Autodark Welding Helmet Recomendations?

[sunshineFC3s]

Hey all,
As you may or may not have read in my other thread, I just bought my first welder (Red 175HD).

So, now Im searching for a decent welding hemlet. Ive decided I would like to buy an autodark, and would like to stay around the $150 range (+/- a few bux). I realize that this will get me an entry level autodark, with a smaller window, but I think that is a compromise that I haveto make. Im just starting out, so Im not sure I need a ferrari of helmets.

Here are a few options I'm considering...let me know what you think, why, and if there are other helmets I overlooked.

-Hobart - XTV is about $129. 9-12 shade. Auto on feature. And solar assisted with batteries(not sure how that works?)

-Miller - Hobby series seems to be reasonably priced - about $165ish. 8-12 adjustment. Battery powered.

-LE - Silver Elite for $145. 10-11 shade, - Silver Trackside for $155.

-Speedglas on ebay - used, the 9000V, 9000x, 9002v (older models?) can be had on ebay for about $150. Seems like these are excellent helmets. But would you buy one used? I dont think I can afford these new.

-Jackson EQC Pro Auto Dark - fixed at shade 10, but bigger window. auto off after 20min, $149.

Anything else out there? Where do you guys buy from online, who has the best prices and service?
Thanks for all your input.
-a

 

[PAToyota]

I'd recommend the Miller Big Window Elite - you can get one here for $225: http://www.brwelder.com/indextemplate.cfm?file=shop/detail.cfm&ID=811

The extra $60 over your target of $165 for the Miller "hobby" series is well worth it, IMHO. Especially when starting out, the more you can see the better. And by the time you spend $165, an extra third really isn't that much for something that is going to serve you for years to come.

 

[brianpgriset]

I have a Hobart (made by Miller) and have zero complaints. I purchased mine when sears' online store was discontinuing them, so I got a good price. The Miller BWE is pretty popular. The Hobart helmets are available at TSC, and sometimes they run specials on them, so check that out too.

Honestly though, go ahead and also get yourself a good ol' fashioned Huntsman 411 or 451 standard helmet. Nothing is as light or comfortable, plus you'll need an extra for people who want to watch. They can be had online for as cheap as $35.

 

[Spookrider]

http://www.envirosafetyproducts.com/manufacturer/optrel-welding-helmets.html

Never can wrong with these. I own one and my welding teacher is pleased to see what I got. This is the only thing he welds with. The have a long standing of safety and quality.
Qutoe my teacher.
Jackson=****
Miller=alright
Hobart=somewhat alright
Optrel=#1

 

[Spookrider]

Also straight solar power is better since you don't have battery fail at the wrong time.
If you go or buy cheap, you might as well clean a loaded gun with the safety off.

 

[Charlie's68]

i absolutly love my speedglas 9002v....it is very comfortable, but that optrel is very nice as well.

 

[MarkH]

At least you are starting in a better ballpark,

For more details to a search, there are a number of threads where someone starts looking at el-economy - helmets by manufactures unknown. Just about anything you want to know about helmets will be in them from guys who can still see after a lifetime of welding. This is not one place like vasectomies, brain surgery, you do not want to think ultra cheap. The cost can be more than the savings.

 

[Roospike]

I have used many welding helmets and the one i use and like the best is the Optrel Satellite helmet ..... Well worth the $$ .

When it come to metal fabrication the right tools for the job are not cheap and i wouldnt suggest going cheap , buy the right stuff the first time ... swallow hard and forget about it because you will end up with the right tools for years.

O' and BTW ....... welding helmets is not like craftsman vs snap on hand tools, were talking about YOUR EYES here !

 

[mulepackin]

http://www.envirosafetyproducts.com/manufacturer/optrel-welding-helmets.html

Never can wrong with these. I own one and my welding teacher is pleased to see what I got. This is the only thing he welds with. The have a long standing of safety and quality.
Qutoe my teacher.
Jackson=****
Miller=alright
Hobart=somewhat alright
Optrel=#1

Interesting to see your instructors opinions, particularly on the Jackson hoods. I had narrowed things down myself to a Jackson NexGen (or Boss ) and an Optrel. This will help decide that. Could you or your instructor elaborate on the faults of the Jacksons. Thanks.

