HF Welding Helmets - Yay or Nay?

[pancho400cid]

I came into possession of a Hobart Handler 180 MIG welder. It needs some resurrection, which I'll probably post about later.

Christmas is coming and I have a 25% off coupon at HF (good thru 12/9/25) and the wife needs my list. I'm thinking about their auto-darkening welding helmets linked below. I'm looking at HF's "more expensive" models.

I will only use the welder infrequently, mostly for upcoming auto body repairs. I was an "okay" stick welder many years ago, but I've never MIG welded before and never used an auto-darkening helmet.

Thoughts?

Vulcan 13.5 sq. in.

Vulcan 10.1 sq. in.

......

 

[willf650]

I don’t have any experience with those, but had a Chicago electric one before Harbor freight branched out to all their brands and higher quality products.

My eyes literally hurt after using it for a project, and I threw it away

I have a Westward one now, which is nothing great but my eyes don’t hurt using it, but I don’t weld that often

 

[JABgj]

Had a HF economy helmet which worked for me welding small projects once in a while. When the battery failed, I found out it was not replaceable. Where ever you buy a hood, make sure you can replace parts and that they are available when needed.

 

[L.Cheapo]

I've never used one, but given the ramifications if the product doesn't perform correctly, both of my helmets say Miller on them.

 

[Mark_17]

I had a Vulcan helmet. It served me well for a number of years. I'd recommend any of them.

 

[whateg01]

We have several of the blue flame one at the makerspace. They work fine. I used a cheap Chicago electric one for a few years before I bought my optrel and it worked fine. I would suggest going to the store and looking at them. Look at others too. If you can go somewhere that will let you try them on, you can get a bit of a feel for whether you like the headgear, or if the lens color is to your liking, or if the light state is light enough for you. I like my Lincoln Viking that I have now except for the fact that all the switches are on the inside, so if I want to make an adjustment I have to take it off. I miss that about the optrel.

 

[Hohn]

I have two of them-- the cheaper blue flame one as the backup and the nicer green Vulcan I used as DD. Nothing special, but perfectly functional.
The headgear comfort (or lack thereof) as well as the weight are the things I notice as indicators of "cheap hood" vibe.

I'm thinking about a ultra light sugar scoop made of carbon fiber, as I think that would honestly suit me pretty well. At my age, the weight and comfort are important and going to a smaller window with flip ups is a price worth paying.

 

[BTL-A4]

I have the HF Titanium one and it seems to work fine. No experience with other ones, though.

Whatever brand you get, try them on and get the one that fits you best.

 

[MongoTA]

I've had a Vulcan ARCSAFE helmet from HF, I've had it for several years. I like it. Fairly wide field of view, I've never been arc flashed and I use the TEST button each time before using it. The mask it comfortable though I've never worn it for more than ~2 hours at a time. The tilt mechanism works fine and I can fit a mask with organic filters on underneath. I've only had to replace the batteries once, that was earlier this year.

 

[imagineer]

My experience with a weld helmet from HF (probably 10 years ago) was the delay was too long. After an hour or so of welding, my eyes felt like they got flashed a bit.

Since then, I've been through 2 Jackson helmets and am currently using a Miller Digital Elite.

Your eyes are valuable. Spend more and get a quality helmet

 

[dcg9381]

I've used a couple with auto-darken. They're bad. Either you can't see or you get flashed. Find something else.

I have not used their Vulcan brand, so if people are saying those are good, go with it.

 

[Callelle]

I'm sure the Vulcan ones are fine, but I personally would stick with a real manufacturer (Lincoln, ESAB, Miller, 3m). You only have one set of eyes.

 

[whateg01]

I'm sure the Vulcan ones are fine, but I personally would stick with a real manufacturer (Lincoln, ESAB, Miller, 3m). You only have one set of eyes.

What is it you're afraid of? The lens not darkening? Do you have any idea how many times I've left a lens on grind and started to weld? The dangerous stuff, the intense UV, gets blocked all the time. You can take the batteries out and you are still protected from the UV. Unless there's a physical defect that lets UV in around the lens or through another hole, the only thing you see is a brighter light.

 

[pancholasvegas]

What is it you're afraid of? The lens not darkening? Do you have any idea how many times I've left a lens on grind and started to weld? The dangerous stuff, the intense UV, gets blocked all the time. You can take the batteries out and you are still protected from the UV. Unless there's a physical defect that lets UV in around the lens or through another hole, the only thing you see is a brighter light.

This has always been my confusion as well - There are MANY reasons to get a higher priced hood (Features, weight, comfort, view), but the idea that the cheapy HF helmet will smoke your eyes is silly and misinformed.

 

[tarbellb]

Haha so much BS about the HF helmets


They are fine, from a protection standpoint they are as good as anything else

Every single Auto Dark lens on the market is made in Asia w one exception- Speedglas

So if that's a concern, boom, go Speedglas, they make a excellent product

The difference between Miller/Lincoln/ Etc.... and the fly by night Instagram brand is so minimal these days

_ features that matter
more sensors
comfy headgear
replaceable batteries

 

[vertguy]

I recently decided it was time to upgrade my cheap welding helmet and tried the Vulcan 13.5. I tested both helmets and aside from the larger lens, I was not very impressed with the Vulcan. Around the same time my brother upgraded to an ESAB A60 and absolutely loved it. So I ordered one from Baker gas while they were running a sale and did the same side by side with it and the Vulcan. At least for my eyes, the ESAB was the clear winner.

