Zamp Z-Tech 2A vs 6A vs 8A: Which One Fits You?

The main difference between the Zamp Z-Tech 2A, 6A and 8A is how much your head can move and how each one fits. The 2A is one adjustable size with in-line tethers. The 6A adds a high back and a sliding V-shaped tether for taller drivers. The 8A comes in three sizes with the smallest footprint and the most range of motion. Choose the 2A for value and adjustability, the 6A if you are tall and turn your head often, and the 8A for maximum comfort. FAST RACER sells all three, and each is SFI 38.1 certified.

All three are part of our HANS devices and head and neck restraints range. Each has its own full review: the Z-Tech 2A review, the Z-Tech 6A review and the Z-Tech 8A review. This comparison covers only what separates them, using the product listings and our videos with Zamp Racing.

Zamp Z-Tech 2A vs 6A vs 8A: The 5 Key Differences

Which Zamp Z-Tech gives you the most head movement?

The Zamp Z-Tech 8A gives you the most head movement, the 6A is second and the 2A is the most limited. On the 8A, the tether slides freely left and right across the back plate. On the 6A, the webbing is laced in a V-shape so the clip can slide. On the 2A, the tethers run in line with each other. Zamp Racing says the 2A works well when you mostly look forward but may feel limiting in a side-by-side, where you scan for rocks. This difference favors the 6A and 8A for drivers who turn their heads often.

Zamp 2A vs 6A: which fits taller drivers?

The Zamp Z-Tech 6A fits taller drivers better than the 2A. Both use the same adjustable frame, from 12.75 to 15.25 inches wide, but the 6A adds a patent-pending high back for a more natural pull angle. Zamp says the 6A is oriented toward taller drivers with longer necks, and it does not recommend the 6A for younger or smaller drivers. The 2A, by contrast, fits from young teenagers up to the biggest drivers at the track. This favors the 6A for tall adults and the 2A for everyone else on a budget.

Adjustable one-size or sized: which fit is easier to get right?

The Zamp Z-Tech 2A and 6A are easier to get right without measuring, because each is one size that adjusts in shoulder width, arm angle and arm width. The 8A comes in Small, Medium and Large with shorter arms and no listed width adjustment, so you need to pick a size. A size chart for the 8A is not published on the product page. As a reference from our video with Zamp Racing, a driver who is 6 feet tall and 200 pounds prefers a Medium. This favors the 2A and 6A for drivers who want to adjust rather than size.

Which Zamp Z-Tech is most comfortable?

The Zamp Z-Tech 8A is the most comfortable of the three, according to Zamp, which calls it the smallest and most comfortable device it makes. It has one point of contact at the bottom, does not reach over the collarbones or rib cage, sits high on the shoulders, and uses shorter arms with no rigid materials on the spine. The 2A and 6A have a larger frame with adjustable arms that wrap the shoulders. This favors the 8A for long stints and drivers sensitive to pressure on the chest.

Do the 2A, 6A and 8A use the same helmet hardware?

The Zamp Z-Tech 2A and 6A use the same helmet hardware, and the 8A uses its own. The 2A and 6A each include hardware for one helmet with M6 inserts plus Loctite, and they share the Zamp Z-Tech Series 2A/3A/6A Helmet Anchors Kit for a second helmet. The 8A includes its own 8A clips and 8A helmet hardware for one helmet, and it is also certified with Zamp spring clips and the 2A-style helmet kit. For FIA-rated anchors on the 8A, there is the Zamp Z-Tech Series 8A FIA Helmet Anchors Kit. This is a tie on function, but it matters if you already own a 2A or 6A.

Pros and Cons

Zamp Z-Tech 2A

Pros

• Lowest price of the three.
• One size adjusts from 12.75 to 15.25 inches, with adjustable arm angle and width.
• Fits young teenagers through the biggest drivers, per Zamp Racing.
• Includes helmet hardware for one M6 helmet, plus Loctite.
• Zamp calls it one of its most popular devices.

