Any thoughts on these? I need to get a new neck brace for a younger kid. Like all safety gear, I don’t mind spending extra money if there is a true benefit.
I had one for Nick when he was little. Unsure if it has benefit but it looks elaborate. As dad I was having to help with the straps which was a downside in the busy pace of race days. Ultimately he got a regular old EVS like me when he was bigger.
I had one for my son when he was younger too. Thankfully, it was never used as intended, so I can’t speak to its effectiveness. If your son is racing where there may be a lot of contact I would say yes. If he is in a class where there are a few racers and they quickly spread out, it may not be as necessary.
Not sure how closely he monitors on here, but @Max_Martinis reps Valhalla stuff. I have seen quite a few of the 360s in use at various tracks we have attended. My kid is a bit big to use them, so can’t speak from personal experience.
@Chuck_Goodson For sure, I actively follow this great forum, specially on weekends that I can sit with a cup of Joe, to read good stuff.
Arguably the best in karting globally, and honestly, in motorsports overall (as far as I know). Big kudos to the Kartpulse team and especially the community for keeping it strong, Keep bringing good conversations/debates/points of view!
Let me reply Bryan now!
@Jae Solid question, glad you’re thinking ahead on kid safety gear with real benefits, not just what’s trendy. Safety is something that should never be an afterthought, specially in Motorsports… As the famous BELL Helmets quote says: *“If you have a $10 head, wear a $10 helmet. That mindset applies across all karting and auto racing gear.
Anyway, as always I like to do a “Full disclosure”: I’m part of DRIVEN | Performance Products (www.drivenracing.shop) and we’re an eCommerce & Direct Sale racing shop that carries multiple Racing brands like OMP, BELL, and STAND21. We also proudly offer Team Valhalla products (Armadillo Rib Vest & 360 Device).
Just to give you a context, we decided to add the 360 device to our line after spending hours talking with its designer, Steven. The story behind why it was created and how is protecting thousands of necks in karting — combined with the quality, U.S.-based manufacturing and IKF (International Kart Federation) and WKA (World Karting Association) approved — made it a no-brainer.
Steven and his son have been promoting this 360 device for years based on their involvement in karting, and some of the stories he’s heard from drivers after hard impacts are pretty eye-opening. Thank God they had the 360 Device on.
At DRIVEN, since we’ve promoted and used the Stand21 Featherlite FHR (Frontal Head Restraint) for car racing with the drivers we manage and to the public for a long time. The 360 follows the same safety principles, just adapted for karting some adaptations based on the karts seat and type of accidents that are different than Auto Racing, for example:
Since you can’t run a full FHR like a HANS in a kart (no belts to tied it up and also hans clips to anchor it to the FHR), the 360 uses a front-and-rear support system along with straps under the arms to keep it in place. It helps reduce that violent “whiplash” effect. Plus, it’s designed to break away in a controlled manner if needed, so it doesn’t become a hazard if you’re thrown from the kart or take an awkward hit from any direction. (Most of us karters have been there — or will be — if you’re pushing the limits, It’s just part of the sport…)
BTW, the 360 neck device isn’t just for kids. Adult sizes are available too. So yeah… let’s protect those experienced and tired necks and spines — mine included! 
QUICK SIZING GUIDE:
- S/M: 11"–14" neck circumference (~9 to 17 yrs old)
- L/XL: 14"–17" neck circumference (~18 yrs and up)
- Kid Kart size: For drivers under 9 — COMING SOON Q4 FY25 (just in time for a safety-first holiday gift
)
You can check it out here — we’ve added a 360° view and plenty of product photos:
→ DRIVEN | RACING SHOP - Team Valhalla - 360 Plus Device – Neck Protection
Anyway, Hope that helps in making your decision!
Happy to answer any questions or any other doubts. Or feel free to call/text me at +1 (469) 694-0810 or email [email protected].
Best,
Max Martinis
https://www.instagram.com/p/DL8SgnrNDkF
My kid has used a 360 Device for 4 seasons after using an EVS collar for half a season. Bought a 360 after seeing his head snap backwards due to big rear collision. I don’t have any data that says it is better, but it looked like it could be and it pacified his mother’s angst.
The only complaint I’ve ever heard from an owner of a 360 Device - aside from “availability” in the year or two post-COVID - was that for some very small drivers with short necks, it can be too thick / interfere with bottom of helmet (or, alternatively you could argue certain helmets have too tall a chin bar).
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Great Insight! Thanks Richard!