A good all around welding helmet?

[94MtnYote]

 I'm a welding student looking for a quality, well priced auto darkening helmet.
Harbor Freight has some cheap ones but don't wanna go that route.
Im thinking maybe in the 100-200$ dollar range
The helmet will get a lot of use so comfort and longevity is important.
Any info would be great,thanks

[DN1911]

I have been welding professionally with a Jackson NexGen for about 3 years and it has been great. it also has the ability to be set as a shade 5 for a torch or on clear for grinding. works great when you don't want to go get a different shield. it is also sesitivity and delay adjustable.
i don't remember what it cost but anything by Jackson is top notch. also if you tell most welding supply stores that you are a student, they will give some sort of discount.

[94MtnYote]

I've heard good things about the NexGen's and and really like the idea of being able to switch to a shade 5 or clear. Thats sounds great.
All last semester I used a regular shade 10 which was kind of a hassle.
Can't wait to have the ability to see what I'm doing.
Thanks for the info!

[DN1911]

one of the nicest things is the ability to adjust the sensitivity, probably the feature i use the most. if you are reaching really far away or have a partialy obstructed view you can make it more sensitive. also a huge pluse for High Frequency Tig welding, as it it know to trick auto's into not activating unless really sensitive.

[70 Cam Guy]

I agree I've been very happy with my Jackson auto helmet.  I have the "Boss" lens with the giant viewing area.  It's not solar like many auto helmets now but I still love it.  There's a shade setting for grinding and torch and I can also adjust the shade and sensitivity for welding

mine, and also where I bought it: http://store.weldingdepot.com/cgi/weldingdepot/3014754.html
I've had mine about a year and it's been great, I love the big viewing area and being able to adjust the sensitivity for working in the sorta-dark garage or bright outside.

Also, here's a guide I found when I was shopping for helmets.  I'd love to give the person that posted this credit but I can't even remember where I found it.

[Johnny5]

i am a prof welder and use a miller elite helmet, love the wide view and light weight. it has sensitivity/shade settings and also able to set for grinding. not sure on pricing though. i think anybody getting into the trade and just learning can really benefit from a auto shield.

[skipnrocks]

I had one of those it was awefully pricey, but this was years back but you cant beat the wide view lens....  I use a hobart one now it works well it has adjustable shading and sensitivity and has been pretty reliable, but I miss my old big view lense...

[70 Cam Guy]

i think anybody getting into the trade and just learning can really benefit from a auto shield.

I fully agree with this.  It just makes life a lot easier and they're definitely worth the cost

[KYOTA]

 After using my old Huntsman 4x5 for the last 10 years I just recently bought a Miller elite auto darkening hood and I dont know why I waited so long this thing is absolutely awesome. oh I got the cool one 

[kneedownnate]

Nice!  We have a speedglass autodark at work and it's pretty bitchin.  Much easier to see through than my no name autodark.

[94MtnYote]

 This is great!  Just received the Jackson Boss helmet w/ the big viewing area and the cut N' grind settings.
My girl found out which one I liked and ordered it on the sly!
It's cool when a woman can be supportive of a guys work and projects.
Dude, I'm stoked! 
Thanks for the input folks! 

[KYOTA]

Nice!  We have a speedglass autodark at work and it's pretty bitchin.  Much easier to see through than my no name autodark.

it was a toss up between the speedglass and Miller, but the speedglass hoods are $$ ( I know, but still more than the others)  and my local weld shop had the Millers for 20% off 

[skipnrocks]

Thats awesome your girl supprised ya with it.  My wife is supportive like that and it makes life good.

[kneedownnate]

That's a cool girl!  That's actually how I sold my holley intake on ebay, chick wanted to know what her boyfriend wanted for xmas, checked his list and bought my manifold!

Kyota, I could never afford a speedglass but I love using it   Even on ebay they go for lots.