Welding Helmet Recommendations

NickMaul

NickMaul

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 4, 2009
Location
Norfolk, VA
Howdy crew,

After 4 years my $100 Hobart auto darkening welding mask is starting to fade away. Since the holidays are coming up I figure a new one would be a nice present to myself. The comfort of my current one is pretty awful and I would also like one with a grinding mode.

I weld mig and stick in a garage environment. I probably weld a handful of times a month but when I get a big project it could be a few hours strait in one sitting.

My budget cap would be $200. I have a handful of local welding shops in my area.

Any recommendations?

TIA :D


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I love my 3m speedglas. Its the lower end model, 100v. Light weight and the head gear is comfortable. I use it for work and haven't had any problems in 2 years.

If you'll be using it for stick and mig I would recommend a variable shade helmet.
 
I don't weld a ton, but I got a Lincoln Viking 3350 for around $220 earlier this year. I don't have anything to compare it to, but it would likely fall into your budget if you look around.
 
squeak said:
I don't weld a ton, but I got a Lincoln Viking 3350 for around $220 earlier this year. I don't have anything to compare it to, but it would likely fall into your budget if you look around.
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That is the one that I have been thinking about buying. How do you like it?
 
squeak said:
I don't weld a ton, but I got a Lincoln Viking 3350 for around $220 earlier this year. I don't have anything to compare it to, but it would likely fall into your budget if you look around.
Click to expand...

Where did you find it at that price?



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EBay, Jackson welding helmet. Around 30 bones.
 
Jeff B said:
EBay, Jackson welding helmet. Around 30 bones.
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I prefer the bottom one. Less glare. Good head gear. Light weight. Virtually nothing to fail. No interfering light on off. No bateries. Normally a good all around shade. Weld and grind one hood. Doesn't get scratched like a full face clear shield. Veiwing widow better protected. And best of all cheap. I got 15 plus years in one. Third head gear. Used 5 days a week. Sometimes 7:p.
 
It's funny. I see all the hobby/home welders recommending some fancy helmets while the professionals who do it everyday, I see them using a cheap helmet that isn't auto darkening or a shield they made themselves. :lol:
 
WARRIORWELDING said:
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I prefer the bottom one. Less glare. Good head gear. Light weight. Virtually nothing to fail. No interfering light on off. No bateries. Normally a good all around shade. Weld and grind one hood. Doesn't get scratched like a full face clear shield. Veiwing widow better protected. And best of all cheap. I got 15 plus years in one. Third head gear. Used 5 days a week. Sometimes 7:p.
Click to expand...


I run the top. These last for ever.
 
I use a miller digital elite. Has 4 modes , grind ,weld, cutting and x mode . X mode is my favorite. Works off electromagnetic pulses instead of light which works great outdoors or when something is blocking the line of sight of the light sensors. I bought mine off line a few years ago for about $200. Remember it's just your eyes it's protecting, don't base your purchase online on price.
 
Jackson fixed shade with a 10/11 Hobart gold lens from tractor surprise.

Auto dark - I would buy the new lincoln with the true sight color. It’s a huge step forward and is very affordable.

I don’t like how the front lens on the sentinel gets beat up quick bc it’s so far outward from the helmet body itself
 
I also have the miller digital elite and freakin love it, until the batteries run out....then i have a harbor freight cheapy auto dark as backup that has served me for 6 years....with a handheld shield for when i cant fet in certain areas
 
NickMaul said:
Can you expand on this? Do auto darkening helmets have a gold lense or is that going to be for a helmet with a fixed lense.
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Gold will be for a fixed shade, and the clarity is nice.
Fixed shade helmets have their place, but try flipping one down when you're elbow deep under a truck or in a tight spot.
 
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hurt4x4 said:
Gold will be for a fixed shade, and the clarity is nice.
Fixed shade helmets have their place, but try flipping one down when you're elbow deep under a truck or in a tight spot.
Click to expand...

Gotcha. There is a pretty large welding shop local to me. Comfort was a big factor here so I may go there and try some on.

The gold lense sounds like a good idea for stick welding because that is the hardest thing for me to see.


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