Question on welding helmets

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I've got an auto darkening lens helmet that I've had for probably 12 years. I think the lens shade is 10 that's in it now and just recently I've noticed that when I weld for awhile, I can flip up the helmet and still see white dots in my vision. I did a project today and wore a pair of sunglasses underneath the helmet and solved seeing while dots when finished welding.Instead of buying a darker lens, I'm going to a couple of welding shops in town tomorrow to consider buying a whole new helmet, one with the selection dial to darken the lens. Question is, are these worth the extra money ? I'm just a backyard hobbyist welder and will be looking for one in the $150-$200 max range.Also, I know that harbor freight in town sells an auto darkening helmet with dial darkening adjustor for $49 and another for $69, but I'm quite certain as with all harbor freight products, you get what you pay for.Last edited by rico334; 12-12-2010 at 07:31 PM.
Reply:You may want to look at the entry level Miller Helmets, such as the Pro-Hobby or Performance series. The Pro-Hobby is a good helmet with adjustable shade settings and can be bought new for well under $200.00. Hope this helps.Miller XMT-3502 Lincoln Power Mig 140C (One w/ dedicated spoolgun)Jackson NexGen / Miller Digital EliteMiller S32P SuperWeldcraft 17fv & 9fv Tig TorchVictor & Purox O/ALincoln Ranger 9Fairly Cold Beer!!
Reply:Buy the HF Hood, try itdon't like it return it.Ed Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:Northern has a large view, 3.82"x2.44", for $120.Here's the link. Supposedly people like them according to the reviews. I personally haven't got one yet still deciding, in the mean time I'm stuck with my HF Blue Flame I got for free, it does work though.
Reply:i bought one from northern probably 10-11 years ago. still using it been ok with me.
Reply:i my self have a miller elite inferno the best bang for your buck but when it comes to my eye,s price goes out the window just my 2 cents
Reply:My $250 Miller helmet died and was told it needs a new auto darkening lens. It was 10 years old and it has seen better days.  It would cost $90 to fix plus shipping.So I did some research and found a review of the Northern Tool Welding helmet that is selling for $49.00.I figured why not try it. So I ordered it and two days later it came.I can say that I like it a lot! Even more than my old Miller. It has adjustable shades, 9-13, and adjustable sensitivity. It is very light and small enough to fit my big fat head into some pretty tight places. And it does not slowly fall over my face like the heavier Miller used to do.I guess I learned a lesson and I won't pay the big bucks anymore for technology that has gotten cheaper as time goes on.  Remember $2500 cell phones?  There isn't any anymore.
Reply:I have three of the $49.00 northern hoods and I hae a nice hobart $180 hood and I like the northern better it might look cheesy but it works. I also am not worried to toss it on the ground. It also does not have a on button to push and that has flash burned me more then anything after pushing the button with gloves and must not of really hit it. There are alot of good reviews for that hood on there site.Vantage 300 kubota ,miller 304 xmt ,lincoln ln 25 pro , ranger 305 G, plenty of other tools of the trade to make the sparks fly.