welding helmut, any difference between these 2 ?? Options

[jimkelly]

this is not a standing ovation for speedglas - dang.

jim

--

Speedglas SUCKS. I got retina burn from using their helmets and returned the overprice POS.

I've used a Jackson EQC for the past 13 years and it has been 100% reliable. Try before you buy if possible. Each AD helmet is just a little different. Some have no adjustment, some have shade adjustment, some have sensitivity adjustment. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/welder.gif)

[tomeric914]

this is not a standing ovation for speedglas - dang.

Sorry Jim. I've been welding for 30+ years and have always been very careful when it come to weld safety. I got burned (literally) by two separate brand new Spedglas helmets. F them, never again. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/finger.gif)

Others may have had good luck with them, YMMV.

[SirAndy]

welding Helmut

I had no idea you could weld humans ...

https://www.google.com/#bav=on.2,or.r_qf.&a...p;q=Helmut+Kohl

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/lol-2.gif)

[jimkelly]

5 years worth of dust about to get wiped away

I ordered speedglas a minute before tomeric's post - crossing my fingers now.
$154 - $40 rebate = $114 : )

can't wait to get started TACKING AND MIGGING

preferably not on people - especially myself

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/welder.gif)

[Porcharu]

If it's anything like my Speedglas you will love it. I could ride my bike with this helmet on (and gas weld as well) I love the thing. It was not cheap by any means but it has a HUGE 'screen' (like 2x of most) and goes really dark for high power welding and light enough to do low amp TIG or gas welding. Even has a setting for grinding but now way in hell am I grinding in a high end welding helmet. Great headgear as well, I can see how someone could wear this thing all day - thankfully I have an easy deskjob and don't have to do any 'real' work anymore.
My old $100 or so helmet I got while buying my MIG died a few years ago and when i upgraded I realized the old one sucked and would be illegal to sell now as the response time was over the limit - no wonder I felt like I had sand in my eyes after a long welding session. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/welder.gif)

5 years worth of dust about to get wiped away

I order speedglas a minute before tomeric's post - crossing my fingers now.

can't wait to get started TACKING AND MIGGING

preferably not on people - especially myself

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/welder.gif)

[scotty b]

this is not a standing ovation for speedglas - dang.

Sorry Jim. I've been welding for 30+ years and have always been very careful when it come to weld safety. I got burned (literally) by two separate brand new Spedglas helmets. F them, never again. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/finger.gif)

Others may have had good luck with them, YMMV.

No offense, but I seriously doubt the helmet was the issue. I've been using a Speedglas for about 10 years now with no issues. Most of the professional welders I know either have a Speedglas, Miller, or Optrel. I have never heard of any issues with any of the 3.

What was behind you when you got " screwed " by the speedglas helmets? I have had retina burn bad and it had nothing to do with the cheapo helmet I was using. It had to do with the arc flash bouncing off a yellow car that was about 2 feet behind me for 3 hours.

[VaccaRabite]

I have the HF one and it works OK, but the head strap is shit. The connection to the mask broke soon after I bought it, and the mask will not stay in place. I am going to invest in a better helmet. I have gotten flashed before using the HF helmet and yes, it sucks. Maybe my welds will pretty up if I get a better helmet. I used whatever Zach had at his garage and it was fine. No idea what brand. The one you post looks like a good deal. Thanks!

Cheap harbor freight crap.
I've been intending to upgrading for a year, but have done no welding so I haven't.

Zach

[tomeric914]

What was behind you when you got " screwed " by the speedglas helmets? I have had retina burn bad and it had nothing to do with the cheapo helmet I was using. It had to do with the arc flash bouncing off a yellow car that was about 2 feet behind me for 3 hours.

Interesting. It didn't matter where I was. On the ground, over the bench, direct sunlight, neither Speedglas worked worth a damn. Have they improved since then? Maybe, but maybe not. It's burned into my memory and I won't use them.

The issue was that Speedglas wouldn't switch from light to dark fast enough. Every time an arc was started there was a split second of blindness. It didn't matter how the lens would set, it was not fast enough. Multiple spot welds while hanging a panel and you're blind real quick.

