[Land-speed] Hans Device and Safety

[John Romero]

Some rambling thoughts on my Hans.

I have had a Hans for a couple of years but this Speedweek I stopped
using it. The combination of the new lateral head restraint and the
Hans just didn't work in my case. It was the old "10lbs of shit in a
5lb box" in my situation. Despite my seat being Hans compatible and
always being fine before the lateral head restraint was installed, the
added stuff on top of my shoulders just put me over the limit. The
lateral head restraint blocked my normal exit path, moving my exit
path a bit forward, (as I am sure it has affected everyone). This
required a bit if gymnastics with my helmet that i simply could not do
with the Hans on. I strongly suggest before buying one that you try
one out with your full suit on and fully strapped in. Mine didn't
become "over the edge" until I did so and tried my exit drill. I was
amazed at the increased difficulty in exiting with the new side
restraints and Hans device. In short, I couldn't exit my car without
taking off the helmet and Hans. If my cars on fire I am NOT going to
take off my gloves, then my helmet so I can exit. The Hans device on
my shoulders prevented me from scrunching down my head/helmet to clear
a roll bar and no scrunch meant no exit.

I am looking into the R3 device. It is the one that runs down your
back and does not use your shoulder straps to secure it.I am not
knocking the Hans. I think it is *excellent* and it was the right
choice for my previous setup buy my current interior configuration is
pushing me in another direction. I am not comfortable running without
something, even in the 175-200 mph range. If the Hans will physically
fit in your situation then I highly recommend it.

I have practiced some more with the Hans and I may again use it in the
future but I am still not sure. In the safe environment of my shop I
can now exit the car quickly with it on but it takes concentration and
a very specific and precise set of movements, most of which I fear
will abandon me in the panic of a fire.

John

On Thu, Sep 4, 2008 at 10:22 AM, Dick J <lsr_man at yahoo.com> wrote:
> Scotts email got me thinking.  Who has found a good deal on a Hans device or
> one of the other similar pieces of safety equipment.  Any comments on any of
> those other systems?
>
> DickJ
> In East Texas
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