The Auto-Darkening welding shieds work great. I haven't done much welding but the first time I welded I used a relly old one that didn't have the Auto-Darkening and I couldn't even see what I was doing. Once I used a Auto-Darkening sheid and it made all the difference.
that's where the whole Pre-position your stick, neck flick, and pull the trigger method come in. I use a standard hood too, but it's nice to have one that allows you to not pop the hood up all the time as well.
