In motorsports, every detail matters—especially when it comes to safety. While helmets, harnesses, and fire suits are all critical, your head and neck restraint system plays an equally vital role in protecting you during high-impact situations. Simpson’s Hybrid head restraint system stands out from traditional devices by offering a more versatile and adjustable fit for a wider range of drivers and seating configurations. However, to take full advantage of that flexibility, proper adjustment is essential.
The Simpson Hybrid differs from the standard HANS device in both design and function. While HANS systems typically use a single sliding tether positioned at a near-horizontal angle to limit forward head movement, the Hybrid restraint uses a three-tether system—one sliding and two fixed—positioned at upward angles.
This setup offers superior lateral head control and allows the Hybrid to be used with a wide variety of seat angles and helmet positions. Unlike the HANS, which must be purchased in a specific angle configuration (such as 20 degrees for upright seating or 30 degrees for a more reclined position), the Hybrid is designed to be a universal fit. That said, this flexibility depends entirely on proper installation and tether adjustment.
Before making any adjustments, it's important to prepare properly. All measurements and adjustments should be made with your fire suit, undergarments, and helmet on—ideally while seated in the vehicle you intend to drive. The device should already be properly installed on your body and anchored to your helmet using one of Simpson’s four available mounting options. It should fit snugly against your body for maximum protection. The chest strap must also sit below the pectoral line to prevent discomfort and reduce the risk of injury during an impact. Because the adjustment process requires precise measurement, it’s best to have someone assist you.
Shop Simpson Hybrid Head & Neck Restraints here.
Start by sitting back fully in your seat and fastening your safety harness—lap belts first, then shoulder belts. The lap belts should run straight across your hips and buckle securely, while the shoulder belts should lie flat against your chest with the adjusters positioned mid-chest, below the collarbone. Your shoulder belts should contact approximately one-third to two-thirds of the Hybrid’s shoulder pad area. Once your belts are snug and secure, you're ready to begin adjusting the tethers.
Begin with the rear tether, which limits how far your helmet can move forward. From its natural resting position, keeping your chin horizontal (no downward motion) your helmet should be able to move forward no less than one inch and no more than two and one-quarter inches. If your helmet travels outside of this range, your assistant should adjust the rear tether length until the travel falls within this guideline. The rear tether has two adjustment points. It is very important to adjust them evenly so the users head is not crooked to avoid discomfort. This measurement ensures your head is restrained during a frontal impact without compromising mobility or comfort during normal driving.
Next, adjust the side tethers, which control side-to-side helmet movement. These should be shortened or lengthened to allow no more than half an inch of lateral motion from the helmet’s resting position. It’s critical that both side tethers are adjusted to equal lengths to prevent helmet rotation during a side impact. Uneven tether lengths could cause your head to rotate unnaturally in a crash, increasing the risk of neck injury.
Once all tethers are properly adjusted, double-check that they are routed securely through their respective adjusters and that there’s no excessive slack. With all adjustments complete, your helmet should move slightly but stop with a firm, controlled resistance in every direction—forward and side-to-side. This confirms that the Hybrid is performing as designed, allowing limited head motion while protecting against excessive forces during a crash.
The Simpson Hybrid restraint system is a smart choice for drivers who want a flexible, universal solution that doesn’t require angle-specific configurations. However, the system’s effectiveness depends entirely on correct adjustment. Taking the time to dial in your fit ensures you’re getting the full benefit of the system’s design.
Of course, head restraints are just one part of your overall safety setup. Simpson offers a complete lineup of protective gear, including helmets, fire suits, gloves, shoes, and harnesses—each designed to work together for maximum protection and comfort. Whether you race in a drag car, road course machine, circle track car, or off-road truck, Simpson has the gear to keep you safe and focused on winning.
To learn more about the Simpson Hybrid restraint system and explore Simpson’s full range of motorsports safety products, visit simpsonraceproducts.com. Your safety starts before the race ever begins—make sure you're ready.
