welding helmets

[calvin78612]

looking to buy an auto darkening helmet,any thoughts on brand names,solar or battery powered.I have been looking at hobart but not really sure.Any input would be great.

[crushermechanic]

how huch welding do you plan on doing? you want the best helment you can get. i weld alot and for 8-12 hours at a time. i have the optrel sattelite solar helmet. it is expensive but its light and comfortable and works great.

[trz1000]

I have a Speedglas 9000 helmet with the 9002x screen. You can adjust the shade from 9 to 13 and adjust the sensitivity so you don't get flashed with low amp tig. It's a great helmet that I've had for over 10 years with lots of use. I've only been flashed once when my arm was covering the sensors. Since it's like a shade 5 or so when it's light, the flash wasn't that bad.

They're expensive but if you weld a lot, worth every penny. One thing I don't like is the head gear, it's very flimsy. Never broke or anything but the weight of the helmet will deform the head gear making it kind of tough to put the helmet on one handed. Well, not that tough but I have an old non auto dark helmet that is very easy to put on with one hand. This comes in handy when you're welding in odd positions.

I don't know if the newer helmets have better headgear.

I've never used a Hobart or Miller helmet but have heard they are great as well. I'd stay away from the cheapies, I used one once and was flashed twice. For the record I do not believe that more expensive always means better though typically you get what you pay for. My eyes are too valuable for low buck protection.

[71swb4x4]

I barely use mine but I have a Speedglas too. I love it. It's very light and has a huge window.

[weekendracer728]

Speedglas x3 use it everyday and love it

[calvin78612]

Picked up an Auto Arc last night from Tractor Supply for 99 bucks,it's auto darkening w/ a #9-13 variable shade and lithium battery.I will be picking up my miller in a couple of weeks so i'll find out how good the helmet is.Who sells the Speedglas helmey ?

[NONHOG]

I bought one from Northern tool. Was cheap but works great. I read up on it first and it had good reviews.
My welding still needs practice but the helmet helped!

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...1850_200311850


Learned about it here.
http://www.weldingtipsandtricks.com/...g-helmets.html

^ fun site to check out.

[vin63]

The brands the other member's listed are great options. As far as type, I tend to lean toward the solar powered helmets, so that it's a little more worry-free for me.

[FFredo]

Speedglas has set me free.

[Sub-versive]

My personal recommendation is for the Jackson Nexgen.
http://store.cyberweld.com/jaweheneauda4.html

At work I have had the opportunity to use cheapo brands, 2 different Millers, and the 3M Speedglas. I have noticed delayed reactions even on highest sensitivity with the Millers while TIG welding, and I won't stand for that. I am really surprised by that with the quality of everything else Miller puts out. I don't like the Speedglas, doesn't fit my fat head.
I agree, don't trust your eyes to cheap cr@p.
Out of all the welding helmets, I like the Jackson the best, but I do wish it was longer at the neck like thw Miller. Guess you can't have everything.

[TIM86]

Im actually getting ready to start welding school in august. Thanks for info guys!

[ERASER5]

I just have a Harbor Freight hood (Eagle). Solar + battery back up. Standard 9-13 adjustment. This had the biggest screen of any I've seen. I have not had any delay issues at all, and have never flashed my eyes during welding. It has worked fine for stick, mig and tig. My only problem with this helmet, and many, many pricier helmets, is there is no provision for a cheater lens. That is a magnifier lens for us older folks.

I would recommend this helmet to anyone starting out. One you have some experience, you can look for a better, more expensive, helmet that is exactly what you want. Buying a $300.00 helmet, then realizing you really need $400.00 will bring the suck!

[calvin78612]

I've had no issues with the Auto Arc helmet.The fit is good and haven't flashed my eyes yet,i would recomend it for sure.Also i love my Millermatic 211