As with all racing safety equipment, Head and Neck Restraint fitment is critically important, and the Head and Neck Restraint user can increase the risk of injury if they are not fitted properly.  A Frontal Head Restraint (FHR) restrains the driver’s head relative to the torso during a frontal impact, thereby reducing the loads to the head and neck.

There are different types of FHR systems approved, one of them being the HANS® Device.  Please refer to the general Head and Neck Restraint sizing chart below for proper HANS® Device system fitment.    

This system sizing chart is for both ADULT and YOUTH devices.  If you need a Head and Neck Restraint system outside of this chart range, please contact our Technical Sales staff for other brand options that may be available for you.  

Properly Measuring Fitment for a Simpson® HANS® Device Head and Neck Restraint System

STEP ONE - DETERMINE PROPER DEVICE/SYSTEM SIZE

Locate a cloth tape measure and record the following body measurement:

• A - Neck Circumference  - Measure CIRCUMFERENCE around the fullest part of the neck line, keeping the tape semi-taunt.

Once this measurement is  completed, please refer to the sizing chart below to find the Simpson® HANS® Device Head and Neck Restraint System that best fits your measurements.  

Remember, if you DO NOT find a Head and Neck Restraint System that suits you, please contact one of our Technical Sales Specialist and they will work with you to find a solution for you.

Simpson® HANS® Device System Sizing Chart Note: Additional sizes may also be available. Please contact our Technical Sales staff for more information.

STEP TWO - DETERMINE PROPER DEVICE/SYSTEM ANGLE

HANS® devices exist not only in varied sizes (Small thru Large) but also with different angles between the yoke (part of the HANS® in contact with the driver’s shoulders and chest) and collar (part of the HANS® located behind the driver’s helmet). Normally HANS® devices exist in a range of angles between 10° to 30°.  Also note that there is also a version that is an adjustable unit that will go to 40° is needed for extremely rare racing applications.

When a driver is seated in the racing position with the harnesses tightened, the HANS® collar angle must be between 60° and 90° from the horizontal (see Figure 1 and Figure 2 below).

The HANS® device may lightly contact helmet, but if the HANS® collar angle is higher than 90° from the horizontal (the top of the collar is pointing forward instead of pointing backwards), a more upright device may be required (for example from a 30° HANS® to a 20° HANS®).

The HANS® device may lightly contact the seat or head rest, but if the HANS® pushes the head forward uncomfortably, the HANS® collar top goes backwards in an angle from the horizontal lower than 60°, a HANS® model with a higher angle may be required (for example from a 20° HANS® to a 30° HANS®).

The Figure 3 drawing below shows an indication of models angles according to typical seat sitting position.

IMPORTANT FITMENT NOTE:  On some rare occasions, drivers with an extremely narrow chest or youths feeling discomfort using a Professional Model 10 may need to move to a 20 Degree device.  And for those drivers with an extremely large chest who can’t get the device angle correct, may need to use a 30 Degree device.  If either of these are the case, please contact the factory technical department for their recommendation before using any HANS® system.

TECHNICAL CREDIT AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: The above HANS®, helmet and seat technical information and illustrations were compiled using excerpts from the Federal Internationale De L'Automobile (FIA) 'Guide and Installation Specifications for HANS® Devices in Racing Competition' document published in June 2017.  To review this full PDF document click here or visit the FIA website Safety Section at www.fia.com/safety-equipment (both links open new browser window).

Racecar Engineering™ Has All of Your Racing Safety Gear Needs Covered

Please remember that Racecar Engineering™ carries a full assortment of all Simpson® HANS® Device Systems ranging from the HANS III™ all the way up to the Professional Models 10, 30 and Pro Ultra Lite™ series.  On top of that, we also have in stock and ready to ship, Simpson® driving gloves and shoes, underwear, hoods, socks, helmets, harness pads, seat belt restraints, helmet skirts, gear storage bags and much more.

Browse our wide selection of safety products and buy online today.  If you have questions about choosing the right safety equipment for your motorsports segment, please contact one of our Technical Sales Associates for assistance.

At Racecar Engineering™ we make every attempt to be every racer's 'One-Stop Safety Shop'.

Return To:  Main Technical Center Page  |  Head and Neck Restraint Info/Sizing Chart Page - All Brands

Related Tech Safety Topics:  Racing Helmets | Racing Suits | Driving Gloves | Driving Shoes | Racing Seats

*** HEAD & NECK RESTRAINT SYSTEM SIZING/FITMENT CHART DISCLAIMER: This head and neck restraint system sizing/fitment chart has been created by Racecar Engineering™ for our customer's reference and ease-of-use using the latest fitment information available from the factory.  Please always refer to the factory website, factory printed materials and factory personnel advice for the latest head and neck restraint system information about their brand of safety product.  The Simpson Safety/HANS factory website can be accessed directly at www.simpsonraceproducts.com. (link opens new page) - Racecar Engineering™ is not responsible for any typographical errors contained in this head and neck restraint system sizing chart/fitment material or the end-user's failure to verify & follow factory fitment specifications.