Opinions on helmets?

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I currently have a speedglas 9100xx that's a bit boring lol. I had black for pipelining... now i work in a millwright shop. Anyone use digital elite's? How does it compare to a speedglas?
Reply:They are heavier, the headgear is pretty nice though. