Auto darkening welding helmet

[Jeeper75]

Looking for a new welding helmet. Currently have a Jackson brand auto darkening, has grind mode, works pretty good just looking to upgrade as it looks like they have different color lenses for better visibility. Anyone have any recommendations? I do wear prescription glasses so needs to fit, looks like most do. Looking at 3350 Lincoln's, speed glass 9100, millers, anyone have any other helmets they like? Maybe I can get a different insert for my Jackson helmet? Thanks in advance.

 

[Kezorm]

I recently bought a 3350. Love it. Don't know how the 3350 stands vs. the other options you listed, but I know it's a game changer vs. my old cheapy, small window auto-darkening helmet from who knows where.

 

[finn]

Speed glass

 

[73project]

One more vote for the Lincoln Viking 3350. My previous helmet was an older autodarkening Speedglass fixed shade, and the visibility difference with the new blueish tint of the Lincoln is miles ahead of my old helmet! I love that thing!

 

[gmcgeo]

I have the 3350 as well

 

[nadogail]

I am using a Harbor Freight auto darkening helmet, it works good enough. I wear prescription lenses too.

 

[cvairwerks]

I'm about the drop the $ on an Optrel Panoramaxx CLT.

 

[bdbecker]

My only gripe about the Lincoln 3350 is that the shell doesn't fit as tight to the head as the Speedglas, which allows for light to come in from behind and causes reflections on the lens. The lens itself is fantastic - I bought one for my Dad a few years ago for Christmas. One alternative I'd suggest considering is the new Radnor Speedglas hoods. Same lenses as you get with the 3M branded hoods at a lower price, although the size range is kind of on the small end of what I prefer.

Auto Darkening Welding Helmets | Head, Eye & Face Protection | Safety Products | Airgas

www.airgas.com

 

[niget2002]

I'm new to welding, so I have no comparison, but I sprung for the 3350. A friend of mine does a lot of welding. He had it and a few other helmets that he let me borrow. I tried them all out the first day and decided that the 3350 was worth the price to me.

 

[Zeke]

Whatever you get, don't get one that you have to remember to turn on. My old Speedglas (how it's spelled) had to be turned on and I sold it for that very reason. I have a Jackson "tigger" but the view window is small. I won't do that again.

 

[Hobby_Man22]

Looking for a new welding helmet. Currently have a Jackson brand auto darkening, has grind mode, works pretty good just looking to upgrade as it looks like they have different color lenses for better visibility. Anyone have any recommendations? I do wear prescription glasses so needs to fit, looks like most do. Looking at 3350 Lincoln's, speed glass 9100, millers, anyone have any other helmets they like? Maybe I can get a different insert for my Jackson helmet? Thanks in advance.

I used a tweco and that thing turned my eyes red. Bought a standard helmet and the problem went away.

 

[brownbagg]

i got the lincoln viking and im going through battery once a month, I might weld only three times in that month

 

[Hobby_Man22]

i got the lincoln viking and im going through battery once a month, I might weld only three times in that month

Set it outside in the sun to charge.

 

[Boogerman]

Also have/like Viking. Bought another MIG used last fall, included HF helmet many rave here. Compared Viking, *****. Slow change sometime, sometime not darken when use outside. Not work reliable. Like viking change darkness, change sensitivity, work great. Battery went after 3 yrs, had replace. $4 coin cell. Use lot, solar cells run, not use battery. Sun not charge viking battery, battery backup use only until arc run solar cell inside where sun not run solar cell.

 

[MushCreek]

I was using a very old Jackson which died. I replaced it with an HF, which was just OK. I finally ponied up for a Lincoln Viking, and what a difference! I love it.

 

[TMcCay]

My only experience is with a Miller. But I love it. My son and grandson both weld a lot more than I do and have used my Miller and have nothing but good things to say about it.

 

[CraigStu]

Excellent timing as I am looking for a new helmet. Talked to the guy when I exchanged my argon tank 2 months ago and he mentioned the solar charging that many have. that was new to me. My 12 yr old Miller just has a battery which lasts for 3-4 years. I only weld occasionally and always inside so not sure solar is a good idea. What are your experiences w/ solar helmets?

