Head and neck restraints?

Anyone have any experience with any of the head and neck restraints on the market?
Hans, Hutchens or D-cel?

I am leaning towards the Hans just because it seems less bulky but the price is a little hard to take. Is there anyone using the hutchens or D-cel now that can give a little input on how are they are to get on and off and in and out of the car?

I am leaning toward the D-Cell. The HANS looks very uncomfortable to me when I see drivers get in and out of their cars. Plus, there is a piece that has to be disconnected from the driver. The Hutchens is real similar to the D-Cell but according to the literature I've read it is more for front to back motion whereas the D-Cell also helps in a side to side motion. They both work the same way but one has extra connection points. They both stay with the driver too which I like. The D-Cell is the recommended one of the two for sprint cars.

The only question I have about the D-Cel is how do you get it un clipped from your helmet? It looks like someone will have to help the driver put it on and take it off?


Mark

Here is another H&N system that I just saw today in my newest NKN magazine.
http://www.leatt-brace.com/index.php?page_id=3&id=3 Looks like the Moto-R is built for car racing. Here is some testing data. http://www.leatt-brace.com/r_testing.html

Mark

Thought I would see if I could help you guys out in making your decision with my personal experience. I used the D-Cell all season long from the 1st day of practice. I also had a hutchens that I tried 1 time and then gave back to the guy that loaned it to me... The hutchens in a cheap version of the D-Cell that is more complicated to put on and is all together a weaker device. The hutchens has two clips that go around your thighs that if not sized perfectly will fall down all the time. It was just a pain. The D-Cell straps are twice as thick and is one piece that is much easier to get in and out of. I don't have any personal experience with the HANS, so I can't compare there. What I do know is that the guys that use them, like them and you can hook yourself up relatively easily... My Father has offered to buy me a HANS for next season and I am really not jumping at the chance because I have confidence in the D-Cell. It is anchored to the belt system in the car and though it does require help from someone getting you hooked in, it is easy to unhook and get out if you need to in a hurry. Thankfully, I have only got to put it to the test one time, and it passed with flying colors. I rolled over 4 times at Grain Valley this year (didn't hit anything) and I walked away from it without a bump, bruise or any soreness... The restraint did its job, I was just along for the ride. As far as price-point and effectiveness goes, my vote is with the D-Cell. Front and Side impact protection and it is very secure. It is very restrictive and limits your view from left to right, but I started with it on from the very first time in the car, so I don't know what its like without it... Price I was willing to pay for safety... Thats my two cents, hope it helped!

Zack

Thanks for the information. I was looking at a Hans but I cant get over the price. Can you bring your D-cel to the meeting on Sat. I think we are going to be there and if it is not to much trouble I would like to take closer look at one.

Thanks, Mark

Mark,

Sorry I was unable to make the meeting... Had to work a livestock trade show in Kirksville - trust me, I would have much rather been at the meeting! Are you trying to come up with a H&N device by the Kemper show? If not, you can defintely take a look at it there... Its really pretty simple, the only challenge I can see with it would be trying to hook it up yourself, unhooking it is no problem. Like I said in my earlier post, I have been offered a Hans and I am actually very satisfied with what I currently have and don't plan on switching... Oh and to answer your question about unhooking it - there are 2 strings/cords on each side that hang down and you just tuck into your shoulder belts (some guys tape them to the helmet) and you just give them a firm pull to release the clamps.