Helmet Selection, SORRY

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I have minimum Welding Experience and in need of buying a Welding Helmet.  I been borrowing a Speedglass 100 (Need to Return, LOL) and noticed one day things where a lot clearer at a particular angle when viewing my weld, things appeared very clear.  I do have prescription bifocal glasses, need them to see for distance.  I take my glasses off all the time when working up close, wrenches etc. to see better.  With that be said I’m looking at the Lincoln Viking 3350/K304-2 ($229) vs Jackson WH40 TigerShark ($137).  I like saving money as well as the next guy but $90 is not going to break me.  Not sure if the larger viewing area is going to help me or not.  I like others have said on this forum sometimes I have a problem seeing ahead to where I want to weld.Thanks for any replies.
Reply:Might look for promotions.  I know Miller was giving like $70 back on digital elite helmets last month.  What did you think of the Speedglass 100 you were using?
Reply:The only speed glass I've used was a friends and I liked it. But I like a passive shade. I've used a Jackson with passive and liked it, it had a wide viewing range, but am getting a fibre metal in the next couple of days.Lincoln AC-225 90 amp flux core
Reply:Originally Posted by cole_977The only speed glass I've used was a friends and I liked it. But I like a passive shade. I've used a Jackson with passive and liked it, it had a wide viewing range, but am getting a fibre metal in the next couple of days.
Reply:Don't get frustrated or disappointed.  Just takes some time, patience, and practice to get better.  Lots of helpful folks on here who will give you free advice.
Reply:You're not alone as Im a newbie too. I also just fear the auto darkening going out on me and just like the passive more mLincoln AC-225 90 amp flux core
Reply:After many yrs using old style non auto at work I like the AD better. I bought a 3M 100 about 4 yrs ago and love it. I found I like it w/ the power off using it for O/A torch work better than the torch goggles. If some fear the AD quitting just keep an old style hood handy for backup.                                   MikeOl' Stonebreaker  "Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes"Hobart G-213 portableMiller 175 migMiller thunderbolt ac/dc stick Victor O/A setupMakita chop saw
Reply:I've been flashed one too many times from the $50 Auto helmet.  Other than that I like it.  Just ordered a Jackson HSL 100 passive.  Can't spring for a high end AD right now, and my eyes are worth the hassle of the nod.
Reply:I’m going to do some more welding this weekend and use my old pair of Video terminal Glasses.During school and some of my welding at home, I was wearing clear plastic safety glasses provide by Welding School.  Some of my later welding at home, I have a fifty shot if I was wearing my prescription/seamless bio-focal, or a pair of video bifocal terminal glasses with line.  Said line is slightly higher than traditional bifocals on the video glasses. I’m guessing from last night trail, just looking at text from arm’s length for welding, I do need some type of glasses.  I have an old pair of video glasses were the entire lens is just for the terminal.  I going to try and weld with them this weekend... Hopefully weld puddle will look clearer, similar to reading text at arm’s length last night.If welding vision improves with my video terminal glasses, I believe I’m leaning to the Jackson helmet to save some money.
Reply:I'm a old fart newbie as well. Can't see much with traditional lens, but love the auto lens (not that it improves my bead, I just like it). One thing my SNL got me doing is sitting the auto lens out in bright Sun for a little while before using it as we weld in spurts.... Sometimes don't touch welder for a month. Helmet just hangs in dark garage. Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkQualified & experienced at welding scrap metal