 

[bdbecker]

i got the lincoln viking and im going through battery once a month, I might weld only three times in that month

Do you have the hood hanging on hook open to the shop? Did you buy it around 2019 or earlier? If so, there may be something triggering the lens to turn on and off when you aren't welding. Grinder sparks, sunlight, even some incandescent bulbs can cause the earlier models to trigger.

 

[MushCreek]

I keep my Lincoln in the confusing bag that it came with. I've had the same battery for at least a year.

 

[HoosierBuddy]

Not sure if this applies to all the auto-darkening helmets or just the one I have....but what appears to be a solar cell (photovoltaic panel) doesn't charge the battery. The helmet isn't solar powered in any way and has no way to recharge from that panel. What looks like a solar cell is the sensor that tells the face shield to get dark.

I confirmed that with the manufacturer.

Amazon.com

I have one of those still. It worked great until it quit. I was in the middle of a welding job so I ran to Harbor Freight and bought a replacement. I contacted YesWelder and they sent me a new helmet to replace the on that quit under warranty. So now I have 2 cheap autodarkening welding helmets.

If you go cheap like I did, you have to expect some of this.

Phil

 

[Blk88GT]

I just bought a Miller Digital Infinity - very pleased with it so far. My previous Lincoln was acting up and giving me flashes and burnt eyeballs.

 

[cabranch47]

Does anyone us the Arcsafe Vulcan from HF. I have one and love it but I am only a hobby welder and my only comparison is my original HF with the small window.

 

[Slednut]

Speed glass

Yep

 

[gmcgeo]

Does anyone us the Arcsafe Vulcan from HF. I have one and love it but I am only a hobby welder and my only comparison is my original HF with the small window.

The original HF was junk in my opinion. They did a better job with the arcsafe, however i like the Lincoln quality more.

For the price, Lincoln has some nicer beginner auto dark helmets i would buy before the arcsafe.

 

[crewchief888]

I have a couple Miller prohobby hoods. They work as they should

 

[dcg9381]

You guys are not helping my tools budget, it's pretty clear that I need a new helmet..

 

[acer66]

You guys are not helping my tools budget, it's pretty clear that I need a new helmet..

You come to GJ for that?!?

 

[dcg9381]

You come to GJ for that?!?

Clearly I'm doing it wrong.

 

[boom_bap]

OP let us know your budget. IMO if you aren't on one look no further than a speedglass PAPR. If you do have one that would help us help you get the best helmet for your hard earned dollars.

Do you wear a respirator under your hood? If you don't that's your business, some helmets fit them some don't so that is something to think about.

 

[lkjk]

I have a yeswelder shell/view and a lincoln plastic/adjuster. No complaints. HF one is junk, it works but cheap for a reason

 

[Jackfre]

I have the Lincoln and am very happy with it. I had one of the original Speedglas units. I needed a part for it and called the company. “Oh, we no longer support that product…” I like the Lincoln.

 

[techkelly]

Got an email from Miller yesterday. Something new is going to drop April 30th.
It teased keep your eyes peeled it will be crystal clear. I am taking it that is something
new with their helmets.

 

[gmcgeo]

I want the ESAB helmet though

 

[Jeeper75]

OP let us know your budget. IMO if you aren't on one look no further than a speedglass PAPR. If you do have one that would help us help you get the best helmet for your hard earned dollars.

Do you wear a respirator under your hood? If you don't that's your business, some helmets fit them some don't so that is something to think about.

Yes sometimes wear a respirator depending on the conditions. Leaning towards the Lincoln.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Got an email from Miller yesterday. Something new is going to drop April 30th.
It teased keep your eyes peeled it will be crystal clear. I am taking it that is something
new with their helmets.

I got the same email.

oops, you'll have to click the link to go to vimeo to watch it.

 

[Deadsquiggles]

Picked up a Miller Digital Infinity last year to replace some auto darkening helmet I had bought off Amazon. It wasn’t cheap but it was totally worth the money.

 

[ahansom]

While browsing the clearance bin at an online welding supplier I was able to score a Miller Digital Elite for 50% off. Who would of known a pink camo helmet would be discontinued?? The different modes are very convenient for welding outdoors and grinding. Have been very happy with the helmet.

 

[brownbagg]

the helmet or the pink color

 

[ahansom]

the helmet or the pink color

Both... No one wants to borrow it and it works great!!!!!!

 

[NUTTSGT]

To each their own but me....