Head & Neck Safety, FHR, Hans Devices

FRONTAL HEAD RESTRAINT (FHR ) HANS DEVICE GUIDE

In most forms of motorsport it is now compulsory to use a frontal head restraint or FHR Device or Hans device. Head restraints aren’t the most glamorous of items but play a vital role in competitor safety in the unfortunate event of a frontal crash.

There are two main types of frontal head restraints available on the market and are designed by different manufactures to an FIA homologated safety test. These devices are designed to stop the head thrusting forward too far which causes a severe whiplash back, and it is this rearwards movement that actually breaks your neck. It’s important to note that FHR devices aren’t designed to prevent damage from a side impact and even though some can provide a level of assistance – it’s important to use a seat with ‘wings’ or side head restraint for adequate protection. These are mandatory at a number of tracks and classes of racing.

Our Hans Devices

Stand21 are the original manufacturers of frontal head restraints, also known as Hans Devices. To this day, they continue to be the most popular brand of Hans Devices, which racers attach to their helmet using posts. Hans Devices have a design that prevents your head from whipping in a crash, effectively reducing the risk of a fatal basilar skull fracture. They also serve as secondary protection by limiting excessive rotational movement. All Hans Devices are FIA or SFI approved.

What are Hans Devices?

Hans Devices are ‘U’ shaped devices that rest on the shoulders, extending over the chest and wrapping around the rear of the neck.. This makes removing them while still attached to your helmet possible. One of the brands we offer is Stand 21. They have incorporated a lot of comfort changes that are not available on other brands, like a softer yoke that contours to your neck and an improved quick release system.

The HANS device is positioned on your body through the racing harnesses of the car. While there are specialized HANS harnesses available with narrower two-inch shoulder straps, Stand 21 recommends using a three-inch harness for optimal performance. Having multiple harnesses on your device enhances its effectiveness. It’s important to note that a specific HANS harness is not necessary for HANS device usage. The geometry of the harnesses plays a crucial role in the functioning of the HANS during an accident. To assist you in correctly configuring the harness and seat, fitting instructions are provided with each device.

The design of all the Stand 21 models (excluding the Hi-Tec), have ergonomic chest yolks which fit around your collarbone, making them more comfortable to use. The chest yolks have soft Nomex pads that further increase the comfort levels.
The pads have air inside them and you can pump them up to achieve the highest level of comfort.

The pricing of the different models is based on the materials used in constructing the devices. The more you pay for the relevant device, the lighter it becomes. This becomes a consideration for racing purposes where the overall weight and the driver and equipment becomes important.