I had a cheapie from one of the imported tool trucks that roll through town occasionally. It lasted for about 2 months and would not darken (or in this case lighten--when you turn in on it would lighten). The tool truck rolled though town the next year and I got my money back.
Last summer I bought a Miller self-darkening hood from
www.cyberweld.com and I really like it. I do a fair amount of welding from time to time, so I guess I could make it pay. It has one of the larger 'window' sizes so out-of-position welding is easier to see.
I think this is a case of you get what you pay for.
