BellyUpFish
Well-known member
Looking for a new tig helmet.. Hobbyist use.. Sub $200..
Suggestions?
Suggestions?
Welding helmets..
- Thread starter BellyUpFish
- Start date
Wamsutta
Well-known member
Get the big 4x5 window and don't use plastic filter plates.
Steve from Socal
Well-known member
I have an Optrel weldcap about 150 bucks, great optics and light weight.
https://www.weldingsuppliesfromioc.com/optrel-weldcap-1008-000
Steve
https://www.weldingsuppliesfromioc.com/optrel-weldcap-1008-000
Steve
a52-830
Well-known member
i bought a "Jackson Safety W40 Insight Variable Auto Darkening Welding Helmet, HaloX, Black (40713)":
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KW1GY4I/?tag=atomicindus08-20
a few months ago, i paid less than 150$ for it, although amazon shows it for a lot more now.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KW1GY4I/?tag=atomicindus08-20
a few months ago, i paid less than 150$ for it, although amazon shows it for a lot more now.
I bought this Antra off Amazon after reading the reviews, and for just under $100 it's pretty impressive. The only two things people seem to knock are the headband not holding the shield up if you move around with it raised (it sometimes will creep down) and the fact that the grinder function switch isn't on the outside.
Some folks have commented how it's really light, and wonder if that will make it more likely to be damaged, but I don't see an issue...it's light enough I don't even think about the weight at all.
I've heard you can get an aftermarket headband that is better, but haven't looked into it. I don't use the grinder function at all, so I'm not worried about where that switch is.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00R2DUWOM/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Some folks have commented how it's really light, and wonder if that will make it more likely to be damaged, but I don't see an issue...it's light enough I don't even think about the weight at all.
I've heard you can get an aftermarket headband that is better, but haven't looked into it. I don't use the grinder function at all, so I'm not worried about where that switch is.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00R2DUWOM/?tag=atomicindus08-20
I left my Jackson at home the other day and borrowed this ESAB
http://www.esabna.com/us/en/products/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.product&productCode=451029
I liked it. Good view, light. Did a good job of blocking outside light from getting in the hood.
Seems to run around $125
http://www.esabna.com/us/en/products/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.product&productCode=451029
I liked it. Good view, light. Did a good job of blocking outside light from getting in the hood.
Seems to run around $125
cajunrebel`
Well-known member
- Joined
- Sep 5, 2015
- Messages
- 70
The Kobalt from Lowe's was the biggest window I could find for $100. It has worked well for me. I couldn't be happier with a welding helmet.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-Auto-Darkening-Variable-Shade-Hydrographic-Welding-Helmet/3773821
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-Auto-Darkening-Variable-Shade-Hydrographic-Welding-Helmet/3773821
Mastermind
Well-known member
Ive had a Jackson for 15+ years. My buddy gave it to me when he won an optrel, his died years ago.
sberry
Banned
I had a couple and bought an HF as a spare. My good one finally dies, I actually like the HF better.
a52-830
Well-known member
i have no idea how good or bad a hf welding helmet is. i bought the Jackson one i did because they have a great reputation, and protecting my eyes are not one of the places i am looking to save some money getting something that might fail.
HAP
Well-known member
Can you offer why??
hoston23
Well-known member
i have a miller elite, and at work we have a miller elites, that are badass and have never let me down. right now miller even offers a $25 rebate on them also
https://www.millerwelds.com/safety/helmets/digital-elite-series-welding-helmets-m00471
https://www.millerwelds.com/safety/helmets/digital-elite-series-welding-helmets-m00471
ovrrdrive
Well-known member
I have the same and love it.
maxpower_hd
Well-known member
I have this Forney one. I paid a little more for it at the local True Value but I needed it now. I like it better than my HF one because it is more adjustable, has a bigger window and has batteries that can be replaced. Plus I can see better through it.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/WELD-HEL...0463&wl11=online&wl12=134905874&wl13=&veh=sem
https://www.walmart.com/ip/WELD-HEL...0463&wl11=online&wl12=134905874&wl13=&veh=sem
GLTHFJ60
Well-known member
I got one of these recently as well. Excellent welding helmet, but I wish it stayed on your head better when you were looking down at your work. Have been thinking about ways to help with that.
owenst7
Well-known member
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00I...kson+20508&dpPl=1&dpID=41SJ7RnjHYL&ref=plSrch
I got this a few months ago with a gold glass lens and haven't been able to go back to an auto darkening since. The visibility is way better than any auto I've looked through and it is way lighter.
