OptrelCrystal 2.0 Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet 1006.900

Holy cow, this makes a huge difference. I'm coming from a Antra True Color AH6-260-0000 which did the job, but I kept feeling like I was blind.RE: arc flashThere are multiple reviews saying that they are getting flashed. I noticed that the Optrel only has only 2 photo sensors while the Antra has 4. And that the Optrel can be further from the viewing area b/c the Optrel lens is larger. The photo cells are along the top. So I could see very easily how you could get flashed when welding out of position / sticking your head in some tight space and covering up the sensors. I've been cautious about this and 100% no flash.RE: auto adjustThis is simply great. It's dark enough to protect me but as light as it can be so I can see what I'm doing.ConclusionI'm a better welder now b/c I bought a helmet where I can see.

At the time that I bought this helmet it was the best auto darkening helmet available on the planet earth, and it cost me over $400, which I am still happy about the value for the main reason that you can put this helmet on and it’s no darker than a light pair of sunglasses until it’s needed. During the Covid scare I thought about wearing this helmet around before they more tightly defined the mask requirement, just as a joke because I could see quite well walking along the sidewalk. I also use the grinder feature just to keep metal particles out of my eyes yeah, and you can turn this on and off. The controls are comprehensive and extensive, and it’s solar powered and never needs batteries. I have taken it out of a box where it’s been for months, and with indoor lighting it apparently applied enough electricity to operate the auto darkening instantaneously.The only thing I would add would be the capability to put standard “cheaters“, prescription or plush lenses inside the helmet so I can work more close up. I’m slightly farsighted and could use a +2 lens for close up.

Bright, clear 'off' optics, amazingly detailed 'on' optics. I can't claim that I've tried them all, but I can't imagine anything better than this. When you're not arced up, the view is clear and nearly unshaded. It's like looking through your normal safety lens. Arc up and it's still amazing. I don't understand the technology, but I can see everything plain as day - the workpiece, scribe lines, the torch - oh, and the arc! The arc and (TIG) electrode are clearly visible and I can see my standoff distance and the character of the arc. I can't imagine much better. My welding has improved in both comfort and result due to this helmet, I can't recommend it highly enough!

The Crystal 2.0 meets every expectation I had. The 2.0 "Off" shade is like not having a helmet on. The least weight of any helmet I have ever tried. At 72 years old my vision is nearly the perfect vision I had at 19 as a result of cataract lens replacement with $6000 lenses. But, my retina is aging and I require more light than when I was younger. The 2.5 cheater lens that Optrel makes fits perfectly and my resulting "Puddle Vision" is nothing short of spectacular.One person was complaining that the helmet doesn't have an up position detent. In fact, the helmet is so light that it isn't necessary. It stays up just fine. The blinking grinder mode LED is a nice touch and with the off state shade of 2.0, you can actually easily grind with the helmet on. The Auto Shading works perfectly. I've not even tried manual mode.Is it expensive? You bet. But well worth it. I have a Swiss made Rolex watch and a Swiss made Leica surveying Total Station. They were pricey as well. But Swiss products rarely disappoint.

I weld 10 hours a day and I'm constantly getting flashed no matter the setting

I have three helmets including Miller and the Optrel. What's interesting is just how crystal clear looking through the helmet is when not welding. It's amazing. I just got the helmet yesterday, and only tested it out with a few welds. It's as clear as safety glasses. The helmet can be used in either a fully automatic mode or manual. I tried the automatic mode. It worked great. Instead of the usual dark green view of the weld, it's a blue shade. I was able to see the weld significantly better than I could would my more basic Miller welding helmet. It was a pleasure being able to actually see my weld vs a sort of welding in the dark using my other welding helmets. I'm sold. I can't tell you how it compares to other high end helmets as I've never tried them. But this one rocks.

The one bad I have found so far: I really cant over emphasise how badly I want thisbto be a wide Field of view helmet. It feels cobstricted compared to my demo $70-ish unit.The good, true color more than I ever could have guessed, and I too photos, had my son and wife both check it outbside by side with my other helmets. It really gives true color. How important that really is with welding? Idk, but I do love having it. I know you can toss the helmet up to see but this thing is really smart! It still has a relatively wide Field of view although not ultra wide like some select units.The helmet faceplate has a bevel on it and this keeps it from rolling into granite or concrete and scratching thebface unnecessarily. I have many pics to show the unit as well as I could