manufacturers' instructions and confirm the attachment and release arrangement for your actual equipment.