Welding Helmets - Best Protection

[72BlckButy]

Looking to purchase a welding helmet but I don't want to break the bank either.

Thoughts?

I've already read through the thread below, just wanted to see if anything has changed in the helmet market since 2010.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ghlight=helmet

[72BlckButy]

bump... any advice?

[cableguy0]

Now that I do weld everyday at work I have a much better helmet and wouldnt even think of using the HF helmet anymore. However I spent a good chunk of change on my helmet. I bought the top line snap on auto darkening helmet. I bought the snap on brand helmet because the features are almost identical to the Miller Elite which I was using before but the Miller would have been 350 bucks straight out of pocket. I was able to make payments on the Snap on. I have no complaints with the helmet and have had it for almost a year. I have used a bunch of different helmets and would definately recommend spending the extra money on a better quality helmet. They will switch faster,have a larger viewing area and last a lot longer. For someone without access to a Snap on dealer I would say to get the Miller Elite helmet with the grind feature. The grind feature allows you turn off the auto dark so that the lense stays slightly tinted but you have a full size welding helmet protecting your face during cutting or grinding etc.

[ETsC10]

Wow. Great review Cableguy0!
And a good tip on the Miller Elite’s extra feature, too...
....one product for multiple chores...what's not to like!

There's got to be many more innovative helmets out there...
Anyone have a favorite or a new-wave model to show off?

[Gumby]

Been using a HF auto darkening helmet for many years now, no complaints. Thought id have to replace it by now as it gets nearly daily use.

[midniteblues]

the real gear helmets dont look too bad although I have no expeirence with them I cant vouch for them.

I'm in the same boat I really could use a new auto mask but both my anceint huntsman and jackson just had new free lense's installed(thanks pop) and I dont mind the flip up & down it keeps my tac's and welding at a slower pace witch we all know is good boy what a differnce the lense''s made though I can see!

[ERASER5]

My only complaint about my HF helmet is that it is not designed to hold a cheeter lens (magnifier). Other than that, I am satified with my Eagle HF hood. You younger guys may not care about a cheeter lens, but after **+ years, you will.

[Gumby]

Didn't even know they had "cheeter lens"

Some reason im not a flip up or down guy, I remove that plastic head band and just hold the helmet in my hand, like those cheap hand held you get with a welder, it sucks at times, and others I think its helpped get good hand control. And now its just habbit, and people don't ask to borrow your helmet as they get be-fumbled.

99.8% mig

[Gumby]

Mask Auto Darkening Welding Helmet Black+len cover+removable(+2.00)Cheater

http://bit.ly/Utl63q
$59.99 free shipping

[ssapach]

I use a Fibre Metal helmet. It's pretty simple, but it fits me so nicely even though i have a fat head.

I also use a Sperian solar powered auto tint lens. It works pretty darn good so far!

[72BlckButy]

Excellent information guys.

[ryanroo]

Speedglas

by far the best helmet ever. i've had mine since 2006, probably has over 5000 hours of actual trigger time. they are the clearest optically and the lightest helmets. ive worn mine for an 18+ hour day welding probably 90% of that time and had no fatigue. not in my eyes or neck. this was also spray arc mig, so it wasn't low intensity. my ONLY complaint is the fibre metal headgear. it is wimpy. they have a new model out that is on my watch list, and they are worth the price. i just have trouble replacing a hood that works flawlessly everyday. if you plan on doing much welding at all i suggest you spend a little on your hood. the better hoods protect your eyes better and that is important. not to mention you can see what you are doing better and that is going to lead to more success in welding. i also disagree with the "bigger is better" view field idea. you only have to see the small spot you are welding. seeing more is a good way to get distracted.

Ryan

[72BlckButy]

Well guys... I haven't used it yet but I scored a Hobart XVS helmet yesterday at Orscheln's. Apparently they were closing them out so I got a smokin' deal on it. It doesn't have the grinder setting on it but it does have a variable setting from 9-12. With what limited time I will use it for, this helmet was an aswesome pre-black Friday buy.

If you need one, check your local Orscheln's.

[Turkey]

Jackson...'nough said

[crushermechanic]

i have the optrel satellite. it has the grinding feature and it will adjust from 5 to 13 1/2. i weld for 10-12 hours at a time with it and dont get worn out from it.

[ProStreet68SB]

Originally Posted by Turkey

Jackson...'nough said

x2. I have a Jackson NexGen and it's by far one of the best welding hoods I've used. It's also made in America by Jackson.

[Sub-versive]

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...welding+helmet

Check this one too.