10 Best Karting Neck Braces in 2022

Go-kart racing is becoming ever so popular and getting proper racing equipment is essential for safety. Karting neck braces are extremely important and often overlooked in go-kart racing. These neck braces have a critical role to play for go-karting, as they can prevent cervical spine and neck overstretching. They’re also sometimes referred to as go-kart racing neck supports or neck collars.

The well-padded foam interior of the neck brace, limits the range of motion of your neck, ensuring that you don’t accidentally cause neck or spine injury during collisions. They also do a great job in reducing neck fatigue, as it reduces the weight of the helmet when it rests on the brace.

Especially in cornering, you’ll immediately notice that your neck does not need to engage as many muscles to compensate for the centrifugal force that pushes your head outward.

Best Karting Neck Brace Reviews

There are plenty of neck braces on the market and each has its own benefits. As there are plenty of options, there are some that stand out compared to others. In this guide, I’ll explain which go-kart racing neck braces are the best for karting and I’ll also explain why.

I’ve tested and rated them based on the material that was used, the features they offer, how comfortable they feel when wearing and how well they are built. In summary, here are the best karting neck braces:

List of Best Karting Neck Braces

1. EVS Sports R4
2. Valhalla Racing 360 Plus
3. Sparco Kart Anatomic
4. OMP Anatomic Neck Collar
5. EVS Sports R2
6. K1 Race Gear Carbon Neck Brace
7. Simpson Neck Collar
8. K1 Race Gear Neck Brace
9. RaceQuip 360
10. Bohn Neck Brace

1. EVS Sports R4

The EVS Sports R4 is our best value pick in the list as it has high-quality features at reasonable price point. This neck brace is manufactured with high standard processes and is Personal Protective Equipment Directive 89/686/EEC certified.

It’s made with a soft rubber that feels extremely comfortable on your neck. Its low profile gives your head the perfect range of motion when wearing the brace with a go-kart racing helmet. It also features a bio-foam liner that provides a high level of impact absorption while racing. There’s an adjustable strut at the rear of the race that ensures a customized fit for your size. You can simply fasten it using the built-in lock closure to secure the brace around your neck.

It’s also important to mention that the EVS neck brace is extremely lightweight at 1.4 lbs (635 g) for the adult version and 0.85 lbs (386 g) for the youth version. Overall, this neck brace is an absolute winner for go-kart racing!

EVS Sports R4 Specifications:

• Brand: EVS
• Material: Foam Rubber
• Closure: Clip
• Adjustable: Yes
• Dimensions: 11.4″ x 5.5″ x 5.5″
• Weight: 1.4 lbs

2. Valhalla Racing 360 Plus

The Valhalla Racing 360 Plus go-karting neck brace is one of the best karting braces of its kind. The 360 Plus features a glass-filled nylon core and has padded foam parts around the chin area, which help control the movement of your head and prevent any potential shock damage.

The front and back hyper-flexion limiting characteristics of the 360 Plus brace keep you well protected on the track. The range of motion offered by this neck support is adequate and enables you to turn your head easily to spot karts overtaking you or as you are passing by them. The foam parts on the front of the device are very stiff and they limit extreme lateral motion of your head when it comes in contact with the helmet.

Moreover, the anterior and posterior foam pieces of the device are adjustable to the thickness of your neck and the distance to the helmet. It provides great comfort and safety at the same time. All in all, a rather premium but high-quality and feature-rich neck brace for go-kart racers.

Valhalla Racing 360 Plus Specifications:

• Brand: Valhalla Racing
• Material: Glass-Filled Nylon
• Closure: Clip
• Adjustable: Yes
• Dimensions: 11.4″ x 5.5″ x 5.5″
• Weight: 2.1 lbs

3. Sparco Kart Anatomic

The Sparco Kart Anatomic is go-kart neck brace that is another great pick. This karting neck brace has been designed with high-grade materials and the latest features. It provides a 360 degree range of motion and has a high comfort level for your head and neck. The best thing about this go-karting neck brace is that it has been tested by specialists for crash cases and has proven to be one of the best safety gear, with regards to neck support.

The padding in the collar is of different density in various places. It is softer under the chin area and harder around the sides to give safer and stronger support to injury-prone areas. A padded-support in the rear portion of the collar is designed to bear the weight of the helmet and it also reduces the burden for the back of your neck.

The collar has two types of Velcro closures. One closure is in the front that fastens the neck support and the other to attach it to your karting suit. In short, this karting brace is an excellent choice for all types of go-kart racers.

