Optrel 670/80 Lincoln 3350 Arc One iDF

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Its been a while since I have posted and its nice to catch up. At any rate I am looking to add another auto hood to the stable. I currently have a Jackson NEXGEN EC that is about 6 or so years old that is in a Halo X hood.This is a great lense but I want to see what else is out there. Also I need something that will protect my neck better than the Halo X hood.This will be used in the field welding structural steel with most of my time being spent with 5/64 NR233/232 innersheild as well as arc gouging. A fair mix of stick welding but the lions share is innersheild.I have been looking at the Optrel e670 and 680 and like the ease of access to the grind mode but feel like the controls being on the outside is not the best with all the sparks generated esp. from arc gouging. I really dig the helmet shape and think that it will do a better job of protecting my neck than the Halo X. I can get this for $323.https://weldingsupply.securesites.ne...Welding+HelmetThe Lincoln looks nice with 4 sensors and the helmet shape seems good. Overall I feel like its about on par with my Nex Gen EQC 3N1.  Seems like better protection than the Halo X. I have sound these for as low as $187I just was made aware of the Arc One iDf and that looks pretty nice and the helmet shape seems good and like the Lincoln the controls are on the inside.http://www.arc1weldsafe.com/visions.htmlSO any thoughts?Also I would like to find a new helmet to put the Nex Gen in that is not the Shadow or the Halo X. I feel like that lene should fit into any 4x5 hood...Anyone have any experience using that lense in another brand helmet?Thanks guys.'Mike
Reply:I am surpised that with 50+ views no one has any insights. Even on the pros and cons of the Lincoln 3350 Viking hood.'Mike
Reply:I have an optrel satellite. It's 5ish or 6ish years old, and scratched all to heck from hitting the underside of cars. It still works like a charm for me, but I do MIG and TIG only.I've noticed that it has angular dependence on the shade, which I'm pretty sure has slowly developed over time, because I don't remember it being that way when I got it (or maybe I just don't remember!). I actually really like the side controls, and in fact, the big shade control knob has become muscle memory for me. Strike an arc, do a little welding, "Nope, too dim", reach over, adjust, weld some more. I rarely use the "grind" mode actually, since there is already some darkness to the lens even when it's not darkened, which lends it to not being useful unless your area is VERY well lit. I do like the adjustment range, though, and I usually run it at a 5 for plasma cutting. The headgear is fine, but for the price, I would think it would perform a bit better. It's never had any issues, or had any stripped pieces, and it stays snug on your head, but it has creep down like NO OTHER (at least on mine). And if you crank it tight enough to stop the creep-age, you'll give yourself whiplash trying to snap it down with head motion. Regardless of where I set the tension, it does not stay where you set it, and will loosen after a few cycles.
Reply:Thanks ZMechanic. I am really torn. I really like the shape of the Optrel hood but from what I can tell it only has 2 sensors and with all the odd positions I have to get in I am concerned with the sensors both being blocked. Have you had any issues with the sensors being blocked?'Mike