Simpson

Why Choose a Simpson Head and Neck Restraint?

A head and neck restraint is one of the most important pieces of safety equipment you can buy. In a frontal or side impact, it prevents your head from snapping forward beyond safe limits, dramatically reducing the risk of basilar skull fracture. Most national and international motorsport regulations now mandate an FIA-certified device, and Simpson is one of the most trusted names in the category.

At Race and Rally, we stock an extensive Simpson range from the HANS III through to the flagship Hybrid Pro Lite. Every device is shipped supplied with tethers and ready to fit. If you need help choosing, our team can advise on sizing, helmet compatibility, and which system suits your discipline.

Simpson Hybrid Sport: The Multi-Tether Alternative

The Hybrid Sport takes a different approach to traditional HANS-type devices and is also the only FIA-approved alternative. Its multi-tether system uses multiple load paths to dissipate head loads more effectively, and with improved harness containment, the device is designed for easily exiting the car as there's no high back to hook on bars on exit. A genuine advantage in rally where quick cockpit exits matter. 

The compact size fits existing FIA HANS posts without the need for retro-fit anchors, and the sliding tethers allow driver movement while maintaining protection and device stability.

Simpson Hybrid Pro Lite: The Carbon Upgrade

The Pro Lite is Simpson's premium hybrid device, built with DuPont carbon polymer construction for a 30% weight saving over the original Hybrid Pro. It has the same unrivalled angular impact protection and low-profile design as the Hybrid Sport, protecting against front, side, and offset impacts, with significantly less mass over a long rally day. Simpson has a female-specific version available, shaped and angled to suit the female form without compromising fit or comfort.

Simpson HANS IV: The Proven Standard

The HANS IV is Simpson's latest injection-moulded HANS device, ergonomically re-engineered for a more natural shape with taller wings and anti-slip friction material for improved harness retention. It's 10% lighter than its predecessor, with removable foam compound pads for comfort during extended use and sliding tethers fitted as standard for greater freedom of movement.

Designed for saloon, hatch, GT, and rally cars with upright seating positions, it's FIA 8858-2010 approved and sits at a more accessible price point than the Hybrid range, making it a solid choice for clubman competitors where regulations require a HANS-type device.

Tethers, Posts and Accessories

• M61 Quick Release Helmet Posts: Simpson's pull-cord posts for instant disconnection from your helmet, fitted with an M6 bolt to approved helmets

• Quick Release Tether Set: pairs with M61 posts for a full quick release setup; fully adjustable

• PA HANS Tether Set: standard fitment tethers compatible with Hybrid Sport, Hybrid Pro Lite, and Hybrid S; fits standard HANS anchors on Stilo, Bell, and Simpson helmets

Browse the full range of FHR accessories in our Head and Neck Safety Accessories collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Simpson Hybrid head and neck restraint and a HANS device?

A traditional HANS device sits on your shoulders with tethers connecting to helmet anchor posts. The Simpson Hybrid Sport head and neck restraint uses a multi-tether system with a low-profile slimline shoulder plate that wraps over the shoulders, using multiple load paths to dissipate head loads and offering better harness containment than old HANS-type devices.

The key practical difference is exit: the minimalistic design means you can exit the car without the danger of getting hung up on bars or other gear, and you can leave the device on when removing your helmet.

How do I find the right Simpson Hybrid size?

Measure your chest circumference. Simpson Hybrid sizes run from X-Small to X-Large.

Do I need M61 quick release tethers?

Quick release is optional but worth considering for rally use. The M61 uses a cord-attached slide design with a buckle attachment at the front so a simple pull disconnects you from the device instantly. Standard PA tethers are supplied ready to fit with every device and are a straightforward lower-cost option if fast disconnection isn't a priority.

Are Simpson devices FIA approved?

Yes. All Simpson Hybrid and HANS devices we stock carry FIA 8858-2010 approval, making them legal for all FIA-sanctioned competition including WRC, national rally championships, and circuit racing. If you need to confirm the correct approval for your series regulations, get in touch and we'll check for you.