HANS & FHR Devices — New Zealand & Australia
Shop frontal head restraints (FHR), including HANS-style and hybrid designs, for circuit racing, rally and other motorsport applications. Harris Race Radios™ can help you compare the exact device, size, helmet anchors, harness and seat fit. FHR requirements differ by discipline and event in New Zealand and Australia: check the physical approval label on the specific device and the current rules of your category and organiser before racing.
Watch: Why Safety Gear Saves Lives — Aaron Harris Manfield Crash
Aaron Harris was involved in a serious crash at Manfield and walked away. His experience is a reminder to select and use compatible safety equipment correctly; no device can guarantee an outcome in a crash.
Aaron Harris — Manfield crash, NZ. Wearing a Stilo helmet, frontal head restraint and racewear.
Why Use an FHR Device?
During a frontal impact, a correctly fitted frontal head restraint helps limit forward movement of the helmet relative to the torso and reduces the risk of serious head and neck injury. It is one part of a compatible helmet, harness, seat and vehicle safety system, not a substitute for lateral head support or professional installation.
Choosing the Right FHR Device
- Physical approval label: check the standard and validity of the exact item against the current NZ or Australian category and event requirements. Do not assume every device in a mixed range carries the same FIA or SFI approval.
- Fit and geometry: select the device size and angle appropriate to your seating position and the manufacturer's instructions.
- Helmet connection: check compatible helmet posts or anchors and the correct tethers for the specific device and helmet.
- Harness and seat: confirm approved shoulder-strap routing and width, seat clearance and device compatibility with the manufacturers' instructions and applicable rules. Two-inch straps are not a universal requirement.
- Use: inspect labels, condition and any expiry or recertification requirements before an event.
FIA and SFI maintenance
Check the physical label on your exact restraint and follow its manufacturer's instructions. FIA-certified FHR devices do not have a scheduled recertification expiry, but must still be in sound condition and meet current event rules. SFI-certified devices require recertification every five years; Harris Race Radios™ can arrange this service. Simpson Hybrid models may have FIA or SFI options, so do not assume the standard from the model name. Inspect tethers regularly and especially after a crash; replace any damaged or stretched tether with the correct compatible part. We carry FHR devices and replacement components; ask us to match a replacement tether to your exact device and anchors. A valid label or recertification does not guarantee acceptance at every event.
Advice From Harris Race Radios™
Aaron Harris brings motorsport competition and race-engineering experience to selecting equipment for the driver and car. He is a MotorSport NZ Licence Examiner for licences, not an examiner, approver or certifier of helmets, racewear or FHR devices. Rex Harris's motorsport communications experience dates from 1975; he is an official New Zealand RSM Approved Radio Certifier. His radio authority is separate from safety-equipment approval. Ask our team to compare the exact model and fit, then confirm event acceptance with your organiser.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an FHR/HANS device compulsory in NZ and AU motorsport?
It depends on your discipline, category and event. Check the current MotorSport NZ or Motorsport Australia rules and your organiser's requirements for the exact device and physical approval label.
What is the difference between a HANS device and an FHR device?
FHR means frontal head restraint. HANS is a particular design and name often used conversationally for this kind of device; other FHR designs have different geometry and fitment requirements.
Do I need a special harness?
Check the FHR, harness and seat manufacturers' instructions and your category rules. Shoulder-strap width and routing must suit the specific combination; two-inch straps are not mandatory for every device.
Can Harris Race Radios advise on selection?
Yes. Aaron's racing and race-engineering experience can help you compare device, helmet, harness and seat fit. His MotorSport NZ Licence Examiner role concerns licences, not safety-equipment certification. Final eligibility rests on the item's label and current event rules.
NecksGen vs HANS — which should I choose?
Compare the exact models for approval labels, seating angle, helmet anchors, harness routing and comfort. Do not assume equivalent protection or interchangeable fit from a brand name alone. See our HANS vs Simpson Hybrid vs NecksGen comparison.
Simpson Hybrid vs HANS — which should I choose?
These designs fit and route differently. Check the exact model's approval label, vehicle and harness compatibility, and your series rules before choosing.
Related Gear
- Racing harnesses
- Racing seats and brackets
- Contact Harris Race Radios™ for FHR selection advice