Welding helmet recomendations, Need a new helmet Options

[Porcharu]

My auto darkening helmet just died and I need a new one. I have been looking for a few years at the nicer ones that have variable darkening. Anyone have a helmet they really like and would recommend to others? After looking around I think I want one that uses a battery plus solar - my eyes hurt right now. The old helmet was about 12 years old so I know they make much better ones these days.
Thanks
Steve

[McMark]

I have the Optrel Satellite. I used to use the HF helmet. The HF is pretty good and you can't beat it for the price. But going back to the HF temporarily is where I really noticed the difference. The HF is MUCH harder to dial in to a perfect shade. When I was teaching to someone to weld, they had the HF and I couldn't understand why they kept complaining about seeing the melt pool. Then I traded helmets with them, and they got better, and I couldn't see crap.

The downside? It's almost $400.

[Porcharu]

I have the Optrel Satellite. I used to use the HF helmet. The HF is pretty good and you can't beat it for the price. But going back to the HF temporarily is where I really noticed the difference. The HF is MUCH harder to dial in to a perfect shade. When I was teaching to someone to weld, they had the HF and I couldn't understand why they kept complaining about seeing the melt pool. Then I traded helmets with them, and they got better, and I couldn't see crap.

The downside? It's almost $400.

Hmm very nice - I forgot to mention that I wanted to upgrade and not just replace. My old helmet was a pretty good Huntsman unit, but I often find it hard to see the weld and it's too dark when 'off'. That Optrel has some nice features - the ability to read the red leds that the new welders have is pretty nice. I just need a new welder that has leds (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) I have also been looking at the Miller elite series. Similar to the Optrel but more widely available at a discount.
Steve