Welding Helmet Recommendations

[bigkid59]

I am in the market for a new welding helmet. I am going to buy one of the automatic darkening ones and would like some input from anyone using one of these.



Since I will be using this mostly for TIG welding I will need to get one that goes up to shade 12 or 13. This excludes most of the cheap ones, but I want to get a good one anyhow. My first project with this will be fabricating a 4" exhaust system for my truck.



So far I am checking specifications on Miller,Optrel,and a couple of others. I have never bought or even used one of these helmets and would appreciate any guidance from any welders out there. I do wear glasses and if anyone knows of any problem with that in relation to any particular helmet, please let me know.



I have received a lot of good information from this site about my truck and now need to tap into this vast wealth of knowledge on this matter.



THANKS!!!

 

[LarryB]

I have the Speedglas 9000x. Does everything you need. A bit spendy but has adjustable lens. I paid about $345 but have seen them for as low as $309 I do mostly TIG but some of everything. It works great and is one of the lightest helmets available. For more info>> http://www.aros.net/~spedglas/9x.html



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[illflem]

Speedglas are the leaders. Larry has the new deluxe Darth Vader model Speedglas, I have a 5 year old barebones model. Working great for many hours for only $180. You'll never weld with a non self darkening one again after using one of these. Get extra clear plates for which ever type you get.

 

[LarryB]

I agree Bill. The best part is being able to see what you are going to strike precisely. You can also grab the grinder and grind a little using the helmet as a face shield. If your spark stream gets too big and bright though the lense will auto darken, Dohhh! One downside is when welding in tight areas if the light is blocked from the small sensor eye by say a small piece of hose or something while welding, the lense will lighten and give you a dose of eye ouweee!.



Oh! one other thing I quickly learned when I first got it is that if you strike an arc and it blinds you, it's probably because you forgot to turn it on. again, Doohhhh.....

 

[Speedo]

In addition to degree of shade you'll want to have a sensitivity

adjustment depending on what kind of light you'll be working

in. Try a couple different kinds if you can. Once you have one

you will wonder why you didn't get one sooner, they're the only

to go.

 

[Steve Campbell]

I don't know what brand I bought! But I do know it works well. A neighbor brought a gun barrell by that he had machined too deeply in 3 very small places. If I had still been using my old style helmet, I could never have helped him out. Piece of cake with the new helmet.

 

[RJ2]

Get the speedglas 9000 with the side windows , it is great. Takes the tunnel vision out. When the Miller tractor trailer demo trucks are at the Speedway they all use the speedglas helmets. It even adjusts for my plasma cutters.

 

[M Barnett]

I agree with everyone else, I would never go back. Mine says even if you forget to turn it on, which I have done, it will protect your eyes from burning.

M Barnett

 

[bigkid59]

Thanks, everybody, for the information on this subject. I am still looking and this info has helped me so far.

I am leaning toward the Speedglas but so far have not ruled out the Jackson Master series. I will probably decide this week.

I was in my garage yesterday TIG welding some hardware for my backyard fence gate and there was not a lot of natural light and a third of my flourescent lights decided to take the day off. I set up a stand mounted spot light to help get the welding done. It made a real difference, but this would have been a lot easier with a automatic helmet. So the longer I go, the more I want it!



THANKS AGAIN!!!

 

[cap-n-cray]

Jackson Nex Gen

I just got the new Jackson Nex Gen from B & R welder in FL. They are on Ebay. Cost $299. 00 and Free shipping, no tax. It has a lot of nice features. Like grind mode. It also has four sensors, so no blind spots. I do Mig and Tig welding and my old auto did not go to 13, hard on the eyes.



Here is one of thier auction:



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Might want to look at it.



Cary

 

[LarryB]

Wow, I like that one better. The helmet of my Speedglass leaves a little to be desired. I think I would go with your choice, the Jackson Nex Gen if I had it to do over. Dang, anyone want a used 9000x?

 

[Big K]

Make me a deal

Hey Larry,

Make me a deal on that Speedglass, it would be a lot better than what I've got! I'll even pick it up, so no shipping costs!

 

[rbattelle]

Time to bring this thread back to life!



I have decided it's finally time for me to start practicing welding. I have everything I need except the helmet. Here's what I want:



-Auto darkening

-Varying shades up to at least 12

-Protection in case I strike an arc with the helmet turned "off"

- Less that $200 (prefer around $150)



So far, this one looks about right. Made by Jackson. I have no idea whether it's worth it or not.



-Ryan

 

[TRAMPLINEMAN]

I've got three of the Jackson auto darkening. They have been great. Only problem I've had was my own doing. Got a little too close for a little too long and warped one of the lenses.

 

[WDixon27]

the $59 one from harbor freight has done fine for me for the last couple plus years, adjustable from 8-13 and the adjustable head strap hasn't broken yet

 

[Turbo1Ton]

I believe all of the helmets have 100% uv protection while light so even if something happens and you forget to turn it on or hide the sensor or whatever, you are protected. I have a cheaper auto darkening Hobart Hood and I have hidden the sensors quite a few times with it and other than the bright light, it doesn't do any damage. Mine is a shade #5 when light so even if I do get flashed it isn't too bad.



Jeff

 

[WDixon27]

when i notice it's doing that i blink when i strike the arc to lessen the chance i get popped, you only need to get one flash burn the know you really don't want another, that sucks bad

I believe all of the helmets have 100% uv protection while light so even if something happens and you forget to turn it on or hide the sensor or whatever, you are protected. I have a cheaper auto darkening Hobart Hood and I have hidden the sensors quite a few times with it and other than the bright light, it doesn't do any damage. Mine is a shade #5 when light so even if I do get flashed it isn't too bad.



Jeff

 

[nickleinonen]

Time to bring this thread back to life!



I have decided it's finally time for me to start practicing welding. I have everything I need except the helmet. Here's what I want:



-Auto darkening

-Varying shades up to at least 12

-Protection in case I strike an arc with the helmet turned "off"

- Less that $200 (prefer around $150)



So far, this one looks about right. Made by Jackson. I have no idea whether it's worth it or not.



-Ryan

i've got an older one like that at home that does the job for now...



i really like the one i have at work, a uvex Satellite [blue color], but it is expensive. .

 

[SpicyJam]

The Nex Gen is the helmet to have now. The Speed Glass helmets are turning into crap since 3m bought them. Since my main job is order stuff for 200 welders I ought to know, personally I have the Speed Glass XL, and now 3M quit making that lens. We have tried Optrel, but the guys here hate them, as do I since they are always being sent out for repair or replacement. So far 2 years now with the Nex Gen and it is a very nice helmet, have not had to send one back yet for service.

 

[Big K]

Wow, this one reaches back a ways...



Since then I have been using a basic fixed setting Speedglass. Better than what I had, but now looking to upgrade yet again. I have had no problems with the Speedglass unit, but I'm only in hobby mode here. Not a daily user.



A little more comfort and a better view would be nice. THX for the info on the updated products.