I almost pulled the trigger on the Lincoln 3350 as the current $75 rebate makes the price very similar to the ESAB. But happy with my decision as my welds are already much better than with the cheap helmet.

 

[whateg01]

Every single Auto Dark lens on the market is made in Asia w one exception- Speedglas

Is that true of optrel?

 

[whateg01]

I recently decided it was time to upgrade my cheap welding helmet and tried the Vulcan 13.5. I tested both helmets and aside from the larger lens, I was not very impressed with the Vulcan. Around the same time my brother upgraded to an ESAB A60 and absolutely loved it. So I ordered one from Baker gas while they were running a sale and did the same side by side with it and the Vulcan. At least for my eyes, the ESAB was the clear winner.

I almost pulled the trigger on the Lincoln 3350 as the current $75 rebate makes the price very similar to the ESAB. But happy with my decision as my welds are already much better than with the cheap helmet.

"Review" like that isn't real helpful. The esab is many times more expensive than the hf welding hood, so I would expect it to be "better". But what does better mean? It's the headgear more comfy? Is the lens clearer? Is it lighter? Is the light state lighter? You like it better, but why?

 

[Callelle]

What is it you're afraid of? The lens not darkening? Do you have any idea how many times I've left a lens on grind and started to weld? The dangerous stuff, the intense UV, gets blocked all the time. You can take the batteries out and you are still protected from the UV. Unless there's a physical defect that lets UV in around the lens or through another hole, the only thing you see is a brighter light.

Why is it such a terrible thing to prefer a name brand that I trust for whatever reason I want. I never said that the HF ones were bad, the exact opposite.

 

[whateg01]

Why is it such a terrible thing to prefer a name brand that I trust for whatever reason I want. I never said that the HF ones were bad, the exact opposite.

If the Vulcan is fine, why would you not "trust it"?

 

[Jagmandave]

We have several of the blue flame one at the makerspace. They work fine. I used a cheap Chicago electric one for a few years before I bought my optrel and it worked fine. I would suggest going to the store and looking at them. Look at others too. If you can go somewhere that will let you try them on, you can get a bit of a feel for whether you like the headgear, or if the lens color is to your liking, or if the light state is light enough for you. I like my Lincoln Viking that I have now except for the fact that all the switches are on the inside, so if I want to make an adjustment I have to take it off. I miss that about the optrel.

I have one of the blue flamed HF ones too and it works just fine, it's fully adjustable and no batteries. This one......Helmet

 

[zendriver]

I've had the cheap ones, they work fine.

Now have the 13.5 Vulcan. It is nicer and works fine.

They are fine, IMO.

 

[tarbellb]

Is that true of optrel?

Well.... you made me look it up and educate myself geez

Sounds like the electronics and lens package in Optrel is Swiss made and Speedglas is Swedish made. Good to know there's other options

 

[KwikFab]

I'll probably get **** on for even making a different suggestion but I'd opt for something more trusted like a Lincoln hood.

Really like the Speedglas I got to use at my last job but I wasn't going to fork out for one for personal use.

Even if I'll weld for just a little (I'm a hobbyist), I was only born with one set of eyes and I can't replace those.

 

[zimman]

Haha so much BS about the HF helmets


They are fine, from a protection standpoint they are as good as anything else

Every single Auto Dark lens on the market is made in Asia w one exception- Speedglas

So if that's a concern, boom, go Speedglas, they make a excellent product

The difference between Miller/Lincoln/ Etc.... and the fly by night Instagram brand is so minimal these days

_ features that matter
more sensors
comfy headgear
replaceable batteries

And, if your eyes hurt you have it adjusted wrong, or have eye problems. Period.
All welding hoods must confirm to ANSI level certifications. If you go blind, you did it. LOL
Bottom line in welding hoods is being able to see the puddle. Full stop. If you can't see, you can't weld.
Go to eye doctor, not Walmart, and get some real glasses. Men don't judge other men because they're blind. LOL
Zim

 

[OccupantRJ]

No issue with my fairly old HF auto darkening helmet. It works fine for me.

 

[Callelle]

If the Vulcan is fine, why would you not "trust it"?

Because I trust welding companies that have been around and in the business for decades over a retail store that slaps it's name on whatever. (Just to be clear, since people seem to read between the lines, this is not saying they're bad, this is simply a personal preference)

 

[finn]

I have a Speedglas, Hobart from Farm &Fleet, and an Amazon special, plus. a $25 Forney, also from Farm & Fleet.

I like the Speedglas best, but only because it’s the most comfortable. I am apt to reach for the Hobart just as well if it’s closer.

No problem with the Amazon special, either. It’s comfortable and seems to protect my eyes just fine. I use it when I’m in the SW for the winter.

The Forney has a tiny glass, so it’s only a backup.

