welding helmet help

[greasegorilla]

I need a welding helmet for work. My budget is in the $150 price range. I've had the opportunity to try a few from work, some have been less than satisfactory, but I figured I might not be considering all my options. Most people at work have helmets in the $80-150 range, I dont see the need to spend any more than that.

The best helmet of the three has been an arcpro Ive also used a savephace and an older Jackson Nexgen. The Nexgen was maybe a little better, but not $200 more expensive better.

Some other options im considering Rhino large view and Speedglas 100

Im just hesitant to spend the money on something I havent tried, any experience with these, or other suggestions in my budget? Also, i realize there are other threads to search, I tried, but theyre either old or I find them irrelevant to my budget. Thanks

 

[goodysgotacuda]

I don't have a ton of Welding experience where I've used a variety of different hoods. However I went from the **** Harbor Freight one to the Kobalt $100 one. I figured I'd try it since it would be very easy to return if I didn't like it, I've been very happy with it so far. Worth a shot and likely a local place to try one out.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_190724-4712...l=1&currentURL=?Ntt=welding+helmet&facetInfo=

 

[not-required]

I dont have a lot of experience either but I have the Speedglas 9100V and really like it. Its a little more expensive than your looking to spend but I think its worth it.

http://store.cyberweld.com/spwehe91auda1.html

 

[Schwinn68]

Go with the Hobart auto darkening hood. They can usually be had for around 80-100. I used one for years and really liked it. They are sold at farm and fleet around here. I'm a welder by trade and spend most everyday welding. I now have the miller digital elite. It's their top of the line hood and to me worth every penny. A little more ban the casual welder needs but it compares to snap on verses craftsman.

 

[AZ_Catskinner]

I've never used an autodarkener that I liked better than my Speedglas 100v.

For the relatively few bucks more, I cannot recommend it highly enough.

 

[805gregg]

I live my Lincoln Viking, not too expensive about $180

 

[gmwelder86]

First of all. What type of welding are you doing? Production fabrication, body panel repair, out of position welding? Very different circumstances can Len themselves to different goods that could be best. I've got three hoods in my truck at all times, different jobs call for a different hood.

 

[Chadwilliam1]

I have two hoods both speedglas, one is the 9100xx and the other is the model with the air filter on it. I wouldn't buy anything other than speedglas. IMO then are the best.

 

[Beaumont67]

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/to...lding Helmets&cm_cat=Nextag&cm_ven=Aggregates

Item# 1644910 -- Was $139.99 -- Sale $119.99

Key Specs
Auto Darkening Yes
View Area W x H (in.) 3.82 x 2.44
Switch time (sec.) 1/25,000
Adjustable Sensitivity Yes
Variable Shades 9 - 13
UV/IR Coated Lens Yes
Adjustable Fit 4-point adjustable headgear, replaceable sweat band
Power Supply Solar w/ Battery Back-Up
Low Battery Indicator Yes
Battery Included Yes, requires charge
ANSI Approved Yes
Manufacturer Warranty 12 months parts / 12 months labor
Ship Weight 2.0 lbs
Item# 1644910

Overview
This solar-powered high-impact nylon helmet features a large 3.82in. x 2.44in. viewing area — making it ideal for seeing more of the workplace when wearing glasses.

Features + Benefits
• Four independent arc sensors
• Delay and sensitivity internal adjustable
• 2 x CR2450 lithium battery replaceable with low battery indicator

 

[03protege]

I have two hoods both speedglas, one is the 9100xx and the other is the model with the air filter on it. I wouldn't buy anything other than speedglas. IMO then are the best.

Those helmets with the built it face sheild are awsome. I really want one, I have been drooling over the miller version for some time.

 

[tank4114]

this is what i use http://www.millerwelds.com/products/welding_protection/head_face/helmets/digital-elite/
used to build tippers and truck bodys now I'm a auto body guy so it doesn't get used as often

edit looks like they made a couple changes to the button layout and the headgear mine is virtually the same though

 

[IndyGarage]

The best I've used is a speedglass, but mine ran about $300. I don't remember the model - 9100X I think. It's great all the welding I do.

I had and Optrel which was made in Switzerland, and it worked great, but the batteries weren't replaceable.

For awhile I just used a Jackson fixed shield rather than an auto-dark. Once you've struck the arc it works just as good. Then I broke down and bought a HF autodark to use while I got enough money to get a good one.

The HF helmet works fine on MIG , but it darkens too slow on TIG

Because they work so well, I think most of the major brands have a china-made model around or just below $100 - just remember, the glass is probably made in the same factory as the HF one...

