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Sat Aug 23, 2003 1:35 am

Im looking to finally stomp my POS cracked never fits right helmet into the ground and buy a real auto darkening helmet. Anyone have any reccomendations? I have seen some people mention "The harbor freight ones".. but which ones? Harbor freight sells alot of em in all diff price ranges. Or does anyone have any other reccomendations?

I guess the real question is, they all have specs regarding Switching speed of 0.5 milliseconds darkens to such and such shade etc. While others say that measurement is bogus and retailers are just trying to look cool when in reality it means nothing and you have to measure it a different way.

also looking for feedback on the solar powered versus battery ones. What do you have??

Sat Aug 23, 2003 3:05 am

Aloha, it depends on what you want. There are different types,like variable shades(light to dark)9-13. One tip, is to have a large view face so you can see your work area. Some even have view ports on the sides as well. I personally have the Hornell Speedglass w/ the wide viewing face and variable shades.Works great, but again it all up to you.Hope this helps.

Sun Aug 24, 2003 8:10 am

I bought this one when it was on sale for $119 (it works fine):
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=39310

It looks like this one would be just as good, though, for half the price:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=46092

Personally, I don't see the advantage to being able to see a whole fender at a time - you're only welding a small area (to keep the sheet metal from warping), so a 3.86''W x 1.81''H window is plenty. I'd never go back to one without auto-darkening, however!

Mon Aug 25, 2003 2:02 pm

I own the helmet advertised in the second link. Variable shade, and solar powered. It works just fine and I can see everywhere. I am sure it is not comfortable enough for all-day production work but it darkens immediately and sufficiently and the price is right on, brutha! :wink:

Chris