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The Zamp Z-Tech Series 8A is Zamp Racing's newest SFI 38.1 head and neck restraint, sold in Small, Medium and Large. In our video with Zamp Racing, Zamp calls the 8A the smallest and most comfortable device it makes, with the most range of motion in the Z-Tech line. This review covers who the Z-Tech 8A fits, how to choose a size, why it feels different on the shoulders and which helmet hardware it uses. To compare every brand we carry, see our HANS devices and head and neck restraints.
The Zamp Z-Tech 8A is built for drivers in a more upright seat who want the most comfort and head movement in the Z-Tech line and are willing to pick a size. It comes in Small, Medium and Large, works with 2-inch and 3-inch harnesses, and has shorter arms with no rigid materials on the spine.
Its listed applications cover sedan, saloon and sportscar racing, and it suits drivers who want a device that stays off the chest and collarbones. It costs more than the Z-Tech 2A and Z-Tech 6A, and it is not adjustable in the same way, so the size you order matters. New to frontal head restraints? Read what a HANS device is and how it works first.
You choose a Zamp Z-Tech 8A size from Small, Medium or Large based on your build, because the 8A is not one size fits all like the 2A and 6A. As a reference point from our video with Zamp Racing, a driver who is 6 feet tall and 200 pounds prefers a size Medium.
A size chart for the 8A is not published on the product page, so use that fit as one data point, not a rule. If you are close to that height and weight, Medium is the starting point Zamp describes. If you are noticeably smaller or larger, contact FAST RACER with your height, weight and seat setup before you order. Sizing correctly the first time matters, because only unused items in as-new condition can be returned.
The Zamp Z-Tech 8A feels more comfortable because it has a smaller footprint. It has one point of contact at the bottom, does not reach over the collarbones or the rib cage, and sits high on the shoulders. It also uses shorter arms and no rigid materials on the spine, which leaves little restriction in the shoulder and chest.
Its range of motion comes from the tether. On the 8A, the tether slides freely left and right across the back plate, and the high back gives a more natural pull angle. Zamp says that gives the 8A the biggest range-of-motion advantage of any Z-Tech device. If you have been comparing it with the in-line 2A tether or the V-shaped 6A tether, see our Z-Tech 2A vs 6A vs 8A comparison.
The Zamp Z-Tech 8A comes with its 8A clips (NZSC1018) and one set of 8A helmet hardware (NZHC008A), the pair of anchors that mounts to a helmet with M6 inserts. That covers one helmet out of the box. Extra helmet hardware is needed only for a second helmet or to replace lost parts.
The 8A is certified with two hardware types. Option 1 is the included 8A clips with the included 8A helmet hardware. Option 2 is Zamp spring clips (NZSC1015) with the 2A-style helmet kit (NZHC001A), both sold separately, which matters if you already own a Zamp 2A, 3A or 6A helmet kit. For a second helmet, or if you want FIA-rated anchors, the Zamp Z-Tech Series 8A FIA Helmet Anchors Kit is rated FIA 8858-2010/SFI 38.1. When you install an 8A helmet kit, the manual says the center post must point toward the back of the helmet. Remove the black cap from the back of the kit first, and lock the M6 screw with blue thread locker.
Every value below comes from the Z-Tech 8A product listing or from Zamp Racing in our video.
| Specification | Zamp Z-Tech Series 8A |
|---|---|
| Certification | SFI 38.1 |
| Sizes | Small, Medium, Large |
| Footprint | One point of contact at the bottom; does not reach over collarbones or rib cage |
| Back | High back for a more natural pull angle; no rigid materials on the spine |
| Arms | Shorter arms |
| Tether | Kevlar webbing tether that slides left and right across the back plate |
| Hardware | Stainless steel |
| Helmet connection | 8A clips and 8A helmet hardware for one M6 helmet included; also certified with Zamp spring clips and the 2A-style kit (sold separately) |
| Belts | 2 in and 3 in harnesses |
| Padding | Replaceable |
| Weight | Not published |
| Part numbers | NT008003S (Small), NT008003M (Medium), NT008003L (Large) |
| Best for | Upright-seat drivers who want the most comfort and head movement in the Z-Tech line |
The most common concerns about the Zamp Z-Tech 8A are whether the newest model is safer than the 2A and 6A, what happens if you pick the wrong size, and whether its higher price is justified. Each concern has a direct answer, covered below with the facts behind it.
