Simpson Racing HANS vs. Hybrid S | Buyers Guide

Head-and-neck restraints have become popular in car racing-and for good reason as one can save your life. So, HANS Device or Simpson Hybrid? We take a look at both.
Important note: While Simpson can offer head restraint protection for use with three-point seatbelts, Simpson’s top concern is driver and instructor safety. Simpson suggests a Full Containment Cockpit System that includes a Full Containment Seat, Snell- or FIA-rated helmet, FIA- or SFI-approved Frontal Head Restraint, and a five-to-seven-point seatbelt harness system for the best protection while on the track.
Thanks:
CRC Industries:
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Tire Rack:
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Simpson Racing Products:
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[@timlinerud7721]

If you can't afford a $500 HANS device to go racing, you shouldn't go racing. Safety equipment is not the place to short cut. The old saying, get a $50 helmet for a $50 head.

[@markcampbell3952]

As one racer who has inspected a concrete wall up real close I will always wear a HANS device. 100% endorsement! Thanks for putting up this video.

[@DaleCarterDrives]

"A good helmet and HANS are out of my budget, especially after I bought R-compound tires, adjustable sway bars, killer wheels and coilovers." Most newer track enthusiasts get the order of purchase exactly backwards.... buy the safety gear and coaching first, THEN upgrade the car.

[@FinlayDaG33k]

My parents are happy that I have a hobby that I enjoy but it makes them even happier when I come home in the evening.

[@keithwyss5218]

If your speed exceeds 40 mph- you NEED - head/neck restraint- PERIOD! This means EVERYONE who races. Earnhardt’s change in velocity was 44 mph- 40 is the critical number demonstrated by sled testing. Great video!

[@deyemeracing8795]

Scrolling through the comments, I was thinking of exactly this question. For a dedicated Solo / autocross car, you can get by with less, but I hate having to twist my seatbelt before buckling it just to hold my body in place during a run. And a body flopping around is in even less control. A properly installed and worn 4 or 5 point harness fixes that issue, but I've wondered what the threshold is for needing the extra hassle of a HANS.

[@gravityhammer25]

I bought a Hybrid S is a great deal! I bought one for my first track event! Not getting in the car without it! The great thing is if I am ever in a car with a harness I can use it there as well.

[@craig95188]

One very important point you failed to mention is that in the SFI sled testing there was significantly less force felt by your neck with the Hybrid S. Also, there is the situation of multiple impacts or a roll. The Hans is dependent on your belts to function. In a big impact you come forward in your seat and stretch your belts. This loosens up the Hans and it can even come out from under the belts. The Hybrid will continue to protect you until the car comes to a stop because it is not dependent upon your seat belts to function.

[@MarkIsOnFire]

You have a link to that test? I haven't seen test data available for the Hybrid. Would love to see a crash test video vs the Hans.

[@craig95188]

@@MarkIsOnFire Chart was removed after Simpson bought Safety Solutions (who developed the Hybrid) and employed the developer.

[@timhenderson8615]

Hybrid S, have two. One for riders in HPDE days.

[@Sussex192]

Thanks for this, I always wondered how the Simpsons worked. I use a HANs, and must say am very happy with it. An added benefit of wearing one, even before you get in a crash, is when co-driving in a rally. As you are looking down at the roadbook all the time, it is a actually very comfortable to just lean into, to take strain off ones neck.

[@thebandit4393]

Great video - well explained. I would love to see how these are tested and how well they work with a 3pt harness.

[@davidmartin7624]

That’s about the best I’ve heard anything described. Well done, thanks!

[@cayman9815]

thank you I am preparing for trackdays next year. this is on my list now !

[@jwnrocks]

Thanks for showing the options,and pros/cons to each.

[@patrickracer43]

"When should you get a head and neck restraint?" First thing you get

[@not_colecustear9956]

Thank you. That was very helpful for someone new to racing.

[@Grassrootsmotorsports]

Glad it was helpful!

[@DaleCarterDrives]

Another great safety video, thank you. I wear my Hybrid S in my Miata, Cayman and my brothers C8 and Boxster Spyder because they have the DOT 3-point belts. I, always, wear it when I am instructing/coaching in the right seat. When using proper harnesses and seat, I wear my NexGen because the bulge on the back of the Hybrid S doesn't work well with my seats. That may be because I am larger than most and the cockpit is already pretty cramped and the seat back angle is fixed. When do you need to wear a HANS? Are you on a track? If so, you should be wearing one. If you can;t afford one, you can't afford to be on track.

[@dutchsailor6620]

Good explanation about the pro's and con's of both systems.

[@Grassrootsmotorsports]

Glad it was helpful!

[@NewEnglandPatriotsfan]

Both amazing safety technologies,

[@karlisk4]

Price comparison is interesting. In Europe Hans is considerably cheaper than hybrid ($300 vs $700)

[@andersn8racing691]

A good rule of thumb is safety gear will always be cheaper then medical bills

[@play150]

I have a Hybrid S sized for me - I was thinking of getting one for passengers in my car on track, but what size Hybrid S do you think is good for a general fit since passengers might vary? Also - Post Anchors vs M61 Anchors??

[@DaleCarterDrives]

The quick release anchors are more intuitive, but I don't remove my Hybrid S or my HANS from my helmets. I just put them on and remove them as a unit. As far as passengers, a little small is better than a little big.

[@play150]

@@DaleCarterDrives ah i gotta try just having them as one unit!

[@DaleCarterDrives]

@@play150 The standard HANS are easy. With the Hybrid S, I put my helmet on, reach through the straps like putting on a jacket, buckle the chest strap and tighten it. I find it much easier than fiddling with the tethers every time I start or end a session.

[@michakasprzak7528]

Are there any neck restrains you can use without helmet? For "everyday" driving?

[@Grassrootsmotorsports]

No, and it's our opinion that a neck restraint isn't necessary for an unhelmeted driver in a car with an OEM safety system. Street incidents don't tend to concentrate forces on the neck the same way race crashes do, as there's no helmet involved and the driver isn't held rigidly upright.

[@jamesjones-cj8uo]

So which is better for bracket racing bc I wanna be able to judge the other car is that possible with the hybird?

[@fromtexasbygod]

NEW WINNER of the bad haircut open class!

[@MrBlackbutang]

Dead men tell no tales . If you are lucky.