I tend to gravitate to the $300 plus hoods. Some of the guys at work use some of the less expensive ones when they start but end up buying high end. Not sure if it is just pressure from the guys with the nice ones and they just wanted to fit in or what. I have looked thru them and they didn't work too bad at all. I think in a hobby/low use type of situation they would be great. 10 hours a day, 5 days a week, I would stay more towards high end. Much more comfortable and reaction times are quicker. My favorites are Esab A50 and A60 and the Speedglas line. Miller and Lincoln also make a nice hood. I had a Weldcote Metals hood that came in at the 150 mark that was pretty good.