Which welding helmet would you choose?

[tarbellb]

Looking for feedback specifically to these helmets OR a comparable price point <$120 shipped.
Brand features price
ArcOne 5000v AD, battery-less, grind mode $114

AccuStrike chin operated, super small, grind mode $ 90

Harbor Freight #46092 (non blue-flame) AD, my current helmet $ free

Your suggestion under <$120

UPDATE 1/16 After buying the Speedglass 100v for ~$100 after rebate and using for the last 2+ years I have decided ---------------------------------I dont like it!----------------------

- reasons, well it only has 2 sensors, which if they are behind anything including hands, or what I am welding on they dont sense quickly or at all and blind me.

That plus there seems to be times that I get green flashes, randomly. I have toyed with all the settings, replaced the batteries, cleaned/replaced lenses, etc... nothing. Not impressed.

So I am back in the market, thinking I would like something with at least 4 sensors, grind mode, and lightweight.

 

[Farmall450]

My suggestion > than 120? Jackson...

Now < 120...I like my hobart hood at home.

 

[archirelic]

Those ArcOne welding helmets are currently on sale over at woot.

Here's the link: http://tools.woot.com/plus/arcone-welding-masks

 

[WayFastWhitey]

It really depends how much you are going to use it. I have a Jackson at work and a HF at home. I would not want to wear the HF one for 10+ hours a day, but its great for as much as I wear it at home. Buy 2 HF helmets so you can teach someone to weld.

 

[buco]

If I were you I'd buy the auto darkening Optrel standard size welding lense. It's the best optics out there, and then just use normal welding lense covers in a standard helmet.

 

[Zrexxer]

>$120 is easy. Optrel Satellite. I wouldn't buy anything you listed in your poll.

 

[tarbellb]

Those ArcOne welding helmets are currently on sale over at woot.

Here's the link: http://tools.woot.com/plus/arcone-welding-masks

This is why im asking, its a great price on what looks to be a great helmet. USA made, good features. But, ive always told myself if I were to get a new helmet I would seriously consider the AccuStrike, it just looks progressive.

My job doesnt require a everyday welding, but when I do its 4-5hrs a day for a week or two.

 

[tarbellb]

Also, did I get the > sign incorrect? I thought by putting it > $120 means LESS then $120?

 

[Zrexxer]

This is why im asking, its a great price on what looks to be a great helmet. USA made, good features.

Where'd you get the idea that was made in the USA?

 

[Mike662]

I see you are in Denver. I just bought a Hobart auto-darken from Murdoch's. They were on sale for $70 (regular price is $100), but I think the sale ended last week (I know, sorry).

Sorry, no link...for some reason I can't find it on their website (decent store, crappy website, IMHO). Appears to be the same model as this one, but with a goofy flame paint job.

Anyway, for my limited, beginner use, it's working out well. Has controls to select the shade, sensitivity, and delay in un-darkening (is that even a word?), and grind mode. I've only used it a few times, but it's comfortable and works as advertised.

BTW, the first one I bought had a low battery right out of the package. I figured I'd spend the $3 on a replacement battery and save myself the ride to return it. Well, it's apparently impossible to find a replacement battery (CR2035 or something like that) in stock in the Denver area. I ended up exchanging the entire helmet to Murdoch's for a new one. Good customer service, BTW.

 

[zkling]

Remember back to grade school, the alligator eats the bigger number.

Saying >$120, means your budget is greater than $120 dollars
Saying <$120, means your budget is less than $120
Saying ≥$120, means you are willing to pay $120 and up
Saying ≤$120, means you are willing to pay anything up to and including $120, but not more.

What type of welding will you be doing? ~5 (means roughly 5) hours a day for a week straight is quite a bit of arc time. I would spend some coin on a good helmet. Safety gear is one thing that you shouldn't skimp on IMHO.

Where'd you get the idea that was made in the USA?

I haven't heard much about those helmets and I'm pretty seasoned in arc time. Much compared to other main stream brands I guess I should add

 

[Zrexxer]

If you're going by the statement on their website that says "Most of our products are designed and engineered at our Taunton, MA facility." that's code for "Made in China."

 

[91bronc300]

I would buy a Striker Stealth CSV. I don't know if it's made by HTP but it's sold by HTP. It's $140.00

 

[lametec]

I'd buy the Speedglas 9002V that's on the local craigslist today. $75.

But I already have a 9100XX Speedglas.

 

[tarbellb]

If you're going by the statement on their website that says "Most of our products are designed and engineered at our Taunton, MA facility." that's code for "Made in China."

I believe your right sir, I misread that. Found this quote on their (ArcOne) site
"Auto-Darkening filter production facility strategically located in Taiwan"

Good catch.

As for actual "arc time", no its not ~5hrs, but I cant put a good number to that. I can put a number to how long the helmet is on my head and the torch in my hand. And thats about ~5hrs a day for 5-10 days a month.
All MIG welding, common steel, furniture and such.

 

[exophyusical]

Sellstrom, non speed glass, nuff said. I wouldn't waste my money on anything on that list.

 

[ShadowRuleZ]

I would buy a Striker Stealth CSV. I don't know if it's made by HTP but it's sold by HTP. It's $140.00

This is what I've been eyeballing.

