Auto darkening welding helmet, advice?

[Djstorm100]

I've had a re-branded Lincolon 140 that I got from Home depot about 12 years ago. Up until now I used flux and recently got a gas system. I don't weld a lot but with me wanting to build cars again (I don't do chassis) I wanted to get a auto darkening helmet. The local welding store was trying to get me to buy one of their top of the line 3m Speedglass helmets ($250). I was looking at one of the lower Miller units though. The model one step up from the Miller's Classic. The Speedglass was very nice and very very clear lens. Is there any middle ground from $79.00 to a $250.00 helmet?

 

[APEowner]

I don't have a specific recommendation but I do have a suggestion for things to look for.

Both sensitivity and darkness adjustments

Multiple sensors, if they're all blocked when working in close quarters the helmet won't darken

Headband that adjusts large enough to accommodate a hat.

Flip up adjusters that will accommodate the old fashioned head nod

 

[Greyhorse]

$250 is kind of middle ground..... for really nice ones. I would surf amazon and look at what's available from miller, Jackson, etc. avoid the no-names. How big of a field of view, clarity, adjustability is why the the price goes up.

I have a Miller Digital Elite that I really like.

I see it is $239 on amazon now. 4 sensors, adjustable, about $75 less than I paid 5-6 years ago.

 

[kckndrgn]

I picked up an auto-darkening welding helmet from NorthernTool about a year ago, paid less than 100 and then had a coupon for $10.00 off.
I don't weld that often (or that well LOL) but it works. Uses AAA batteries, has sensitivity and time delay adjustments and can be set for welding or grinding.
It works for me, though I'm not a heavy user.

 

[G-ManBart]

I've got this Antra and have been really impressed with it. It has a lot of reviews on Amazon, with an average score of 4.2, so that says a lot (to me).

The only thing about it seems to be the mechanism holding the hood in the up position isn't as positive as many people would like and some people would like the controls on the outside. I've read there are replacement setups that work better and aren't expensive. I don't use the grind function very often, or change any of the other settings frequently, so I don't care where the controls are. The window is huge, and the response times are very good.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00R2DUWOM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[pennsylvaniaboy]

kobalt one is pretty good. 4 sensors, good battery life, lenses, etc. I have an older version of this without the adjustment shade dial, but same helmet, big viewport etc.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-Auto-Darkening-Variable-Shade-Hydrographic-Welding-Helmet/1000003026

 

[Superbec]

Every once in awhile you can get a speedglass for about 100 or so ... it's a damn good deal.

I can do with a fixed shade pipeliner just fine , but I love my miller digital elite clear view and features , mine's first gen so it has some korks .

 

[tarbellb]

Listen to APEowner, good info.

I also have been shopping helmets for the last few months. I am coming from the 3M Speedglas 100x, before that the HF $30 helmet.

There are plenty of great helmets under $250.

Highly recommend looking at the Jackson Safety W40 series, <$250
JS WS40 -

Personally I think I will be pulling the trigger on a Weld USA Striker (HTP) helmet-
Striker series -

Ive been very impressed with their flex neck gun, thought I would give these a chance.

 

[bullnerd]

When i was looking for a new one, the Lincoln got great reviews on the welding forums so I went with them. Love it, very comfortable and fairly priced.

A big plus is the large viewing area, I think it helps us wannabe welders see better.

 

[Djstorm100]

I did pick up the Speedglass 9000 which has a large and very clear viewing area. Just kind of hurt dropping 250-275 on one.

 

[dv8customs]

I picked up an inexpensive one at Tractor Supply and have used it extensively with no complaints.

 

[aka Larry]

I started with a HF model when I took the welding class at my local CC, but a few years later upgraded to a Miller Digital Elite. Having multiple adjustments, a larger viewing window is nice, and the headband is way more comfortable. The thing I don't like, and can't understand, is why the damn batteries seem to always be dead? It has a solar panel like many others, but when the batteries die, it won't switch. My old HF helmet didn't have batteries, but it never had a problem switching.

 

[MoonRise]

Usually, more $$ gets 'better' stuff.