 

[Spookrider]

What I remember from him about Jackson it poorly made.
I forgot to add SpeedGlass is also #2 then Optrel #1. Why they are #2 is the battery/solar power choice. optrel has solar only option.
Your sight is real deal if go you cheap and mess up at the wrong time then your blind. You don't what there quality check they.
And god shake don't get one Harbor F.
Another quote from Dad.
"If buy right , it will treat you right, If buy **** you get and treat you like ****"
The link I provided is the cheapest for Optrel to my knowledge.

 

[Spookrider]

I forgot Lincoln Welder Company and the Helmets are Optrel lens gut but there hood theres.

 

[Cebby]

I have a old Jackson Auto Dark and a NexGen. The build quality of the NexGen is definitely better than the old Jackson Auto Dark one I have. Mainly the headgear is much nicer - I wouldn't call the old one ****, but I haven't used a wide variety of hoods, so maybe I just don't know any better.

 

[Spookrider]

The window size is jest right on these Optrel Sat. I had no problem seeing what I was welding when I was welding in class.

 

[tweety652]

my only problem with solar is that when i weld at work its indoors. that and i work the graveyard shift.

 

[PAToyota]

my only problem with solar is that when i weld at work its indoors. that and i work the graveyard shift.

You don't think that bright stuff coming out of the end of your welding electrode is light?

 

[TxDoc]

I was upgrading to a newer autodarkening helmet and bought an Optrel.

Here is a little info from Lincoln Electric
http://www.lincolnelectric.com/knowledge/a...ldinglenses.asp

I went with the Optrel Satellite OSE
http://www.optrel.com/

I have been using an auto-darkening helmet for about 9 years, but it is so old, I don't know what brand, but think it came from Northern Tool.

I went with the Optrel due to the fact it is solar powered with no batteries, it can be adjusted closer or further from your face, the optical clarity is 100% better than what I had, you can go from a grinding setting to plasma cutting to welding, the controls are on the outside and allow you to changed settings without going inside the helmet, etc. I tried one and really liked it, so I chose it. Meant to add you can buy magnifiers for it also for 1.5 or 2.5, etc., for about $10. If you buy a cheaper helmet look for the ANSI Z87.1 certification.

Optrel vid http://www.optrel.ch/video/h_satellite.asp

Optrel features:
* Grinding - With a push of a button the unit's shade 4 grinding mode is activated. A blinking LED light inside of the helmet indicates that the grinding mode is on and the ADF cartridge is deactivated, all with out removing your helmet. If you forget to reactivate the ADF it does it itself in ten minutes.
* Shade level control - Adjust this control knob to select the shade within settings of 5-9 or 9-13. Selections can be made according to the welding process making this one of the most versatile helmets on the market.
* Sensitivity control - Factory set at red dot for most procedures. Adjustable to meet different welding applications including micro plasma, plasma cutting, gas welding, and low amperage mig welding to name a few. Match the sensitivity level to your specific need.
* Adjustable Sensor Bar - Eliminate the effects of ambient light. Simply slide the sensor bar up and the angle of detection will open from 60 degrees to 120, which optimizes performance during low current and over the head welding. Keep it down and reduce the chances of a near by arc darkening your lens.
* Front Cover Lens - The multifunctional injection molded spherical cover lens not only reduces reflection thus providing better visibility and optics, but its foam gasket ensures the protection of the ADF filter by sealing out harmful dust, spatter and moisture particles. The lens is molded thicker to resist heat warping during high amp welding.
* Solar Cells - Optrel's proven solar technology ensures a continuous power supply while also eliminating the need for on/off switches and untimely/costly battery changes.
* Eye Protection - Several LCD's and special filters provide permanent Shade 14 protection from dangerous UV and IR radiation, even in the unlikely event of total filter failure.

The others mentioned are fine too. If you can borrow several and try them, you will surely fine one that feels and works best for you. Good luck on your search.

 

[sunshineFC3s]

I forgot Lincoln Welder Company and the Helmets are Optrel lens gut but there hood theres.

Really? May I ask where you know this from? Not being disrespectful..just wanna read up on this. From looking at the pictures, it certainly seems like they are the same optics...the LE is just missing the "space helmet" clear curved outer shield of the Optres OSE's.
-a

 

[sunshineFC3s]

Can someone clarify/explain to me what "out of position" welding is...and why having additional sensors is better at preventing getting flashed when welding out of position? For example, from my research, the higher end helmets have 3 or 4 sensors compared to the standard 2 sensors.
Thanks,
-a

 

[Spookrider]

Really? May I ask where you know this from? Not being disrespectful..just wanna read up on this. From looking at the pictures, it certainly seems like they are the same optics...the LE is just missing the "space helmet" clear curved outer shield of the Optres OSE's.
-a

My welding teacher has an old Lincoln welding helment. I own a Optrel Sat.. The lens and adjustment knobs and other little details is the same on mine and his lens wise only, the rest is different.

