new (cheap) helmet?

[zero2005]

(didnt know where to put this, but for me its tig specific so i figured i'd put it here)
alright, so i'm lookin at gettin a new helmet. i got a cheap one off ebay back when i first got into welding with my clarke AC buzz box *shudder*. the helmet was great, and its worked awesome for whatever i've asked it to.

but i'm looking for a new helmet, the one i have is pretty beat up. the switches sometimes dont click right, and the knobs are pretty beat up too... i got it for $30 shipped to my door, so its done its job many times over...

i'm not looking to spend boatloads of cash on a helmet, i dont care really about consumables or lenses, if anything i'll just duct-tape what i need onto it if i have to (like cheater lenses) so $60-70 should be considered top end for me.

i've seen plenty in that range on ebay, and they are FAR better than my current helmet, AND they are 4 sensor with extra options like grind mode! the only thing i HAVENT seen is one with a shade 8 capability? i've pretty much used shade 9-10 for everything that i do (mostly mig stuff with my trusty clarke 130en)

so, has anyone relied on one of these ebay helmets? how do they handle the lower amperage tig stuff? do i need the lower end shade 8 or should i be fine with a shade 9-13?

[JolietJames]

I would think 9 would be fine. I don't think I weld with any less than that actually. What brand helmet are you looking at on line?
-James

[gilly]

9 is as low as i go to,and that is just for thin stuff at low amperage.

[JolietJames]

If I'm not mistaken I used shade 8 a while back for gas welding. That's really hard to dial in since the flame changes. You need to adjust sensetivity as well as the shade.

[blackdog76]

I have a Northern Tool auto darkening helmet that works great and only cost $40. It's far better than the harbor freight units and is actually cheaper too.