MIG Welding Helmets

[Crusty Nut]

I have the Accu-Strike and won't ever go back to Auto Darkening. I've had a few of the cheap HF Auto Darkening Helmets, and they are fine for the money. I've used a friends Miller and I really didn't see a difference between it or the HF helmets. I used some fancy Speedglas helmet at a shop I worked at, blah blah, no better than anything else IMHO. I couldn't justify spending the extra money on some brand name when the HF helmets have always been good to me. One day my HF helmet strap broke and I started looking around for a cheap replacement because money was tight, I bought a $25 helmet off ebay and it broke in a week. Ok, time to buy a quality helmet. Since money was an issue, I decided to spend a little more and get something that would last.

So I looked around some more, found the Accu-Strike for $89. I liked what I read and saw, so I ordered it. It took about 20 minutes to get it fitted and get used to it's operation. Well made, MADE IN USA, you can purchase different shades for it, and some other accessories, and you can buy any replacement part for cheap. I've been using it for about a year and a half and it's been great. No problems with it at all. I love this helmet and will not ever buy another auto darkening helmet again. Accu Strike FTW!

Thanks for that review. Thats what I was hoping to hear.

 

[johnzcarz]

Along the same lines, why don't they make these things so you can also use them for oxy acetylene work, instead of having 2 separate hoods? I guess that would mean they would have to go down to a #5 shade. Heck, even if they had a switch to select between 'always dark' #5 shade and 'regular mode' for #9-#13 auto-dark, that would be sweet.

 

[steel 35]

Along the same lines, why don't they make these things so you can also use them for oxy acetylene work, instead of having 2 separate hoods? I guess that would mean they would have to go down to a #5 shade. Heck, even if they had a switch to select between 'always dark' #5 shade and 'regular mode' for #9-#13 auto-dark, that would be sweet.

Kind of like my 10 year old Jackson?
Note the warning led in the bottom. This is by far the best hood I have ever used and only changed batterys 1 time that took about 8 years.

 

[johnzcarz]

Kind of like my 10 year old Jackson?
Note the warning led in the bottom. This is by far the best hood I have ever used and only changed batterys 1 time that took about 8 years.

Yes, that's what I'm talking about!

 

[larryq]

I have the Accu-Strike and won't ever go back to Auto Darkening. I've had a few of the cheap HF Auto Darkening Helmets, and they are fine for the money.

So I looked around some more, found the Accu-Strike for $89. I liked what I read and saw, so I ordered it. It took about 20 minutes to get it fitted and get used to it's operation. Well made, MADE IN USA, you can purchase different shades for it, and some other accessories, and you can buy any replacement part for cheap. I've been using it for about a year and a half and it's been great. No problems with it at all. I love this helmet and will not ever buy another auto darkening helmet again. Accu Strike FTW!

Thanks for the review!

 

[Yotaforce]

You have brought up a subject that I must now vent on....

About 20 years ago, I paid over $400 for an adjustable auto-helmet. It was top of the line and the envy of the welding world.

Now, when I see a $40 HF helmet (which works JUST FINE!!!!), I kick myself. My helmet is so worn out, but because it still works (most of the time), I cannot bring myself to break down and get a new one because of the buyers remorse I have for spending so much (even 20 years ago).

Thank you.

 

[NUTTSGT]

You have brought up a subject that I must now vent on....

About 20 years ago, I paid over $400 for an adjustable auto-helmet. It was top of the line and the envy of the welding world.

Now, when I see a $40 HF helmet (which works JUST FINE!!!!), I kick myself. My helmet is so worn out, but because it still works (most of the time), I cannot bring myself to break down and get a new one because of the buyers remorse I have for spending so much (even 20 years ago).

Thank you.

When you buy something new, it's going to cost more. Don't think of it as a waste of money think of what it cost you over those 20 years.

20 years x 365 days per year= 7300 days.

$400 divided by 7300 days= .05479

That helmet has cost you less than 6 cents a day for the last 20 years.
It has provided you with 20 good years of service, I think you made a wise investment 20 years ago, remember it has protected you eyes during that time, is your vision still ok ?

 

[Rick98Z]

I went with the Miller Performance Series Helmet, cost me like $215 when I bought my welder. I was going to go with the Pro Hobby model but opted to one-up so I could have a larger viewing area. I really wanted the Elite but couldn't justify the extra cost for the amount of welding I do...

 

[weldingpro]

Harbor Freight is the best choice for any pro-level welder, I think you're the pro.

 

[scooterbum46]

The OP hasn't been around since 2015. Rumour is he bought a HF helmet, used it extensively until he couldn't see well enough to use a computer any longer.

 

[Jackfre]

The OP hasn't been around since 2015. Rumour is he bought a HF helmet, used it extensively until he couldn't see well enough to use a computer any longer.

KA-BOOM

 

[HotrodHR]

Why is this thread even being resurrected...

good topic, but needs updating