Cons

• In-line tethers give the least side-to-side movement of the three.
• May feel limiting in disciplines where you scan constantly, such as side-by-side racing.
• Designed for upright seating, not strongly reclined seats.

Zamp Z-Tech 6A

Pros

• Patent-pending high back for a more natural pull angle.
• V-shaped tether webbing lets the clip slide for more movement than the 2A.
• Same adjustable one-size frame and listed weight as the 2A.
• Shares the 2A's helmet anchor kit.

Cons

• Costs more than the 2A.
• Zamp Racing does not recommend it for younger or smaller drivers.
• Less range of motion than the 8A.

Zamp Z-Tech 8A

Pros

• Most range of motion in the Z-Tech line, per Zamp Racing.
• Smallest footprint; stays off the collarbones and rib cage.
• Spring-loaded 8A helmet kit makes clipping in and out simple.
• Certified with two hardware types, including the 2A-style helmet kit.

Cons

• Highest price of the three.
• Not one size; you must pick Small, Medium or Large, and no size chart is published on the product page.
• No published weight.

Which Should You Buy?

Deciding between the Zamp Z-Tech 2A, 6A and 8A comes down to how often you turn your head, your build and your budget.

Choose the Z-Tech 2A if:

• You mostly look forward during a race.
• You want the lowest-priced Z-Tech device.
• You want one adjustable size that can fit a teenager now and an adult later.
• You race from a more upright seat.

Zamp Z-Tech Series 2A

SFI 38.1

View Product

Choose the Z-Tech 6A if:

• You are tall, with a longer neck.
• You turn your head often and want more movement than the 2A gives.
• You want an adjustable one-size frame rather than a sized device.
• You already own Z-Tech 2A or 6A helmet anchors.

Zamp Z-Tech Series 6A

SFI 38.1

View Product

Choose the Z-Tech 8A if:

• Comfort over long stints is your top priority.
• You want the most side-to-side movement in the Z-Tech line.
• You want a device that stays off your collarbones and rib cage.
• You are comfortable picking a size.

Zamp Z-Tech Series 8A

SFI 38.1

View Product

Consider neither if:

• Your series requires an FIA-rated head and neck restraint. The 2A, 6A and 8A devices are certified to SFI 38.1. Compare other options in our HANS devices range.
• You race karts with no shoulder harness. Frontal head restraints need shoulder belts to hold them in place. Karters usually look at karting neck braces instead.

Buy with less risk. Orders over $50 ship free to the 48 contiguous US states and Washington, D.C. FAST RACER accepts returns and exchanges within 30 days of receiving your order for eligible items that are unused and in as-new condition, in the original packaging. Modified items cannot be returned, so check the fit before installing anchors in a helmet. All three carry a one-year defect warranty and a two-year accident replacement program under Zamp's owner's manuals, and FAST RACER can act on your behalf with Zamp on a claim. See our warranty page.

The Bottom Line

The main difference between the Zamp Z-Tech 2A, 6A and 8A is head movement and fit. Choose the Z-Tech 2A for the lowest price and one adjustable size if you mostly look forward. Choose the Z-Tech 6A if you are tall and want more movement from its high back and sliding tether. Choose the Z-Tech 8A for the smallest, most comfortable device with the most range of motion, in Small, Medium or Large. All three are SFI 38.1 certified.

by Emerson Bersaghi

Emerson Bersaghi is Co-Founder, COO, and CGO of Fast Racer, an e-commerce brand scaling motorsport apparel, parts, and performance gear worldwide. A lifelong kart racer, Emerson brings 29 years of executive leadership at Whirlpool Corporation to Fast Racer's growth strategy. He holds an Executive MBA from Purdue's Daniels School of Business, an MBA from FGV EAESP in Brazil, and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from UDESC. At Fast Racer, he drives growth strategy, brand positioning, and strategic partnerships behind the company's sustained double-digit YoY expansion.

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