Please help with optrel helmet comparison

[Tigwalker]

Hey. I am in need of a new helmet. I have head all the threads pertaining to my questions. I am deciding between the optrel e 684 vs the vega 2.5. I would love to hear someone's personal experience that has tried both of those helmets. I will be using this exclusively for tig welding. Mostly D.C. Stainless and a bit of aluminum as well. I make a part that requires welding a 18 gage tab of ph17-4 to 5/16 17-4 rod and some other low amperage tasks. I am leaning toward the vega 2.5 on account of the low shade while non darkened. But am obviously tempted by the features on the e!684. Twilight and auto adjust sound tempting. I am unclear about if the 684 has a superior lense. The do not refer to the vega as having a 1/1/1/1 clarity rating. I think the only reason I would choose one over the other would be if one has better clarity. Any help would be appreciated.
Thabks

[xryan]

e684 is the superior of the two and 1/1/1/1 auto shade 5-13 and best for TIG welding. Vega view just has a lighter initial shade which really I see of little value.

[Tigwalker]

Thanks for the help. I went ahead and ordered the e684.

[xryan]

You won't be disappointed.

[Ltbadd]

Tigwalker, please post back after you've used this hood and let us know what you think.

[Tigwalker]

Okay. I have had a few days under the new helmet. The e684 is amazing. The optics are as good a promised. I like the grey/blue ish tint that the lense has and is crystal clear. I can't say I'm crazy about the headgear but it's serviceable. I prefer the headgear in my miller elite digital. But can't say for sure until I get more time inside the 684. The sensitivity is amazing and picks up tig arc at a few amps smoothly and easily. I did a little mig in it and it was very nice but shows it strengths better during the tig process. Thanks for the recommendation, this helmet is awesome.

[OscarJr]

I agree. I love mine and would likely never part with it. Smallish viewing window, but it's not really a crutch if you know what you're doing.