Looking at a large view , variable shade ,auto darkening helmets. Primarily for home shop hobby usage. What say y'all? I know Dusterbd13 has his preference ........he never takes it off. 
Looking at a large view , variable shade ,auto darkening helmets. Primarily for home shop hobby usage. What say y'all? I know Dusterbd13 has his preference ........he never takes it off.
I'm very happy with my Hobart $100 special from Northern.
I'm on my 2nd of the cheapest Harbor Freight models and would not recommend them except for someone who only welds a few times a year. The headband and pivot/clamp thingies don't last very long. I will be reading along to learn from the helmet whisperers.
I'm using a Northern Tool hood. It works better than the Harbor Freight it replaced. It was reasonably cheap.
I've got the Ntool catalog open now are there key specs one should focus on?
I don't have a specific recommendation but here are some things I feel are important.
At least four sensors, two on top and two on the bottom. If you're working out of position it's easy to end up blocking multiple sensors.
A head band that adjusts large enough that you can wear a hat under it.
Adjustments for trigger level and darkness. I don't find speed to be a useful adjustment. I always want it to react as quickly as possible.
Adjusters on the sides that allow you to use the traditional head flip to lower the helmet.
I have this one and it has been excellent: Amazon link
It has all the adjustments I want, reacts quickly so I don't get flashed, and is a massive step up in quality from my old Harbor Freight helmet.
APEowner wrote: I don't have a specific recommendation but here are some things I feel are important. At least four sensors, two on top and two on the bottom. If you're working out of position it's easy to end up blocking multiple sensors.
This, flashed myself pretty good a while ago (not enough to burn my eyes though, thankfully) with a Hazard Fraught auto helmet while trying to weld inside a riding lawn mower frame. After that I recommend a manual helmet if you can't afford a good automatic one.
Miller Electric has a complete line of helmets. They have also been a sponsor of the $201X Challenge for the past two years. They obviously value our hobby, and reaching enthusiasts like you.....so give them a try!
In reply to Joe Gearin:
Thanks for the site
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