Auto darkening welding helmets?

[1stwarrior95]

I've been considering getting one of these for the last few days. I was checkin out some specs on the ones at the local Farm & Home and even walmart...LOL (I was there so why not look)
The one at walmart looked nice! (Hahaha It had flames on it!) and it was a Lincoln brand IIRC.
The F&H had a KT brand I think, (had flames on it too!), with a bigger viewing area and fully adjustable darkening.
I've been looking online at different ones now, and have seen a few with 1/10000 sec darkening reaction time.
The Walmart and F&H helmets both listed 1/25000 sec reaction time.

Years ago, when these things first come out I had the displeasure of using one for a day welding on grain bins. For the next few days my eyes hurt. it wasn't bad enough to be welder burn, but it still soured me on the auto helmets.

Since I don't weld for a living anymore, and my eyes take a little longer to adjust to the arc light, I'm thinking about the auto helmets again. Maybe the technoligy has improved.

Anyway, what's you all's opinions on brands, specs, type, (solar, battery, solar w/battery backup), etc?

PS, I use a Jackson now with the big 4x5? viewing area. I like the Jackson helmet and would like to stay with as big of view area as possable.

 

[35mastr]

I have a Miller Digital Elite. Big window and the best helmet that I have ever owned.

 

[nissan_crawler]

I have a Miller Digital Elite. Big window and the best helmet that I have ever owned.

I have the regular miller elite big window, love it.

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

I just bought a Miller Performance (mid range) and have to admit, it's a lot nicer than the old helmets I used back in the dark ages...

 

[Monte]

Speedglas or Optrel/Sperian

 

[t100]

first, never skimp on safety equipment. buy the best you can afford.

I have Miller Elite and Speedglas 9000vx. the Miller is big and covers more area, most time I use it when mig welding. Speedglas is lighter with separate Tig setting, most time I use it for tig.

you can't go wrong with either. I can't speak for others because they are the only two I have used.

 

[wildman1]

I now this is heresy, but has anyone ever checked out the Harbor Freight helmets? They are on sale this month for $59, and I have been thinking of one for home/farm use.

 

[35mastr]

I now this is heresy, but has anyone ever checked out the Harbor Freight helmets? They are on sale this month for $59, and I have been thinking of one for home/farm use.

I have one. Dont waisy your money. Real pain in the *** to see. Plus I dont trust it.

You will only be dealt one set of eyes. When your sight is gone. It will be gone forever.

Like was listed before. Buy the best helmet that you can.

Preferably a good name brand thats been proven.

 

[makgreens]

i have a decent hobart one...works really well
but the screens dinky in comparison to the better miller ones
ill probably buy a miller one down the road

 

[Thedroid]

Get the Jackson big window auto, I had one at the last jobe and loved it. I believe it was called the NEXGEN. It was a great helmet, and they sell for half as much as they used to. I prefer the Jackson to the Miller big windows.

 

[gofastman]

Unless you spend at least $200 on an auto darkening unit, you are better off with a regular helmet and a gold lens. just my humble opinion.

 

[bry@n]

This is what I have. Miller Elite auto Darkening. Like somebody else said, get the best you can afford.

 

[tonydanzah]

I have had the HF welding helmet 2yrs, no problems. When I took a few welding classes at the local community college that what was recommended to the beginning welders. Still working great with my miller 180.

 

[35mastr]

This is what I have. Miller Elite auto Darkening. Like somebody else said, get the best you can afford.

I have the same one,But its the Lucky's Speed Shop model.

 

[tonydanzah]

here is pretty good site to get welding supplies,

http://store.cyberweld.com/midielwehe.html

 

[speed bump]

I really like my Lincoln Vista 2000, retail is about $200 but you can get it cheaper online. Great views, 4 optical sensors, sensitivity settings out the wazoo, and head gear is really well done.

Also if you already like your Jackson you could just buy a Nexgen cartridge for it. Also I run across a lot of Nexgens for cheap from trades guys between jobs.

 

[msnow]

I have a Speedglas and really like it. They were one of he first on the market and the quality is top notch. Something you should look into is how much adjustability you need. Some of these helmets only have one shade and some are multi shade. Mine is multi shade because I use it for several different processes. I can also adjust the reaction timing on mine.

