Christmas came early at the Circle Track offices this year when the good folks at NecksGen sent over its latest head-and-neck restraint for us to test out. While performing a real world test of a head-and-neck restraint isn't something high on our priority list if you catch our drift, we will be wearing them whenever we climb into one of our project cars for an on-track test or to trade paint in an actual race. Since there is no money left in the budget for new front clips, we'll just cross our fingers that nothing too overly exciting occurs.
Now before can get the full benefit of the new NecksGen we first have to attach the anchors to our helmets. Tech Editor Pete Epple and I have two different helmets which require slightly different mounting procedures. NecksGen's restraints come complete with everything you need to install the anchors yourself. Editor Rob's helmet comes straight from the factory pre-drilled for the post anchors. Pete's slightly older model did not. Enough of the small talk let's get to work.
The Youth model is targeted toward drivers 7-16 years old and designed for drivers competing in Quarter Midgets, Bandolero, Legends, Trophy Karts, and more. Weighing in at just 1.8 pounds and made from a carbon-fiber composite material the NecksGen Youth is the lightest, smallest, most flexible, and most comfortable youth head-and-neck restraint available!
The Youth unit is adjustable to fit a wide range of seat angles from 10 to 40 degrees. The low rear section makes getting in and out of a race car in close confines easier.
The NecksGen restraints features unique belt wings to keep loose belts from falling off under accident conditions, this combined with belt channels keep the restraint system centered under the seatbelts at all times.
The NecksGen's adjustable tension-neutralizing helmet tether allows the impact load to be distributed evenly through four load paths for maximum head-and-neck protection. This has allowed the NecksGen to achieve superior results in SFI Certification testing. Its ergonomically flexible design helps achieve previously unsurpassed comfort while its body-forming belts and pads ensure there are no hard contact points to pressure the collarbone.
Priced at $599, the unit comes standard with quick-release helmet hardware and in a carrying case ready to go racing!
18. ...and to my right. For the record, I have worn and raced with all of the major head-and-neck restraints available today. The NecksGen is the most comfortable unit I have ever worn. I honestly couldn't even feel it behind me. Neck restraint technology has advanced to the point where they are comfortable and affordable enough that anybody who races should be wearing oneit just may someday save your neck.
