Northern Industrial Welders Large View Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet

I love everything about this helmet, except the fact that the sensitivity selector can be turned so low that the helmet will miss a 100 amp arc. Guess who found that out by looking at a 100 amp arc and wondering why it seemed so painfully bright? Now maybe it was operator error on my part for turning it all the way down to start with, but the helmet was not advertised as having a grind mode so I assumed it would detect the relatively bright arc even at the lower end of the sensitivity range. It did not the first time and I have zero interest in repeating the experience. That said, the helmet has a wonderfully clear filter, even when darkened, and it is capacious enough to allow me to wear a half-face pancake style respirator underneath. I particularly like having the controls mounted inside so there is no risk of inadvertently lowering the shade level by bumping up against the workpiece. I have not been flashed once since getting the sensitivity set right, and it is set pretty far down the range (looking away from the work into sunlight will darken the filter). I really have no issues with this helmet other than the initial zap to the eyeballs. Well...OK, the graphics are a tad flamboyant. It kind of reminds me of the late 1970's "Flaming Chicken" Trans AM. Either you can roll with a candy apple red metallic flake flame job, or you can't. One thing's sure: You won't have trouble finding it.

This is nice upgrade to my old fixed glass helmet. I can't believe it took me this long to switch to an auto-darkening type. For an amateur welder, this makes a HUGE difference in being able to start the weld and follow the flow. It's nice to be able to set the sensitivity so it doesn't trigger in bright sunlight. Numerous adjustments allow for a good fit. One difference between my old style helmet and this one (and I assume most all of these auto-darkening helmets) is the plastic used - I was expecting a rigid plastic like my old one, but these new ones are quite flexible. A definite recommend!

I will never again order a product from Northern Tools. With in 30 minutes of use the temple screws sheared off. I stopped at a local welding shop only to be told that there is no replacement for this particular helmet. Whether this is factual or not I will find out. I have jerry-rigged the helmet to function as I need it for a class I am enrolled in and don't have the cash to go buy another while I wait for a refund or a return. As far as the auto darkening function goes, that at least works.Don't buy this product, but from a local welding shop that will take care of you on a moments notice. Heck even harbor Freight will hand you a new cheapo as long as you took out their extended warranty.

I bought this because of what I perceived as a good value - features like the large view, the slim lines, and something about it didn't appear like Chinese garbage, although I do believe it's made in China. I've had it for about 6 months and use regularly with TIG and MIG. Some people say they don't like the styling. I say wtf, it's cool as hell. Yeah, get another black helmet dude... boring.

This hood performs exactly as expected. It is very sensitive and may be adjusted accordingly. The four sensors have never let me down even on various types of welding. I would recommend this to anyone that is looking for an excellent quality welding hood. Must like red; it is very bright.DeAnna,Outlaw Weld

This helmet is amazing! Have welded for over 40 years and have had multiple helmets. This is my favorite for fit and function. The auto darkening works every time and makes the jobs easier. This would have a five star except every few weeks I need to make sure the plastic lens cover is slid back up.three years later - still feel the same way! a great helmet

This is a great auto darkening helmet. Great price for a BIG BIG viewing window. Nice and light with great adjustability!The only drawback is the stupid color scheme. If I could have gotten the exact same thing in a plain gray, I'd have been willing to pay a few bucks more. On the bright side, it's hard to misplace ;^)You can get others for about half the price, but the viewing window is small.