Sparco Kart Anatomic Specifications:

• Brand: Sparco
• Material: Padded Foam
• Closure: Velcro
• Adjustable: Yes
• Dimensions: 13.8″ x 11.9″ x 4.9″
• Weight: 0.5 lbs

4. OMP Anatomic Neck Collar

The OMP Anatomic Neck Collar is a waterproof go-karting neck brace that is meant for racers who want to kart in all types of weather conditions. One of its best features is the anatomic contour that makes it fit ergonomically around your neck.

The collar that goes around your neck is made of dense and strong foam. It provides enough support to your neck and head to prevent damage in case of a crash. This go-karting brace has a Velcro strap closure which makes it easily removable and wearable. It’s practically adjustable to any size and fits nicely between your shoulders and helmet.

The OMP Anatomic Neck Collar is also anatomically shaped for extra comfort and feels incredibly light around your neck. All in all, a great all-weather and lightweight karting neck protector. 

OMP Kart Collar Specifications:

• Brand: OMP
• Material: Padded Foam
• Closure: Velcro
• Adjustable: Yes
• Dimensions: ‎5.71″ x 5.71″ x 3.74″
• Weight: 0.45 lbs

5. EVS Sports R2

The EVS Sports R2 karting neck brace collar is another popular pick when it comes to good quality neck braces for karting. The main purpose of this uniquely shaped design is that is aims to prevent neck and upper spinal injuries.

The polyurethane foam is relatively soft. It supports the side of your neck and bears the burden of the helmet from the rear portion providing greater comfort around the neck. Moreover, the padded foam also allows for effective energy dissipation. The slanted front enables a great range of motion for kart racing.

The outer ballistic shell of the neck brace is made from nylon which makes it easily washable and easy to use. The closure on the neck brace features a dual strap system, which makes it easy to remove and wear. The downside is that it isn’t length adjustable, but it’s available in two different sizes. The EVS Sports R2 is a great buying choice and it’s also CE and Directive 89/686/EEC certified.

EVS Sports R2 Specifications:

• Brand: EVS
• Material: Polyurethane Foam
• Closure: Buckle
• Adjustable: No
• Dimensions: 11.4″ x 5.5″ x 5.5″
• Weight: 0.625 lbs

6. K1 Race Gear Carbon Neck Brace

The K1 Race Gear Carbon Neck Brace is an absolute favorite of kart racers as it features an amazing design along with quality features and great comfort. This go-karting brace has been specifically developed to prevent neck and spinal injury in the event of accidents or collisions. It helps to protect your neck and collar bones from breaking as a result of impact, due to its well-padded construction.

The unique feature of this neck brace neck brace is that it’s made from material that is not only stain-resistant but also waterproof. This makes it suitable to wear during all weather conditions, regardless if you are racing in the blistering heat or during a heavy downpour.

The K1 Race Gear Carbon Neck Brace features a secure Velcro closure system that is length adjustable. There is also junior and adult sizing available, so make sure that you measure your neck circumference correctly.

K1 Race Gear Carbon Neck Brace Specifications:

• Brand: K1 Race Gear
• Material: Padded Foam
• Closure: Velcro
• Adjustable: Yes
• Dimensions: 11″ x 4″ x 10″ 
• Weight: 0.875

7. Simpson Neck Collar

The Simpson Neck Collar is SFI approved and anatomically designed to provide greater comfort and support to kart racers. The functions are designed around not only providing support to the entire neck but also allowing you to rest your chin on the front pad. This greatly helps to reduce helmet weight and neck strains.

This go-karting neck brace has an adjustable closure strap comprising of a Velcro fastener making it suitable for racers of all sizes. It also features a knit Nomex sleeve which is easily removable and washable. Nomex is known to be a flame-retardant and abrasion-resistant material. The foam interior feels well-padded and soft.

Under the bottom line, the Simpson Racing Neck Collar is an good piece of safety equipment for kart racers and ensures great comfort and support. With regards to features, this brace seem rather basic. However, the SFI rating and Nomex material make it ideal for karting competitions.

Simpson Neck Collar Specifications:

• Brand: Simpson
• Material: Padded Foam
• Closure: Velcro
• Adjustable: Yes
• Dimensions: 11″ x 4″ x 10″

8. K1 Race Gear Neck Brace

The K1 Race Gear Neck Brace is another great pick and similar to the K1 Race Gear Carbon Neck Brace. It has been designed and developed to provide kart racers with comfort and safety while being affordable at the same time. The brace has a unique anatomical design with posterior support for the helmet which reduces the weight on your neck.

