I bought one of these about a year ago when Zoro had one of their 30% off sales.
http://www.zoro.com/jackson-safety-welding-helmet-shade-3-5-9-to-13-3018118/i/G4019687/I have been welding for over 50 years and I will never again use a cheap helmet. I take off my normal glasses and wear a pair of reading glasses. In my opinion, seeing what you are doing is the most important factor in welding next to having the right machine. When I can see my penetration and see how fast the wire is burning, I can make a good weld. I don't use a stick much, but when I do it is a Trailblazer 440. I have cranked the lens up to 13 when I was burning big rods. But there too, seeing is a big factor in the integrity of the weld.
