Project #2-4 From Hooda-Test/review of 3 ADF Welding helmets

Howdy Folks! Here's the deal. I spotted 2 used welding helmets in 2 different pawn shops and put them on layaway. I was able to pick them up a couple of days ago. One is a Speedglas 9100x for $99.00, which is about half of what they typically go for in pawnshops around here. The other is a Speedglas 100 for $89.00. Yes, half the helmet of the 9100x for almost the same price, but still a good/great deal. They also had a KT brand helmet for $69.00 that had a HUGE viewing area, grind mode, external adjustment for sensitivity as well as shade, but upon further research, I found the identical helmet under a different name, brand new online for $58.00 plus shipping. Glad I didn't get that one. I am also including my Jackson/Huntsman Nitro in this test. I bought it brand new when I got my first TIG machine, and I've been happy with it, but I needed a backup/guest helmet, and figured that if I could find a way, I'd mount my video camera behind one, but I think it would interfere with the auto-focus, etc. Anyway, here's the first of MANY photos I will be showing. You'll have to pardon me if some pics are of less than stellar clarity, I'm workin' on it.
http://i985.photobucket.com/albums/a...IMAG0647-1.jpg

On the left is the Jackson/Huntsman Nitro model HNT910, in the middle is the 3M Speedglas model 100 "patriot", and on the right is the 3M Speedglas model 9100X.
We'll start with a basic description of the specs and features of each, and the actual testing will begin when I get my TIG welder in this thursday...yes, four days and counting!

The Huntsman Nitro is an "entry level" helmet in features, and viewing area, and price. I paid $122.00, plus tax at a LWS that isn't firmly in bed with Miller or Lincoln, which is the case with every other LWS in the area. They will have huge display of the aforementioned brands with a few of the "others" set back in the corner with the old, flip-downs and grinding shields. This one was on special, and other than the smug, little jerkoff that works at the LWS where I picked this up going after the delicate inner surface of the cartridge with a PAPER TOWEL:mad: leaving a couple of tiny scratches in it, I recieved it in as-new condition. You will notice that it's a decent paint job that makes it look more expensive than it actually is
http://i985.photobucket.com/albums/a...w/IMAG0653.jpg
One of the turnoffs I noticed immediately was that the box has a big "Made in USA" sticker on each side of the box, but upon removal of the actual ADF filter cartridge, ther's a Made in China sticker on the bottom of the MAIN PART of the helmet. Obviously, as an EVERLAST customer, I have absolutely no problem with the idea of buying a product made in China, I accept it as the way the world works. What I have a MAJOR problem with is mis-representation. Now, had they done what Stanley, Irwin, and a host of other companies have done in this changing in world, and added in small print: "of domestic and global components" or some similar disclaimer, it would be different, but that's misleading.
http://i985.photobucket.com/albums/a...w/DSCF2487.jpg
http://i985.photobucket.com/albums/a...w/DSCF2488.jpg
http://i985.photobucket.com/albums/a...w/DSCF2486.jpg
The top 2 pics are of the cartridge. Inside, there are 3 adjustments:sensitivity, shade (9-13), and delay. Outside, there are three sensors and a solar-assist panel, and to the best of my knowledge, the internal battery is a lifetime unit (non-replaceable) meaning that if the battery fails, the cartridge is junk. The unit has no on or on/off button, and all that's required to turn it on is an arc, or, as I use for initial function check, the spark from a lighter will darken the filter.
http://i985.photobucket.com/albums/a...w/DSCF2491.jpg
http://i985.photobucket.com/albums/a...w/DSCF2492.jpg
The head gear was labeled on the box as their new, top of the line suspension, and is installed on all of their higher end helmets, too. For me, once adjusted it has been the most comfortable headgear that I've used yet. The big, rubber coated knob for size adjustment allows for easy adjustment thet you can change on the fly with almots no effort, and it stays where you put it. It allows for angle and fore and aft adjustment, which allowed me to get the cartridge VERY close to my eyes, and angled down, which I prefer. Also included in the headgear is an easily replaceable sweatband, nice touch.
I will get deeper into the actual performance in the comparison section, but I will say that so far I've used this helmet for about 60 hours of welding. MIG, TIG, AND stick. I've used all shade levels, and adjusted the sensitivity all the way up. Even though it's not rated for low amp TIG, I had no trouble whatsoever in the 5-10 amp range, playing with razor blades. And on the hot end, pulling breaker-tripping amps and using helium mix, and MIG cranked way up, shade 13 was actually dark enough for me to see what I was doing. I'd buy it again in a heartbeat. Next up: the speedglas 9100X and model 100. Feel free to share your comments. Thanks!!