Quality auto darkening helmet

[Rrobson]

Thank you again for all your input. im still exploring options and searching about.
I keep looking at the A50, but the review on youtube (urchfab I think?) is quite representative of what im doing and the potential to obscure the sensors and damage the outer screen is a concern. im also put off by the user interface, seems like an added complication to go wrong (although you don't read of many letting people down, they are still yet to stand the test of time)
I do keep swaying towards the Lincoln, mainly due to its rating and my budget not stretching to an optrel or a speedglas. but I do want reliability and haven't ruled out a fixed shade because I could easily adapt my current helmet to accept a fixed lens and have a large viewing area for a very small outlay.

Decisions decisions...

 

[hotponyshoes]

Optical performance from a fixed lens is by far the best per £.

You could buy a few cheap lidl helmets and put a selection of fixed shades in them.

 

[Rrobson]

Optical performance from a fixed lens is by far the best per £.

You could buy a few cheap lidl helmets and put a selection of fixed shades in them.

That's what i had in mind!
see what happens, the convenience of ADL's is definitely an advantage...

 

[hotponyshoes]

I have a fixed shade that I originally used for low amp tig due to adf's not being sensitive or adjustable enough but probably not used it for 5yrs as the auto helmets have got those problems sorted now.

It's fine if you are sat at a bench and have the work and the welder set up.
If you are moving around or trying to adjust settings on the welder it soon gets annoying having to lift the lid up and I got fed up of burning myself between welds as well.
Try the helmet first before fitting a fixed lens as you might find it actually works ok for what you want and you want to check it lifts up easily without pulling off your head and stays in the up position before fitting a fixed lens to it.

 

[Rrobson]

Just thought I'd wrap this thread up and give all those (if any) watching an update.

I ended up buying a speedglas 9100xx with side windows brand new unused but second hand if that makes sense. Spent £170 on it but it came with half a dozen inner and outer covers. Works great, the field of vision is superb and I'd forgotten how much adjustment there is on these helmets!
I need to use it in anger yet but I've had some prior use of these helmets (although not with an xx filter) so I know what I'm getting.
I did want a true colour helmet but I know I've got a quality comfortable lid with great clarity and I can get spares for free!

Thanks again to all those that helped! It'll be getting some use next week, got at least two days of welding in various positions and ampage so I'll be able to give a worthwhile review

 

[Yorkshirelad]

Ive moved on from speedglas ,first one I have is 18 years so thought I'd treat myself to a new one (9100 xxi) 8 months later it packed up ,not to misuse it just packed up .so I sent it back under warranty and 3m couldn't of been less helpful.after many phone calls an emails I got no further .so I threw my teddy out an bought an A50 sentinel ,I can't fault it. Ordered another this morning for the van .