Problems with HF Chicago auto darkening helmets?

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I weld out of my garage. No need to look cool.  I've been using the Chicago electric welding helmets from HF tools. They seem to work fine.  Haven't noticed any real probs with them, but am wondering about possible long term eye-sight issues.  I wouldn't mind having a nicer helmet, but sure don't want to pay $200 instead of paying $39.   Has anyone upgraded from a HF helmet to a "real" helmet?  Did it make that much difference?Check out my channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkz...bZg8AYNXGqBjZQ"Both oligarch and tyrant mistrust the people, and therefore deprive them of arms." - Aristotle
Reply:Quite a few guys here have upgraded and commented on the improved optics of better hoods and how much more they can "see" now. I've let a lot of students use my Miller Elite on occasion when I think their trouble is the cheap hood they bought. Thus I've done quite a bit of welding and watching thru HF hoods even though I don't own one. There is definitely a difference in optical clarity between a good top end hood and a cheap HF. As far as long term eye issues, unfortunately it will be way too late by the time that jury is in. Personally my eye sight is worth almost any cost. I'm already dealing with partial hearing loss from long term exposure to load noise from working around saws all day in my 20's. I can clearly remember my ears hurting at the end of the day from noise, but really didn't think anything of it back then. Hearing protection was uncomfortable and annoying. Today I throw on muffs for almost everything I do and I keep 3 sets on the truck plus plugs in the glove box of both trucks so I'm sure I always have some if I want them. I don't worry about safety glasses since I wear proscription safety glasses full time anyways, but I b1tch at the help when they forget theirs and want to know if I have a spare set ( usually I don't because they've already borrowed two sets and left them at the shop or took them home... I do have a face shield, but most don't want to use that.... It your eyes, not mine...)..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:I haven't used a HF hood, but Huntsman Elements (Jackson) are pretty decent. They come as a straight shade 10 or you can get a variable 9-13. Comes with a 2 year warranty also. I think the shade 10 sells for about 55-60 bucks. Another good cheapo that is not a HF are the relatively new Tweco hoods. They come with variable shade and four arc sensors. Having four arc sensors is great. Less than a hundred bucks anywhere you go for those.
Reply:I've had my HF helmet for about 4 years now at home. I've had no problems with it. I do notice my good helmet I use at work gives me better visablity of what I'm welding, but for at home the HF helmet works good. I also got in the habit of wearing uv blocking safety glass all the time even when I weld. I haven't had weld flash in over 15 years.
Reply:They should be safe,though the bead visibility may be less than a more expensive helmet.I would recommend safety glasses that block UV from the sides and bottom.
Reply:The old days we had fixed shade lens and auto dark was when the sun went down and moon came up. Buy a standard hood and skip the auto dark if funds are a concern.  IF you buy a big buck hood, $200,  it should last forever. THERE is a real difference. Try one out and you'll see.  Check craigs list too.   Here's my local supplier that has pretty good prices.  http://www.weldersupply.com/products...elding+Helmets
Reply:One thing I keep in mind is that the hoods are always UV-blocking, independent of the auto-dark feature. At least, that's my understanding, and I hope folks here will speak up if I'm wrong. So even if the auto-dark feature fails in some way, you're still not getting the UV that does the real damage. Other than that, I think you should be able to tell if the shade on the lens is too light, because you'll be seeing spots after welding.
Reply:I've had a battery fail midway in a weld,hellish bright but no arc eye.
Reply:How much are your eyes worth to you? Spend what you want on hoods, glasses, goggles, and faceshields based on that is my usual advice...Hobart Stickmate LX235AC/160DCRanger 305GVictor 315 O/A rigHope to acquire in the next couple of years: Hypertherm PM45 and Dynasty 200DX
Reply:Originally Posted by IronHideI weld out of my garage. No need to look cool.  I've been using the Chicago electric welding helmets from HF tools. They seem to work fine.  Haven't noticed any real probs with them, but am wondering about possible long term eye-sight issues.  I wouldn't mind having a nicer helmet, but sure don't want to pay $200 instead of paying $39.   Has anyone upgraded from a HF helmet to a "real" helmet?  Did it make that much difference?
Reply:hobart xvs is a little over $100tackleexperts.comwww.necessityjigs.comhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/mach...dingequipment/
Reply:I have the HF standard black, its ok but I couldn't tig with it at lower amps, it would lighten up. Have tried the Blue flame model, works fine. The Speedglas 9100x I got is definitely superior in every way.For the basic safety question I don't think there's much of a difference, but the fit and optical clarity of the better hoods is certainly a plus.Lincoln AC/DC 225/125 and WP17. 75A AC is for pipe thawing!HH 140 - new addtion 9/2012.I didn't agree, but hoped for Hope and Change.I got change for myself and my family: for the worse.This is the reality of: Barackalypse Now. Again.
Reply:I had a HF helmet in high school. The lens only blocks light at a perpendicular angle. Weld with your head turned and looking out of the corner of your eye, if any more light gets through it is extremely dangerous.Light bounces everywhere and will find it's way in the hood. I threw that epic POS away, my eyes are worth more than $200 to me. My miller hood has appreciable resell value so I'm not even out the cost of it, where as you can't even give a HF hood away, so you're out 100% of the cost.Last edited by MikeGyver; 01-01-2013 at 05:49 PM.Welding/Fab Pics: www.UtahWeld.com
Reply:In my opinion there are certain things in life that you shouldn't cheap out on.  Among these are tires, brake pads and safety equipment.  All of these items, if they fail or do not perform as required, will have a dramatic impact on your life.  With that in mind, would you rather have something that was designed to a price point or something designed to a certain performance level?While the HF hood may very well be safe, are you willing to risk it?On top of the safety concerns, more expensive hoods afford you a better view of whats going on while you are welding.   There is a difference and it is nice to have.  Is it essential, no.  Is it going to make you a better weldor, probably not.Just my opinion.  I'd rather have a quality hood and squeeze my budget elsewhere than run the risk of damaging my eyesight.Victor OAHobart Stickmate LX 235AC/160DC
Reply:I just switched from a cheap hood to a Miller Digital Elite this morning. I was amazes at the difference in clarity and my eyes weren't tired after a few hours welding. I imagine the lack of eye fatigue means less damage to my eyes. And as a bonus the headgear is great. Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2Hobart Stick mate LX AC/DCHarris O/A outfit
Reply:Reminds me of what a old getleman told me years ago about motorcycle helmetsIf you got a $20 head buy a $20 helmetThe main thing is not to panic or get excited Bobcat 250, X-Treme 12VS,  MM211Meltabo, Milwaukee,Porter Cable,Dewalt,MakitaVictor O/A, Ingersoll-RandEvolution Rage2, 40 amp PlasmaLincoln 225 AC/DC
Reply:Clarity is a big difference, I was borrowing my brothers HF model and after purchasing a Lincoln helmet it's simply amazing on how much you can't see in the HF hood.