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I bought van's 5 pt because of the price. I have hated them for 17 yrs now! that buckle will pop loose many times, and I've had just one passenger figure out how they work on their own. it's not a huge deal [or I would have bought new ones], but I'd think hard about other brands.
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I bought van's 5 pt because of the price. I have hated them for 17 yrs now! that buckle will pop loose many times, and I've had just one passenger figure out how they work on their own. it's not a huge deal [or I would have bought new ones], but I'd think hard about other brands.
also, remember that the belts are going to show in the reflection of your GPS, so black is a best choice. |
... the fit is crucial!
This is really interesting.... I have a 4 point, and tried a simple trial run, just adding another of the shoulder harness buckles, to simulate the crotch strap link.
So with 3 links, I could just barely get the buckle to click, but not reliably, or every time. My first thought was, ' there's NO way I can trust a passenger to do this!' so I gave up the idea of McGyvering a 5th point onto that setup. I was sure that the Van's 5 point set must have a longer spade on the lap belt, to accommodate the 3 links....apparently, it's still a pretty tight fit! |
I currently have Oregon Aero foam w/ no cutouts. However, the crotch strap runs in front of the seat w/ very little deflection and holds everything fine. I have Classic Aero seats on order that do have the strap cutout.
The location of the seat pan nut plates really determines where the cutout will be. One of the shots will show how I cut down the strap mounts and riveted on new angle to narrow the mount between the ribs. And yes, the 5-point buckle 'tang' is longer to accommodate the extra strap.    |
Great thread! I'm taller than average, so I'll definitely go with the 5-point to keep me from hitting the canopy. It happened a couple of times during training (DA-20) when I didn't have the belts snugged down enough, and they were 4-points. The thought of being knocked unconscious in turbulence sends shivers down me spine?.aaargh!
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I haven't flown it yet, but last night I did installed my new 5-point harnesses and tried them on - Wow. What a difference in where the lap belt rides. I knew it would help, but did not expect it to make that big of a difference. I actually feel like I am being held down in the seat. This has been on my wish-list. I just needed this tread to give me the push. I installed 2" webbing because it seems less intrusive. My rationale is that the anchor points are not all that strong, so I have twice the shoulder restraint area of a car, with much lower potential force.
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bracket and straps
Today is th 2nd time in a month I hit rough air. With lap belt tight my wife and I both kit the canopy, just today. It was frightening and came outta no where. The other time hurt my neck. Where do I buy the 5 point and whatever brackets? Also, what kind of job installing these other brackets? I'm reading through here on my phone and may have missed the info I'm looking for. Thx DM
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Go to Vans website under order parts and search for 5th pt installation kit.
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I also extended the seat back for the pilot to make a head rest. I have read that often people die from whiplash after an accident. Maybe this is why all cars have headrests. I did t put one on the passenger seat, sorry honey, so access to the luggage isn't totally restricted. I rarely have a passenger anyway.
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;) CJ |
The aviation article I read said that they found after the initial impact the body slams backwards and it is then that whiplash or broken necks occur. I find I like having a headrest for comfort besides.
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G-force harness -- heavy!
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6.5 pounds compared to 1 pound for the car belt and shoulder straps I had in my old RV-3! In an RV-4 that's 13 pounds vs 2 pounds. Finn |
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