Auto darkening helmets

[Thefishguy77]

Got asked for more Christmas ideas. Never had an auto dark helmet. What one out of these 2 would you choose for under a $100. Or something completely different.
edit: I have a large head oval shapes if it makes a difference.

 

[Clb]

I have the lincoln (not sure of model) it was a new promotion item with a decal, (which failed along with the "glossy finish" only complaint is headband is huge.
Imma little guy, the first cartridge had the battery soldered in.
After a fight they sent a new one.

 

[boardbysled]

I've got one that is almost identical to that Lincoln one, it just has some goofy graphics and doesn't have as many features. Fits my big head very well.

 

[MigGunslinger]

On the HF ones you can take them apart and there are a couple of coin cell batteries in there. They aren't made to be changed but you still can if you're stubborn like me. If I remember right they are each 3v coin cells and wired up in series so 6v total. They are what makes it switch instantly, and then the solar cell kinda takes over once you are welding. I took my coin cells out and soldered in a 9v connector and then added a clip to hold a 9v Battery above the lens. Some of the more expensive models of auto darkening helmets actually have little access doors to change your coin cell batteries out when they die.

I have an older Optrel that I really like, the batteries died and I had to do surgery on it with a hot knife but I could not get the replacement coin cells to work, I even bought a little coin cell enclosure. Pretty sure the voltage was right but maybe it did not supply enough juice? Anyway I ended up soldering in a RC hobby type connector and velcroing in a 6V 700mAh Rechargeable Ni-Cd Battery Pack. Feels a bit sketchy having cells that close to my face but It worked and I have had no issues out of it since.

 

[Wulf]

Got asked for more Christmas ideas. Never had an auto dark helmet. What one out of these 2 would you choose for under a $100. Or something completely different.
edit: I have a large head oval shapes if it makes a difference.
filedata/fetch?id=231915&d=1607879441 filedata/fetch?id=231914&d=1607879440

I've been using the Lincoln since august and I like it. I also have a big head and find the headset comfortable compared to the HF unit it replaced.


The glossy finish is dumb and scratches easily but that's my only complaint.

 

[4Eyedturd]

I have an older Optrel that I really like, the batteries died and I had to do surgery on it with a hot knife but I could not get the replacement coin cells to work, I even bought a little coin cell enclosure. Pretty sure the voltage was right but maybe it did not supply enough juice? Anyway I ended up soldering in a RC hobby type connector and velcroing in a 6V 700mAh Rechargeable Ni-Cd Battery Pack. Feels a bit sketchy having cells that close to my face but It worked and I have had no issues out of it since.

Are those Optrel’s worth it? ~$500 for a helmet seems ridiculous unless you’re making money in one

 

[MigGunslinger]

Are those Optrel’s worth it? ~$500 for a helmet seems ridiculous unless you’re making money in one

It was a gift from a family freind I didn't rush out check how much it cost, they do have models that are in the high $200s as well. I was blown away with it when it was new but it replaced one of the old school green tinted auto darkening helmets with a postage stamp sized window.

The grind mode is cool but I find myself wearing safety glasses underneath and just flipping the helmet up for most grinding.

One legitimate gripe I have with it is the shape, if you are fumble fucking around under a rig and set the helmet down on the concrete you have to set it on the headgear or it is going to roll over and end up on the clear plastic lense cover. This causes them to get scratched up fast. They do sell replacement covers.