 

[Spookrider]

my only problem with solar is that when i weld at work its indoors. that and i work the graveyard shift.

You may have more light than I did in class. Enless you are welding with Bin Laden in his cave at midnight.

 

[PoorOwner]

Can someone clarify/explain to me what "out of position" welding is...and why having additional sensors is better at preventing getting flashed when welding out of position? For example, from my research, the higher end helmets have 3 or 4 sensors compared to the standard 2 sensors.
Thanks,
-a

More sensors so if your work or hand is casting a shadow the helmet still work instead of getting flashed.

And, I have a speedglass 9000 something from Ebay used, I replaced all the battery and visors on it.. side windows are nice. Easy to find parts for.. I didn't know it was working or not so I brought it to a welding shop and the guy tested it for me said it was fine, I have been using it ever since. I think it's a good way to get one.

The only problem I have had is that when I MIG at the low voltage the mig setting does not darken due to weak spark, I usually just set it to TIG setting that way I use the knob to make it darken when looking at any light.

 

[mulepackin]

You may have more light than I did in class. Enless you are welding with Bin Laden in his cave at midnight.

Just so everyone who doesn't know is clear. The light from your welding arc provides the "solar" power for a solar powered hood, either as the sole power source or as a battery backup/recharger. So it doesn't matter what kind of ambient lighting is or isn't available where you weld. The arc does the job.

 

[Spookrider]

Just so everyone who doesn't know is clear. The light from your welding arc provides the "solar" power for a solar powered hood, either as the sole power source or as a battery backup/recharger. So it doesn't matter what kind of ambient lighting is or isn't available where you weld. The arc does the job.

That I was getting at, it work jist fine in little to no light.

 

[sunshineFC3s]

I put this together for myself (yes, I'm self-diagnosed OCD, and yes, I have some time on hands). But I figured this might help some other folks in the future.

So here is a side-by-side comparison / data sheet of some of the auto darkening helmets I'm considering buying.

Hope this helps someone make a decision.
PDF format, zipped
-a

 

[TOOL MASTER]

jackson big lens hands down...

 

[crewchief888]

for your price point,
miller pro-hobby is a good choice,
solar & battery powered, 3 sensors (correct me if i'm wrong)
mine was $149.00 incl ship to my door.
ordered on thu evening, had it following tues.
comes with extra inner and outer lenses.

no LWS would even come close on the price, they were all at least $50 higher.

i do suggest you drop my a LWS and try on a few hoods, coverage and fit are different on every hood ive ever used, what "works" for me, may not work for you.
test fitting ruled out a couple hoods that i had my eye on.

 

[IndyGarage]

I had an optrel for a few years, but didn't get to use it very much. It Worked good, but the battery went out (the manual says it didn't have a battery, but it did) and it wasn't replaceable, unless you sent for a new glass for about 95% of the price of the helmet. I tried to take it apart to replace the battery - they could have easily made it replaceable, but they didnt' - I won't buy any more of theirs.

I bought a Harbor freight which works fine for MiG, but not fast enough for Tig. Neither were several other name brands I tried. I just use an old jackson fix shade for Tig.

 

[ponchopower]

This is a great thread! I've got a Lincoln MIG, and a relatively cheap auto-darkening hood. Problem is, I just have a real hard time seeing the puddle in the welds as even at its lightest setting (which is 9) it's still pretty dark.

Having read through this thread, can anybody understand what I'm saying and whether or not some of these better helmets not only provide more safety, but also better visibility for some of us older "vision challenged" guys?

 

[chris bsopke]

Speed glass 9100xx a lot more than you want to spend but will make all the difference to your welding . Give up smoking/drinking any other vices for a month and it will pay for it . I've spent the best part of 6 hours with my lid down tig welding 1/8" steel today and my eyes feel as fresh as when I got up ( thats 6hours with the arc running) plus with a Hugh screen to look through you can see everything really well plus the side screens let in background light that helps you see what's going on. Plus it is really adjustable on the fit your head settings and light weight.In this day and age cheap lids make **** weldors and f##k your eye's. Buy the best you can

 

[scott37300]

Even though this thread is almost 4 years old, I have a miller performance helmet that I like. It's not top of the line but it's also not the bottom and works great for the welding I do.

