Bad to worse.

[Radical]

Originally Posted by SteveSlowboy

Angus,

I'm not aware of any serious accident in our sport where one might have helped, but certainly from Oliver's recent off at Prescott, I beleive he reconed it helped him - even in a sideways hit.

monopoly (or nearly - Stand 21 also make them)

Steve

Pure hearsay, Oliver has no way of knowing if it helped or not.
An example is Berhards accident in the escort at SW. the pictures of his head movement are horrific and contibute to him now buying a Hans, but it has to be said that luckily he did not actually suffer serious injury despite not wearing one.

As I said, where is the evidence to prove they actually save people in the real world other that the "doesn't appear obvious" that they may help. I have searched, but not found anything.

Monoploy: All Hans are made under licence to HANS, there is no real competition in supply or inovation in design, cost or indeed safety!.

[Craig Powers]

My motorbike tutor said “If you could freeze time in the middle of an accident and go shopping then you would buy the best protective gear available in which to conclude your accident. So buy it now before you need it”. Reasonable words.

I fully agree with the above but decided that HANS seemed too restrictive and probably pain in the backside for hillclimbs and sprints in which a) we have no helpers and b) are jumping in / out of cars all the time. c) The cost is also a major deterrent.

I have compromised on one of the Sparco karting neck collars. It has a protruding lump at the back so no confusion over fitment.

There may be testing standards but there is no such thing as a standard accident. Nevertheless I feel much safer and am sure that whiplash would be reduced in most incidents. I’ll roll the dice and take my chances.

Incidentally it took a bit of getting used to because it stops lots of the engine noise from entering the helmet. A good secondary benefit but I did miss a couple of gear changes the first time I used it.

[steve88]

Originally Posted by redturner37

Its Steve Elliott who is my nemisis, I fix his car and mine breaks down. Ask Condor to ban him.....

Only just spotted this one Dave , you safe now that Van Diemen gone as I am in different class , hopefully see ya next year as you were sorely missed this year

[steve88]

Originally Posted by Craig Powers

My motorbike tutor said “If you could freeze time in the middle of an accident and go shopping then you would buy the best protective gear available in which to conclude your accident. So buy it now before you need it”. Reasonable words.

I fully agree with the above but decided that HANS seemed too restrictive and probably pain in the backside for hillclimbs and sprints in which a) we have no helpers and b) are jumping in / out of cars all the time. c) The cost is also a major deterrent.

After 4 Events wearing HANS am now a convert , If you get one with sliding tethers they are not restrictive at all, in fact looking back I also wore a kart collar previously and found this more restrictive. If you are on your own does take a while to master the technique of getting it on and off . Would not race without one now. Also prices have come down now you can get the 20 and 30 degree without having to get the ultra light carbon version.

[andylaurence]

Originally Posted by steve88

Also prices have come down now you can get the 20 and 30 degree without having to get the ultra light carbon version.

Glad you pointed that out. I was teetering on the edge over Christmas but decided £700 was too much. £400 is more what my life is worth

[redturner37]

Originally Posted by andylaurence

Glad you pointed that out. I was teetering on the edge over Christmas but decided £700 was too much. £400 is more what my life is worth

I am looking more the same way Andy but even without the HANS I am struggling with the full face helmet. I normally operate alone and having nowhere to put the helmet whilst I strap in I put it on and can't see anything past my chin and cant do up the crotch straps. I do the rest by feel.......

[SteveSlowboy]

I've got used to using the HANS - but it is fiddly - I leave it connected to my helmet, slip it around my neck and shove the helmet half-on my head. This way I can see the buckle to do up the straps and just reach around to get the shoulder straps. Once all straps connected then slip the helmet on all the way and do up the chin strap. A right faff!

[steve88]

Originally Posted by SteveSlowboy

I've got used to using the HANS - but it is fiddly - I leave it connected to my helmet, slip it around my neck and shove the helmet half-on my head. This way I can see the buckle to do up the straps and just reach around to get the shoulder straps. Once all straps connected then slip the helmet on all the way and do up the chin strap. A right faff!

Thats the one , gets easier the more you do it. Once you get used to operating the clips you can even put helmet on after belted in .

[redturner37]

Originally Posted by steve88

Thats the one , gets easier the more you do it. Once you get used to operating the clips you can even put helmet on after belted in .

Bloody 'ell Steve, that sounds a great idea. I saw Greg walking about with the hans around his neck, so that must be what he does. Just need wider side pods to stick the helmet on.....

[ChrisBennett]

I've done half a dozen events with the HANS and now it's just part of the routine. Hardly know I've got it on and I agree with the comment about sliding tethers - it does allow sufficient movement and I haven't hit anything in the paddock yet!

Well done to Schroth for producing the £400 version in 30°