Welding Helmets To Auto Darken or Not?

[Grant Bowker]

I like my auto darkening lid. Much easier to see before you start and fast enough that I've never been flashed.

Some seem to be confused by ambient light (or reflected arc) from behind you to stay at full dark mode but that can be addressed by attaching a cloth (or better leather) drape to the back of the helmet to cover the gap between helmet and head at top and sides. Also, sometimes I would prefer to have a bit lighter shade available to better see the metal around the MIG arc.
Overall, I like.