welding hood/helmet headgear replacement?

[Tomstir]

I'm looking to replace my headgear that stripped the back adjuster gears. I bought the helmet a few years ago from HTP and this model is discontinued and there aren't any replacement parts for it. I think I found a replacement on ebay but I am afraid of the same outcome. There are a few reviews of other universal replacements failing at the same place. I currently have it taped and that works OK for a bit.....but it only takes one or two flips to fall off my head.

I like the helmet and would like to replace just the headgear. I have another from the early 90's that still works with the original battery but the new one has better viewing and I like being able to adjust the distance from face to screen which helps from getting fogged up. I was going to switch the gear from the old helmet to new but that would require some fab of the mounting points....plus it doesn't have distance adjustability. I am not opposed to making it work but would like to keep this as a spare or extra for a buddy.


Can anyone with experience recommend a replacement?

thanks

 

[zmotorsports]

I have been using Jackson 370 headgear for many years now and have been pleased.

That being said, I recently purchased a Lincoln 3350 helmet and although I'm not all in on the electronic helmets and still prefer a fixed shade, I can honestly say I really like that headgear. Very comfortable and stays put.

 

[welder4956]

I'm a fan of the Jackson headgear as well. I have a Fibre Metal tigerhood that I retrofitted with Jackson pipeliner headgear about 35 years ago and it is still in good shape. The problem with the original Fibre Metal headgear was the plastic side screws and headband ratchet slipping. I had to take a hand file and reshape the attachment holes a little, then drill a small hole for the stops. Not sure what your HTP hood looks like, but this may work for you. The Jackson 370 headgear that Mike mentioned looks to be better than the early version that I used.

 

[tarbellb]

I've grafted different brand shell and headgear together.
They are pretty basic, find one that looks good with similar mounting style, you'll be fine.

 

[Mr_B]

Jackson headgear or another decent effort of something close matching your mask fitment and as said it easy tweak a little to make fit .
recently done this on a old large tinted glass screen welding mask I really liked and was cheap & pretty quick to retrofit new headgear .

 

[PoorUB]

I bought a HF auto darkening helmet. I like the helmet, but hate the headgear. The rear strap is floppy and takes both hands to put the helmet on. I think I might try the Jackson head gear

 

[nadogail]

My Harbor Freight helmet with it's original headgear has been very satisfactory.

 

[Tomstir]

I have been using Jackson 370 headgear for many years now and have been pleased.

That being said, I recently purchased a Lincoln 3350 helmet and although I'm not all in on the electronic helmets and still prefer a fixed shade, I can honestly say I really like that headgear. Very comfortable and stays put.

I just looked at the 370.....looks very similar to my old speedglas which has lasted 30 years!! And under $20!!! Bought!! I was over at my buddy's house last week and looked at his new Lincoln 3550....it's nice!! Thanks for the suggestion Mike.

 

[Bradc1989]

I have been using Jackson 370 headgear for many years now and have been pleased.

That being said, I recently purchased a Lincoln 3350 helmet and although I'm not all in on the electronic helmets and still prefer a fixed shade, I can honestly say I really like that headgear. Very comfortable and stays put.

Does the sweatband irritate your skin? Mine does, it seems to let grinding dust and stuff cling to it a lot more than the one on my Miller I use at work. I keep meaning to drop the head gear off at the Amish folks Down the road that do leather work to get them to make me a leather one

 

[zmotorsports]

Does the sweatband irritate your skin? Mine does, it seems to let grinding dust and stuff cling to it a lot more than the one on my Miller I use at work. I keep meaning to drop the head gear off at the Amish folks Down the road that do leather work to get them to make me a leather one

I haven't had any issues with the headband on mine causing any irritation.

 

[dr_clyde]

Jackson headgear is far and away my favorite, much simpler and more comfortable than anything I've found from Lincoln or Miller.

 

[rockinacummins]

Jackson is good stuff. I generally use a Fibremetal and it does fine, not the lightest or most comfortable by any means.

I have an auto darkening from the bargain bin at the local welding supplier, it’s been fine but I have heard of others using the same hood from the same place and getting their eyes burned. They said the lens wouldn’t stay as dark as it should have. Don’t know the brand, just be wary of the bargain bin hoods.

 

[tarbellb]

By default all lens keep your eyes safe, getting flashed is more of a irritant then anything else.

Until you are welding for hours each day consecutively it's hard to fault any modern helmet.
That said, when I first started out my HF auto was fine for a few years, then it was Speedglas cheapo, good but not enough sensors, nows it top o line Jackson and it's hard to fault.

 

[Tomstir]

Delivered and cobbled together!! Small amount of filing/ cutting and two holes poked to get it to work in the original hole. The rear adjuster feels extremely solid and tight. It only has one "halo" strap just like my Speedglas vs two on my newer unit. I think the newer one with multiple straps is more comfy but this feels so much more solid.