Auto darkening variable shade and sensitivity hoods

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OK, I asked about parts in the Hobart forum for my Hobart Hood XTV that quit on me(no, the batteries weren't corroded) and didn't get any response. Here's my issue, I can get a new one for $130 which is $8 less than I can get a replacement auto dark shade for it.  What's the big difference between the auto dark helmuts that cost say $130,$230 and $330?
Reply:usually the biggest difference is size of the viewing area.Dynasty 200DXPassport plus w/ spoolmate 100victor 315c oxy/(act and prop)Miller digital elitemilwaukee power tools
Reply:Really? $100 or $200 more just for a bigger viewing area? I did notice that the response times go from 1/12,000 sec. to 1/20,000 sec. or less also. Kind of a lot of xtra money for small differences.
Reply:less expensive auto darkening hoods don't do so in extreme cold temps
Reply:Well its like this what is your EYE SIGHT worth $59.95 or $400.00 its your call!@@@@www.georgesplasmacuttershop.comPlasma Cutter and Welder Sales and Repairs--Ebay storeTec.Mo. Dealer Consumables for the PT and IPT torch's
Reply:I had an autodarkening hood from home depot (70-80 bucks).  Not adjustable.  I got tired of it and spent 300+ for a miller elite and it made all of the difference.  I would buy another one in a heartbeat if I had to.  My eyes are worth it.The Lord has declared, "This is my work and my glory--to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man"  Moses 1:39Link: My name is John, and I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.-- ColdCreekWorks.com --
Reply:Originally Posted by EVIL"X"OK, I asked about parts in the Hobart forum for my Hobart Hood XTV that quit on me(no, the batteries weren't corroded) and didn't get any response. Here's my issue, I can get a new one for $130 which is $8 less than I can get a replacement auto dark shade for it.  What's the big difference between the auto dark helmuts that cost say $130,$230 and $330?
Reply:Thanks for the advice. BTW, my HH XTV ($150 for a new one) does have variable shade and sensitivity adjustment. Also, my $3300 Lasik eye correction is absolutely worth a better helmut!
Reply:I have been using a Harbor Freight Automatic Hood in my garage doing ocaisional hobby welding.I have been pleased with how it operates.  I do not have the expertise or experience to compare it with any other hoods; but, it works for me.I offer three choices: Good, Fast, & Cheap. You may pick two.Hobart AC/DC StikMate LXHarbor Freight AD HoodHarbor Freight Industrial Chop SawDeVilbis 20 Gallon, 5 HP Compressor
Reply:the 2 biggest and extremely noticeable differences between the inexpensive(cheap) hoods and expensive(quality) hoods are clarity and comfort. for me i'll never go back to cheap because the bigger lens works better over my 4 eyes225NT 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:price diffrences can also be from the number of sensors the hood has. the elite is $100 more then the performance series. elite has 4 sensors and the performance has 3.
Reply:Originally Posted by mechanic416Well its like this what is your EYE SIGHT worth $59.95 or $400.00 its your call!@@@@
Reply:I can say my older, maybe even 1st generation auto-dark helmet often would leave my eyes feeling tired.  I bought it new in 1995 or so.I have no issues with either Miller elites or Optrel.  Not sure if it's switching time, delay when going bright or just the fact that I can't remember the last time I got flashed (better/more reliable technology?).  I seem to be able to weld all day (I'm a hobbiest, call it a 10% duty cycle) with no ill effects (except hat head Con Fuse!Miller Dynasty 350Millermatic 350P-Spoolmatic 30AMiller Multimatic 200Hypertherm PowerMax 1000G3Miller Maxstar 200DX
Reply:harbor freight for safety gear....never That's like comparing Williams to China sockets....not gonna happen.Here is some good info about quality of hoods. Click the video on Auto Darkening Filter (ADF).....HERE, Google is your friend. Semper FiJesus may have been a Carpenter, but his dad was a Millwright" A grinder and a can of paint, will make a welder what he aint' "I've done so much, with so little, for so long, that now I can do anything with nothing!