 

[50ate]

I have a miller pro hobby and I like it.. My father in law and my biss partner both have speed glass hoods and they both swer by em.. My inlaws is prob 10 yr old and is a killer lense and hood... Biss partners is prob 3 years old and its a ************* I don't know what models they have. All I now is that mine is awesome and it was 117$ online.. Usual I see it for 160-180$

 

[peterbilr98]

I would go with miller

 

[countryss]

miller pro hobby. stay away from harbor freight you only have two eyes.

 

[frozen-stitches]

i have 2 speedglas's a 9100XX and an older 9000U. If you are going to be welding a most of your day I'd suggest some kind of air filter like an ADfLO. I have heard good things about millers and nexgen. look through both try them out and see for fitment. make sure it's comfortable. also stay away from HF, the arc sensor's don't trip all the time and you get blinded. We had one at work.

 

[crewchief888]

for me, miller pro hobby

it fit and felt the best on my head

 

[shovelhead91701]

As long as you aren't TIG welding any auto darkening is going to be the cat's pajamas. I used to use an Optrel but when the battery finally went bad I bought a Jackson W60 because of the delay adjustment and darker shade options for TIG welding. Jackson makes a lot of nice helmets though that would be in your budget. One thing no one has mentioned is that you need to buy from a reliable dealer that will keep replacement lens covers etc. for whatever you buy.

 

[PCO6]

High priced ... affordable ...

http://www.weldingtipsandtricks.com/auto-darkening-welding-helmets.html

 

[crewchief888]

One thing no one has mentioned is that you need to buy from a reliable dealer that will keep replacement lens covers etc. for whatever you buy.

my miller pro-hobby came with spare inner and outer lens covers.

i've had the hood for 3 years, and havent had to replace one yet.

i've heard that some LWS will haggle on price, or price match with online dealers. i visited3 or 4 local suppliers, and even with an online price printed and in hand, they couldnt even come close on price.
most were at least $50 higher, one place, ( a LWS that supplies our shop), got really pissed that i was even looking online for pricing...
if the supplier that was $50 higher would have had the design i wanted in stock i would have bought it that day, he didnt, and wouldnt have one for "at least a week", and it would be a full price.
i ordered from cyberweld, had it 3 days later w/std UPS shipping.

 

[Stephenw]

At home I have a Hobart and a Speedglas 100V. At the office, we have a Miller Performance series.

I like my Speedglas the best. Visual clarity through the lens is simply outstanding.

http://shopngarage.com/2012/08/speedglas-100v-welding-helmet/

 

[Crusty Nut]

Am I the only one here who likes and uses an http://www.accustrike.com/
AKA, the chester-chinstrap helmet. They are cheap, comfortable, never need batteries, ect.

 

[shovelhead91701]

my miller pro-hobby came with spare inner and outer lens covers.

i've had the hood for 3 years, and havent had to replace one yet.

i've heard that some LWS will haggle on price, or price match with online dealers. i visited3 or 4 local suppliers, and even with an online price printed and in hand, they couldnt even come close on price.
most were at least $50 higher, one place, ( a LWS that supplies our shop), got really pissed that i was even looking online for pricing...
if the supplier that was $50 higher would have had the design i wanted in stock i would have bought it that day, he didnt, and wouldnt have one for "at least a week", and it would be a full price.
i ordered from cyberweld, had it 3 days later w/std UPS shipping.

Not trying to start a fight at all here, BUT as a small business owner myself I always take every opportunity I get to mention that us brick and mortar guys are always the place that everyone runs to when they have a problem that needs personal attention to solve. I realize that we can't compete in price on some items due to volume but I personally strive to make sure that I offset the sometimes higher cost of my items with KNOWLEDGEABLE assistance for my customers as well as helping keep our local economy going. I could quote tons of statistics about why this is a good idea but that is another thread at another time!
I struggle with this issue every day so I guess I am more sensitive to the issue than most people. Heck there are times when I could buy an item cheaper through an online retailer than I can buy it through distibution channels because of direct buying practices that some of the big boys have! But in the case of warranty support Etc. I would be SOL trying to help a customer.

 

[Chadwilliam1]

my miller pro-hobby came with spare inner and outer lens covers.

i've had the hood for 3 years, and havent had to replace one yet.

you must not use it very much then.

 

[greasegorilla]

First of all. What type of welding are you doing? Production fabrication, body panel repair, out of position welding? Very different circumstances can Len themselves to different goods that could be best. I've got three hoods in my truck at all times, different jobs call for a different hood.

