why/why not use a head & neck restraint system

[kevin]

open trak season is here. i'm wondering why most folks don't use a head & neck restraint system while open tracking? (no flaming here - just wondering) (is there a precieved difference between open tracking and racing?)

[Black Horse]

Up to now all I used was the Simpson neck collar......I hated it (couldn't swivel my neck with the helmet on) but it did save me from a neck snap at Gingerman last year....

I just bought the Wright Device (best 150 bucks I have ever spent)....its comfortable, lets you move your head, easy to release and get in and out of the car. You wont see me with out it!

[98banana]

Originally posted by kevin
open trak season is here. i'm wondering why most folks don't use a head & neck restraint system while open tracking? (no flaming here - just wondering) (is there a precieved difference between open tracking and racing?)

Some flaming may actually be needed here. From some of the open tracking I've seen, there's little difference in speed between that and racing. It just makes good sense to use the same safety devices that are used in racing.

Now, all that being said, I don't know if I'll have one by the time CMP rolls around in 2 weeks or not. It really all comes down to money. I know I'll feel safer in the car with all the right equipment though.

[97whitevert]

not meaning to show my ignorance but-

question- is one still ok to use even without a harness?

[johnbasf]

Originally posted by 97whitevert
not meaning to show my ignorance but-

question- is one still ok to use even without a harness?

That is a great question Lisa.

[kevin]

guessing here.

would it be similar to the argument of using a harness with out a rollcage?

all the testing results i've seen and the race rules i've seen have all indicated the maximum protection is in a "complete" system (which includes a full racing harness).

i've not seen any tests done in conjuction only with a standard seatbelt setup.

having said that. i used the hutchens device prior to the isaac. it is a harness system that straps to your body and then to your helmet. you could use this without a harness setup and i would think it would have some value. i would think, however, that if your body is being rolled out of a standard seatbelt your back could still be subject to a whiplash type impact. the hutchens could reduce the potential for a snap in the neck tho as it would keep your head in a relative position to your back. again, i'm just trying to think it thru.

[97whitevert]

maybe it is ( although i don't mean for an argument to develop). i think i understand the idea that harness use needs to be with the use of a cage. I was really wondering if there were some similar reasoning for the use of a head/neck restraint ? i have not seen anyone use one in other than a car with a cage.

for the record- i am planning on use of one, but thought - perhaps wrongly - that it should not be used in a street car setup, ie. no cage.

edit: i guess i should learn to read an entire post- you did explain my question more. duh..

[97whitevert]

another question:

i throughly respect your opinions here, and certainly appreciate all i have learned from you so far. so heres my next question ( you knew it was coming) do you think that the issac could be used on in a street application ( no cage)?

although a dedicated track car is still in the works, as of now there is still not one and an event is coming up that i will be using a car with no cage. ( i will not be going anywhere near all out, and feel at least as safe on the track as on I-77 if not safer ! ) thoughts?

[kevin]

the isaac (and i think the hans and maybe others) will not work without a harness.

[97whitevert]

thanks that is what i needed to know

[97whitevert]

i do need to do some research then before i go and buy- any suggestions as to where to look?

[svt_coupe]

I my humble opinion.... I'm not certain you would want to use ANY head and neck restraint device in a car without a full race harness. Part of the reason for the H&N device is because your body is (or should be) securely fastened to a seat. The belts give some in an accident, but you are much more secure with a full racing harness and seat than a factory setup. When you come to an abrupt stop, your head, arms, and legs are free to move (and will) while your torso is securely fastened. It's all about slowing down the impact. A H&N device slows the rate of acceleration that your noggin experiences. To my knowledge, all H&N devices are designed to be used in conjunction with a harness, completing a system that Kevin mentioned.

I'd imagine you can think of this like using an airbag without a seat belt. The airbag won't do much good for your head if it's in the windshield.

[97whitevert]

that is what my very limited, but logical mind was think. Glad to have you guys to clarify it for me. now the neck brace- yes- something is better than nothing in this case, right?

[Black Horse]

The neck brace it decent....gives a level of support at the base of your helmet...I would hate to think what my neck would have felt like at Gingerman last year without it. The big draw back is that it makes it hard to swivel your head.

A good and in-expensive add-on in my opinion