Do you have to use a "hans compatible" seat when using a hans device? My passenger seat is currently a Bride Vios III which i believe is not. I think the only difference between a hans compatible seat and one that isn't is a compatible seat has a recess on the back of the seat allowing you to sit fully back in the seat (which i guess is probably a good idea) - although is this more for comfort or safety?

I'm also not totally sure if i can get away with using the Vios as a passenger seat since its not FIA approved - so i might end up in the new seat market anyway.

Either way - can anybody recommend a decent priced hans compatible & FIA homologated approved seat for my passenger? My drivers seat is a Cobra Evolution S which i love but id rather not drop another grand on a seat which will only be used a few times. The seat will be for my wife - she's a bit small in my Evolution - and fits fine in the Vios III.

I'm working on entering my civic into a hill climb event which requires N&S restraints for both driver and co-driver.

Last question - i'm currently running Sparco (Schroth) 6-point belts but noticed they had a "hans" compatible version which tappers to 2" around the shoulders. As far as i remember these weren't required with a hans but are they recommended?

thanks!

 

Just find something that fits your budget for your passenger. Buy a used one for sure!
There are seats everywhere that will fit your needs. Just make sure you get a fixed back one.
Yes the schroth belts are hans compatible especially the one that tapers.
I have one myself, and it fits nicely over the top of the device with no overlap.
It's not a requirement that you use a "hans compatible" belt or seat, as long as you feel comfortable with it and using it. I prefer the tapered 2 inch belt but you dont have to have it.
Regardless read the rules for your event. They may not require you buy a seat that has current dating on it.
Dont over spend for a few events just for a passenger. She may not like driving with you after one event.
NASA HPDE3, does allow passengers but only if the driver shows car control all the time.
I have seen instructors tell drivers to lose the passenger after a spin.
This all depends on the place and the leader of the group.

 

Thanks - that answers my questions.

The rules are a bit confusing but it says:

- Only metal or approved composite seats are allowed

and later

- Seats homologated to, and mounted in accordance with FIA standards 8855-1999 or higher need not have the seat back attached to the roll structure.

So it sounds like i need a FIA approved seat since my Bride currently is not attached to the roll structure and it isnt FIA approved in the first place. The bride is just bolted to the floor with non-adjustable Sparco rails. They don't go into detail on "approved composite" seats but id guess any FIA homologated seat will be fine.

 

Liam,

Technically, you could just bolt a back brace to your Bride seat and be legal.
I wouldn't recommend it though as the Bride seat was never intended to be used with a back brace. There are companies that sell them though like I/O Port.

For a seat, I'd strongly suggest going with a Sparco Pro ADV. It's a fantastic seat and I've used 5 of them in the last cars 5 cars I've done seats in. It really is a great seat with a ton of protection that won't break the bank.
Check it out for yourself and see.

 

what does it mean to have the seat back attached to roll structure?

 

Click link here.
http://www.ioportracing.com/Merchant...tegory_Code=IH

Check out the two devices offered on I/O Ports site.
They basically bolt to the back of your seat, and are mounted the the center hoop on your cage.
Essentially giving more ridgity to the back of your seat.
Only flaw... If your short like me you have to use seat sliders to sit close enough, and a lot of good it does to have a fixed device stop you from moving the seat back to egress the car.
I think my next seat will be one that doesnt have the head restraining portion so I'll have more room to get out through the window.
Unless someone can engineer a device that will allow me to still use that kind of seat and provide the brace for stiffening the upper portion of it.

(Chime in here Jeremy)...Id like to know if anyone else has this problem and are there any solutions?

 

A 'Hans Compatible Seat' probably refers to containment. Meaning it has retraints for your head and shoulders on both side.

Here is my seat attached to the roll cage.