It is natural to expect the newest, most expensive model to protect better, but that is not how SFI 38.1 works. Zamp Racing says the 8A is no more and no less safe than anything else on the market, because every device must pass the same SFI testing. The 8A's premium pays for comfort, sizing and range of motion.
That is a real risk, since the 8A comes in three sizes and a full size chart is not published on the product page. FAST RACER accepts returns and exchanges within 30 days for eligible items that are unused and in as-new condition, in the original packaging. Try the fit before installing anchors in a helmet, and contact FAST RACER first if you are between sizes.
For many drivers, the 2A or 6A is enough, and both cost less than the 8A. The 8A earns its higher price if you value comfort on the shoulders and chest, the most side-to-side movement in the Z-Tech line and a sized fit over an adjustable one. If you mostly look forward and want maximum adjustability, the 2A is the better value.
The Zamp Z-Tech 8A is worth it for upright-seat drivers who want the smallest, most comfortable Z-Tech device with the most range of motion. You get the device in your size, the 8A clips, 8A helmet hardware for one M6 helmet and a new five-year SFI 38.1 tag, ready to fit from the box.
Orders over $50 ship free to the 48 contiguous US states and Washington, D.C. See our shipping policy for details. Eligible unused items can be returned or exchanged within 30 days under our returns and exchanges policy, and modified items cannot be returned. See our warranty page for how claims work. FAST RACER can act on your behalf with Zamp on a claim. Zamp's Z-Tech owner's manual covers defects in materials and workmanship for one year from purchase, and Z-Tech also runs an accident replacement program for a device damaged within two years of purchase. After a significant accident, the manual says to return the restraint to the manufacturer for inspection or replace it.
The Zamp Z-Tech 8A is designed for racing with a more upright seating position. Its listed applications include sedan and saloon cars such as NASCAR, GT, Sprint, Midget, Quarter Midget, Drag, Modified and Bandolero, plus sportscars such as Porsche, BMW, Corvette, Honda and Viper, and all Panoz Racing Series cars. Always confirm your own series rules.
Yes. The Zamp Z-Tech 8A is SFI 38.1 certified, and Zamp Racing says it passed every SFI test. Each 8A ships with a new SFI 38.1 tag printed with a month and year, and the tag is good for five years. Check that date when the device arrives, because tech inspectors read it.
Yes. The Zamp Z-Tech 8A works with both 2-inch and 3-inch shoulder harnesses, according to Zamp Racing. Because the 8A sits high on the shoulders and does not reach over the collarbones, route the belts over the device and confirm the fit in your own seat.
Clean a Zamp Z-Tech 8A with mild soapy water, then wipe it dry with a clean cloth. Zamp's 8A owner's manual says not to use solvents or chemicals, to keep the restraint away from extreme heat or cold, and to let it dry fully before storage. Proper storage helps avoid damage between race weekends.
Zamp describes the Z-Tech 8A as extremely lightweight and calls it the smallest device it makes, but a weight figure for the 8A is not published. The Z-Tech 2A and 6A are each listed at approximately 900 grams. If weight is your deciding factor, ask FAST RACER for the 8A weight in your size before ordering.
The Zamp Z-Tech 8A is the right head and neck restraint for upright-seat drivers who want the smallest, most comfortable device in the Z-Tech line, with a tether that slides across the back plate for the most head movement. It comes in Small, Medium and Large, and Zamp's reference fit is a Medium for a driver at 6 feet and 200 pounds. The Z-Tech 8A is not the best choice if you want one adjustable size or the lowest price, where the Z-Tech 2A fits better. Check the 8A's current price and availability below.
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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