Welding Helmet

[OctaneMotorsports]

Looking for a nice auto-dark welding helmet for Grade 10 welding next year...would like to spend under $300 or so.

I already have a decent Lincoln, but it's not auto darkening...I do mostly stick welding and it's challenging to start beads exactly where you want them.

Car Quest has some Hobart Hoods for $189 or so...a few different colors that look pretty good (certainly not this one). Just not sure what the quality is like.

Any suggestions would be appreciated, thanks!

 

[eschoendorff]

For that money, you could probably find a Speedglas or a Jackson on ebay...

 

[george4]

I picked up a Miller Elite AD when I started a JC evening class 6 mo ago. I used it for stick in class and now with HH 187 mig I purchased, very happy with it. I tried with a non AD a few times but a AD is very helpful for getting the bead started in the right place for me. I paid about $200.

 

[GDA]

Will be closely following this thread.... next big purchase is nice sized 220 MIG

 

[awdrst]

I've used a Miller Big window elite for the past 3 years. I love it and would buy it again in a second. I've never been flashed or had any problems with it.

 

[Northstar9126]

I have both Hobart and Speedglas auto-darkening helmets. I prefer the Hobart. The Hobart I have came with a nonreplacable battery which died after warranty was over. I called Hobart. Thr guy there said it was a bad idea to make the helmet way it was and told me to send him the lens/battery pack so that he could look at it. About a week later I received a new updated lens/battery pack for the helmet for free. Hobart/Miller for me all the way now.

 

[ZRX61]

I have some sort of Miller auto, cost about $200 IIRC. It works

 

[sunshineFC3s]

I have the Miller BWE as well. I did a lot of research on autodark helmets, and decided that was the best value. Ordered mine from Indiana Oxygen Co. Great prices, service and really fast delivery. Im very happy with it.
-a

 

[uhcrandy]

I am scared to mention this but, I have a harbor freight auto-darkening helmet that I have been using for about a year and a half. So far it seems ok. I am sure this is a bad thing I am doing, can someone tell me why? Thanks randy

 

[a390st]

I had a Miller helmet that was great. I was at a neighbor's shop and he asked me to "weld something up real quick" for him. He had some Chinese auto-darkening helmet that he said "works great". I started welding and about half-way through it died. My eyes disliked that a lot. I will never use some Chinese junk to protect my eyes again. Whatever you do, remember that God only gives you one set of eyes, so you had better do whatever it takes to keep them in good shape.

 

[nissan_crawler]

I have a big window Miller Elite also. It ran me about $160. It works great for welding and plasma cutting. I don't think there's anything wrong with the hobart, but you can find a better one for the money.

 

[TxDoc]

Here is a little info from Lincoln Electric
http://www.lincolnelectric.com/knowledge/a...ldinglenses.asp

I went with the Optrel Satellite OSE
http://www.optrel.com/

I have been using an auto-darkening helmet for about 9 years, but it is so old, I don't know what brand, but think it came from Northern Tool.

I went with the Optrel due to the fact it is solar powered with no batteries, it can be adjusted closer or further from your face, the optical clarity is 100% better than what I had, you can go from a grinding setting to plasma cutting to welding, the controls are on the outside and allow you to changed settings without going inside the helmet, etc. I tried one and really liked it, so I chose it. Meant to add you can buy magnifiers for it also for 1.5 or 2.5, etc., for about $10. If you buy a cheaper helmet look for the ANSI Z87.1 certification.

Optrel vid http://www.optrel.ch/video/h_satellite.asp

Optrel features:
* Grinding - With a push of a button the unit's shade 4 grinding mode is activated. A blinking LED light inside of the helmet indicates that the grinding mode is on and the ADF cartridge is deactivated, all with out removing your helmet. If you forget to reactivate the ADF it does it itself in ten minutes.
* Shade level control - Adjust this control knob to select the shade within settings of 5-9 or 9-13. Selections can be made according to the welding process making this one of the most versatile helmets on the market.
* Sensitivity control - Factory set at red dot for most procedures. Adjustable to meet different welding applications including micro plasma, plasma cutting, gas welding, and low amperage mig welding to name a few. Match the sensitivity level to your specific need.
* Adjustable Sensor Bar - Eliminate the effects of ambient light. Simply slide the sensor bar up and the angle of detection will open from 60 degrees to 120, which optimizes performance during low current and over the head welding. Keep it down and reduce the chances of a near by arc darkening your lens.
* Front Cover Lens - The multifunctional injection molded spherical cover lens not only reduces reflection thus providing better visibility and optics, but its foam gasket ensures the protection of the ADF filter by sealing out harmful dust, spatter and moisture particles. The lens is molded thicker to resist heat warping during high amp welding.
* Solar Cells - Optrel's proven solar technology ensures a continuous power supply while also eliminating the need for on/off switches and untimely/costly battery changes.
* Eye Protection - Several LCD's and special filters provide permanent Shade 14 protection from dangerous UV and IR radiation, even in the unlikely event of total filter failure.

