Need help finding a new helmet
 

I currently have a Bell Sport Mag helmet, but it's just not working for me. The overall sizing seems right, but the shape puts too much pressure on my forehead.

It seems like Bell helmets have more of a round shape and my head is more oval shaped. Every time I measure my head it's comes out at 58cm, so I seem to fall at the upper end of a size Medium in most brands.

Does anyone know which helmet brands tend to have more of an oval shape? Specifically, I'm looking for an SA2015 open face to use for AutoX and HPDE.

Look at Arai. They make oval and round in the same lines.
I ride and switched to Arai's many years ago. For me, I wouldn't look at anything else now
do some research and you can read up on them here
https://www.araiamericas.com/

You're going to hate this answer but find somewhere local, and go try stuff on.

Every helmet will be perceived differently amongst us. I wear a HJC AR-10ii and find it to be very comfy.

I'd love to do that, but don't know any local shops that carry auto racing helmets. Seems like everything I see is always motorcycle related. Pretty sure my SCCA region requires SA rated helmets.

You're probably right that they won't have auto racing helmets, but you can get a feel for how that brand fits your head and then look at their auto racing helmets that are built on the same shape.

For instance, I know that my head is a long oval per Arai's sizes, so I can safely buy an Arai auto racing helmet made for that head shape. I don't remember what my HJC helmet is, but I would look for a helmet similar to my bike helmet's shape there as well.

Have you checked out these people? Real quick google search led me to here:

http://www.fullthrottleraceparts.com/

Like the other person said, between a M and SA rating the shell is "usually" the same. It could be different, but rare.

Also, I'd double check on your local region SCCA policies. Even at National Level for autox a M rated helmet is allowed.

Would you say the AR-10ii is more round or oval shaped?

I had the same experience with the Bell. I'm not knocking it, but it was tight front to back and a bit loose left to right. I found Simpson to be a good fit for me.

In the interim you can use a small ballpeen hammer to "dent" the ridged foam to allow more skull room in the front.

Why don't you go to a place that sells helmets and try a few on. In guessing but I suspect it might prove more beneficial than asking the internet.

I'll second Arai - I believe I have a similar issue. Bell was floppy and miserably uncomfortable, as was RaceQuip. Simpson fit for short periods, but I'd start getting pain in pressure spots, expecially the cheeks... and I had to go a size down for the right fit (likely a lot of the reason for the pressure). Arai, even in a size down, was infinitely more comfortable... but the right size I can wear for quite a while.

You still can't beat actually trying them on. Find a way. I originally tried Arai in 2000, and it was a motorcycle helmet - my memory of that fit is consistent with my new helmet, which is SA. I thought I needed an SA helmet for autocross, so I walked away... not this time, I took a mini road-trip to a shop that had them to try, but still ended where I suspected I might. Wouldn't have minded saving some money but...

C

As with most things relating to my hobbies, I can't seem to find what I want locally. However, if you can direct me to a shop in Nashville, TN that has a wide assortment of SA2015 helmets, I'd be happy to look. I really just don't want a motorcycle helmet which is all I usually see around here.

I tried Bell and HJC as well. I had the "too much" pressure in the forehead problem with bell, nothing too big, I used it for a year, but got tired of it eventually. The HCJ I got was the cheapest SNELL they have (cant remember model), but its lightyears ahead in terms of being comfortable, I have gone entire mornings/afternoon without taking it off other than to eat and drink, because I do not feel the need to, its really comfortable, while still being a tight fit.

Think I'm going to try the HJC AR-10III. According to HJC's website, the medium should fit me just right.

http://hjc-motorsports.com/helmet-care/size-chart/