Anyone have a Sellstrom welding helmet?
 

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?

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.

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/cta...emnumber=91214

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.

Check out Speedglas helmets. They are very nice.

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.

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.

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