OP: What size hat do you wear? I am a 7 5/8 and I use a XXL helmet.

lol @ 'typical asian head' comment. I have a giant head, as referenced above.

 

There are a few other differences as well as the fire resistance

From Snell:

The SA standard was designed for competitive auto racing while M standard was for motorcycling and other motorsports. The K standard was released to accommodate helmets used in karting. There are three major differences between them:

1. The SA standard requires flammability test while the M and K standards do not.
2. The SA and K standards allow for a narrower visual field than M standard (Some SA and K certified helmets may not be street legal).
3. The SA and K standards include a rollbar multi impact test while M standard does not.

 

I wear about a 7 3/8 which is a not too snug. So based on this chart:

http://www.saferacer.com/help.php?section=sizechart

I wear about a M for Bell. Hmmm......ok so maybe my head isn't as big as I thought it was haha. Just the hair......

Time to pick out a helmet!

 

i have an HJC full face thats rated SA2005. great price for a great helmet. the main difference between the the M and SA helmets is the SA is nomex treated and no polyester which, if in fire, will melt to your face. highly unlikely, but not worth taking the chance.

 

If you have the typical asian head, as do I, you might want to consider an Arai. I know they are expensive (as I cannot afford one), but they fit my head the best. Most other helmets squeeze my cheek in so much that my lips look like a sphincter.

 

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orbicularis_oris_muscle

 

Hands down choice for the "Asian Head" should be the Sparco Jet

Open face, Hans hook up pre-installed and run as large as XXL!

However, I agree with the prior comment....go closed face, it's much safer.

 

Bravo! This is exactly right. However, there is one more thing that is now changing. The padding materiel has changed based on reviews for flamability. It appears that the padding is now different, so test fitting a M rated helmet really won't do you any good.

 

Roast, that was damn clever.

 

You should check out pyrotect -- Z1 is running a group buy on them. They have a good SA helmet and the price is pretty good.

 

True but a Bell large with fit like a Bell large no matter which Bell model. Unfortunately you are not apt to find Bell or Simpson at a motorcycle shop.

 

if you're helmet shopping, i'd suggest you get a light weight helmet, your neck will thank you.

i (asian head) tried to fit Arai, but that didnt work too well for me. i fit most comfortable in Sparco or Simpson. my head is kinda blocky.. the ANSI mold that most helmet companies use are more oval-ish.

here's my helmet.
<3


and the colored vinyl i got from blue batmobile which i cut using x-acto knife

 

I got a Bell M4 last year. I'm real happy with it. See this thread.

 

That helmet looks soooooooo uncool! lol

 

Agreed I wouldn't be caught dead wearing that, I see some dude wearing a scooter or something.