Advice on Auto Darkening Helmet

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Been using two HF AD helmets for nine years.  One quit outright and the other started flickering instead of staying dark.  Went out and bought a Hobart ArcMan (cheap, Korean made) on sale at TSC for $99 - Texas special edition.  Worked great and the difference between it and the HF helmets was very noticeable.  Haven't welded for several months - too hot in my shop from TX heatwave.  I finally got a shop swamp cooler that does quite well for me so I decided to start a new welding project - 2x72 belt grinder.  Picked up the helmet and no darkening.  Left it in the direct sun for an hour.  Nothing.  Checked the battery for 3 volt output. (no low battery light).    Cleaned the contacts, lens, and sensors.  Still no joy. Helmet is one month out of warranty   Moved the sensitivity, darkening setting, and reaction time.  Nothing.  It has grind and weld modes and when I move the switch the lens darkens momentarily.Any ideas on why it won't work?  I really liked this helmet but will be in the market for a new one around $150 if I can't figure this one out.Steve in Central TX
Reply:I would call Hobart Technical Support.  They have excellent customer service.
Reply:Originally Posted by weldbeadgo suck yer mommas assss zypeng
Reply:Originally Posted by weldbeadgo suck yer mommas assss zypeng
Reply:I would look at the speedglas 100 series helmets, they are made in sweden and still in the 150 dollar range. Very clear view and I have had no complaints currently to the people I have sold them to. Those hobarts and millers have a very solid headgear though and my favorite thing about them. I would say that is a possible weak point on the low end speedglas
Reply:Buy used speedglas 9002 or 9100. You can find them at low price. I bought never used 9100V for 150€ and it is the best helmet I've ever used. Optrel are also good helmets.
Reply:Originally Posted by morgaj1I would call Hobart Technical Support.  They have excellent customer service.
Reply:Very true, a 9002X or a 9100X sell for over 350 bucks brand new. Best quality helmet out there hands down. Optrels, i agree are an excellent helmet too. I know guys running the same one they bought nearly 20 years ago. I find them a little clunky though. I wish you luck with warranty coverage on that hobart. They are a good hood but warranty on autodarkening lenses are tough. I'd try and get the store you bought it from to warranty it becuase they can dummy an invoice if they really have to in order to get your warranty covered.