 

[GIJoe4500]

I use a "Texas Pride" AutoArc that I picked up at tractor supply. Was $100. But they regularly go on sale for as low as $50.

http://www.tractorsupply.com/en/store/auto-arc-texas-pride-welding-helmet

 

[Rezarf]

I bought a second hand Jackson before the less expensive models started to flood the market. I got it for $200 off criagslist and man, I gotta say, it was the single best purchase I have made since I got a welder. My comfort and control went through the roof by adding that lid. My frustration was over, no more blind starts, headaches, itchy eyes, just get something proven safe and comfortable and you can't go wrong.

 

[jmscollinsiii]

http://www.weldingsuppliesfromioc.c...elmet-251292?gclid=COyWn9Ok1rkCFewDOgodA30Alg

This is a link to a miller one. Iv used a miller elite for about 4 years. And the positive to buying a known brand is that any welding supply house has miller consumables in stock. Just my two cents.

 

[joshmodelskidoo]

i have only used a regular helmet till i got the northern too $50 special auto darkening one. love it but its also for home use only and its on sale for $42 often http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200485271_200485271
great reviews also

 

[tarbellb]

Anybody with experience using the AccuStrike?

And I hate to say it, but the Hobarts, Millers, other major labels that are near the $100 price point are just more expensive Chinese imports. Same everything, just a sticker you recognize and double the price.

So keep my HF helmet and save $120 bucks till it breaks or purchase a "better" helmet?

 

[rollscanhardly]

I'd buy the Speedglas 9002V that's on the local craigslist today. $75.

But I already have a 9100XX Speedglas.

Speedglas for sure

At the end of the day you have to ask yourself how much are you eyes worth to you? Do you really want to use a 20% off coupon and get a HF helmet or any bargain priced helmet for that matter?

 

[tarbellb]

Speedglas for sure

At the end of the day you have to ask yourself how much are you eyes worth to you? Do you really want to use a 20% off coupon and get a HF helmet or any bargain priced helmet for that matter?

Did you really read any of this? I ALREADY have a HF helmet that has suited me pretty well.

Do you know where your lens + sensors are actually made? I agree with the idea of protecting my eyes, but you gotta think about what your money is actually paying for. ie marketing, name brand, unneeded features, etc...

 

[crewchief888]

i've had 2 less expensive AD hoods, one served me well for 11 years, until the solar cells died.
the 2nd one, from NT was the absolute biggest POS i've ever bought.
i finally ran it over with an excavator, just to end it's miserable existance

i now have 2 miller pro-hobby hoods, one from cyberweld for $139 (slightly above your $120 price range) the 2nd won in a drawing from matheson welding.


and the old standby hood, a 30 year old jackson big J

 

[tarbellb]

i've had 2 less expensive AD hoods, one served me well for 11 years, until the solar cells died.
the 2nd one, from NT was the absolute biggest POS i've ever bought.
i finally ran it over with an excavator, just to end it's miserable existance

i now have 2 miller pro-hobby hoods, one from cyberweld for $139 (slightly above your $120 price range) the 2nd won in a drawing from matheson welding.


and the old standby hood, a 30 year old jackson big J

So which do you like best, and which would you recommend for the money?

Thanks!

 

[crewchief888]

So which do you like best, and which would you recommend for the money?

Thanks!

i "tried on for size" a lot of hoods from "generic" AD to the top of the line miller, lincoln, and speedglass.

the miler prohobby seemed to fit me the best, so thats what i bought.
IIRC it was $139 shipped to my door.
3 different LWS wouldnt come within $50 + tax on the price...

 

[rollscanhardly]

Did you really read any of this? I ALREADY have a HF helmet that has suited me pretty well.

Do you know where your lens + sensors are actually made? I agree with the idea of protecting my eyes, but you gotta think about what your money is actually paying for. ie marketing, name brand, unneeded features, etc...

ummmm ya

how about you, do you really even read any of this???

Unlike the chinese crapola you want to trust your eyes to, the speedglas is made to exacting standards out of Sweden

so um ya.... my money is going to well developed and engineered products

and your $35, well at $5 manufacturing costs... you can rest assured your eyes are well protected

 

[tarbellb]

Well rollscanhardly.... thanks! I actually did a little research on the Speedglas line and found that

one: your correct, production is out of Sweden. Very cool

two: they have a economy helmet (Speedglas 100 and 100v)
that sell regularly for ~$150 plus there is a rebate program for $40 off

So thanks for your reply, regardless of how we both handled it

 

[CNGsaves]

You're starting to "see the light" that using a HF welding helmet is just not worth it. Eyes are too precious to waste on cheap helmet.

Shop around and get quality Speedglas, Hobart, Miller or comparable helmet.

On CL there are plenty of great helmets in $100 to $150 range.

Here is example of Speedglas 9002x for $150
http://salem.craigslist.org/tls/4042719742.html

 

[bobcatdan]

If you don't weld a lot, the HF works fine. The auto helmet is about the one thing from HF I own. I maybe weld something once a week and lay three beads at most. If I was doing more I would look eles where. I have noticed the few time I have done exented welding, the sheild even on the highest setting is not strong enough.