It has really good headgear. I'm probably going to order reaplcement headgear for it and adapt it to my other two helmets.
I got this a few months ago with a gold glass lens and haven't been able to go back to an auto darkening since. The visibility is way better than any auto I've looked through and it is way lighter.
It has really good headgear. I'm probably going to order reaplcement headgear for it and adapt it to my other two helmets.
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TTA579
Well-known member
I have a Harbor Freight, and I've used others, I don't know why anyone would spend more. I don't wear a welding helmet every day, so I'm no expert.
Jazz1
Well-known member
Speedglas 100 is my current favourite. My 15 year old Praxair finally pooched last year. The Speedglas clarity is excellent. I would not trust my vision to the $2.00 auto darkening lens( available on eBay all day) used in the Big Box store helmets. You get what you pay.
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bob15
Well-known member
Hobby or pro, it shouldn't matter.....get the best you can afford, you only have one set of eyes.
Wamsutta
Well-known member
I'll do better than that, I'll even provide an ebay link so you can see a picture.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Weldmark-Gl...t-2-1045106-/401208480450?hash=item5d69e392c2
The larger size obviously gives you a much better view of your work area and the glass is way clearer than plastic. However, I still use a clear poly-carbonate cover over the filter plate.
Though I have never suggested a harbor freight item before let this be my first, I have the self darkening HF (the one with blue flames) Ad so far after 2 uses it's great much better than my old no name one that I had to deal with constant flipping. I'm sure there's better out there but I'm no pro so I cannot see spending a ton on one.
BD1
Well-known member
Older MILLER ELITE. As stated only one pair of eyes and no way would I trust a HF hood especially with HF batteries.
owenst7
Well-known member
The shading function of an auto-darkening lens has absolutely nothing to do with protecting your eyes from radiation...
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WILD-BILL
Well-known member
When I was in the market for a new helmet I borrowed a coworkers Blue flamed model HF helmet and was surprised at how good the view was (clarity wise). What I didn't like was the helmet would come down to far (no stops on the swivel) and the my eyes would always end up right at the top edge of the lens.
Based on that I decided to go check out the Metal Head helmet since by the pics on line of it it had the solar panel and view window reversed which in my mind seemed to solve that issue. Upon trying it on in the store, I not only found the view window placement was perfect for me but also that the head gear has a positive stop so when you snap it down it didn't go to far like the blue flamed one did. The bonus was it is cheater lens ready.
Not wanting to just buy the first thing I saw/tried on and there being a brand new Eastwood retail store in the area I went to check out their large window helmet with 4 sensors.
On the paper, I was already convinced that the Eastwood helmet would win hands down.
Since Eastwood will actually let you test there tools before you buy, I gave it a try.
What I found surprising was how much I didn't like the head gear (uncomfortable) and how much more back ground glare there was on the inside of the lens.
Much to my surprise i ended up liking the HF better and went that way with my purchase.
I now have 2 of them. One at home for TIG with a 2.5 cheater installed and the other at work for MIG with no cheater.
The only complaint I really found was that over time, the tension knobs on the head gear would loosen and the helmet would eventually snap down faster/harder then I wanted.
A couple internal tooth lock washer solved that in short order.
The model I bought........
http://www.harborfreight.com/variab...ding-helmet-with-metal-head-design-68782.html
Also doesn't hurt that it seems to be designed after the look of the Iron Patriot from the Avengers movies
Based on that I decided to go check out the Metal Head helmet since by the pics on line of it it had the solar panel and view window reversed which in my mind seemed to solve that issue. Upon trying it on in the store, I not only found the view window placement was perfect for me but also that the head gear has a positive stop so when you snap it down it didn't go to far like the blue flamed one did. The bonus was it is cheater lens ready.
Not wanting to just buy the first thing I saw/tried on and there being a brand new Eastwood retail store in the area I went to check out their large window helmet with 4 sensors.
On the paper, I was already convinced that the Eastwood helmet would win hands down.
Since Eastwood will actually let you test there tools before you buy, I gave it a try.
What I found surprising was how much I didn't like the head gear (uncomfortable) and how much more back ground glare there was on the inside of the lens.
Much to my surprise i ended up liking the HF better and went that way with my purchase.
I now have 2 of them. One at home for TIG with a 2.5 cheater installed and the other at work for MIG with no cheater.
The only complaint I really found was that over time, the tension knobs on the head gear would loosen and the helmet would eventually snap down faster/harder then I wanted.
