Welding helmets, HF review Options

[Bartlett 914]

OK I know this has been beat to death but I feel I have to bring it up again. I had a nice high dollar helmet that died. It had internal batteries that cannot be changed and one shorted. I fell for the low price HF helmet. It seemed to be OK and I did use it but I felt that I was getting "flashed". It just seemed to be a little slow. Well I was welding on my sons car replacing a panel. This requires lots of spots. Very short bursts. My eyes started seeing spots in the middle of my vision. Now I am welding in the dark. I purchased a Lincolin helmet. It has 4 sensors and several controls. The window is huge. I also used the "Cheater" lens. OMG what a difference. Helmet cost me 300.00 but I would go blind with the HF unit. In all fairness, there is a possibility the HF batteries are a little weak. I did put it in the sun for awhile. I am sure it could take more time for a full charge. There is no way to tell. The batteries cannot be changed or measured. The upside of this is my HF helmet makes for a nice grinding helmet by removing the lens

[Jeff Hail]

When it comes to eyes and welding safety I would always tell you buy the best, not the best you can afford. Its 30 years later you will realize why when you are scheduling your cat surgery.

I have issues with sub $70 A/D helmets for one reason. ANSI and COLTS Certification. Anyone have an idea what it takes to get optical devices certified by both? A lot. The end user pays for that as its built into the price of the helmet.

Next: with those cheaper units the operational consistency and response time from arc to dark is questionable. Will they perform for the hobbyist and DIY guy. Maybe but who can say for sure? Who certifies these? How do you know that ANSIz87 or CSAz94.3 wasn't just engraved into the mold because they can? Too many questions come up with the cheaper ones.


Most of the big ticket brands like Miller (example Elite and Digital series) are made in Korea by Otos Optical. Another is made in Germany. Quality products with stringent certifications.

Do your homework. Your eyes will thank you. Like computers prices are coming down with time on the more expensive ones. At the same time technology is always getting better so the best will always fetch a premium.

If any helmet experiences operational issues it usually starts with the batteries. Replace them regularly. Get to know the settings and how they affect shading and response time.

Last - If your AD helmet does not have provision to replace the batteries consider it a Halloween mask.