Welding helmet - kt industries vs hf

[mach158]

Looking to get an auto darkening welding helmet. Going to be learning mig and have an old welding helmet but it isn't the right shade as I can't get a good view. So instead of buying a new shade I thought I would try out an auto helmet. I don't have a need for much welding so a cheap starter is fine and certainly not intetested in spending $200 on something I may not use much again.

So I have seen Harbor freight sells helmets but I also seen a kt industries helmet, model 4-1073 that is on sale down to 59.99 from 99.99. Curious if the HF are a better helmet or the KT industries?

I have tried searches which show mixed reviews on the HF helmet, no review on KT industries, and everyone saying to buy an expensive helmet such as a miller.

If I can't get a good thing about either, i'll just get a different lens shade for my current helmet until i get better and decide if welding is for me.

Sent from my SM-G900R4 using Tapatalk

 

[Crazyjake8493]

I've never used the KT helmets so I can't speak to those.

I tried the cheapest HF auto helmet, the all black one, but I had some minor problems with it staying darkened on lower amps. I'm TIG welding 95% of the time, and stick the other 5%, so you may not experience any problems with MIG. I returned it and bought the black helmet with blue flames, and haven't had any issues with that one at all.

 

[Kenskip1]

Mach, I also have the HF helmet.It is now sitting on a shelf.After reading many posts I bought the Kobalt from Lowes.Cost $119. This helmet has put to the HF to shame..You can see the puddle much clearer,wider view.Only problem I have had is figuring out the head strap.Best bang for the buck in my opinion. This is the one I purchased. If you don't like it take it back.

 

[mach158]

Thanks for the info. I'll look into the one from Lowes as well.

 

[shoe1]

I have a Hobart that I bought at tractor supply on sale that is ok works good. I bought skinny boy a harbor freight on to take to school this year he likes it ok. I would send something expensive in there to get tore up or stole. Big boy has a kt that his mom bought him for Christmas several years ago he likes it better then ours. it has more functions and he like the head gear better in it. I know it was lot more expensive then ours. His mom pitched a fit when I told her that is the one he wants cause she found some cheaper but she did get it for him. Last Christmas present she gave him I think. but yea k-t better helmet.

 

[eaglefan1]

I was a union pipe welder for years and years. If I remember correctly I paid $25 for a pipe liner helmet way to long ago. This is the type that has the tubing for the head size adjustment. I cut a inch off of it all the way around and bought 2 American Optic Ice Blue lenses. Never had to wear cheaters with that lens. I was never a fan of the auto lens.
Ive been in super tight spaces, welded with a mirror, never needed a auto lens. But some guys like them though

 

[joe_padavano]

Cyberweld has Miller autodarkening helmets starting at about $70. Why even consider HF or no-name brands?

 

[tarbellb]

Cyberweld has Miller autodarkening helmets starting at about $70. Why even consider HF or no-name brands?

What makes you think Millers bottom of the bucket digital helmet has any better electronics then a no name helmet at the same price.

Most of these digital welding helmet boards are coming from the same 2-3 factories.

So unless you are buying Speedglas, which is Swedish made, im not sure you are getting anything better other then headgear, warranty, and bragging rights...
---

Check out USAweld, they have some excellent helmets in the $100-150 range.

 

[bdbecker]

Just looking at that USA Weld website, this hood looks like a pretty decent deal:

http://www.usaweld.com/Striker-Supreme-XL-Welding-Helmet-p/supremexl.htm

Lots of features, decent size lens, and 1/1/1/1 optical clarity... I think you'd be hard pressed to find something better for $120.

 

[bczygan]

Final Answer!!!

HF Vulcan Helmet! It's their new one,4 sensors, big viewing area, way better than any of their others and equal to most $200 name brand helmets.

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

Use the Vulcan 20% coupon:
$120 plus tax after coupon.

Bill