Wider view, better headgear, better color and clarity, possibly 4 sensors instead of just 2 to trigger the darkening function.

Lincoln's recent auto-dark Viking helmets have a very nice clear view. About $200 or so IIRC.

Hmmm, 240 right now. But with a $15 email discount, that's down to $225.

https://www.weldingsuppliesfromioc....merican-auto-darkening-welding-helmet-k3175-3

HF 'blue flame' welding helmet is about $40 IIRC. Nowhere near as clear as the Lincoln Viking, but it's $200 cheaper.

 

[kabinenroller]

I had a Northern Tool auto darkening until the thing stopped working. What I did not like about it is that the design of the hood allowed the lens to fog from me breathing while I was welding.
I replaced it with a Miller Elite and have no complaints so far. It darkens every time I use it even if it has been sitting in its protective dust bag for a month.
I believe it was about $160 but I cannot remember the exact cost.

 

[Tinner]

You can get the Lincoln 3350 without the silly graphics for $220, $205 after the discount. That's the best price I've seen on them. I'm tempted.

https://www.weldingsuppliesfromioc.com/lincoln-viking-3350-series-black-auto-darkening-welding-helmet-k3034-3

 

[koditten]

I have an Elite that I use for bench welding. I use the HF for when I need to weld in tight quarters. I don't worry about banging the **** out of the HF unit.

 

[brewchief]

I've used a harbor freight auto darkening hood and it worked ok until it didn't, after a few years it would randomly flash me.

It got replaced with a Jackson Truesight 2, SO much better, I can see the puddle clearly where I never could before. Grind mode is nice for a quick clean up but I switch to a clear face shield for major grinding.

 

[188slo50]

I have a Hobart I got from TSC and have been using it for yrs and still love it.

 

[sqznby]

I did pick up the Speedglass 9000 which has a large and very clear viewing area. Just kind of hurt dropping 250-275 on one.

That's a great hood, you should be happy with it and wont have to worry about dropping any funds for another one for years to come.
Maintain it and buy some lenses and you'll be set.

 

[77Mini]

I have a speedglass and a MIller Elite. Both are great helmets. If I had to pick one I would stick with the speedglass.

 

[bullnerd]

Congrats on the new hood! You'll love it.

You can get the Lincoln 3350 without the silly graphics for $220, $205 after the discount. That's the best price I've seen on them. I'm tempted.

https://www.weldingsuppliesfromioc.com/lincoln-viking-3350-series-black-auto-darkening-welding-helmet-k3034-3

That's the one I have.

 

[bigcreek]

I have a miller digital elite, speedglas, and optrel. The optrel died a couple months ago so I set it on a pile of steel facing the afternoon sun since I heard that can recharge it. That was a couple months ago and its still sitting out there, haven't tried it out yet. That was my main hood. Now I use the miller elite more than the speedglas but I really like them both.

 

[purplezr2]

I have a miller 9400 and 2 Jackson BH3, and hobart one too. I use my miller mostly. Honestly this is one area I would not be cheap.

I only have one set of eyes, not sure about everyone else.

 

[dvo]

Just went through this myself. Bought the Antra digital for $99. Man... after all these years blaming myself. I can weld now just by putting on this helmet. My next choice was going to be the HTP Striker. Head gear on the Antra isn't great but I'm just a hobby welder so it isn't an issue. I'm sure you can't go wrong with the Lincoln or Miller but I just can't justify the cost for what little welding that I do.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MY2ALXC/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[binder man]

Jackson nexgen 14989...my favorite helmet, I'll take it over any other helmet any day, assuming I'm not in a confined space, then I'll take the speedglas with respirator! http://www.uwelddirect.com/14989.html

 

[Marctrees]

I have a miller digital elite, speedglas, and optrel. The optrel died a couple months ago so I set it on a pile of steel facing the afternoon sun since I heard that can recharge it. That was a couple months ago and its still sitting out there, haven't tried it out yet. That was my main hood. Now I use the miller elite more than the speedglas but I really like them both.

I'm very infrequent hobbyist user, with a 12 yr old Optrel.

Mine sits unused months at a time in a closed up box it came in.

