Kawi2strokes.com Forum

Just received a new auto-darkening ProLine part number SH-777a helmet as my old one was just worn-out and too slow to darken with age. This is a solar powered helmet.

The new helmet has the basics and even a Grinding or Welding switch.

I notice in the Welding position it is too dark to see out of in the shop. One of the symptoms in the manual is not enough ambient light but I have plenty of florescent and even tried with some incandescent lights too - no joy on any of the sensitivity settings.

I think this is a root cause as it works fine outside in the sunlight, but inside it does not go opaque at all to see. Interestingly in the Grinder setting it does seem to work.

ProLine does not have a customer support email but they do have a telephone numbers. But before I call them I thought I'd ask around here if anyone has had similar issues with their welding helmets.

PS - I have not actually tried it yet. Since I can see it kinda defeats the purpose.

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This is true. Where I grew up the hills were so steep and long, when your ball rolled down the hill you just said "screw it"...

Some auto darkening helmets darken from the flashing of fluorescent lights, but I've seen that only when looking directly at the lights. I can tell you that not only does my Jackson NexGen work flawlessly, but the customer service is great. I had the head band break, and they sent me a new one very quickly. If your guys give you any grief, maybe return it and get a NexGen lens.

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If it surges, that's normal, upshift.

Thanks Jim, I think it's a design flaw, would rather not send back - eBay purchase, was not that expensive. The "Grinder" setting goes opaque like my other one did although I would suspect there is a Grinding and Welding setting for a reason...

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This is true. Where I grew up the hills were so steep and long, when your ball rolled down the hill you just said "screw it"...

It shouldn't go opaque under any conditions. Well, maybe it would be good during a nuclear event. If I remember right, my grinder setting just stays as transparent as it can get.

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If it surges, that's normal, upshift.

wrong word, meant the opposite.

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This is true. Where I grew up the hills were so steep and long, when your ball rolled down the hill you just said "screw it"...

Ah, non-opaque. Or counter-opaque

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If it surges, that's normal, upshift.

I'll give another vote for Jackson, I have been putting in some time under a pro EQC. I am actually going to be in the market very soon for a new helmet. I have been trying to decide if I want to put the coin up for one with a big viewing area. I never used one but they look like it would be nice.

Sorry I can't help you with your problem Barry.

When in doubt - bang on it. Yep - while wearing decided to bang on them - I noticed I could see out of them. So I worked them both heavily and they seemed to have corrected - mostly. It will still go dark and I can't see out (when not welding) but it's rare and I can live with it. Works fine when welding.

Like I said this was not a very expensive eBay purchase - but if I had to do again I'd go with a more commercial grade and spend the extra money.

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This is true. Where I grew up the hills were so steep and long, when your ball rolled down the hill you just said "screw it"...