HANS III vs HANS IV: What drivers will notice

The HANS device has been one of the most recognizable pieces of driver safety equipment in motorsports for decades. While there are several styles of head-and-neck restraints available today, the traditional yoke-style HANS remains the benchmark many drivers compare everything else to.

The HANS III remains one of the most widely used head and neck restraints in motorsports.

The HANS III became popular because it simply worked. Easy to use, proven, and familiar to just about everyone in the paddock. The HANS IV keeps the same overall concept but brings a handful of updates drivers will notice immediately once they strap in.

The HANS IV builds on the proven HANS III design with several comfort-focused refinements.

The biggest change is the overall profile. The HANS IV sits a bit lower and feels less bulky. It also opens up the front, which makes for a smoother fit across the chest and collarbone- especially once you’re strapped in and your belts are tight. 

It’s also a bit lighter. Not something you’ll notice holding it in your hands, but after a day of driving on track, the slimmer feel becomes noticeable. Combined with the lower profile it's one of those subtle changes that add up the longer you’re in the car. 

The padding has been updated too. Once you’re strapped in, the overall fit feels more refined. The HANS IV feels more settled against your body compared to the III. 

Another nice update is the expanded size range. The HANS IV comes in small, medium, and large, giving drivers more flexibility to find a size that feels just right.  

At the end of the day, it’s not a complete redesign- it’s just better where it counts. Lighter, it sits lower, and fits more naturally once you’re in the car. If you’ve run a HANS III and upgrade to the HANS IV, you’ll feel the difference pretty quickly.

 

Side-by-side comparison of the HANS III and HANS IV.

 

Traditional HANS-style devices remain the standard most drivers gravitate toward for fully prepped racecars with fixed-back seats and proper racing harnesses. Alongside HANS, brands like Stand 21 and Schroth offer similar yoke-style restraint systems designed to work seamlessly with modern harness setups.

 

The Stand 21 Club Series 3 is another example of a traditional yoke-style head and neck restraint designed for use with racing harnesses.

HANS Hybrid devices take a different approach, with a more body-mounted design that routes loads down the back rather than across the chest like a traditional HANS-style restraint. Some drivers prefer the way they feel less intrusive in the car.

Schroth also offers the SHR Flex, which uses a flexible over-the-shoulder design compared to the rigid HANS-style device.

 

The Schroth SHR Flex takes a different approach than traditional HANS-style devices, using a flexible over-the-shoulder design for improved comfort and fit.

But not every driver starts with a fully built racecar. Many HPDE drivers begin their track journey in dual-purpose street cars using factory seats and standard 3-point seat belts. That’s where the Simpson Hybrid S makes a lot of sense.

 

The Simpson Hybrid S has become a favorite among dual-purpose drivers thanks to its compatibility with both factory seat belts and racing harnesses.

 

The Hybrid S has become especially popular because it’s the only approved head-and-neck restraint designed to work with both racing harnesses and standard DOT 3-point seat belts found in street vehicles. That versatility makes it a favorite among instructors, track-day drivers, and anyone gradually building their car.

Curious whether the Hybrid S makes sense for your setup? We break down the advantages, fitment + ideal applications in our full Hybrid S blog.

 

The best head and neck restraint is the one that fits your vehicle, seating position, and safety setup.

If you’re still deciding which restraint style makes the most sense for your setup, our Complete Guide to Head + Neck Restraints dives deeper into fitment, seating position, harness compatibility, and real-world use cases.

You can also browse OG Racing’s full selection of head-and-neck restraints to compare traditional HANS devices, hybrid restraints, and other options.