H&N restraint

#21

On a similar observation, the big winglets on some of the newer seats look good for controling sideways head motion. However, I think their original intention were for purpose built touring cars where the seats were set further back than the stock seat locations. This seat placement further back still allows for escape out of the side window. Having the seat closer, makes emergency exit very difficult. Of course you have to survive the initial wreck to then worry about the need for any emergency escapes. So there are compromises all over for how people prioritize their safety.

At least once every race weekend I practice emergency escapes out of both the left and right side window openings. Even better, do it with your eyes closed, to simulate the car full of fire extinguisher powder. Bonus if you practice with the car upside down. Oh, can’t do that in simulation, LOL.

I’ve been using a HANS for 2 years. No real tests yet, knock on wood!

#22

Lance Richert wrote:

[quote]On a similar observation, the big winglets on some of the newer seats look good for controling sideways head motion. However, I think their original intention were for purpose built touring cars where the seats were set further back than the stock seat locations. This seat placement further back still allows for escape out of the side window. Having the seat closer, makes emergency exit very difficult. Of course you have to survive the initial wreck to then worry about the need for any emergency escapes. So there are compromises all over for how people prioritize their safety.
[/quote]

Having a seat with head bolsters is the only reason I am torn between Hans and Isaac. Hearing stories about the hans getting stuck on things when trying to get out is a little bothersome. But then with the Isaac you have to worry about corner worker not knowing how to release it if the situation is that bad. All just personal preferences that everyone needs to address I guess.

#23

I went through a really good side-impact crash at the Glen on Sunday in the passenger seat of a stock E30. I didn’t have my HANS on but luckily was wearing a big, brand new neck collar. It seemed to support the weight of my (heavy GForce brand) helmet during the double impact. I thankfully escaped with no neck pain at all. Made me into much more of a believer in neck collars in cases where you can’t wear a HANS.

#24

That’s why I got the quick release tethers, it’s so much easier to disconnect the HANS.
Now, maybe I’m supertitous (sp?), but practice emergency exits every race weekend?
I’d like to make the sunroof an emergency exit, would that be possible?

#25

having been through a couple of crash&burn schools and worked events, the first thing a corner worker responder will do is cut your belts and the Isaac will just be hanging from your helmet not really impeding anything.
bruce

secu wrote:

[quote]
Having a seat with head bolsters is the only reason I am torn between Hans and Isaac. Hearing stories about the hans getting stuck on things when trying to get out is a little bothersome. But then with the Isaac you have to worry about corner worker not knowing how to release it if the situation is that bad. All just personal preferences that everyone needs to address I guess.[/quote]

#26

Depends completely on where they cut. If your shoulder harness adjusters are closer to your shoulders (so you can actually pull down on them), and they cut somewhere near the latch (which makes sense since thats where they have fast access to all 5/6 belts), then the shoulder adjusters will catch on the isaac.

FWIW, I have a HANS. I’ve had it for several years (pre-wingtip version) and IIRC was the only type avail at the time.

FWIW2, I have a friend who vintage races saabs. He bought an Isaac and hated it. Sent it back w/o a hassle - he gave them high marks for that. Not sure of what he bought to replace it (but I think it was a HANS).

#27

My big problem with the Isaac is that it’s a mechanical system (mini dashpots), and mechanical systems can fail. With my HANS I can look at the tethers and if they’re not frayed, I’m good to go!

Sasha