Region: Northeast
Year : 1990 Posts: 4
Status: Offline
posted
Hi all -
I am new to SM and to racing in general. I just bought a race ready car and am planning on working towards my license once the weather warms up. In the meantime, I need to purchase a driver suit, helmet, head and neck restraint, etc. I'd like to try on both HANS and R3 systems to see which is a better fit for me. This brings me to my question. Is there anywhere in the Northeast where I can try on both a HANS and R3? I live in Central Connecticut and don't mind driving a 2 or 3 hours in any direction.
Thanks in advance for your help. I've been reading the forums for a while now and find the info invaluable. I am sure I'll have additional questions as I go.
Region: NER
Car #: 7
Year : 1999 Posts: 636
Status: Offline
posted
I don't have either at the store but would be willing to let you try my HANS on for fit. I've got a friend/fellow SM racer that lives in Portland, CT that would probably also be willing to let you play with his HANS and is much closer to you. Contact me via PM for any information. And start planning your licensing school schedule so that you can start racing with us ASAP.
-------------------- -Cy Supported by LTD Racing & Speed Shack - New England's Premier Auto Accessory Store Rt1 AutoMile - Norwood, MA http://www.speedshackonline.com
Region: NER
Car #: 38
Year : 90 Posts: 105
Status: Offline
posted
I have used a Hans for a year and have been using a Hybrid Pro Rage this season.
Plus 1 Provides side to side support 2 Seems to not allow as much frontal movement as a Hans 3 Does not dig into the shoulders. You feel the belts and not the device. 4 It is supposed to reduce forces in a shallow angle impact (some side force) better than the Hans. I don't have a halo seat but a right side net will be in for next season.
Minus 1 More complicated to put on. Must slip rings onto the lap belt (not really an issue) 2 Helmet clips are a little more complicated. 3 Dont forget to attach the quick release to the velcro patches that you install on the front of the helmet. 3 I install the harness and clip the helmet clips before getting into the car. 4 Since it uses straps (or belts0 it has a limited lifetime. 3 years I think. Not sure if you can return it to be re belted.
Watch all the videos you can find and then decide.
Region: Northeast
Year : 1990 Posts: 4
Status: Offline
posted
Thank you to all for the guidance and offers to try on equipment. I did have the opportunity to try on both a HANS and a Hybrid Pro. I went with the Hybrid Pro because it was more comfortable, and I like that it attaches directly to me. One decision down, one million to go . . .
CP - I'm trying very hard to get my license. If I can swing the cost, I'd like to do a Skippy school in the spring. But after buying all of the equipment to get going, I'll be lucky to afford gas to get to the track!
Region: NER
Car #: 7
Year : 1999 Posts: 636
Status: Offline
posted
For the price of the Skippy school, you can attend two SCCA schools and race for half the season...a much better utilization of your racing dollars time if you ask me.
-------------------- -Cy Supported by LTD Racing & Speed Shack - New England's Premier Auto Accessory Store Rt1 AutoMile - Norwood, MA http://www.speedshackonline.com
Region: NYR
Car #: 12
Year : 1991 Posts: 620
Status: Offline
posted
The skippy school vs SCCA school debate has gone on for a while. I think it could be accurately summed up like this:
If you've never driven a car on a track ever, a skippy school will get you up to speed much faster than anything else out there. It gives you a chance to learn the mechanics of driving a car on a track you may or may not know in someone elses gear, with three coaches paying attention to you and giving you feedback.
If you've been DE-ing for a while, it would make more monetary sense to do the SCCA school route.
I did a skippy school, got my license, and then did a SCCA school as well. I'd say the skippy school teaches you how to drive and work up a track, while the SCCA school teaches you more about racing and throws you into the fire right away.
By the way, in central ct you've got a lot of resources and helpful people close by. Good luck and welcome!
Region: Northeast
Year : 1990 Posts: 4
Status: Offline
posted
My track time consists of just one DE event, this past October in a rented SM (do I even need to say how much fun it was?). I've been seeking the counsel of several of the very excellent resources local to my area, and I've read as many of the related posts as I could find on this forum. With this, I am leaning towards attending a Skippy school in early Spring and then attending an SCCA school a bit later in the year. In between, I will do as many DE events as I can. I am hoping that with this combination I will have a good enough basis of theory, practice and instruction to be ready for a first race.
I know this is one of those hot-button topics, with as many opinions as drivers. I am also taking into account what I understand of my own learning style.
Thank you again to all who have responded and offered advise. I am overwhelmed with how much excellent information there is on this site. I hope to be more than just a "taker" at some point in the future!
Region: NER
Car #: 38
Year : 90 Posts: 105
Status: Offline
posted
Look forward to having you come and play at the track. DE days are great. The instructor pools have vast backgrounds. Do a couple and after you move up a couple of groups mention to your instructor that you are interested in racing. You will be able to tell from his response if he can help you or not.
If you get someone that is competition aware you can learn a great deal. More than a Skippy school and maybe even more than an SCCA school. Just be aware that some DE instructors 1 only do DE's 2 Some may never have autocrossed 3 Some may race with PCA or BMW 4 Some race with SCCA 5 Some only do COM time trials
If you want to learn car control so you wont spin then go autocrossing and do a lot of it.
To learn track manners go to DE days with BMW club instructors.
Whe you start racing just move over when old # 38 comes up on you and then you can block # 7
Region: NASA SE
Car #: 88
Year : '90 Posts: 395
Status: Offline
posted
I wear a Hutchens Hybrid & won't go back to a HANS. I think the Hybrid is even more comfortable than the R3 (once it's on).
Phil, interesting point about the straps & dates: I've never seen anything about them going out of date or needing re-webbing. However, the cool thing about Trevor & the gang...they're right down the street from me in Mooresville, NC. May be worth a call or click to their website.
Region: Central Florida
Car #: 3
Year : 1992 Posts: 1304
Status: Offline
posted
Interesting to find out at PRI that the Defnder is no longer SFI 38.1 certified. Also HANS has a new Sport II coming out in January and new quick releases with the slider system.
Region: Houston
Car #: 91
Year : 1991 Posts: 2171
Status: Offline
posted
quote:Originally posted by Gatoratty: Interesting to find out at PRI that the Defnder is no longer SFI 38.1 certified. Also HANS has a new Sport II coming out in January and new quick releases with the slider system.
Interesting... I wonder why the 'delisting'. Money?
-------------------- Do I turn my 99 Hard S into a killerfast SM or seek a donor?
Region: NY
Car #: 48
Year : 90 Posts: 74
Status: Offline
posted
Marc You can never go wrong taking the Skippy class. Dont think twice about it. it teaches you the mechanics of driving a race car.Something that you will never forget. If you can take it in a formula car do it. It gives you a better perspective and understanding of vehicle dynamics.SCCA schools are great and teach you on course manners more than anything else. Welcome to the SM community !!!
(Another long Islander)
-------------------- JEFF GRUTER SM #48 EXCELL MOTORSPORTS PARAMOUNT TOOL & EQUIPTMENT http://www.ptetool.com/
Region: NER
Car #: 7
Year : 1999 Posts: 636
Status: Offline
posted
What Phil meant to say was to move over for the #7 and then block the #38 that will be several cars behind.
I was under the impression that the HANS straps have a shelf life and need to be replaced regularly. The new Sport model doesn't come up as high as the older versions, making egress from the cockpit easier since it is less likely to get caught on the roll cage or roof.
-------------------- -Cy Supported by LTD Racing & Speed Shack - New England's Premier Auto Accessory Store Rt1 AutoMile - Norwood, MA http://www.speedshackonline.com
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