FRONTAL HEAD RESTRAINTS (FHR) are also referred to as ‘HANS’ (Head And Neck) and Head & Neck Devices. We will use the FIA acronym - FHR.
FRONTAL HEAD RESTRAINT GUIDE
Scroll though to understand -
The correct angle, the tethers; the helmet anchors; FIA & SFI homologation, testing & tags; the variations & the Simpson Hybrid S
APPROVAL FROM THE FIA and/or SFI
The FIA uses a ‘HANS’ as a benchmark for testing. Manufacturers devices have to match or exceed its strength and other criteria. They have a separate benchmark model for Hybrids. The SFI testing requirements are different. No benchmark model to test against, instead the devices have to pass multiple strength, quality and safety tests criteria. This gives the manufacturers and engineers greater freedom with their designs. And this is why the NECKSGEN FHR has such a radical design.
CHOOSE THE CORRECT ANGLE
The choices are usually 20 or 30 degrees. 10 degrees are used by drag racers. 20 degrees is generally for saloon cars. 30 degrees for a more laid back seating position such as a formula car, or are for large chested drivers who need more space.
THE TETHER
“The driver shall be seated in the car in the normal driving position, wearing the HANS® and helmet and with the safety harness fastened; - the driver should lean his/her body and head forward as far as possible - in this position the length must be measured from the leading edge of the HANS collar to the point of connection to the outside of the helmet.” - FIA
If you feel your tether is too long or too short, please first perform this above test before requesting a different tether. Note, this test requires you to push your straight head forward and not down towards your chin. Your head can move up to 5-9 inches (+/- 0.98 inches.) Your head does need to be able to move with limitations.
HELMET ANCHOR KITS for FRONTAL HEAD & NECK RESTRAINTS
The post anchor kits are often sold separately. You must have a design that matches your FHR device choice. (Usually, if the design is unique to the Brand, the anchor will be included.}
Since SA2010 ALL auto helmets are pre-installed with identical M6 screws. Since SA2015 ALL auto helmets are pre-installed with an anchor backing plate. (If your helmet is older than SA2010 contact us for help.) Although the anchor’s attachment to the helmet uses the same thread, the actual engineering inside the anchor and the method of attachment between this and the FHR device can be different.
The FIA basically has two attachment designs - Post Anchor and Quick Release, and both will work on every FIA or Snell helmet. SFI only FHR manufacturers anchor kits can be unique to the brand (for example NecksGen.)
NECKSGEN ANCHOR
QUICK RELEASE
FIA FHR manufacturers often place their brand’s name on their helmet post anchor kits. (Stilo, Stand 21, HANS, Bell) However, since the anchor kits are FIA homologated and uses the same M6 thread for attachment these helmet anchors can be interchanged.
When buying a frontal head restraint, you should specify that you need the helmet anchor kit (they are often not included in the purchase price) - and ask if there is an attachment option.
POST ANCHOR
NOTE, We do not question the validity or the safety testing criteria of FIA or SFI FHR devices - they are equal, and both will save your neck. In fact, most FIA devices are also SFI approved. The SFI requires FHR devices to be re-certified every five years by the manufacturer. The FIA does not. However, it is recommended you do this since most tethers will have stretched and been subject to other conditions that may have compromised the integrity of the straps and the device. Always, return the device if you were involved in a crash. Manufacturers can X-Ray the device for cracks, and most likely swap-out the tethers.
THE FIA 8858-2010
When the FIA first agreed to homologate the ‘HANS’ (Head And Neck restraint) device they allowed three different manufacturers to produce the ‘HANS' - Stand 21, Schroth & HANS (now owned by Holley.) Until February 2019, a US patent prevented Stand 21 & Schroth from selling their FIA models in the US. The devices are now sold here with a FIA, SFI or FIA/SFI certification. The FIA now refers to the devices as a Frontal Head Restraint (FHR.) It is also often called a Hand and Neck Restraint (HNR.)
SFI SPEC 38.1
To obtain the SFI 38.1 certification manufacturers must pass the SFI’s minimum testing standards for H&N devices. This includes material strength, G-forces, fire resistance, comfort, 30 degree impact and more - BUT, unlike the FIA, there no design limitations. Consequently, the devices do not look alike, even though they have passed the same, stringent tests. However, you will find some commonalities, such as double sliding tethers, harness retaining wings, and no high backs.
NOTE, FIA FHR devices can (and do) achieve SFI 38.1 certification, but not the other way around.
SFI SPEC 38.1 TESTING
Unlike the FIA, the SFI not does have a benchmark model that all new devices have to be tested against. Instead the SFI sets minimum testing criteria for the manufacturers to achieve. The manufacturer then enters a licensing agreement with the SFI which allows the company to attach the SFI certification tags to their product.
NOT IDENTICAL
All FIA & SFI tagged FHR devices pass the tests and work! However, models do vary in angles, style, shape, weight, materials and features which naturally affect the pricing.
Note, to save your neck, all FHR devices must be used with a 5-8 pt. harness. The harnesses go over the FHR! (Yes, we have observed people wearing them over.) The only exception is when worn with a 8 Pt. harness, when the FHR is sandwiched between the the double shoulder belts.
The Simpson Hybrid S is the only duel functioning device. It is FIA homologated and to be worn with FIA harnesses, yet has data to prove it is effective with the standard 3 pt. seat belt. Great for HPDE instructors.
CURRENT FIA 8858-2010 TAGS
The devices, the post anchors, and tethers will each have a separate FIA tag. The latest FIA certifications tags, for additional security, will also come with a hologram - that is unique to that one product.
Do not damage your tags, they cannot be replaced. The FIA 8860 gold tags marks a more stringent homologation for top professional racing.
A SFI certified head and neck restraint will be tagged with a sticker that marks the year and month of manufacture. The certification lasts for five years, and usually sanctioning bodies allows the certification go to December 31 of that 5th year. The device should be returned to the manufacturer for recertification. That takes about 2-3 weeks and minimal costs ($25 for a new sticker. around $75 for a new tether.)
SFI SPEC 38.1
THE CERTIFICATION TAGS
