Opinions on this will be wide and varied as everyone has one they think is right.
Welding helmets are a pretty personal preference, it all comes down to fit, lens preference, and desired features.
You asked for our opinions, so I’ll give you mine. I’ve welded professionally for my whole adult life and I’ve owned a full time welding and machine shop for the last 5 years. I’ve got a LOT of hood time.
My opinion is that every welder should own and be able to use a standard, fixed shade helmet. They’re dependable, durable, inexpensive, effective and will never need batteries. They can’t flash you, they can get wet or dusty without malfunctioning and they’re lightweight. Plus, you can use them for watchers and guests in the shop if you add other helmets later. Or as a backup if your fancy helmet breaks or you run the battery out in the middle of a job.
I personally use a Jackson Shadow with a gold lens. I have two, a 10 shade and a 12 shade. One for low amp work and one for high amp work. The headgear is extremely comfortable and easy to use. It adapts to a hard hat easily and is lightweight. The gold lenses have super clear optics and a very large viewing window.
I do own some auto darkening helmets, but they sit unused most of the time. I have a Jackson NexGen and a Miller Elite. Both fine helmets. I just prefer the fixed shade.
If your son is a student just starting out, I’d want him to learn on a fixed shade. It’ll be better for his career. It’s like driving a stick shift or backing up a trailer. You might not need that skill every day, but then you do it’s great to have.
