Antra Helmet Darkening Shade is Not Uniform across viewing area

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I bought a http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...=cfb_at_prodpgand it seems to be OK for what I need.However, when it goes into darken mode the darkness is not uniform across the viewing area.  The bottom 20% allows a bit more light to pass through.  It's a least a shade - maybe two - lighter.  So if I have it set a 13, the bottom 20%  is more like 11 or 12. Is this a defect?  Should I get a replacement?
Reply:Originally Posted by coloradotroutI bought a http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...=cfb_at_prodpgand it seems to be OK for what I need.However, when it goes into darken mode the darkness is not uniform across the viewing area.  The bottom 20% allows a bit more light to pass through.  It's a least a shade - maybe two - lighter.  So if I have it set a 13, the bottom 20%  is more like 11 or 12. Is this a defect?  Should I get a replacement?
Reply:What helmet do you recommend?    I'll be doing stick arc up to 200A  (probably 100A or less most of the time).    This is for infrequent, around the house, sorts of stuff.   That is why I went with the $45 hood.   If it's only a shade or two off, will I be OK -- or stupid?
Reply:Thanks for the explanation -- that does seem to be the case.   If I adjust my viewing angle it's not the shade itself, but rather the angle I'm looking through the shade that is creating this affect.  Generally, in use, I'd think I'd be pretty much looking straight-on, and not at some angle.
Reply:I was "testing" this theory by looking at the sun, shade 11-13.    In another thread some guys here were talking about using a helmet to view an eclipse.   Is that safe?Last edited by coloradotrout; 09-17-2015 at 01:31 PM.
Reply:I believe that a shade 14 is recommended for viewing a solar eclipse. Years ago, when I read that information, I went out and bought a 2" x 4" shade 14 lens just for those occasions...Rich
Reply:Originally Posted by steelsurgeonI believe that a shade 14 is recommended for viewing a solar eclipse. Years ago, when I read that information, I went out and bought a 2" x 4" shade 14 lens just for those occasions...Rich
Reply:I did try the helmet last PM.   Overall it seemed to do a good job.    During the sunny part of the day, I could set the sensitivity to let me weld outside.   Running 60-90 amps I set it on 9-10.   These helmets now come with 4 sensors, and grinder mode, although as most, I'd prefer to put my clear helmet on for grinding.