Welding Helmet Recommendation? Feedback??

**bimmer1980** · Jan 22, 2018, 02:58 PM

I'm in the market for a new welding helmet/hood. I'm currently using the Harbor Freight AutoDarkening and it is starting to flash when I start to weld.

I'm looking at the Kobalt helmet from Lowes for $119. Looks like it has a large viewing area.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-Auto...met/1000003026

There is also the Vulcan helmet from Harbor Freight for $139 that seems to be an upgrade compared to the cheapie HF version...
https://www.harborfreight.com/arcsaf...met-63749.html

I know the Speedglass and Miller and Lincoln are also good, but not sure if I want to spend that much money....

Thoughts? What are you using?

**Frank S** · Jan 22, 2018, 11:20 PM

I have a Chicago Electric adjustable that I have been using for nearly 5 years now The thing I like about it is it can be switched completely off to a shade #4 for torch or grinding work also has sensitivity switch inside for tig settings. many of the newer ones will only go down to shade #9 I can't tell a nickle's worth of difference in it and the twice as expensive Miller when laid side by side or in use.

**bimmer1980** · Jan 23, 2018, 06:31 PM

I had some feedback on other forums and so I bought the Lowe's $120 autodarkening helmet.

I'll see how it works and post it here.

For what it's worth, I did tear into my old harbor freight helmet last night. There are two batteries in it, but they are soldered in. With some effort I could replace the batteries, but that could turn into a disaster..... We'll see....

**Sprig1** · Jan 24, 2018, 11:12 AM

Good luck. I went from the harbor freight helmet to a top of the line speedglas. It was not worth the eight times in cost. It was great for the first hour till the lens got dirty then it's just like the old one. It is better for using the plasma cutter. I think you made a good choice. If anyone knows how to keep the lenses clean I would love to know. I have all the protection shields on. Besides replacing them every day.