I work in a fab shob. We do alot of semi-custom orders. We deal mostly with snowplow installs, dumptrucks, and railroad trucks for Union Pacific. For the last several months I've been working on F550 production. Sometimes the welding is as easy as welding brackets for steps to the rear bumper or fabing up a bracket from sheet metal on a bench. But other times its welding to the frame, adding frame extensions, mounting railgear to the frame, or welding the service body to the frame. So often times it can be in tight places/unusual positions.

 

[Chadwilliam1]

so mig welding?

 

[plinker]

I've been using my Speedglas 100v doing some fab. work on truck loader's & such, and the only gripe/issue is the AD sensors can get blocked if you are too close to what your doing. Top and bottom sensors would help. But otherwise I'm very happy with it.

 

[onelochevy]

Big fan of miller helmets.

 

[Schwinn68]

My miller has four sensors and its very hard to block them all. It also has a setting for welding outside that can tell the difference between sunlight and arch light. Very handy to have

 

[MrKriez]

I have a Lincoln 3350 welding hood that I really like. I work in a fab shop and Mig weld pretty much everyday.

 

[superspec]

my miller pro-hobby came with spare inner and outer lens covers.

i've had the hood for 3 years, and havent had to replace one yet.

i've heard that some LWS will haggle on price, or price match with online dealers. i visited3 or 4 local suppliers, and even with an online price printed and in hand, they couldnt even come close on price.
most were at least $50 higher, one place, ( a LWS that supplies our shop), got really pissed that i was even looking online for pricing...
if the supplier that was $50 higher would have had the design i wanted in stock i would have bought it that day, he didnt, and wouldnt have one for "at least a week", and it would be a full price.
i ordered from cyberweld, had it 3 days later w/std UPS shipping.

thank you, cyber weld is 90 bux cheaper for the one i want.

 

[Shadowdog500]

I only hobby welder so I'm no expert.

I have a Miller viking auto darken helmet that i picked up for $125 at a trade show. I love the auto darken feature, but for some reason I hate welding through the smoked or greenish tint lenses because I can't see as well as my gold lens.

I really like my $25 Jackson plain jane helmet with a gold shade in it. I can see everything with ease. I usually use my plain Jane Jackson helmet and only use the auto darken when space or some other restriction makes a flip down helmet a pain to use.

Chris

 

[Midnight_America]

Am I the only one here who likes and uses an http://www.accustrike.com/
AKA, the chester-chinstrap helmet. They are cheap, comfortable, never need batteries, ect.

No, you're not the only one, I own an accu-strike and a Hobart XVS. How much **** have you taken from others about the accu-strike from people that have never used one?

 

[Dara]

speedglas all day long everyday..i have a 9002v and 9100xx and both are brilliant!!...if your welding everyday its worth investing in a really good helmet in my opinion

i prefer the 9100xx though the screen is alot bigger on it

 

[tarbellb]

I also am really interested in the ACCUSTRIKE helmet, it really does seem like a great idea.
Anybody have any negatives on it? I think it will be my next purchase.

 

[Crusty Nut]

No, you're not the only one, I own an accu-strike and a Hobart XVS. How much **** have you taken from others about the accu-strike from people that have never used one?

not that much since I'm usually working all by my lonesome.

 

[Midnight_America]

I also am really interested in the ACCUSTRIKE helmet, it really does seem like a great idea.
Anybody have any negatives on it? I think it will be my next purchase.

The accu-strike needs to be adjusted pretty damn good to your particular head configuration. It's then going to take a while for you to get accustomed to operating it with your chin. The first few days I had it I was ready to trash it. But with a little practice and PROPER CONFIGURATION, it finally all comes together. I can only compare the experience of using it the first few days to that of learning to ride a bicycle for the first time. All of a sudden it all comes together and you go from hating the helmet to loving it. Remember this...if you're using the helmet and you have to actually open your mouth to flip the hood up, you've configured it WRONG. It's a nice solid piece of equipment. The only piece I can see ever failing some day is the visor spring, and replacements can be bought from the manufacturer for a couple of bucks. There's no "gray" area with the accu-strike. You're either eventually going to totally hate it or totally love it. Just my $0.02 YMMV

 

[Crusty Nut]

I also am really interested in the ACCUSTRIKE helmet, it really does seem like a great idea.
Anybody have any negatives on it? I think it will be my next purchase.

there are a few moving parts that could wear or break, but mine has had no issues in the last year and see's a lot of use.

 

[t100]

I have 2 helmets, Miller Elite and Speedglas 9100XX. I use Speedglas 99% of the time. the head gear is more comfy.

 

[454ragtop]

I bought this Lincoln a few months ago, and really like it a lot. http://www.weldfabulous.com/p-72067-lincoln-k3034-1-viking-black-3350-welding-helmet.aspx
HTH, Jim