Been using a Hans for 4 years and with the sliding teathers it is great. If lateral movement is your concern, use a full containment seat.

 

Or just get a better H&N. Hans is only the "standard" because they wrote them...

 

Been using a HANs since I started racing 7 years ago. I have never tried anything else so I cant comment on anything else. I have no complaints with the HANs but I also have a full containment seat. One of these works pretty good. But for something you have to drive to the track its defiantly not an option. Well I guess it could be, might be dependent on local and state laws.

 

I just got my Defnder, its nice and came in a cool case, it took some time to get it adjusted properly but I have confidence that it will save me if need be.

 

Thread resurrection for an important topic...

So it looks like the Defnder is no longer available and the only two options are the HANS or the Hybrid Pro. Any additional comments? I am seriously about to buy one of these.

 

Sent an email to jay at trackmart.com and see if he has any left. Its where I got mine.

Also, before you buy a DefNder, I think it would be prudent to read up on the SFI 38.1 circlejerk (i.e. HANS ***** you again) discussion.

 

Thanks for the info.

I think I am leaning towards the Hybrid Pro anyway, at the very least for long-term supportability, and it has very good feedback so far. I am wondering if anyone else has had any more experience with one, good or bad.

 

I picked up a Hybrid Pro/Rage a little while back and have used it at two or three track events now. Got a killer deal on it, $425 shipped on eBay (the guy claims it was unused, and it certainly looks brand new). Here's a few random observations:

--If you don't have a baller helmet (i.e. you're getting by with an entry-level Snell "M" rated helmet or similar, like me), it would probably be worth marking out the measurements for the post holes before you buy it. My helmet liner is not completely removable, and the nut/washers ended up having to go behind the hard foam piece that is not removable. Needless to say, it was a major PITA to get those things tucked back there and properly screwed down.

--The sizing charts on the website were pretty accurate. I measured out as being right on the borderline between XS and S (yeah, I'm puny ), and the Small I have is just a hair on the big side. So, I would trust those if you're not sure on size.

--The Hybrid Pro Rage is definitely belt-dependent, in that it's not going to do much if it's not clipped in to a harness. So if anyone is looking at this model thinking it will keep them safe in a car with OEM belts, I don't think that's the case.

--Once you get it adjusted properly, it's pretty easy to put on quickly. I just leave the whole thing attached to my helmet, then just pull the helmet on, put my arms through the arm holes, and clip the center buckle. Obviously this is easiest outside the car. The quick releases take some practice to hook up with the helmet on.

--I don't think I've ever even noticed the back piece, much less felt any discomfort. I'm also not using the seat pad with the cutout for the back piece in my car.

 

Excellent, thanks