A couple internal tooth lock washer solved that in short order.
The model I bought........
http://www.harborfreight.com/variab...ding-helmet-with-metal-head-design-68782.html
Also doesn't hurt that it seems to be designed after the look of the Iron Patriot from the Avengers movies
Speedglas 100V would fit your budget.
My current company issued is Jackson Balder BH3, before that we had Miller Digital Elite, Speedglas 9100XX and Lincoln Viking 3350.
So far the Miller Elite is the least favorite, and Lincoln 3350 is the favorite.
my work is 100% tig, I like the bigger lenses, the actual view windows.
My current company issued is Jackson Balder BH3, before that we had Miller Digital Elite, Speedglas 9100XX and Lincoln Viking 3350.
So far the Miller Elite is the least favorite, and Lincoln 3350 is the favorite.
my work is 100% tig, I like the bigger lenses, the actual view windows.
K-Dog
Well-known member
Either way you go, grab a hand full of replacement cover lenses. Replace them often.
They get ugly so slowly, you never realize how bad they are until you switch one day.
They get ugly so slowly, you never realize how bad they are until you switch one day.
Mike.ASC
Well-known member
I tig aluminum wheels almost every day. Here's the one I bought about a year ago , a big improvement over the old one I had from a viewing area.
http://www.weldinghelmetsdirect.com
http://www.weldinghelmetsdirect.com
OP
BellyUpFish
Well-known member
First hand experience with both the HF helmet and Speedglas after reading some threads on here.
Spedglas 100 is NOT a great helmet. Its ok, but has flashed me more then the HF ever did.
I think its partly due to the sensors (only 2, both at the top) location on the Speedglas, but either way I dont think its worth the premium over the HF hood. Yes, the lens/chip are made in the EU. But when it comes to chips I would trust a Samsung (China) over a Nokia (EU) any day... huff....
I dont think Speedglas 100 is great, there are better helmets out there for the same price.
Personally I would be looking at # of sensors, then lens size, then headgear if you are a hobbyist.
Spedglas 100 is NOT a great helmet. Its ok, but has flashed me more then the HF ever did.
I think its partly due to the sensors (only 2, both at the top) location on the Speedglas, but either way I dont think its worth the premium over the HF hood. Yes, the lens/chip are made in the EU. But when it comes to chips I would trust a Samsung (China) over a Nokia (EU) any day... huff....
I dont think Speedglas 100 is great, there are better helmets out there for the same price.
Personally I would be looking at # of sensors, then lens size, then headgear if you are a hobbyist.
splurge just a little and get the 3350 viking from lincoln, best helmet i've used yet.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019G6T4RS/?tag=atomicindus08-20
there are also the 2450 and 1850 which are the smaller windows. great glass though.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019G6T4RS/?tag=atomicindus08-20
there are also the 2450 and 1850 which are the smaller windows. great glass though.
owenst7
Well-known member
How exactly is the cost of a welding helmet associated with the protection it provides?
matt01073
Well-known member
I had a speedglass for many years and loved it , it finally died and was replaced with what was souposed to be one of the better millers . the miller is ok but i liked the speedglass better. I have used the hf one a coworker had , it worked fine just cant see trusting my eyes to the chinese
ovrrdrive
Well-known member
Agreed it isn't... The popular misconception doesn't really apply here. A cheaper helmet isn't always worse.
sberry
Banned
Like I said, I actually like the cheap one better. Enough that I am going to get another to back it up and to take with me on occasion.
OP
BellyUpFish
Well-known member
Only thing I can come up with would be quality of said unit?
Seems to be a logical assumption that an auto darkening helmet that leaves you being flashed less and has better lens material is likely to provide greater protection for your eyes?
OP
BellyUpFish
Well-known member
I'm all for spending less. I don't need the best helmet made. I just want quality that won't leave my eyes in shambles. If I knew it all, I wouldn't be asking a question on an internet forum.
WILD-BILL
Well-known member
FWIW, neither of my HF helmets have flashed me.
OP
BellyUpFish
Well-known member
I've had a couple. They've been fine, my current HF unit has crapped out on me and I'm just looking to upgrade. Preferably with something that I don't have to MacGyver to replace the batteries.
I'm also hearing that they don't work well with tig? Dunno if that's true, but I need to be able to tig weld with them.
sberry
Banned
Try it and see. Not sure why it wouldn't and if the batteries go out, toss the thing, get another one for not much more than a battery.