Auto Darkening Helmets. Is there a difference?

[BigBlue1]

Earlier in the thread someone mentioned a Kobalt helmet from Lowes that they really liked. I searched for them there and found this one:

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-Auto-Darkening-Variable-Shade-Hydrographic-Welding-Helmet/1000003026

It seems ridiculously cheap for what seems to be a decent entry-level helmet. Big viewing area. Lots of sensors. Has an overall great rating of 4.3 stars out of 80 ratings. What do folks see as major issues with this? Assuming for a hobbyist welder that only uses it occasionally.

ETA: I see it is currently out of stock. Obviously that's a negative.

Rob

 

[bigtiller]

Earlier in the thread someone mentioned a Kobalt helmet from Lowes that they really liked. I searched for them there and found this one:

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-Auto-Darkening-Variable-Shade-Hydrographic-Welding-Helmet/1000003026

It seems ridiculously cheap for what seems to be a decent entry-level helmet. Big viewing area. Lots of sensors. Has an overall great rating of 4.3 stars out of 80 ratings. What do folks see as major issues with this? Assuming for a hobbyist welder that only uses it occasionally.

ETA: I see it is currently out of stock. Obviously that's a negative.

Rob

$23.80 is cheap, but if they are out of stock.....
Would $27.99 be out of your price line?
Northern Tool has one on sale now.

https://www.northerntool.com/shop/t...dium=030220_MegaSale&cid=11861&mid=1114975795

 

[Big Barn]

$23.80 is cheap, but if they are out of stock.....
Would $27.99 be out of your price line?
Northern Tool has one on sale now.

https://www.northerntool.com/shop/t...dium=030220_MegaSale&cid=11861&mid=1114975795

Wow. Under $30! I’d try one for that price.

 

[coxhaus]

I hope you are not old. I have 2 pipeliner helmets that are around 40 years old. My old retired eyes just don't let me use them any more. I even tried a shade 9. The Lincoln C4 technology is what works for me now.

 

[BigBlue1]

$23.80 is cheap, but if they are out of stock.....
Would $27.99 be out of your price line?
Northern Tool has one on sale now.

https://www.northerntool.com/shop/t...dium=030220_MegaSale&cid=11861&mid=1114975795

Thanks. I'm not looking for ultimate cheapness, but that helmet looked like it had really good features. Large viewing lens, 4 sensors, replaceable batteries, etc. Too good to be true. Which it turns out to be, since it was a clearance item. I'm sure some folks got a smokin' deal. If anyone knows of an equivalent for, let's say, $100 or less please advise. Price is not my main worry, but I'm also not looking to pay $250 for something like this since I'm not using it daily. The one you linked looks decent, but with a small lens and only 2 sensors it isn't quite as appealing.

Rob

 

[coxhaus]

I bought my Lincoln C4 helmet from IOC when they had 50% off. It gets the price down so I ordered a high end Lincoln C4 helmet.

 

[BukitCase]

Blue, check out post#59 this thread - under $100 by about $20, but it only has 2 sensors. So far not a problem, and it's much clearer than my older Jackson... Steve

 

[BigBlue1]

Blue, check out post#59 this thread - under $100 by about $20, but it only has 2 sensors. So far not a problem, and it's much clearer than my older Jackson... Steve

Thanks. That does look like a decent one. Appreciate the pointer. Current listing on Amazon says 4 sensors too.

Rob

 

[BukitCase]

Rob, I musta got fooled by all those "answered questions" that amazon is always lumping together; I thought mine had 4, but one of the answered questions said two. Glad for both of us, no wonder mine hasn't flashed me yet :laughing: ... steve