[TheForge] autodarkening SHIELD

[Cindy and James]

I recently bought one of the Swiss made helmets, Optrel brand.  
Expensive but the weld and puddle is a very clear blue color.  Much more 
clear, crisp and clean looking than the traditional green color of most 
helmets.  Sort of like the old gold band single shade lens I had years 
ago.  With just a push of a button on the side of the helmet I can 
toggle from weld mode to grind mode, I don't have to take it off like I 
do with my Hobart or Jackson NexGen auto hoods.  Regards the various 
settings, usually I leave mine set at one shade, tweaking it to get it 
just "right".  But this lets me fine tune the lens to my eyes - which 
are getting worse (cataracts).  Plus, the Optrel is very light weight.  
I like the Jackson as it has a big lens, but it is too heavy and stiff 
to be comfortable.  The Hobart is fairly cheap but is light, flexible 
and what I would recommend for the occasional welder who wanted to step 
up from the basic single shade hood.  Another plus, WHEN (not if) I have 
my cataracts removed, I will just have to adjust the lens setting 
instead of having to find more (hopefully darker) lenses.
James A.
>    4. Re: autodarkening SHIELD!  overload (Peter Hirst)
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