2 or 3 inch Belts?

3” wide belts are no more stronger than 2” wide belts - both are subjected to the same stringent FIA or SFI certification tests. However, 2” belts offer extra safety advantages.

NOTE - 6, 7 or 8 point harnesses are designed to have the lap belt sit across the strongest section of your hip bone. This is known as the Iliac Crest. Do not wear the lap belt across your waist. The waist only presents soft tissue which can easily be damaged in the event of a crash

3” wide lap belts have the potential to be less safe and do more physical damage to the driver’s lower torso than 2” straps. This is because the strap is too wide to fit into the driver’s ‘hip pocket.’ The ‘hip pocket’ is created when the driver's hip is securely contained in their racing seat. 

The 2” straps are able to fit in this area, allowing the strap to get closer to the body and less likely to escape. Note professional FIA series racing harness are manufactured with 2” lap belts.

The 3” strap is more likely to sit over the top of the hip. In the event of a crash the belt can easily shift upwards and onto/into unprotected soft tissue. In addition the 3” strap is inclined to fold, creating a more penetrating edge to harm soft tissue. This scenario is also more uncomfortable for the driver.

THE FONTAL HEAD RESTRAINT(FHR/HANS) & 2” SHOULDER STRAPS

The FIA only homologates the use of 2” wide shoulder straps with FHR devices. Each FIA approved shoulder straps has its own tag stating ‘for FHR use only.’

3” wide shoulder straps do not fit securely in a FIA FHR (HANS) device. Even 2” wide straps are prone to slippage and manufacturers continue to add features to contain the straps. This includes winglets, clips and sticky backs.