Howdy. I've recently completed my first HPDE in the S2000 and really enjoyed it. I'm now thinking about getting a proper seat and harness; I have already installed a 4pt bar with harness bar.

For max safety I would like to also use a HANS device. Apparently my google skills are not great, because I am having a hard time finding what separates a "HANS compatible" seat from one that is not. Is it the position of the shoulder-harness pass through, clearance around the helmet, or ??? I have noticed that HANS compatibility essentially doubles the price of a seat.

I know the best thing is try out seats in person, but I would still welcome any seat suggestions. I am 5'9", 145lbs with 32" waist. I would like to spend less than $1k on the seat, preferably even below $500 if possible, so that I will still have funds left for the mounts, harness, and HANS device. I will still be driving the car on the street, so I don't want a 'halo' type seat.

Some options I've seen include:
Momo Start (least expensive HANS-seat at $450)
Recaro Pole Position
Various Sparco Evo
Corbeau FX1 Pro (not listed as HANS compatible)


Thanks for any input.

 

From my understanding, HANS compatible is just extra room in the headrest of the seat. If you don't have it, your head will be tilted forward slightly.

 

Are you considering a proper roll bar to mount the harnesses?

 

Already done

 

Seats really no difference.
Sometimes people say HANS compatible harnesses (which have a narrower 2" strap for the shoulders where it goes up and over the HANS yoke. But a lot of us just run standard belts.

 

This is what i was thinking as well.

 

I don't believe there is an actual specification for "Hans compatible" seat. In general, the term refers to seats with a pocket, or relief area designed in the neck area of the seat, to accommodate the HANS device. This allows me to sit in the seat, with my head against the backrest, without feeling as though the Hans is pushing my head/neck forward. I'm sure some people are not bothered by seats without this pocket.

In 2012, i purchased a Recaro Hans pro racer XL (halo type seat) for my s2000. I think this is one of the first seats claiming to be designed with the HANS device in mind. At that time, it was the only recaro seat which didnt force my head forward with a Hans on. I have a pole position in my passenger side. The difference in comfort is noticeable.

Just bought a Sparco Circuit 2 (halo type also) for our chump car. This seat claims to be Hans compatible, and has a pocket in the neck area for the Hans. With chump requiring a head/neck device, we were looking for something that would allow us to be comfy for 1.5+ hour stints. The sparco is very good with the Hans, almost as good as the Recaro Hans seat.

I know the OP is looking for non halo. Our local Sparco seat dealer said the Evo 2 also now has a "pocket" for the Hans. He told us our Circuit 2, is just an Evo 2 with the Halo wings. So you might want to start there, and eliminate the pole position (a very good seat). Take your Hans and try some seats on, this is the best way to see what works/fits best anyway.

 

Great!. I assumed because you stated your first DE and next was seat and harnesses that you over looked the roll bar requirement for proper harness installation. Good to see you had that one handled.