auto-darking welding helmets, which ones are safe?

[customcrewcab]

i was looking at some auto-darking helmets on ebay and was wondering if this one is safe? are the ones with batteries better? i was thinking about buying this one.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 42205&rd=1

if not i just get the jackson shadow, i don't wont to spend a ton on a helmet

[Redcap]

You get what you pay for. Personally, I'd spend the cash it takes for a good helmet, something with dual pickups. Single pickup helmets can be fooled and you can get flash.

I like Hornell's Speedglas line. My 9000Xi rocks.

[customcrewcab]

so by 2 pickups do you mean solar powered assist plus two AAA alkaline batteries ?

[Randle]

A filter with two light censers is better, because if your arc is behind something, say the nozzle on a mig, it can lighten back up. Don't get me wrong a lot on people that weld everyday on the job still use filters with one censer. Another option is a solar filter that fits a regular welding hood, then all use old folks can use a cheater with the hood.

Randle

[ttyR2]

From what I've read, none of the auto-darkening helmets protect your eyes as well as a regular helmet with a fixed lense. They take a split second to darken when the arc is struck. It's hard to beat the convenience though. Supposedly after use all day, your eyes may itch a bit because of the very short bursts of UV they get before the auto-darkening helmet darkens up.

[DDfab]

I love my speedglass. paid good money for it, but it is my only set of eyes. for the initial flash you get when they are going dark. I close my eyes for the split second it takes. eliminates that flash on them

[flyboy2610]

I ahve a Lincoln Electric helmet. Can't think of the model right now.
It has two sensors and is solar powered. I like it. It was around $100.

[black70cs]

I guess I'm old school, I've used a regular helmet for 26 yrs. I'd probably nod my head even if I had a auto darkening lense.

[DDfab]

I learned how to weld with this helmet. It sucks when you are away from the shop, and use another helmet and dont know how to flip just right.
I have tossed helmet off head with pivot to tight. I have been trying to practice with my auto helmet just in case I need to do it naturally.

Bad habbit of when I flip, moving hand also.

[binder56jd]

the hobart i got from tractor supply has done ok-$125 3 yrs ago

[turbocharged400sbc]

check out HTP america, i got the super large screen Stryker WCG, dual triggers, AAA batteries and it also has the solar cells....cost me 350$ but i dont f&*k around with my eye's, and i do alot of welding

i seem to remember that they were also working on one that triggers with the high frequency sound the ark of TIG welding produces....i havent checked whether they came out with it yet...

http://www.htpweld.com/products/welding ... 0-wcg.html



the only thing i want to do to it is put a small PC fan in it for ventilation in those tight area's

Regards James