 

[NeilH]

another vote here for speglass.

 

[Mickey O]

I now this is heresy, but has anyone ever checked out the Harbor Freight helmets? They are on sale this month for $59, and I have been thinking of one for home/farm use.

Why bother you can get a pair of those really dark 50's style sunglasses for a buck or two and they'll work just as well.

 

[a390st]

Miller Elite Big Window. I loved mine. I used some Chinese off brand auto darkening helmet at a neighbor's shop and it failed on me. I'm lucky to have my vision. No more garbage welding helmets for me.

 

[ajm859830]

Im a body man for a living/weld on a daily basis. I bought a miller elite about 3 years ago. Hands down the best ive used. Not one problem out of it yet and out of 3 years the only thing ive had to do is replace the batteries once which didnt cost but a few dollars and a trip to walgreens.

 

[Z06 427]

I have both the Speedglass and Miller BWE. Both are great. Now I just need to get my cheeter lens so I can see. Getting old *****.

 

[usa#1]

I bought a cheap autodark one from Northern tool. Read all the good reviews etc. Used it twice. My eyes bothered me both times. I never had a problem when using a regular one. Ended up buying a discontinued Hobart auto dark model at Tractor Supply for a good price. It seems to work fine and doesn't bother my eyes.

 

[StupidHippie]

I have the big screen Speedglas with the side windows. The side windows are handy when you are working around other people...the extra peripheral vision has saved me from a surprise a few times.

You can use a $59 mask if you have $59 eyes...some things you don't cheap out on.

Rob

 

[06wt]

i have a speedglas and use it for tig sometimes, but i still grab my plain old jackson
4 1/2'' #13 gold filter. I dont like auto darkening, i just dont trust them with my eyes. Until they have eye replacement surgery, im not gamblin with my eyes

 

[wildman1]

Why bother you can get a pair of those really dark 50's style sunglasses for a buck or two and they'll work just as well.

Mickey - Nobody likes a smart *** .......

Ok, I get the message - I guess that is why I haven't bought the HF helmet.

I only have ever used the old school helmet,and really didn't realize there is a big difference in quality (and potential safety) in cheaper helmets.

I guess that I'll just stick with my old helmet - I know that it protects my eyes.

 

[ears]

Why bother you can get a pair of those really dark 50's style sunglasses for a buck or two and they'll work just as well.

They actually sell the gas style goggles in shade 10, nice in the winter the arc glow keeps your cheeks toasty warm.

 

[JayL]

Guys how about this one for occasional use only? I've been thinking of getting one.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t...t_shr?_encoding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance

 

[1stwarrior95]

Unless you spend at least $200 on an auto darkening unit, you are better off with a regular helmet and a gold lens. just my humble opinion.

From what I've seen, I think you're right on the money gofast. How'd you know I use a gold lense? LOL

Also if you already like your Jackson you could just buy a Nexgen cartridge for it. Also I run across a lot of Nexgens for cheap from trades guys between jobs.

I seen the Nexgen cartridge last night/this morning on a couple websites.
It's sounding like a very viable option! Other than it cost's almost as much as a complete nexgen helmet... LOL

As much as I like my Miller mig, I think Jackson has them beat when it comes to helmets. (For my use anyway.)
Everything I've read so far says the Miller and Hobart helmets are pretty lightweight and flimsy. Not sayin lightweight is a bad thing all the time, but for me I think a little heavier, (read durable), helmet is a better choice.

So far I'm leaning toward the Jackson line really hard. Basically looking at the Nexgen and one they call Boss.

I like the Boss because it has the biggest viewing area in the industry, (according to Jackson, and also what I've seen so far).
Downfall is it's battery powered and only has 2 sensors.

Nexgen has a smaller viewing area, (2 3/8 in x 3 3/4 in.), but has 4 sensors, and is solar/battery powered.

They both use a standard flat outer cover plate, have amber view lenses, have the fastest switching speed in the world @ 1/25,000 sec, (again Jackson's specs), and the cartridge itself will fit in my current helmet. (Which I'd like to keep since I spent quite a few hours attempting to airbrush flames on it! LOL).