Jim, you'll probably be fine, but you'll know for certain if it isn't working right. See what the return policy is just in case.

[Andyrew]

I've been using a HF helmet for years upon years.

I've had a Prostar helmet, but it wasnt as good as my HF one for viewing area and speed. Strap was better, but still I like the HF one. I'd get one for a backup any day.

[jimkelly]

the consensus is clear.

HF helmet is clearly sufficient, even good, especially for the price.

but it seems several brand name helmets are likely better overall.

well, I popped for $114 vs $40, and it sounds like i'll be fine.

thanks all!

first order of business is to lengthen a engine bay side shift rod by 1.5" without using JBWELD (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tooth.gif)

jim

[Trekkor]

I have a Lincoln.

I like it.


KT

[bulitt]

I believe all helmets sold in the US have to meet minimum ANSI safety standards.
However as mentioned, some have cheap straps, small viewing areas, and different sensitivity controls. I had a N tool and the strap and helmet were very thin floppy plastic. Replaced it with a Miller Classic. Much larger viewing, multiple sensitivity settings, nice straps, and takes two AAA batteries. Nothing worse than welding and the button battery goes out. Cant go wrong with a Speedglas, Miller, Lincoln.

[Dr Evil]

Might be picking up an unused Miller Elite tomorrow (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Discount!

[stugray]

I welded for over 13 years (got me through college) and have never ONCE tried the auto-darkening lenses.
Being an EE, I just dont trust the electronics with my eye-sight.

Plain old large-glass Miller.
I even learned to put electrical tape around the perimeter of the lens and the splash covers.
I prefer the gold coated plastic lenses over the old-school glass, but they are very delicate.

I use a cover on the outside and the inside to protect the lens coating from scratches.
Put the three together and put e-tape around all three, then put the whole assembly in the lens holder that goes into the hood.
I found that if i didnt use the tape, sometimes light would get around the edges by refraction if you welded in strange viewing angles.

And I actually prefer the kind that goes on over a hardhat.
That way the head strap is only as good as your hat.

And I have been flash burned enough times to know how bad it sucks.

If you get flashed, put raw potato slices over your eyes.
That is almost as good as the drops they give you in the ER.

Stu

[jimkelly]

because I got the speedglas so cheap ($114), I decided to get a harbor freight unit too ($39 with coupon), as a backup and to have one for a second person situation.

the speedglas unit is the one on the ... left I think : )

[Bartlett 914]

My Optrel died. It was pretty expensive when I got it. It has internal batteries that are charged by the photocell. One shorted and the unit cannot be opened. OK it can but is now totally destroyed. I was at a supply house and asking about the differences. One point was the number of photo receivers. The number helps insure fast response. My unit had 2. Better ones have more. I also liked the removable plastic lens. It was replaceable when scratched. Mine also had a pocket for a magnifier. I cut up an old Optovisor and used that lens. I was able to see real nice.

[jimkelly]

two more pics - the speedglas has more controls.

[bperry]

One point was the number of photo receivers. The number helps insure fast response. My unit had 2. Better ones have more.

Not only that but having more sensors can help reduce the possibility
of being flashed when you are in odd positions, since it is less likely
that all the sensors are blocked by obstructions.

I have a Jackson NexGen EQC.
It is a great lens with a large viewing area with lots of features,
like a grind only mode,
but the battery covers are a poor design and it is easy to break them when
replacing the CR2450 coin batteries.
I like the helmut but I don't think I buy it again, there are others out there
for less money that have the same features without the battery cover issue.

My hot button features:
- switch time 1/20,000 or better
- shade control
- delay control
- sensitivity
- replaceable batteries that are easy to replace
- cheater (reading glass lens) compatible
- comfortable head gear.


Having used helmuts with large openings vs smaller ones, to me
the "extra large" viewing area is a bit over rated.
Particularly if you need to use corrective lenses.
I would spend more on other features like a faster switch time,
or a lower "light" state.
i.e. how light is the glass when not welding.
This varries a bit between different lenses.
The cheaper lenses are not as light when not welding.
That means you need more light to see prior to starting the arc.


--- bill