I'm in Canada but FWIW, a large store chain up here has the Lincoln Migpak 180 on sale for $699. including auto darkening helmet and a few other goodies. You should be able to find a similar deal in your neck of the woods if you look around. Go into a welding supply shop and tell them what you're thinking of and ask if they can give you a comparable deal - they're usually independantly owned and can move as they chose on pricing. They may even have a demo unit or a used unit they took on trade. Shop around and don't be afraid to ask for a deal. If ya don't ask ya don't get!