Optrel (Swiss made) welding helmets, PAPR's

[MarkG]

Do any of you guys have an Optrel helmet and PAPR of any sort, but specifically the Vegaview 2.5?

IMHO, the Swiss can't make a bad product (except cheese----I hate the stuff!!) and I need a helmet with a PAPR system. 3M's over-complicated bits-and-pieces way of selling their system goes against me and I have a hunch the Optrels are better anyway.

Thanks

 

[fordkid88]

I tried several of them at fab tech, was not a fan of them. They were flimsy feeling, mediocre as far as comfort and there auto darkening feature among the 3 styles I tried were heavily colored green or blue.

 

[MarkG]

That's strange---I wonder if they've changed since you tried them, because true color is something else they specifically 'brag' about in their literature:

'TRUECOLOR - A specially developed UV/IR filter allows the realistic color perception typical of Optrel®, bringing color to the welder’s world. TRUECOLOR passes more colors of the spectrum through compared to standard "green" spectrum welding lenses.'

I just need to try one out, I guess. Thanks!

 

[Com_VC]

I've used an older Optrel OSE in the past, I prefer the speedglas.

 

[bradleykd]

I use the Optrel E684 for TIG welding. I love it.

The headgear isn't as comfortable as my Speedglas 9100xx, but the optics are just as clear IMO and the speedglas flashes me doing low amperage TIG. The Optrel adjusts shade automatically based on the arc and the sensitivity is way better for low amperage TIG for me.

My speedglas is my MIG helmet now.

 

[bdbecker]

I tried several of them at fab tech, was not a fan of them. They were flimsy feeling, mediocre as far as comfort and there auto darkening feature among the 3 styles I tried were heavily colored green or blue.

I've noticed a more and more hoods are being made from a more flexible nylon polymer instead of the more rigid plastics that have traditionally been used. It does give the hood a bit of a flimsy feeling. I asked the Bohler rep about it when I demoed their hood at Fabtech and he explained that they went this route for increased durability and lighter weight.

I tried looking at Optrel's website to see if they specified the shell material, but it looks like its something they don't want to share for whatever reason. I wouldn't be surprised to learn if they are using a similar material.

 

[speed bump]

I have an optrel OSE, can't say it is superior to what you can buy now but I really liked the clarity versus everything else I had tried when I bought it. The biggest annoyance is that it takes rounded lenses covers and the head gear doesn't drop as nicely as some otherwise I would probably buy it again.

 

[IndyGarage]

I had an Optrel - It worked fine for a year or two of occasional use - then it died - couldn't get it to work again. Now have a speedglas - works just as well and have used it the same for several years.

I know my sample size is small, but I probably wouldn't buy another Optrel.