newbie needs a lid

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Starting welding school this fall for career change. Can't wait to get started Ill probably be the only 30 year old freshman . . . anyway I am looking at helmets and need some "real" insights, not some from salesman. I would rather buy one helmet that will meet all my needs for school and beyond. What do you guys like? I've looked at Miller and ArcOne in person and liked them both but have no idea what would be the best.All thoughts and feedback appreciated.Avery
Reply:Well some guys here are big fans of the auto Darkening helmets.  I have heard gooc things about the miller hoods, but Me personally, I just use a large window "Jackson" or "radnor" hood.  In my line of work the auto darkening units have just not been suited to me.   I would start out with a conventional hood and then look at changing on down the road.  Just my 2 cents.I'm a Lover, Fighter, Wild horse Rider, and a pretty good welding man......
Reply:I agree with Hammack.  Start with a cheap $35 large view Jackson hood and upgrade later if you feel you need an auto darkening hood.  If you get an auto darkening hood you will need a fixed shade anyways in case the auto darkening hood breaks or if the batteries die.  Fixed shade hoods are virtually indestructible.Many veteran welders hate the auto darkening hoods.  In certain lines of work an auto darkening hood is actually a hassle because you can get easily flash burned when welding in tight spots.
Reply:I vote for Fixed shade hoods,My opinion is that the view is much more crisp and clear in fixed shade than in auto shading hoods.¤If you got money, i've got time
Reply:I vote for a Jackson NexGen autodark.  By far the clearest view I've ever had while welding, no green tinge to everything.  I'm often welding in very tight spots between tubes where flipping down a fixed shade just isn't possible, and it works wonderfully.  If the batteries die (mine lasted roughly 2 years of daily use before they quit), the hood still accepts a standard dimension fixed shade lens, and the cover lenses on the outside of the hood are also standard dimension, even with the autodark unit in there.
Reply:I would try as many as you can before you buy.Get the Jackson FS BIG window now, it's cheap $30 - $40Then get a GOOD auto and you will love it.
Reply:I'd have to vote for the fixed glass lens. I've been using strickly Auto hoods for years but now have cataracts and have to wonder ?Anything worth doing is worth doing RIGHT