Its a good hood and filter, we have 4 of them in our shop. They are supposed to be the fastest to change on the market. I prefer the old Hornell speed glass because of the feather light hood but they dont make that model any longer and that is why we buy the Sellstrom.

The new 9000 series helmets from Hornell Speedglass are an excellent helmet- I have seen the Sellstrom and don't really see any reason why it isn't a good helmet, but I have used the Speedglass for the last 5 or 6 years (both the old style and now the 9000X variable) and don't have anything bad to say about them.

I used an auto hood for years, until I tried a chin operated hood called Accu-Strike (800-658-4443). I know they're not as sexy as electonics but they are dependable and for my needs ,TIG welding, it has a MUCH clearer view, which is important. I'll never use an auto hood again.

I still prefer the old speedglas APC and XL's myself, but if you want a decent hood, the speedglas utility 9000 series is fine, but if you want a hood to put a regular dark lens in, get a 491p Huntsman....Arc one makes a solar powered auto change lens that will fit that model....not too bad for 120 bucks...