 

[ricardorevello]

hey all,
as you may or may not have read in my other thread, i just bought my first welder (red 175hd).

So, now im searching for a decent welding hemlet. Ive decided i would like to buy an autodark, and would like to stay around the $150 range (+/- a few bux). I realize that this will get me an entry level autodark, with a smaller window, but i think that is a compromise that i haveto make. Im just starting out, so im not sure i need a ferrari of helmets.

Here are a few options i'm considering...let me know what you think, why, and if there are other helmets i overlooked.

-hobart - xtv is about $129. 9-12 shade. Auto on feature. And solar assisted with batteries(not sure how that works?)

-miller - hobby series seems to be reasonably priced - about $165ish. 8-12 adjustment. Battery powered.

-le - silver elite for $145. 10-11 shade, - silver trackside for $155.

-speedglas on ebay - used, the 9000v, 9000x, 9002v (older models?) can be had on ebay for about $150. Seems like these are excellent helmets. But would you buy one used? I dont think i can afford these new.

-jackson eqc pro auto dark - fixed at shade 10, but bigger window. Auto off after 20min, $149.

Anything else out there? Where do you guys buy from online, who has the best prices and service?
Thanks for all your input.
-a

moro no brasil e ja tive 7 mascaras de solda (helmet) o 1 veio da china duro 7 meses soldando tig depois compreo outro da tbi provavelmente feito na china tambem pra solda com mig duro 2 meses comprei otra mascara ezab esa fo ia que menos duro umas 3 semanas acho ai comprei o modelo pro hoby da miller otima mascara logo comprei 1 model oelite the joker e outra elite digital series the joker e outra modelo black ja fas um ano que estou usando e continuao funcionando em como se fosem novas se eu fose voce compraria da miller ...

 

[1967lemans]

The two that I love are my speedglas 9100 and my fiber metal tiger hood with a speedglas insert

 

[Mori55]

Go to HF get a cheap one with insurance to try it out for awhile. I,m a Ironworker and we work on bridges all the time and just get the cheap ones since they can get broken and blown off. They work fine for what we do.

 

[kartracer55]

Speedglass head gear is the cats ***. I haven't found anything more comfortable

 

[lennoxlennox]

thanks to this thread and the good info on it... pulled the trigger on a much needed welding helmet

pretty stoked i read this and decided to upgrade from the "matco" one i was going to buy.

ended up getting the Speedglas 9002X (with side windows) for ... ouch ... $425.99 (best price i could find)

 

[ruquik]

For me it was the HF w/ grinder position.

$50ish and it comes with sweet downward facing blue flame stickers on it.

-Brad

 

[lennoxlennox]

i hope you are joking... i think you must be

if not... good luck with that... especially the flames!!!

my eyes, I only have one set

trust them to the cheapest manufactured cost out of some factory in china?

not a chance

 

[szyg6h]

Go to HF get a cheap one with insurance to try it out for awhile. I,m a Ironworker and we work on bridges all the time and just get the cheap ones since they can get broken and blown off. They work fine for what we do.

I was about to buy a HF helmet. I see those against, but they don't say why.
You are an ironworker, using a helmet all of the time, and you use HF.


What did you mean about the "insurance"?

 

[JayL]

-Speedglas on ebay - used, the 9000V, 9000x, 9002v (older models?) can be had on ebay for about $150. Seems like these are excellent helmets. But would you buy one used? I dont think I can afford these new.

-a

I would if the seller can at least give me the serial number of the lens before I bid. One email to 3M and I will know if there's any warranty left. If there is then I could bid higher knowing if there's a lens problem ( upon receiving it ) then I still have an option to get it sorted out.

I won my Speedglas 9002X in Ebay for $160 and the lens had less than a year warranty left. It was advertised as new but had an intermittent switch problem which the seller might have known or not as no mention of it was made on the auction. Since it was still under warranty 3M sorted it out and sent a replacement lens.

In my experience 3M Speedglas has World Class warranty service. Given this I will not hesitate to buy new from them the next time around.

 

[ncfh]

I've got three speedglas helmets now, one pre 3M 9000X that Ive had for ten years and is still my #1. Another of the same style but post 3M, and just got a new 9100 series.

The headgear on the new one is a major improvement but the blocky new helmet design is meh. Too big to get into some places my other fit just fine. But whatever. Also has an actual cheater frame in place of the duct tape in my old one.

I weld for a living too, union boilermaker and operating engineer, and the only auto helmet I trust my eyes to is speedglas.