Topic: Experience with these helmets?

[IndyFour]

My old HJC has served me well, but it's a few years old now and getting a bit ratty....in the market for a new one (full face).  I'm shopping in the sub $250 range and have two that I'm considering.  I have tried them both on and like the fit...

Choice #1 - Bell Vortex
Pro - Local dealer has some for $50 off retail right now (last year's stock?) and so I can maybe afford to purchase one of those nifty Bell Photochromatic (self-darkening) visors to put on it.  The other pro is that I really like the look of this helmet.
Con- New helmet at sale price and photochromic visor will put me at top of budget

Choice #2 - Scorpion Exo500
Pro - Has lots of features including pump up cheek pads and flip down inner shade.  Also price is under $200.
Con - I have a flip down inner shade on my HJC and never use it...prefer to put on a dark/mirror visor during the day.  Also, while the pump up cheek pads seem like a good idea, they also seem a big gimicky.  Not sure if they will hold up or if they will be useful.

Anyone have any experience with either of these helmets?  Please share.  Thanks.

[LoVel]

I used HJC helmets for a couple of years and switched over to a Scorpion 500.  I bought a tinted shield and have never bothered to put it on because of the flip down shade.  I have never used the pump up cheek pads because the helmet fits me perfectly without pumping.

I absolutely love my Scorpion.  It is much quieter and snugger than the HJCs were and so far it hasn't loosened up like the HJCs did.  All around better experience.

[IndyFour]

Thanks for the input.  Yes, the Scorpion helmet seems to be well built and has a "quality" feel to it.  I could probably adjust to riding with the flip down inner visor versus switching them out, but I really like the "anonymity" of a really dark or mirrored one....don't know why.  Maybe that says something about me and I need therapy.   

Regarding the visor on the Scorpion, do you find that the visor lock locks itself while riding?  I like how you can click it one way to crack the visor open slightly, but I have read reviews where people complain that it locks itself.  I think that would be annoying.

[LoVel]

It could have happened a couple of times but it is very easy to lock.  I figured I did it reaching up to raise or lower the shade.

[Dimitri13]

Scorpions are great.

[azuredesign]

While it may be due to the XL size, the Vortex gets blown around above 65 mph. I thought it must be the shape/size of the helmet that caused buffetting not only if I turned my head, but even if I was looking straight in front of me.
Anybody else have the same experience?
I ditched it, and bought a new Arai last season, which I am very happy with.

[70CB750]

I got me AFX FX-140 and I am very happy with it. Convertible, drop down shade, vents, buckle/unbuckle with gloves on. Sits well no matter the speed.