I haven't used or heard/read anything bad about the Speedglas, but I don't think it's for me just because of the curved lense if nothing else. I'd have to order a replacement lense if/when I need one. Don't like that idea.

I'm guessing the viewing area size won't be as critical on an auto helmet because you can look at where the arc will be before you light it up as opposed to the normal flip down, strike the arc, and hunt for it helmet. LOL

 

[Thedroid]

You won't be disappointed in the NEXGEN. Used one for several years, never had to change the battery. I'm pretty sure that all auto helmets have to block all UV light regardless of the shade, or state of the lens. The size of the NEXGEN window is more than adequate also.

 

[mjn]

Still guess im with my old Jackson had it for over 7 years now. Just cant seem to like the auto ones other then TIG or real close areas where I cant seem to flip the helmet.

 

[VegasBruce]

I've been using the same cardboard Huntsman at work for the last 10 years. I did upgrade to an auto dark lens for mig, but still use a gold lens for tig.

 

[stricht8]

Does the lens ever have to be replaced on these helmets? I have an older Jackson auto dimming helmet and it seems as if the lens doesn't darken up enough anymore.

 

[nismomans13]

This is what I have. Miller Elite auto Darkening. Like somebody else said, get the best you can afford.

I have the same one. 2 of them actually. One is for home use one is for on the job site. Personally, i'll never buy another brand/style welding hood these are by far the best money can buy imo.

 

[kartracer55]

I have this speedglas 9100x

http://store.cyberweld.com/spwehe91auda.html

And I love it. For $75 more there is one with an even bigger lens. I have used the heck out of this thing since mid summer and it is awesome. Biggest plus is the side view lenses. Helps keep me aware of my surroundings while welding. Lotsa people go "oh why would you need that". Then you use it, and you really don't like being without it, at least that is just me. Most comfortable head gear I have used to date.

Also, once you figure out the "controls" inside, there are some neat features. My favorite is the adjustable sensitivity. Basically you can back down on the sensitivity so grinding sparks dont set it off, or turn it all the way up so looking directly at a fluorescent light sets it off.

If you have a problem with your eyes adjusting, you might really like the "tack mode". I leave my helmet in tack mode almost all the time. Basically instead of going from dark down to shade 3, it goes dark, backs down to shade 5, and if you dont strike an arc in 2 seconds, goes back to shade 3. Really great feature if you need to do a lot of tacking, helps keep your eyes from having to adjust so much.

Basically, you cant go wrong with the Miller Elite (I feel your paying a lot for the name), Speedglas or Jackson. I wouldn't trust a cheap auto-dark. When they fail, you find out the hard way.

 

[1stwarrior95]

Update! I got a used Nexgen HaloX off ebay a couple days ago.

I like the Nexgen lens but the HaloX helmet *****! LOL I've got to get a different lens retainer so I can swap the auto lens into my old shadow helmet. Then I'll be good to go I think.

That tack mode on the Speedglas sounds like a really good feature since what got me thinkin about the auto helmets in the first place was welding in cab corners on my sons truck.

Thanks for all the replys and info guys.
The general consensus seems to be ya can't go wrong with Miller, Speedglas, or Jackson. I think I'd agree with that.

 

[JST001]

Heres what i use in australia.
Speedglas 9100x

 

[sickytwisted]

I used a lot of welding helmets before I finally bought one that I thought was a keeper. While I was learning to weld I'd borrow my instructors or classmates helmets regularly to "check them out". I know for sure, Miller ellites kick *** as do Speedglas welding helmets. Most models come with all of the modern funcitons as far as delay and sensitivity and all that good stuff. I went for the Jackson Boss which at the time( and maybe still) had the largest viewing area available(13 sq. inches). My Jackson Boss, bought on ebay for about 120-150(i don't remember) KICKS SO MUCH ***!

 

[Joe69]

I have this Speedglas

I've been abusing it for 11 years, welding in the rain etc. It has been great. It's lightweight and durable.

Joe

 

[bry@n]

For the record,

I have seen many guys use the HF auto dark helpmet with no issues. They just use tape to keep the dial from spinnig to a lower setting when you lift the helmet up or slap it down.