 

[russlaferrera]

I am scared to mention this but, I have a harbor freight auto-darkening helmet that I have been using for about a year and a half. So far it seems ok. I am sure this is a bad thing I am doing, can someone tell me why? Thanks randy

I commend you from coming out of the Harbor Freight closet.

Because this is a China made helmet it will not fully protect western eyes (round eyes). The lens are made differently for Oriental eyes. Western eyes see round and curves better. Orientals see lines better (look at the alphabet) English- round, China- lines. See what I mean?

The 2nd is cost . A $50 helmet is not as good as a $150 helmet. This is because the $150 helmet can protect everyones eyes.

Now there are some people out there who will believe this. To those people I will tell you something family would tell you. "Get Help Now, while there is still time"

 

[a390st]

When you see phantom spots from welding, you will then do whatever it takes to preserve your eyes. I will take something from an American company who has to answer for their quality rather than a cheapie from a country known for QC problems. You can return a cheap socket for a replacement if it breaks, but they won't give you a new set of eyes.

 

[Joe B.]

I bought a Miller Performance and I really like it. I actually went to the local welding store on a Friday afternoon and had the clerk let me try them on. He seemed a little confused by a hobbyist coming in a store that mainly helps the pros. I really liked being able to try them on and it resulted in me buying a nice helmet. You just can't get a feel for them looking on the internet. However if you buy a high end helmet you won't be disappointed. (You just won't know how much nicer it is than the cheap ones if you don't try them all.)

Also... The Miller Performance was Made in Korea.

 

[a390st]

I understand that they aren't made in America, BUT the company that answers for their performance IS located in the US. That fact gives me some confidence that they will be pretty responsible with their QC. With ChiComTechWeldHelmetCorp based in some part of China I can't even find on a map, I am not so sure.

 

[Wiggawam]

Optrel Satellite. Amazingly well though out, top notch quality, and under 300 shipped.

 

[sunshineFC3s]

Im just gonna come back and post again...You cannot go wrong with the Optrel, Speedglass, Jackson Nexgen, Lincoln Electric (has optrel optics), or the Miller. I just chose the BWE because I felt it was the best bang for the buck.
-a

 

[ZRX61]

I am scared to mention this but, I have a harbor freight auto-darkening helmet that I have been using for about a year and a half. So far it seems ok. I am sure this is a bad thing I am doing, can someone tell me why? Thanks randy

I used one of those when I was welding at the local college, didn't want my Miller to walkabout. Went thru 4 of them in about a month. They would all turn on & off randomly while welding. NOT good..
I actually exchanged the 4th one for something else..

 

[jhn9840]

I have both Hobart and Speedglas auto-darkening helmets. I prefer the Hobart. The Hobart I have came with a nonreplacable battery which died after warranty was over. I called Hobart. Thr guy there said it was a bad idea to make the helmet way it was and told me to send him the lens/battery pack so that he could look at it. About a week later I received a new updated lens/battery pack for the helmet for free. Hobart/Miller for me all the way now.

That's why when it comes to welding equipment you get what you pay for and you need to buy from a name brand for the after sales service.

Myself I'm old school. I have a Jackson hood with a flip down lense. Been using it since the late 70's and it has never let me down.

jhn9840
John

 

[riley.m]

hi,
after 12 years of welding,ive used many styles of hoods.Auto darkening hoods are definitely the way to go especially if inexperianced.ive had Huntsmen,Hobart,Miller,Lincoln,and Speedglas.I like the Speedglas so much that ive bought one three times,due to very heavy use.They are lightweight easy to use and feel right on my head.Some of the other brands feel too bulky and maybe overdesigned.My advice would be to look for a good used Speedglas 9002x,since they just came out with a new design,and lots of people will be upgrading.