First Auto-Darkening Helmet; Help Me Choose

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Hey there, I'm taking mig, tig, and stick welding classes over the summer and wanted to invest in a decent helmet that will last me at least a few years.  I wanted to keep it under $200 and I've pretty much narrowed it down to 2 models: Miller Performance and Metal Man Industrial.  I like the Metal Man since it seems to be an excellent value and seems to have a lot of cool features.  Plus, it seems like it would be really good for tig since it goes down to 2 amps.  However, the Miller is a more well known brand with a proven track record, but I'm unsure if it will be good enough for tig welding since it only activates down to 5 amps (I don't know enough about tig yet to know if that is low enough).Anyway, what do you all think?The Miller:  http://store.cyberweld.com/miwehepeauda2.htmlThe Metal Man:  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...pf_rd_i=507846
Reply:Welcome Max. i can't sway you on either hood since in my eyes....or should i say for my eyes only my speedglas's cover them. but they are way more pricey. as for the amps. unless you plan to weld aluminum foil to fit around a bigger turkey than the roaster will handle you will be in great shape with the 5 amps.225NT bobcatAEAD200LEScott 125mm175, mm252 w 30A, PT225mm211, TA 181iHyper Therm 380, cut master 529100X & XX, Digital Elite6 Victor setssmith little torch, meco midget kalamazoo band sawsteel max saw evoulution circular saw
Reply:I'm a MILLER kind of guy and like the Elite . I would check craigs list  if that is in your area.You may want to post your location ,  someone  may know of a deal or local supplier for contact
Reply:I'am student as well. I have the miller performance series hood, and I like it. Just be careful when you start welding overhead. Those bb's like to catch on the lip of the lenses and melt though.
Reply:You can pick up some pretty good hoods on ebay,
Reply:I would wait untill you have a student ID. Most welding supply places will give you a student discount. I can't comment on a hood but my miller performance hood is great it was about $360 and out of your price range, I also have a miller pro hobby that works great it was about $250, but you gotta remember to turn it on, or you get flashed. And for that reason I let buddy's use it, and warn them, but without fail they will flash themselves. I also received a free tweeco helmet with my welder, I ended up donating it to a deserving student of my schools choice. And the guy that received it loves it. I looked them up they are about $80. You might consider something like that as well.Offering CNC Plasma cutting and welding projects.Follow me on facebook https://www.facebook.com/nobigdeal.fabSupport those that support WW.
Reply:My advice will be a Jackson helmet with a Nexgen lens, thats the only one i bought and really like it, the 2 reasons why i thinks its a good deal its because this helmet works with standard clear lens, and thats good because you don't have to pay extra for those special shaped lens only made for one kind of helmet (like Speedglass and Miller) Also a really important thing, if your electronic lens stop working you can carry with you a standard green window and clearn lens to switch your helmet on a fix shade, wich is really good and save you time or money to buy a complete replacing helmet! they are a bit more than your budget but looking cost nothing!http://www.ebay.com/itm/NIB-Jackson-...=item1c33d0b96i bought mine from this seller and was in good condition when recieved! Attached ImagesCalculator > Bevel Square
Reply:Originally Posted by NoBigDeal FabI would wait untill you have a student ID. Most welding supply places will give you a student discount. I can't comment on a hood but my miller performance hood is great it was about $360 and out of your price range, I also have a miller pro hobby that works great it was about $250, but you gotta remember to turn it on, or you get flashed. And for that reason I let buddy's use it, and warn them, but without fail they will flash themselves. I also received a free tweeco helmet with my welder, I ended up donating it to a deserving student of my schools choice. And the guy that received it loves it. I looked them up they are about $80. You might consider something like that as well.
Reply:Originally Posted by maxduganI'll probably pick up the Miller since it seems to carry a better reputation.  It also comes with a few extra lenses which is nice should I screw any up (which I'm sure I will).
Reply:Are you planning on going out in the field to work or is this just a hobby? If your planning on actually being a welder out in the field or shop just save the hassle and some money and get a cheapo pipeliner hood. Get a autoshade lens that fit is. Miller,jackson,arc one them to fit the hood.. Once you start laying on the ground and banging up your hood you'll like the idea it's only a 50$ hood. Auto lenses are 77-130$
Reply:Are you planning on going out in the field to work or is this just a hobby? If your planning on actually being a welder out in the field or shop just save the hassle and some money and get a cheapo pipeliner hood. Get a autoshade lens that fits it. Miller,jackson,arc one make them to fit the hood.. Once you start laying on the ground and banging up your hood you'll like the idea it's only a 50$ hood. Auto lenses are 77-130$
Reply:I honestly don't know where welding will take me, whether it will be an ongoing hobby or a job.  I do plan on completing my AAS in welding and hopefully at least getting a part time job with it while I continue to pursue a bachelors in God knows what still.Anyway, I went ahead and ordered the Miller.  If it gets me through the next 2-3 semesters of welding class, I'll be happy with it.