The build quality of the The K1 Race Gear Neck Brace is good, however the brace feels quick thick around your neck. It has been designed in a way to reduce over-extension or over-compression of the neck during racing, but its thickness can limit the range of motion.

The Velcro closure at the back allows you to easily remove and adjust the neck brace to fit almost any neck circumference.  The comfortable padding in the brace provides improves protection for the neck and collarbone and makes this brace a good pick.

K1 Race Gear Neck Brace Specifications:

• Brand: K1 Race Gear
• Material: Padded Foam
• Closure: Velcro
• Adjustable: Yes
• Dimensions: 11″ x 4″ x 10″
• Weight: 0.75 lbs

9. RaceQuip 360

The RaceQuip 360 is a decent neck brace and is basically a padded ring that wraps around your neck. This SFI approved go-karting neck brace features a wedge design which is tapered and 2 inches thick. The low profile helps with the range of motion and the anatomical design of the brace makes it very comfortable. It acts as a good support for the neck and chin as well.

Moreover, it is made from a high-density foam which has flame-retardant properties. The hook and loop Velcro closure allows for comfortable wearing and removal of the neck brace. This neck brace feels very sturdy and therefore also acts as a helmet support.

The collar is made of a woven fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) which is available in red, black and blue colors. All in all, this karting neck brace is a great pick for kart racers who always prefer a more durable, sturdy and flame-repellent neck brace at an affordable price rage. 

RaceQuip 360 Specifications:

• Brand: RaceQuip
• Material: Padded Foam
• Closure: Velcro
• Adjustable: Yes
• Dimensions: 11″ x 10″ x 3″
• Weight: 0.4 lbs

10. Bohn Neck Brace

The Bohn Neck Brace is made with a special sweat-absorbent material which prevents discomfort from sweating, especially on humid days. It’s excellent for hot racing conditions. Moreover, the lining of the neck brace reduces chafing, which is usually amplified when the fabric gets into contact with sweaty skin. 

This neck brace is also designed in a way that reduces the helmet weight on your neck and allows you to easily move your head from side to side without limiting your range of motion. There is also a gap in the front allowing you to look or bend down. While it does have an oval collar, which makes it slightly loose around your neck, it’s extremely lightweight, airy and doesn’t feel heavy.

The Bohn Neck Brace has a thin profile of 2 inches, which makes it incredible comfortable to wear. The foam of the brace is relatively firm, sturdy and long-lasting. 

Bohn Neck Brace Specifications:

• Brand: Bohn
• Material: Padded Foam
• Closure: Velcro
• Adjustable: Yes
• Dimensions: 11″ x 10″ x 3″
• Weight: 0.4 lbs

Buying Guide: How to Choose Karting Neck Braces

There are plenty of go-kart racing safety equipment available. A karting neck brace helps to protect your back and neck from overstretching and should therefore be an essential part of your racing gear. As you have seen, there are many types of neck braces available and you’ve probably reached a point where you are considering which one is the best choice for you.

As the main goal of this article is to help you make an informed purchase decision, I’d like to help by identifying and explaining various aspects that you should take into consideration. The following section will focus on neck brace material, closure system, range of motion, features, comfort, design and price.

Material

The material of the racing neck brace plays an important role in its sturdiness and comfort. Go-kart racing neck braces are common made of an outer casing that is made from an abrasion-resistant material and can withstand stretching, impact and various weather conditions. Make sure that you select something that is sturdy enough to suit your preferred type of racing. 

The outer casing protects the inner material, which is commonly a type of padded foam. This foam helps to absorb shock but also allows your neck an ideal range of motion for racing. There are different types of thicknesses. This can determine how flexible your range of motion will be and how much the neck brace helps to supports the weight of your helmet. 

There are also foam rubber neck braces that are much firmer, offer slightly less range of motion but offer an increased neck, helmet and chin support. Consider also the thickness of the profile. At the end of the day, your neck brace should work in tandem with your helmet and other safety equipment.

Closure

Go-kart racing neck braces have two different types of closure systems. The first one is a Velcro strap and the second one is a buckle closure. 

Velcro straps are usually located in the front and hold together both wedges securely. They are fastened by closing the loop strap with the hook strap. This is a secure closure system that also allows for quick readjustments. Having a Velcro closure usually means that you can adjust the circumference of the neck brace accordingly. 

