Scorpion EXO-500 opinions please

[NedSVS]

I'm considering purchasing a Scorpion EXO-500 Air. It gets good reviews in general, but I would appreciate some feedback from any forum members who own one. Thanks.

[Fallout]

I have the Scorpion EXO 450. The main reason why I bought it was because out of all the helmets I tried on, it had the best fit in my price range. To me that's the most important thing. It was also the only medium shell helmet I could get my head into. All other brands in my price range meant I had to wear the large outer shell size, which makes you look like you're wearing a 19th century diving suit.

Some points:
- Wind noise is fairly low, but not brilliant
- Reasonably light, but again not as light as a premium brand
- Visor change mechanism is really handy, I can change my visor over in about 30 seconds. However it can be a little tricky at times and I reckon if you're really hamfisted with it you could damage it.
- Cheek pump up mechanism seems to be pretty good, though I don't use it as it fits perfectly without it
- Underchin clip mechanism works great and I very rarely have to adjust it
- Build quality may be a bit dubious. My nose guard was slightly misaligned, and after a while that bugged me enough to remove it.

Overall I'd say for the price they're good helmets. Had mine for 2 years and the inners are wearing fairly well. I'd just say make sure it fits well and give it a good look over for any defects in positioning of vents etc, though I suspect I was just unlucky with mine. It had probably sat in the shop for ages and I was the fist mug to not notice.

[NedSVS]

Thanks for your reply. I too am attracted to the EXO-500 because of fit and price. I find a lot of brands don't suit my head shape and my last two helmets were HJC's because they fitted so well, but ironically they have changed the shape and none of the HJC's suit me any more. I'm a fan of good old fasioned D-ring fastening so I am pleased you mentioned the fastening clip - unfortunately the dealer I went to had a large security device attached to the strap so I couldn't even fasten it, but it felt really secure when I tried to rock it forward and back because it suits my head shape so well. I too felt I wouldn't need the cheek pump system, but it may become slightly looser with age and come into use then.

[Fallout]

The cool thing about the cheek pump system is if you need to stick it on the head of a lady or a friend who's going pillion, you can ensure it's a better fit if it's not quite right.