Hobart Welders (www.hobartwelders.com) launched a line of variable-shade, auto-darkening helmets that feature a solarassisted lens that automatically darkens in 0.0000833 of a second after the arc start. The XTV line of helmets includes Hobart Welders' Blue Flame and Avenger styles that weigh 11 pounds each. The hoods feature five external and two internal protective lens covers and CoolMax odor-absorbing sweatbands. Other features include internally adjustable auto-darkening shases (9-12), lens sensitivity and delay controls.