new lid. jackson W70 vs optrel e684

admin

Well pretty sure my HF metal head lid is not doing what its built to do. My nose and cheeks are sunburned and my eyes have been KILLING me (i only wear dark shirts so thats not it) but anyways once my income tax comes in i want a new hood. I hate the green stuff (too much NVGs in the army made my eyes super sensitive to it) but clarity to see the puddle is my number 1 priority. I can deal with it being a little uncomfortable. But as long as it protects my eyes and i can see VERY clearly then ill be happy. Thanks in advance guys
Reply:I haven't used the jackson W70, but the e684 is like there isn't even a lens there, in terms of clarity. 1st on WeldingWeb to have a scrolling sig! HTP Invertig 400HTP Invertig 221HTP ProPulse 300HTP ProPulse 200 x2HTP ProPulse 220MTSHTP Inverarc 200TLP HTP Microcut 875SC
Reply:Thats what ive been hearing. About the only complaint ive head is the small veiw but my HF hood is the same size so it wont be that serious for me.
Reply:I've been running an optrel e680 for a year. I like it. Outside grind mode button is the way to go. Puddle clarity is great, not much green hue either.Powcon 300st (my favorite)Miller Goldstar 600ssLincoln Idealarc 400/400Miller 12vs2 LN25'sMiller Deltaweld 302Miller Bobcat 250 G EFIMiller Bobcat 225d Plus (Dropped a valve, up soon)Everlast 255ext (ordering soon!)
Reply:If im not mistaken the 684 comes with a grind mode. Its probably gonna be the one i get but i wanted some input from some Jackson guys to get their input
Reply:Also rounded front cover is great for overhead.Powcon 300st (my favorite)Miller Goldstar 600ssLincoln Idealarc 400/400Miller 12vs2 LN25'sMiller Deltaweld 302Miller Bobcat 250 G EFIMiller Bobcat 225d Plus (Dropped a valve, up soon)Everlast 255ext (ordering soon!)
Reply:I'd try the lincoln k3350-2 viking helmet.Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:Im sure the vikings are nice hoods but theyre just to big and blocky for my liking. Thanks though
Reply:If you like slim masks check out snap-on masks. There real slim but don't have a very big window. I really like my nexgen alot I bought it used. I also had a HF and the difference is huge
Reply:Ive used a snap on one before but it wasnt the greatest.  Hows the view on that nextgen?
Reply:Is crazy good over the HF!!the way you can see the arc happen is really cool and the tungsten looks crystal clear and the puddle. I really like it. I have only used a couple masks so I can't compare much. Sorry I couldn't help much on the masks you were asking about. If you've got friends that weld with good masks ask if you can test them out. I though myself a spendy mask can't be that much better but there really is a big difference.
Reply:Thats what ive heard. Ive been doing ALOT of research on my next lid and the nextgen is one that has definitely popped up but i heard that its not that durable
Reply:A lot of my welding is in plant " field welds" were there are obstacles in the way that don't allow you to get a straight on view of the weld joint. For this type of work my NexGen lens sucks. The  shade of the Nexgen becomes significantly lighter when you have to view the welding arc through it at an angle. My HTP CSV and Lincoln Viking 2450 don't have this issue. 10 years ago the Nexgen was a good lens. Nowadays there are significantly better lenses available that cost less money.ESAB Migmaster 250 Hobart Ironman 230Multimatic 215TWECO Fabricator 181i & 211iHH125EZ - nice little fluxcore only unitMaxstar 150 STH - very nice
Reply:The CSV keeps popping up ill have to look into that. Thanks for the heads up on the nextgen though. Id LIKE to get one that has a 1/1/1/1 rating like the viking. But the blockiness of it just turns me off of it
Reply:The shape of the CSV and Viking hood are similar I don't see any blockiness to them. Personally, I'd go with the Viking over a CSV. I went with the 2450 Viking model, because my 46+ year old eyes require me to use a cheater lens at certain distances, so the larger view of the 3350 provided me with no advantage. I prefer the Viking over the CSV , because the Viking gives me a little longer delay setting, and it also gives me shade 5-8 that the CSV doesn't offer. The lower shades come in handy for low amperage TIG, and plasma cutting.I'd like to give the 684 a try, but the special front cover lens turn me off on it. The CSV and Viking 2450 use a standard 4 1/2" X 5 1/4" front cover lens that my work stocks for us to use.ESAB Migmaster 250 Hobart Ironman 230Multimatic 215TWECO Fabricator 181i & 211iHH125EZ - nice little fluxcore only unitMaxstar 150 STH - very nice
Reply:Yeah the old lady just informed me those are way out of our price range so i guess ill be going with the striker digital. Vikings a little too far out there also