Hi Ace, welcome to the forum.
I have used the Speedglas and Jackson like Brian, but never recall having the same thing happen to me as you have described. I've had my head jammed up under cars myself trying to get into a position to weld. I'm not sure what is happenning to your hood. I don't know if the one you have is defective or all of them (Hobart hoods) will act as you have described and is just one of those quirks associated with the particular brand.
I know it's hard to tell when your hood is down over your face, but could there have been something blocking the light from the arc from one or more of the sensors that make it flash over? I've had welding smoke all over mine before and it didn't flash over properly. Anyway, I hope you can figure out what may be causing your problem. Please post back any info you may find out.
John Wright
70 1/2 RS/SS Chevrolet Camaro, I know it's a FORD/CHEVY thing :)