Auto Darkening Helmet?

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Need to get my first helmet (first welder too). What helmet is the best bang for the buck? Obviously looking for an auto darkening one.Jackson seems to be popular with welders I have done business with, so that's what I first looked at. Lots of models and many seem like they offer the exact same features or have slight variations. So I'm a bit lost. Would hate to buy something and then find I would of been happier with a different model. Anyway, I'm open to all suggestions.I would like to get a light weight one and have no problem spending $200-$300 if I need to.
Reply:Get the one with the biggest lense... I have a Performance series Miller... wish I would have upgraded for little more money to an Elite or a Jackson...If I had to do it again, I'd get a Jackson with the biggest lense that had torch mode.Miller Performance AD Helmet - Camo Edition Soon to have: Jackson HSL 100 - Forest Digi CamoMiller Thunderbolt AC/DC((Currently at welding school))
Reply:You are talking about something like this...Jackson Welding Helmet - Black TRUESIGHT Auto-Dark Lens 29371http://store.cyberweld.com/jawehebltrau.htmlIs there any downside to this helmet?
Reply:I've had a couple over the years...  Right now I'm using a $99 Rhino from Amazon.  It has the biggest window I've seen and has worked flawlessly.  Only downside I have really found is that it only has two sensors (both up top) so if you do a lot of out of position welding you might look for one with four sensors.  I love the big window but some guys say they like the smaller ones better because the big ones are distracting...?  I guess they don't like seeing so much area while laying their welds. The other possible downside is that the shade dimmer is on the outside and could possibly get bumped but it hasn't really been a problem for me so far.  I've just been too cheap to pay big $$ for something that ends up getting dropped on the floor and generally abused.  This is the one I have - Rhino helmet
Reply:That's close, diablo... I also used an instructors Speedglas the other day at school... It has the light shade side windows on it, and it was pretty nice too. The only thing I don't like about that, and my Miller, is that they use proprietary lenses. Standard 4x5 won't fit the Millers have these goofy *** curved edges. The Speedglas are even worse with some completely odd shaped lense. They're a nice unit though.Miller Performance AD Helmet - Camo Edition Soon to have: Jackson HSL 100 - Forest Digi CamoMiller Thunderbolt AC/DC((Currently at welding school))
Reply:I have a jackson but I cannot recall off the top of my head which model but I will repost tomorrow. Whatever you do dont buy the hobart auto darkening hood. It will grab a handful of hair the first three times you use it and on the fourth time the headband tightening contraption will fail.Shake and Bake
Reply:Originally Posted by JWCI have a jackson but I cannot recall off the top of my head which model but I will repost tomorrow. Whatever you do dont buy the hobart auto darkening hood. It will grab a handful of hair the first three times you use it and on the fourth time the headband tightening contraption will fail.
Reply:Shortfuse- I will have to check that one out. I purchased mine from a local farm supply store, and that might have been the problem but that particular one wasnt woth a.... well what I paid for it.Shake and Bake
Reply:Originally Posted by AKmud...  I love the big window but some guys say they like the smaller ones better because the big ones are distracting...?  I guess they don't like seeing so much area while laying their welds. ...
Reply:The big window ,such as on The Jackson W60 really is a bonus if you are using the hood for grinding as you tend to look around more then when staring at a weld puddle.  its all about money..  how much are you willing to spend on a hood.  that will pretty much narrow the choices if your budget is limitedTiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:I love my Nexgen, but wind up using my gifted Pipeliner, with flip up lense.The Autos mostly suck in the cold winter. Reaction slows, and batteries ( like my NexGen ) tank fast.For a Hobbyist, or indoor worker, the Miller Elite is nice. I liked an Auto Glass until I was welding out of position and got wicked headaches and arc-flash. Helmet doesnt cover enough face and head, too bad, I liked the optics.A new welder should have all entry level gear. You dont get a Caddy on your 16th birthday?Lincoln Power MIG 210 MP ( boat anchor )Lincoln Weld-Pac 100 HDHobart IronMan 230Cutmaster 42Jackson NexGenSumner Ultra ClampsDWM120
Reply:Originally Posted by JWCShortfuse- I will have to check that one out. I purchased mine from a local farm supply store, and that might have been the problem but that particular one wasnt woth a.... well what I paid for it.