Buckle closures are usually also located in the front and snap in place by clipping the male and female end together. Commonly a buckle closure system does not allow you to adjust the brace circumference. There are neck braces like the EVS R4 that feature a buckle system and adjustable strap on the back. That is of course ideal and always preferred, due to the extra safety measure. 

Range of Motion

When racing go-karts it’s not only important to be able to fully focus on your race, but you need to be able to constantly keep a lookout for passing karts, corners, overtaking opportunities and much more. For you to be able to do this, you need to ensure that your neck has a good range of motion and that you can turn your head in all directions comfortably. 

As you can see in the four images above, the primary function of a neck brace is to securely lock onto your neck and shoulders, in order to absorb shock and prevent overstretching of your neck and back..

However, you should remember that once it’s too tightly fastened, you’ll have a limited range of motion, which can cost you a reduced range of motion and performance. They key here is to find a good balance. This may take a couple of races, but you’ll eventually get used to it.

Features

Apart from generic karting braces, there are several options available that come with additional features. This can include sweat-absorbent material or flame-retardant fabrics. There are many additional features that you should consider when it comes to selecting a neck brace that is most suitable for you. Let’s take a look at some of these additional features.

Additional Brace Features

• Increased range of motion
• Lightweight material
• Sweat-absorbent fabric
• Flame-retardant material
• Well-padded foam
• Dual closure system
• SFI certification
• Water resistance

Price

Go kart neck protectors are very affordable and are a crucial piece of safety equipment for every go-kart racer. If you are on a shoestring budget you can opt for an entry-level karting neck brace that should go for just over $30.

While they do what they are supposed to, they come with limited additional features, but are definitely good enough for kart racing. If you are a professional kart racer, you may want to go for a mid-range or premium neck brace that can offer you several advantages in a race. 

• Entry-Level Neck Brace: around $30 to $80
• Mid-Range Neck Brace: around $80 to $120
• Premium Neck Brace: around $120 to 200

Design

Everyone has different preferences, especially when it comes to design, color and shape. While the shape can affect the comfort, performance and range of motion, color and design have no significant impact. 

When it comes to karting neck brace designs ensure first that you decide on what type of brace it will be. There are padded foam and foam rubber options that essentially differ in design. After that you can freely choose which color and shape you prefer. 

Frequently Asked Questions

I know that some of you may have some questions with regards to karting braces. I’ve compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions that I could come up with and have provided some answers below. If you have any question that you would like me to add, please leave a comment or get in touch with me directly. 

Question: What Does a Karting Neck Brace Actually Do?

A karting neck brace is an important investment to make, as it not only prevents overstretching of the neck and back, but it can also act as a chin support and helmet support.

Because of the foam material inside the brace, it prevents your head from tilting 90 degrees in each direction, which could happen in the event of a collision or heavy braking. That could cause you to experience neck, shoulder and back injuries. 

As a karting neck brace fully surrounds your neck, it also absorbs the excess helmet weight that your neck is actively supporting. You may not notice this, but especially in corners our neck muscles need to stiffen in order to keep our head centered. Therefore, a neck brace can act as a great support, as well. 

Question: How Do I Know Which Neck Brace Size I Should Get?

Go-kart racing neck braces generally come is two different sizes. One size for youths and another size for adults. This usually suffices as most neck braces are adjustable via a strap which accounts for different neck circumferences. 

You can also check in the list above if they are adjustable. If you require more information for a particular neck brace take a look at the product page or contact the manufacturer directly to make sure. Getting the right is size crucial, so make sure that you check beforehand. 

Question: How Do I Wash a Go-Kart Neck Brace?

Racing neck braces usually have an inner foam part and an outer fabric layer which protects the foam. Generally speaking you can follow these steps to cleaning your go kart neck brace:

1. Unzip the outer layer and remove the padded-foam interior
2. Use a spray detergent to clean the outer fabric
3. Clean the padded foam in the washing machine on a regular cold cycle
4. Let both components naturally air dry
5. Be sure to avoid direct sunlight 

Conclusion

I hope that this guide has helped you make an informed purchase decision and enabled you to decide what the best karting neck brace is for you. It can be overwhelming with so many different types of go-kart racing neck protectors on the market. 

I also hope that you have come to realize how important a neck brace is for go-kart racing and that it only takes a small investment starting at around $30 upwards. If you have any additional questions or would like to know more, feel free to simply leave a message below or get in touch with me directly.