HNR Survey

[gsbaker]

Very interesting to see such a disparity between "data from sled tests" and SFI approval.

Not to mention "Ease of egress..." as the #1 consideration. Folks have figured this out, hence SFI's low rating.

[Daryl]

What bothers me is how much weight is put on the SFI ratings.

The top 3 items people found "critical" were ease of egress, ease of driving and sled test data. The #4 most critical was that stupid SFI sticker! More than 1/3 of the respondents found that to be "critical". 1/3 or so of the market ain't buying without that sticker. At least, that is how I viewed "critical" when I took the survey.

If I was putting a device to market, I can either try to educate the masses about what the SFI is all about, try to promote another organization with a different approach (RSI) to the racers and the organizations, or I can say screw-it and make the best SFI approved device I can. Or I can do all three

Like I've mentioned on another forum. Jim, thanks for taking the time and effort. In addition to the work on this survey, for the data matrix and the moderation on the trackpedia forum.

[JimLill]

When I look at every bit of raw data, and align the individual votes of users, I see that some people checked all 3 "approval" choices as critical. Maybe, just to be "safe"

Also, in the case of SFI, there is a chance that many checked that as critical in making a choice of what to buy but that doesn't mean critical in terms of performance. For example, if you race with an org that currently requires SFI, you might see that as critical to what you buy.

[Z3_GoCar]

When I look at every bit of raw data, and align the individual votes of users, I see that some people checked all 3 "approval" choices as critical. Maybe, just to be "safe"

Also, in the case of SFI, there is a chance that many checked that as critical in making a choice of what to buy but that doesn't mean critical in terms of performance. For example, if you race with an org that currently requires SFI, you might see that as critical to what you buy.

As this survey was broadcast across multiple message boards, you've got a cross section from multiple sanctioning bodys, and of those only the SCCA doesn't mandate SFI/FIA compliant devices. That is if you run even once a season with NASA, BMWCCA-CR, PCA, or any number of other sanctioning bodies, if there isn't a SFI sticker then there's no racing on the track. I say this not because I'm a fan of HANS or the SFI spec, because the wording of the SFI spec requires a device that crosses patent lines. For an example look at what's happening to Defender being sued for patent infringement. What might the outcome of this suite be? Is there a chance that Downing/Hubbard might loose the rights to future patent income because the also wrote the SFI spec?

On a side note, did anyone see the glowing write up of D/H in Grassroots? Is anyone planning on writing a letter on that?

[gsbaker]

On a side note, did anyone see the glowing write up of D/H in Grassroots? Is anyone planning on writing a letter on that?

Are they an advertiser?

[Z3_GoCar]

Are they an advertiser?

Not directly that I can see, lots of HANS authorized dealers are thought. The article is called "Personal Best 25" It's a list of 25 people who've helped Grassroots racing; Downing and Hubbard are listed as "Saving our necks" on page 88.

[Daryl]

James, right here in SoCal you have VARA, HSR-West and the AROSC who currently, don't care about the SFI or FIA tag on optional head and neck restraints.

[gsbaker]

Not directly that I can see, lots of HANS authorized dealers are though.

Gotta keep the ad buyers happy.