Hood Differences?

Hi... I'm wondering if folks could tell me about the differences in hood brands or models. I tried searching the forum and didn't come up with too much.

Right now, I have a Harbor Freight auto-darkening hood (cost about 49 or 59 bucks) and it seems OK but I have no comparison. I use "cheater" magnifier lenses that are miller brand but they don't quite fit but stay on fine with a little piece of duct tape. For TIG and stick, I usually set the darkness between 9 and 10 and it suits me OK. After 3 years of a lot of use, its holding up well and I've had to make and install a new sweat band. Since I just got setup to do TIG, my welding time is about to double or triple and since I only have 1 hood, I'm thinking about getting a backup.

Anyhow, just wondering if folks could tell me what makes one hood better than another. This could be one of those situation where almost everybody has settled on the same brand after some trial and error -and I'm trying to save myself from that "error" part...

BTW: Maybe I'm paranoid but every day when I start using the hood, I start-out with a test with the flint starter to make sure it's working. It would really suck if you struck an arc and that thing didn't go dark.

Thanks

Ray

I just have a Kobalt $100 auto darkening so I don't have a lot of experience but everyone tells me a good helmet especially with TIG makes all the difference. If you can afford it many say the Optrel are some of the best for low amp use.

One thing that comes to mind is the lingering suspicion that all hoods are basically the same (coming from just 1 or 2 factories) and are re-branded with different price tags. -Trying to avoid paying 100+ bucks then find-out it's basically identical to my 50 buck Harbor Freight hood... If one hood cost 50 and another 150, I'd like to know what makes it $100 better.

Do not buy this one from Harbor Freight!!! It will still auto darken, but the adjustment no longer works. I do let the hood sit outside under the sun to recharge!

I am looking at this one from Northern Tool because it has a grind feature.
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...0403_200480403

Go to your lws and have a look at the different models. I love my 3M Speedglas 9100XX. It's very light weight, has super adjustable and very comfortable head gear and side windows for a less closed in feeling.
It's expensive but well worth it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmMdcvG_6xI

I have a Hobart fixed shade 10 I picked up at TSC, still running strong after 5 years plus. Bought another Hobart, variable shade, grind feature, externally adjustable shade from TSC for $80. Blue with flames was ugly as hell, so I painted it, pics soon, almost done.

I'll buy lots from HF, but NEVER will I buy any safety equipment from them of any sort.

I've used many brands. The HF helmets are good for a start and they work fine, Northern as well. Everlast helmets are a step up from there and very good. The big name brands, like the Elite, they have a larger view and the clarity is better. You will find that the clarity is the key though.

Here is a thread I started... http://www.everlastgenerators.com/fo...lmet-question?

Do a search but use Helmet not Hood. There are several posts... Maybe even try auto darkening.