[Handlebar]

I'm looking at different harnesses at the OG Racing website, and I can't figure out what the differences are between a few models.

G-Force



Sparco



To my uneducated eye, they appear to be pretty similar. I can't determine what is supposed to make one better than the other.

I'm not trying to be cheap - I prefer the term 'thrifty' - I just want to know if they both do what I'm hoping - harness me safely into my seat, and work with a HANS device - with similar efficacy, or if there is a reason to buy the twice as expensive and possibly 'better' model.

I will have to be able to explain this to the Homeland CFO, and she's not a track person, so use small words, if you care to educate me. I appreciate all informative replies!

[N0tt0N]

The most obvious is the bottom one has 2" shoulder pieces vs. 3" on the top one though both brands probably can be got with both. Some HANS and the small NecksGen require 2" harness. Sans HANS, which isn't recommended by anyone, you'd want 3"

[Trak Ratt]

Difference tend to be in hardware and furniture. As mentioned some are made for Hans and some aren't. If the cert is the same then all with that cert pass same tests. I like the traditional snap closed ones so cheaper than the twist release.

I also like the 6 point ones. If you ever had occasion to need one in a frontal hit you'd understand why

[roundel]

There are lots of variables. As mentioned, the thinner shoulder straps are designed to fit nicely over HANS shoulder pieces. There is also the manner that the sub belts attach. I have ones similar to your photo for my passenger seat with the subs attaching to a single buckle into the bottom of the twist lock. My driver's side has the sub belts attach to the lap belts. It is more complicated to buckle up, but there is one less metal piece to be uncomfortable by your junk. I did not get it for the passenger because it would be a pain to teach each passenger how to attach the subs to the lap pieces before buckling them. Other variables include "pull up" vs "pull down" lap adjustment straps. If you get narrower HANS straps, how to they narrow? in the weave or folded? Finally, how flexible or "soft" are the belts? Some are very stiff and less comfy, others are nice and flexible. You may want to try a bunch out at the next event to see what lock you like, what tightening you like, and what brands feel comfy.

FWIW I got Schroth and they are very comfy once they are adjusted and tightened for me despite mine being a bit clumsy to buckle up without practice. They were pricey, but the home CFO was not interested in economizing on safety.

[Dandelion]

Originally Posted by roundel

FWIW I got Scroth

Ouch! Sounds painful!

ed

[Vicegrip]

Originally Posted by roundel

I got Scroth

Originally Posted by Varejao17

Ouch! Sounds painful!

ed

Oh, it is. The good news is it clears right up if you rub CAM2 fuel on it 3 times a day

[Mister C]

Originally Posted by N0tt0N

The most obvious is the bottom one has 2" shoulder pieces vs. 3" on the top one though both brands probably can be got with both. Some HANS and the small NecksGen require 2" harness. Sans HANS, which isn't recommended by anyone, you'd want 3"

Hmmm. Not sure when the 2" wide harnesses became available but when I bought my G Force 5 points (and a HANS at the same time) I was directed by the OG salesman to buy the 3" model. I don't recall 2" being available then so maybe that explains it.

Now I am wondering if I should keep running 3" with a HANS.

Related to the OP question: is there any difference in recycling the harnesses? I believe the webbing can be replaced but am unsure if this works for all brands. That could help decide which to buy.

[BlackTalon]

Originally Posted by Mister C

Hmmm. Not sure when the 2" wide harnesses became available but when I bought my G Force 5 points (and a HANS at the same time) I was directed by the OG salesman to buy the 3" model. I don't recall 2" being available then so maybe that explains it.

Now I am wondering if I should keep running 3" with a HANS.

If it's comfortable on you then don't worry about it. The 3" belts that fold to a 2" width are mainly for comfort w/ the HANS.

[Mister C]

Originally Posted by BlackTalon

If it's comfortable on you then don't worry about it. The 3" belts that fold to a 2" width are mainly for comfort w/ the HANS.

It's comfortable enough. I cinch them down pretty tight so "comfortable" is not exactly the word I would use. Glad to hear it's not a safety issue.

[turkis_tii]

Not to tangent a bit, I think ratings for harnesses (and helmets and suits for that matter) based on the SFI, FIA (or Snell) reflects the *minimum* ratings, not the actual protection protection offered, for example in multiple-impact shunts. I personally buy only top brand, FIA-rated, feeling it is a higher minimum standard. Also important is how the harnesses are positioned behind the driver/passenger, the best harness will hurt you if mounted too high or too low -- SCCA has a good write-up in mounting locations.