My useless opinion on CDM auto-darkening helmet protection.
 

I've seen this a lot on many forums. People bashing or complaning about cheap auto-darkening helmets not offering adequate protection for their eyes. Well, it's all just myths and bullshit passed from one person to another until it's taken as gospel.

Most auto-darkening helmets come with a #3-5 light shade, and then darken to #9-13. People will say that the longer response time with a cheap helmet when switching from light to dark is enough to cause damage. Bullshit. A #3 lens by itself is enough to filter out all harmful UV radiation and most of the IR radiation. The darkening feature is just for comfort.

So, what's this mean? I means that even if your darkening feature failed outright and you welded, your eyes would be protected just the same from UV. Now, you'll get more IR (heat) radiation into your eyes, but you'd receive just as much radiation taking off the helmet and going outside in the sun.

So, why buy a more expensive helmet? The only thing you're getting by doing that is perhaps quicker on/off times and buying a brand name. I've been using a cheap $50 (now $60) HF auto-darkening helmet for the last 2 years and I've never had troubles with my eyes that could be attributed to welding.

Re: Info: CDM auto-darkening helmet protection.
 

My HF helmet is starting to go out and not filtering out as much as it used to. I tried TIG'ing with it and wow, it was like I wasn't even wearing a helmet my eyes were hurting so bad that I was squinting welding. I said ---- that ---- cause I like being able to see. I tried my fluxcore and it worked fine but still not like it used to be but still useable. I even had it adjusted to as dark and to the fastest reaction adjustment possible but no dice. Being that it's a HF, I'll just bring it back and get a new one. They never ask anything about whats wrong with itand just naturally say, you want another or your money back. Now that's how every store should be. I've had it for about 3 years and maybe the 3 winters of sitting in the garage in Wisconsin did something to it but for 50 bucks you can't complain when you can't just take it back and get another. Man I love that store. :6

Re: Info: CDM auto-darkening helmet protection.
 

Mine doesn't always darken right away. I got into the habit to blink when I first strike an arc.

Re: Info: CDM auto-darkening helmet protection.
 

Keep your bullshit opinions to yourself. I have used both. I KNOW from experience that the HF helmet doesnt darken as fast and or sometimes not at all. Don't come in here spewing your bullshit. The fact is, that if you want to trust your eyes to some chinese ---- to save $200 then do that. When you start to see halos and your periferal vision fades then you can see how much that is worth.

In closing ---- OFF.

Re: My useless opinion on CDM auto-darkening helmet protection.
 

I have a $200 miller helmet and a ~$50 helmet I got at some cowboy store... the cheaper one works the same if not better, its all in the adjustment that most people dont do every day.. especially with tig welding...

Re: My useless opinion on CDM auto-darkening helmet protection.
 

miller pro hobby, 5 shade levels adjustable sensitivity. i think it was 110 bucks shipped. i can't complain about mine

Re: My useless opinion on CDM auto-darkening helmet protection.
 

Im not saying that every Chinese helmet is junk. BUT why take the chance? How do you think we got kids toys with lead paint all over them? No quality control. Im sure there are a lot of guys that use the HF helmets with success, but I like my eyes.

Re: My useless opinion on CDM auto-darkening helmet protection.
 

my work actually uses them. when i saw that i was scared.

id spend the extra to make SURE my eyes are good :D

Re: My useless opinion on CDM auto-darkening helmet protection.
 

My HF helmet sucks ass. I woke up with flash burn this morning because it likes to flash on and off when striking an arc. It only takes one time welding aluminum to flash you and you cant see for a couple hours.

Last night was the last straw of getting flashed. I riped the fucker off and threw it across the shop. Just for shits and giggles, I tryed it this morning, pointed at the sun and the fucker works.

Ill sell you the HF helmet.

Re: My useless opinion on CDM auto-darkening helmet protection.
 

Wow this is the most bullshit I have seen in a post in a long time. A #3 lens is not enough to protect your eyes. Thats lilke wearing ------- sun glasses. Ill tell you what, go put on some oaklys, flash yourself a couple times welding aluminum, then report back.