Abbate Reviews Schroth SHR Flex Device

Schroth SHR Flex with Abbate’s helmet

This past weekend at Auto Club Speedway I got to test the Schroth SHR Flex head restraint device (see it for yourself at: https://www.schrothracing.com/products/shr-flex). For the past 8 years I have always worn my carbon fiber HANS device for racing. With that said, I have been very used to how it works, feels, and how it transitions into different types of cars.

The first thing I noticed was the size difference of the Schroth SHR Flex compared to the HANS device. The lower legs of the device are flexible, allowing movement for different angles of seats in different cars. This is a serious benefit when it comes to drivers who are constaintly switching cockpits of different racing cars. In addition, the collar is MUCH lower, and allows for your helmet to move more freely. It also makes getting in and out of the race car easier, because the HANS device can tend to push on the back of your helmet, due to it’s higher collar.

Low Collar of the Schroth SHR Flex

The sliding anchors are similar in look to the hans, and operate in the same general way, as well. The install is super simple, much like the HANS device posts. Although, it did take me almost the entire day to relearn how to connect and disconnect these anchors with my helmet on. It does not have the same feel as the HANS anchors, and I had trouble lining them up correctly to push them in and then slide them on. This is something a new user would also have to learn, but with more practice the easier it will become, I’m almost certain to say.

The range of motion in the SHR Flex device is similar to the HANS device as well. No restrictions like the earlier “non-sliding” model HANS. The straps can be a bit confusing to find, but I think this is something that also may take time to get used to. The retention winglets on the SHR Flex work nicely as well, keeping the belts in place so they do not slip off of the device or sit unevenly.

While wearing the device, it is almost hard to feel that you have it on. With the belts fully strapped and tightened down, it is even hard to see the device is there. My race car has 3 inch TAKATA straps and we had no issues with lining them up or keep thing them in place. The SHR Flex has a little bit of a harder feel to it in the chest area in comparison to my HANS device. I have the padded cushions on my HANS, but it did not take long to get used to SHR Flex. At first, I missed the softness of the HANS but by the end of the day, it was no longer an issue. The flexibility of the lower legs really allows for a good comforting fit, as opposed to mashing plastic down onto soft cushion against your chest.

Overall, I would have to say I am happy with the design and feel of the Schroth SHR Flex. At first it did take some getting used to, with the new feel, new tethers, and different materials, but I can see how this is definitely a better alternative, especially for the versatile driver who uses several different race vehicles. Which can also include drivers who aspire to drive in different race platforms; the Schroth SHR Flex allows a universal fit for safety, and I think it is a huge step in the right direction for motorsports.

Breif Summary:
Pros
Flexible legs make it very universal
Low collar makes movement easier
Wiglets hold belts in place

Cons
Feels heavy (heavier than HANS CF)
Not cushioned material
Tethers take some practice