Head and Neck Restraint Systems

How a Head and Neck Restraint Works

A head and neck restraint holds your helmet back so your head and neck don't whip forward on their own when the car stops suddenly. Tethers run from anchors on each side of your helmet to the device. Your harness shoulder belts hold the device against your torso, so the restraint, belts and helmet work as one system.

The yoke-style design from HANS Performance Products sits on your shoulders under the belts, with a collar rising behind your neck. HANS III models use an injection-molded polymer with a hollow collar. Because the device depends on your belts, treat it as one part of a complete racing safety equipment package.

Start with racing seat belts and harnesses that fit your device, then check the fit with your helmet, seat and belts together. Do this before your first event so you can fix any fit problems at home.

HANS Device vs. Hybrid vs. Collar-Style Restraints

The main difference between these styles is how each one attaches to you and your car. Yoke-style HANS and NecksGen devices are held by your shoulder belts, hybrids add straps around your upper body, and neck collars aren't SFI 38.1 head and neck restraints. Here's how the options in our arm, head and neck restraints category compare:

• HANS devices use a yoke-style collar held down by your shoulder belts, including HANS III, HANS IV, Ultra Lite and 20M Pro Ultra FIA/SFI models.
• Simpson Hybrid S, Hybrid Sport and Hybrid Pro Lite restraints use post anchors and work with your harness.
• NecksGen REV and REV 2 LITE devices are SFI 38.1 rated and include quick-release hardware.
• Zamp Racing neck collars come in Youth SFI and Adult SFI versions for added support.

Choose a certified restraint first, then decide whether a collar adds the comfort you want. Your seat position, harness and helmet anchors should guide the final pick.

Understanding SFI 38.1 and FIA 8858 Certification

SFI 38.1 and FIA 8858 are the two certifications you'll see on head and neck restraints. Your sanctioning body's rulebook decides which one you need. SFI 38.1 is the SFI Foundation specification for head and neck restraint systems. FIA 8858 is the FIA standard for frontal head restraints, often called FHR devices.

Many devices on this page carry the SFI 38.1 rating, including HANS III, the HANS III Youth Series and NecksGen REV models. If you race under both SFI and FIA rules, look for a dual-rated device such as the 20M Pro Ultra FIA/SFI. Read the rating on the device label before you buy, and match it to your class rules.

Certification also comes with upkeep, because rated gear doesn't stay in service forever. You'll need to track when your restraint is due for recertification or replacement. Our SFI-rated parts replacement and recertification guide explains how long rated parts last and when to replace them.

How to Size and Fit a Racing Neck Brace

Sizing a racing neck brace comes down to four choices: device size, collar angle, harness width and anchor style. Head and neck restraints come in S, M, L and XL, plus youth sizes. NecksGen REV devices come in Medium and Large, so check each model's size options.

Match the collar angle to your seat. Upright seats usually pair with an angle near 20 degrees, while reclined seats often call for 30 degrees or more. A collar that doesn't match your seat angle can sit poorly under your belts.

Next, confirm your shoulder belt width. Belts come in 2 in. and 3 in. widths, and NecksGen REV winglets accept either size. Our race harness buying guide covers belt widths and mounting in more detail.

Finally, pick a tether and anchor style. Post anchors fasten the tethers to posts on your helmet. The HANS IV offers either Post Anchor or Quick Click attachment, so you can choose the connection you prefer.

Accessories, Neck Collars and Replacement Parts

Replacement parts keep your current head and neck restraint ready for race day, and neck collars add support around your helmet. For HANS devices, you can find replacement foam padding kits and QC sliding tethers. Inspect your pads and tethers before each event. Replace any worn or damaged piece with a part made for your model.

Zamp Racing neck collars come in Youth SFI and Adult SFI versions. The 360 Degree Helmet Support from RJS Racing Equipment is rated to SFI 3.3. Neck collars and helmet supports aren't a substitute for an SFI 38.1 device when your rules require one.

Shop our helmet restraints for more neck collars and helmet supports that work with your current helmet. If your class also requires arm protection, add racing arm restraints to complete your setup.