The 4 Most Popular HANS Devices for 2025 – Essential Head and Neck Protection
A HANS (Head and Neck Support) device is one of the most important pieces of motorsport safety equipment, designed to prevent life-threatening injuries by limiting excessive head movement during high-speed impacts. Whether you’re competing in club racing, rally, endurance, or track days, a FIA-approved HANS device is essential for minimizing neck strain and preventing severe spinal injuries.
At GSM Performance, we offer a wide selection of HANS devices, but four models stand out as the most popular choices for 2025. These devices provide exceptional safety, comfort, and compatibility with all FIA-approved motorsport helmets. Each of these devices has unique features, offering different levels of support, adjustability, and harness compatibility, making them suitable for various forms of motorsport competition.
1. Schroth Super Sport XLT FHR HANS Device
The Schroth Super Sport XLT is an entry-level HANS device that provides high-level protection at an affordable price, making it a top choice for club racers and track-day enthusiasts. Designed for saloon cars, GT racing, and rallying, it features a lightweight polymer construction and an ergonomic shape to ensure a comfortable fit over long race sessions.
Key Features:
- 20-degree angle, making it ideal for GT cars, touring cars, and rallying.
- FIA 8858-2010 approved, ensuring compliance with all major motorsport regulations.
- Extra Light Technology (XLT) construction, reducing weight for enhanced driver comfort.
- High-friction rubber grips on the shoulders, preventing harness slippage.
- Sliding tether system, allowing for better head mobility without sacrificing safety.
- Available in multiple sizes, ensuring the right fit for all drivers.
This HANS device is compatible with all FIA-approved helmets fitted with HANS posts, making it an excellent entry-level choice for competitive motorsport. The Schroth Super Sport XLT is perfect for drivers looking for a lightweight and cost-effective solution without compromising on safety.
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From £295.00 Excl. VAT Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
2. Hans IV Device
The Hans IV Device is a versatile and durable HANS device designed for drivers competing in multiple motorsport disciplines, including circuit racing, endurance events, and rallying. Its reinforced polymer construction makes it both lightweight and highly durable, providing an excellent balance of comfort and protection.
Key Features:
- 20-degree angle, making it well-suited for touring cars, GT racing, and rally competitions.
- FIA 8858-2010 approved, ensuring safety compliance in high-speed motorsport.
- High-strength polymer construction, offering a great mix of flexibility and strength.
- Sliding tether system, allowing for greater range of movement while still providing head restraint.
- Ergonomic shoulder support, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit under the harness.
- Available in multiple sizes, accommodating a variety of driver builds.
This HANS device is compatible with all FIA-approved helmets, and its lightweight build makes it perfect for endurance racing where comfort is crucial. The Hans IV Device is a fantastic option for drivers who need an all-around reliable and comfortable head and neck restraint system.
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From £284.00 Excl. VAT Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
3. Stand21 Club Series 3 HANS Device
The Stand21 Club Series 3 is a highly durable HANS device that offers strong lateral support while maintaining a comfortable and ergonomic fit. Its fibreglass-reinforced construction provides enhanced strength, making it an excellent choice for competitive drivers looking for a mid-range HANS solution.
Key Features:
- 20-degree angle, perfect for saloon cars, endurance racing, and rally sports.
- FIA 8858-2010 approved, making it suitable for all forms of motorsport.
- Fibreglass-reinforced polymer shell, balancing strength and weight reduction.
- Ergonomically contoured shoulder padding, keeping harnesses firmly in place.
- Sliding tether system, allowing slight head movement while maintaining safety.
- Available in multiple sizes, ensuring a precise and comfortable fit for different drivers.
This HANS device is fully compatible with FIA-compliant helmets and is particularly popular among endurance racers and rally drivers for its combination of strength, durability, and comfort.
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From £250.00 Excl. VAT Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
4. Simpson Hybrid Sport Head and Neck Restraint
The Simpson Hybrid Sport is a hybrid-style HANS device that offers enhanced head and neck protection while allowing greater freedom of movement. Unlike standard HANS devices, the Hybrid Sport model features a chest-strap design, keeping the device securely in place in various motorsport applications.
Key Features:
- Multiple angle compatibility, making it perfect for rally, off-road, endurance racing, and touring cars.
- FIA 8858-2010 approved, ensuring it meets all professional safety standards.
- Chest strap design, adding extra security and reducing the risk of head movement in a crash.
- Works with both 3-point seat belts and 4-6 point harnesses, making it highly versatile.
- Lightweight composite construction, providing excellent protection without adding bulk.
- Wide range of sizes, ensuring a snug and secure fit for different drivers.
This HANS device is ideal for drivers who frequently switch between different types of racing, as it can be used with both standard seat belts and dedicated racing harnesses.
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From £580.00 Excl. VAT Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Standard vs. Hybrid HANS Devices – Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing between a standard HANS device and a hybrid-style device depends on the type of motorsport you compete in and your seating position.
| Feature | Standard HANS Device | Hybrid HANS Device |
|---|---|---|
| Safety Mechanism | Restricts forward head movement | Restricts head movement in multiple directions |
| Harness Compatibility | Requires 4, 5, or 6-point harness | Can be used with standard 3-point seat belts |
| Driver Mobility | Slightly restricted head movement | Greater range of motion |
| Best For | Circuit racing, rallying | Rally, off-road, endurance racing |
| Weight | Lightweight polymer or fibreglass | Slightly heavier due to additional straps |
Standard HANS devices are the best choice for dedicated race cars, while hybrid devices are more versatile and offer a greater range of use cases.
What Is a HANS Device and Why Is It Essential in Motorsport?
A HANS (Head and Neck Support) device is a crucial safety system designed to protect drivers from serious neck and spinal injuries during high-speed crashes. It secures the driver’s helmet and works with the harness system to limit forward and lateral head movement, reducing the risk of whiplash, basilar skull fractures, and other severe injuries.
Which Motorsport Events Require a HANS Device?
HANS devices are mandatory in many FIA-sanctioned events and strongly recommended for all forms of motorsport. They are commonly used in:
- Circuit Racing – Touring cars, GT racing, endurance events, and single-seaters.
- Rallying – National and international rally competitions.
- Hill Climbs & Time Attack – High-speed competitive driving.
- Off-Road & Baja Racing – Protecting drivers from harsh impacts.
- Track Days – Recommended for driver safety, even when not mandatory.
If you’re competing in any high-speed motorsport, a FIA-approved HANS device is essential for maximum protection and compliance with safety regulations.
Explore Our Full Range of HANS Devices
At GSM Performance, we stock a wide selection of HANS devices from top brands like Schroth, Simpson, Stand21, and Hans. Whether you need a standard or hybrid HANS device, we have the right option for your motorsport needs.
Final Thoughts - Choosing the Right HANS Device for Your Needs
A HANS device is essential for motorsport safety, protecting drivers from serious head and neck injuries in high-speed impacts. Whether you race in circuit events, rallying, endurance competitions, or track days, having the right HANS device ensures both safety and comfort.
Our top picks for 2025—the Schroth Super Sport XLT, Hans IV, Stand21 Club Series 3, and Simpson Hybrid Sport—offer FIA-approved protection and compatibility with a wide range of helmets and harness systems. Standard HANS devices are ideal for dedicated race cars, while hybrid HANS devices like the Simpson Hybrid Sport provide extra versatility for drivers who switch between vehicles.
At GSM Performance, we stock a full range of HANS devices to suit all types of motorsport. If you’re unsure which one is right for you, visit our showroom or shop online for expert advice and the best options available.