 

[Notgrownup]

I think they are ok but I opted for a Hobart.

 

[NUTTSGT]

If you think it'll work for you, have her get it for you. If you don't like it, you can upgrade to something else.

My Hobart came with a helmet and I used it for years. I upgraded to a Miller, a Pro Digital, I believe. The wife bought that as a Christmas gift one year.

 

[willf650]

I like how this thread has devolved into if you used a Harbor Freight hood and had issues or your eyes hurt afterwards you’re blind and need glasses.

Man times have changed as people are denigrating people to defend Harbor Freight.

I assumed all was good and no one could sell a hood that was bad for you. Woke up the following day with my eyes stinging/burning. Never had that issue with a regular flip down hood with a standard lense nor the auto darkening helmet I got used with an inverter welder. The used one I believe was a Jackson and it died, hence my Chicago Electric purchase.

As I said my issue was with the Chicago Electric special. Looked at Zoro and I ordered my replacement hood in 2018. It was $167 at the time and is currently selling for $322.

I would assume the higher end Harbor Freight models are ok as they’ve put a play on the tool market.

 

[tarbellb]

I like how this thread has devolved into if you used a Harbor Freight hood and had issues or your eyes hurt afterwards you’re blind and need glasses.

Man times have changed as people are denigrating people to defend Harbor Freight.

I assumed all was good and no one could sell a hood that was bad for you. Woke up the following day with my eyes stinging/burning. Never had that issue with a regular flip down hood with a standard lense nor the auto darkening helmet I got used with an inverter welder. The used one I believe was a Jackson and it died, hence my Chicago Electric purchase.

As I said my issue was with the Chicago Electric special. Looked at Zoro and I ordered my replacement hood in 2018. It was $167 at the time and is currently selling for $322.

I would assume the higher end Harbor Freight models are ok as they’ve put a play on the tool market.

Did you chop some jalapenos that day

 

[tarmy]

Here Is my free advice….

You get exactly one set of eyes and lungs….and welding can screw them up big time. Spend what you can but getting the best gear is my take on this. I used to get headaches welding from The fumes…so I got this…expensive but great.

 

[Fixr]

Here Is my free advice….

You get exactly one eyes of eyes and lungs….and welding can screw them up big time. Spend what you can but getting the best gear is my take on this. I used to get headaches welding from The fumes…so I got this…expensive but great.

Tarmy, you do know that you are among the 1% here, right? Most of the rest of us don't have the financial wherewithal to buy the very best of everything, and that outer piece of clear plastic on every welding helmet viewport is legally required to stop the UV. None of the manufacturers mentioned in this thread want to be rightfully sued for leaving off that 50 cent protective lens. There's a difference between being dazzled and being flashed. Folks should look that up.

OTOH, my cheapy HF helmet gives me headaches. That's because the headgear is shaped wrong for my head. I would be more comfortable in a welding helmet that makes no financial sense for me.

 

[Steve_P]

I have a first? gen auto-darkening HF weld helmet. It works fine. I somehow haven't gone blind after using it for 15? years. If I was buying today, I'd look at other brands also, but I wouldn't hesitate to buy another from HF.

 

[PoorUB]

I have this HF helmet, https://www.harborfreight.com/101-s...g-welding-helmet-with-flame-design-56861.html The auto darkening lens works fine, zero issues with it. I will say the head gear was poor, kind of flimsy. I had used the helmet so fairly committed in keeping it so I replaced the head gear with one from another brand. Sorry, no clue which brand. After the new head gear zero issues with it.

 

[gimpyrobb]

As stated, my first auto-dark was a first gen HF. I have since moved to a Hobart with 3 sensors and like it a lot. The comfort of the headband is much better imho.

 

[zendriver]

Haha so much BS about the HF helmets


They are fine, from a protection standpoint they are as good as anything else

Every single Auto Dark lens on the market is made in Asia w one exception- Speedglas

So if that's a concern, boom, go Speedglas, they make a excellent product

The difference between Miller/Lincoln/ Etc.... and the fly by night Instagram brand is so minimal these days

_ features that matter
more sensors
comfy headgear
replaceable batteries

No idea about the sensors, but the Vulcan has a really nice comfortable head strap and uses replaceable batteries

 

[Wamsutta]

Your vision is the most important part of being able to make quality welds.

Prescription glasses need to be perfect at the correct distance and the helmet needs to be perfect.

 

[Steve_P]

This seems like a good choice. It has 1571 reviews and 4.8*. The headgear looks very substantial.

https://www.harborfreight.com/101-sq-in-arcsafe-auto-darkening-welding-helmet-63749.html

What I have is probably the equivalent of this. The headgear is minimal, but for occasional short hobby use it's fine.

https://www.harborfreight.com/adjustable-shade-auto-darkening-welding-helmet-46092.html

I'm a very occasional hobby welder and put off getting an auto darkening helmet for years- because I might go a year without welding something. Once I got the auto darkening helmet, I was amazed how much easier it makes it for a novice. Yes, a lot of guys that weld all day will scoff and say they've been welding for decades without it, blah blah blah... but for me it was a huge benefit.