Well I'm finally taking the plunge...

Date 01-23-2010 20:38

After over 20 years of nodding, I am finally breaking down and getting a black Wendys pancake and putting an auto dark lens in it. Any suggestions on which auto dark brand is the best? Looking for a variable shade, solar with battery back-up if there is such an animal.

By pipehead (***)

Date 01-23-2010 20:56

I run two different types one is a huntsman shade 10/11 solar it auto changes shades the other is eqc journeyman variable 9-12 battery and solar. the huntsman is nice because is slim and more compact. but the qaulity of the eqc is really good also I have had the same one since they came out.

By shorthood2006 (****)

Date 01-23-2010 22:32

I use Singles brand shade 9 and love it. Ya dont have to keep batteries on hand...Solar is the way to go...JMO

By ruero

Date 01-23-2010 23:27

I have a couple Jackson EQC Journeyman V-HHTLS 9-12 shade adjustable, have tried other type but for me Jackson is the best, very reliable. Make sure when you order to tell Dave the exact thickness of what you have, auto lens, clear lens, cheater etc.... you might also give the "Comfort Skins" a try pretty nice on the face.

By okwelder82 (***)

Date 01-23-2010 23:48

I also use the Singles brand shade 10 and love it. Its nice not ever having to worry about replacing batteries!!

By JeremyW83 (***)

Date 01-24-2010 00:54

do you have a website for singles brand?

By shorthood2006 (****)

Date 01-24-2010 04:32

any welding supply SHOULD carry them. If not, my supply store in enid oklahoma is Munn Supply. 580 234 4120. $100.00 for the lense.

By okwelder82 (***)

Date 01-24-2010 15:50

Pretty much all the Airgases I have been to carry them. I bought mine at Airgas in Fargo ,North Dakota.

By NWPAwelder (**)

Date 02-03-2010 04:08

Thanks for all the replies guys! I am leaning toward the Singles brand shade 10. I currently use a shade 10 gold lens in my Arc One hood and like it. I have been told that I may want to go a shade darker in the auto dark though. Anyone else ever notice this? My other concern is how well they perform in the cold. Are there any that I should stay away from? I am probably going to have to order it online since I cant seem to make time to get to the LWS due to being so busy and it being in the opposite direction of my normal travels... But hey, its a good thing to be busy!!! =)

By bigrod

Date 02-03-2010 23:59

right before I start my day and my pancake is cold I'll turn the defrost on and put the pancake on the dash. feels better on the nose when that woods a little warm.

By Superflux (****)

Date 02-04-2010 02:29

All of the fixed shade lenses I've tried seem to be 1 shade off. My Jackson EQ shade 10 is more like a #9.

By Tommyjoking (****)

Date 02-04-2010 03:04 Edited 02-04-2010 03:07

I have been pleased with the performance of Jackson lenses, like anything else the more you spend the better they get. None of the auto lenses like the cold, just like lcd displays they quit functioning when you turn on the freezer. I do not know what they offer that will fit a pancake, but I can tell you they back up there products (warranty) without any problems, at least for me. As a side note, I do not think you would have any issues with anything OPTREL makes, they tend to be very high quality.

By rick harnish (***)

Date 02-09-2010 00:34

This is twice Ive heard of Singles in the last few weeks. Please advise. Good lense?

By shorthood2006 (****)

Date 02-09-2010 02:10

damn good, rick. all the guys i have worked with use them.

By Stringer (***)

Date 02-12-2010 03:55

Sure costs more when you throw 'em...