Anyone have a Sellstrom welding helmet?

[MaxHarvard]

I've had 2 and both did not auto darken as advertised. It is solar powered, whatever that means. neither worked.

Any one else had that problem? I think i'm going to trade this second one in for a Hobart. Roughly the same price ($100 vs $112). Thoughts about Hobart's?

[Tiger]

I had the Hobart, it worked but it broke after about a week. I am now the happy owner of a Lincoln and it works perfect.

[LateNight72]

As much as I hate to admit it. I having been using a Habor Freight mask for a year or so now. It has not failed me, yet. And the reaction time is similar to other helmets. I've never had a headache yet, after working with it..

This is the version I have (excpet mine does not have the flames, and is blue)
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=91214

[MtotheIKEo]

I have used a Miller XLi for the last few years and it has worked flawlessly. I have dropped it many times, and it has been subjected to general abuse at work and has held up great. Even though it is pricier but I would not hesitate to buy another one.

[Rellim51]

Check out Speedglas helmets. They are very nice.

[Nate_ERC]

I actually have a harbor freight helmet too. (Chicago Electric I think)? I use it a ton, and it works great. Never had any problems with response time or the solar power. I've used a couple other guys' more expensive auto-darken helmets, and honestly I can't tell the difference.

The best thing about a harbor freight helmet is that you don't have to worry about the cost of replacing it if you burn it or something.

[MaxHarvard]

Thanks for the info guys.

My problem is that i have to spend it at Sears or Sears.com. I had a gift certificate from Xmas and i can't redeem it for cash. So, i am basically stuck with the welding helmets from them.

[Nate_ERC]

I'd just buy some crapsman tools. I've gotten a couple welding masks from Sears, and they both broke within a month.