When I need to use it, I put w face toward sun for 1/2 hour, then it works fine.

Marc

 

[Jazz1]

the speed glass which i use has better clarity , not a big deal for you young buckaroos but my optometrist told my my eyes were not getting any worse after a recent eye exam, He told me get more LIGHT on the subject.. Cheaters led lights fastened to welding shield is common for those with mega birthday.

 

[BigMike782]

Here is some middle ground,
http://www.weldcotemetals.com/dataFiles/specs/techKlearview.pdf
Pertty decent helmet for 150.00

 

[crewchief888]

i test fitted a lot of hood to my head, until i found something that was comfortable, and fit.
ended up going with a miller pro-hobby, under $150 shipped to my front door,

couple years later i won another AD hood in a contest from matheson welding supply. "custom" graphic miller pro-hobby.

 

[dbabicky]

I like my Snap-On hood. Got a good price on it. (No, I'm not a Snap-On Snob, LOL, like I said, I got a good price on it brand new) The only thing extra I did was order the "Old-Guy" lens to help with my old eyes. LOL !!!

 

[gicts]

I'm content with the used Speedglass I got on ebay for $60.

 

[pepi]

I can tell ya a Hood function that you might want to look for in the helment that you select.

Called the Xmode.. what it does or does not do.

It does not react go dark, to Sun light or bright shop lights. What it does do is react, go dark when the arc is struck.

Damn handy I can tell you that....

Greg

 

[AB9NZ]

I can tell ya a Hood function that you might want to look for in the helment that you select.

Called the Xmode.. what it does or does not do.

It does not react go dark, to Sun light or bright shop lights. What it does do is react, go dark when the arc is struck.

Damn handy I can tell you that....

Greg

Yes, exactly. Love it on my Miller Digital Elite for low powered tig work. Not too expensive from the big online weld shops. Really comfy headgear too.

 

[BD1]

I know you got one bit if others are interested , MILLER does have a rebate in progress.
https://www.weldersupply.com/C/32/WeldingHelmets

 

[atthebeach]

If you have been walking this earth long enough to need bifocals, this video may be helpful:

 

[MP&C]

If someone is looking for a good used and is local, come try them out and take your pick, $15.

 

[jp828108]

I have a miller 9400 and 2 Jackson BH3, and hobart one too. I use my miller mostly. Honestly this is one area I would not be cheap.

I only have one set of eyes, not sure about everyone else.

^^^^^^^^^ This

I feel the same way. Only one set of eyes. I don't want to have issues from a cheap welding hood. I have a cheapish one I use that came from tractor supply. Came with a used hobart mig welder. I also have a Miller Digital Performance hood I got back in tech school. I was learning to TIG weld and was welding on pretty thin stuff. The cheap hoods the school provided would flash back and forth even though I was trying to look at a puddle and hadn't stopped welding. The Miller was somewhat expensive I think around 250 at a local welding supply shop. For me the piece of mind is worth it.

 

[joshuab90]

The Jackson WH40 auto darkening welding helmet is probably one of the best welding helmets cost wise. Gives a variable shade of 9-13 and has a pretty wide viewing area, 3.93" x 2.36". There's also 4 adjustable аutо dim sensors on the helmet lens thаt adjust tо the level оf light. For around $130, it really isn't a bad deal. Most other "high end" welding helmets cost double.

 

[Farrier]

How much are your eyes worth to you? Just saying

Buy what you can afford, but please know that the more sensors a helmet has, the quicker it will pick up the arc.

I refused to buy auto darkening helmets for years. Then when I did, bought the cheaper Weldmark auto darkening inserts for Jackson helmets. Ya they worked okay, but too many times the sensor would not pick up the arc at odd welding positions. I borrowed a buddy's spare Speedglass for a day, and at the end of that day, I bought one for myself.

I wouldn't suggest you to pony up for a Speedglass, but I would tell you to steer clear of el cheapo helmets too. After all, it boils down to how much your sight is worth to you.

 

[snyder]

Is it normal for an autodarkening hood to take a couple of seconds to go clear when th e arc stops.?