I'm looking for an auto darkening helmet...Just wondering what i should be looking for in them and if any on has and recommendations...

I have one from harbor freight. http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=91214
It works good, but it is kindof uncomfortable and it won't stay up when you lift it up. I kindof lost my temper with it always falling and hitting me in the face and I threw it pretty hard one time; the hinge has no resistance now. I also have to hold it up when I am looking down or it will fall away. The only thing I like is that there is no on/off button.

We have one of the really nice miller helmets at work and its awesome. It is really comfortable and will stay up when you lift it. The only thing that annoys me is that I always forget to turn it on after its been sitting for awhile.

I'd look for one with a really quick reaction time, and that has auto on/off. Also a good headband part is important

I have one from harbor freight. http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=91214
It works good, but it is kindof uncomfortable and it won't stay up when you lift it up. I kindof lost my temper with it always falling and hitting me in the face and I threw it pretty hard one time; the hinge has no resistance now. I also have to hold it up when I am looking down or it will fall away. The only thing I like is that there is no on/off button.

We have one of the really nice miller helmets at work and its awesome. It is really comfortable and will stay up when you lift it. The only thing that annoys me is that I always forget to turn it on after its been sitting for awhile.

I'd look for one with a really quick reaction time, and that has auto on/off. Also a good headband part is important

:stupid I actually just picked up a new one last week...made by astro, works ok and wasnt to expensive...$140 where as the snap on ones I priced where about $450.

set yourself a price limit, then look in that price limit for the best features, solar power backup is nice if the batteries go out, get as many sensors as you can, because sometimes you can inadvertently block one, adjustable shades are awsome, run 9 for light tig and 12 for crazy stick with the same helmet. Bigger viewing area is alway better, and so it the helmet being light.

Personally i use a 40 dollar jackson standard helmet with a num. 10 gold lens at work, love it, super light and a huge viewing area, and i dont got to worry about burning up the electronics when welding overhead

here is a link to the hood i use at work when i weld. http://store.cyberweld.com/miwehepeauda.html

i have an auto darkening i got from Tractor supply...kinda pricey but well worth it in my eyes...i think its a hobart

I borrowed an auto dark hood for a couple weeks. I couldn't break the habit of flipping it up and down all the time.:twak

set yourself a price limit, then look in that price limit for the best features, solar power backup is nice if the batteries go out, get as many sensors as you can, because sometimes you can inadvertently block one, adjustable shades are awsome, run 9 for light tig and 12 for crazy stick with the same helmet. Bigger viewing area is alway better, and so it the helmet being light.

Personally i use a 40 dollar jackson standard helmet with a num. 10 gold lens at work, love it, super light and a huge viewing area, and i dont got to worry about burning up the electronics when welding overhead

I dont really want to spend more than 150ish but i don't want to get a cheap piece of crap thats just gonna piss me off in the long run...I want the adjustable shades as well...

Whats the tig rating? I've seen some that say like "20 amp TIG rating" and others that say like 5...

the tig rating is the lowest amperage arc that will trigger the lens, a 5 amp rating will trigger with a tiny spark, 20 amp is still very tiny, unless you are tig welding pop cans, the 20 will be more than enough. if you have a welding supply store nearby, go and check em out, lincoln also makes a good one

also, the really low amp ones kinda suck because someone welding near you will trigger it as well, sucks when you are trying to see where your goin to start

Any thoughts on this one (http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200311850_200311850)?

i would not go with it, if all it has is solar power.

i would not go with it, if all it has is solar power.

Good point...I'll keep looking...

Depending on your eyes you may want to get one that has a provision for a corrective lense(like I had to-I wear reading glasses).

I have a speed glass and I love it.
http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_WW/SpeedglasGlobal/Home/

Depending on your eyes you may want to get one that has a provision for a corrective lense(like I had to-I wear reading glasses).
I've got 20/20 and i intend to keep it that way...Thats why I'd rather spend some extra on one of these things...
I have a speed glass and I love it.
http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_WW/SpeedglasGlobal/Home/
There a little out of my price range unless i can find one cheap...I'll prob be buying a new one in the future but right now i need one for school