Help choosing/fixing auto darkening welding helmet

[IntrstlarOvrdrve]

Hey everyone, it's been a little over 6 years since I last logged in here so forgive me if I'm in the wrong section or asking something that has been beaten to death.

I currently have a lincoln metallurgist L auto darkening helmet with a 10 shade. I've loved this helmet for the past 5+ years I've owned it, but recently the auto darkening feature has become spotty and randomly shuts off mid weld (doesn't feel great on my eyes..). I don't know what to replace my cartridge with or if I should buy a new helmet. I would love to keep the cost under $200 but my eyes are worth whatever expense. I do want to keep auto darkening and I'm a hobby welder, but I use it a lot.

 

[JDon99]

I was in the same boat as you years ago, and I went with a Jackson NexGen, I was having a lot of trouble with my old hood not picking up low amp tig, NexGen works great!

 

[royesses]

If you like Lincoln take a look at the 3350. 4 sensors, very large window, shade 3.5 to 13, comfortable headgear and takes a 2450 battery. Also has cheater lens clips. Under $200 on line for basic black (i paid 189 for black and 220 for airbrushed). I have one and my son does. We both like them. I've also owned the jackson nexgen, but it is more expensive. They are both quality helmets.

 

[crewchief888]

i'm using miller pro-hobby AD hoods both at work and at home.

one is 4 or 5 years old from cyberweld $140 or so delivered

other one is 2 years old from matheson welding supply,
custom graphics won in a drawing via facebook

 

[Chadwilliam1]

speedglas best hoods i have ever used.

 

[IntrstlarOvrdrve]

My dad has a speedglass 9002x that he loves, but they're a bit out of my price range.

I like the look of the Jackson, I found some for under $300 delivered

Unfortunately the Lincoln has been discontinued, I'll check ebay

The Miller looks like it fits right where I was looking to spend, but I do like the bigger windows of the Jacksons and Lincoln.

Good suggestions so far, thanks guys!

 

[skyking]

I've got to say it........HF $39.95 .I lose and tear them up so much that this is what I use .If I were a production welder I would get a nicer one.

 

[rcjoy]

3M Speedglas 9100 series is quite nice. The size of the lens on the 9100XX model is amazing. The side windows are also a useful feature.