I've been using an extra-large HJC CL-12 for many years and it fits perfectly. It looks very similar to the HJC I10. I recently bought an extra-large HJC i10 and struggled with it as it was undersized for my head. I also encountered the issue you experienced with the pads pushing up against my cheeks. In the end, I returned it and bought one size up, an XXL I10 and it fits perfectly. One other note, I went by HJC's sizing chart on their website. My forehead measures 24 inches around which should equate to an XL, however, the XL was too small for me.
Got some earplugs to try to curb that small flaw. It is my first helmet so I'm taking the bad with the good right now but I agree! Not the quietest of the bunch.
So now that you've chosen the Scorpion in WHITE, have you had a chance to wear it with sunglasses or prescription? if so how'd it feel ? I have to wear glasses, and I'm wrestling with the same two helmets.
Sam, thanks for the question and sorry about the late response. I wear sunglasses every time I ride and the helmet feels just as comfortable with them on as they do without.
From what I have read, the HJC will give you less wind noise. I only rode one time without earplugs and the wind noise was noticeable when you started getting around 50+. With earplugs it doesn't bother me. What I will tell you is that the more noise you have in your helmet the more unstable you'll feel on the bike. As soon as I threw on those earplugs I felt much more comfortable going an extra 10 or so MPH.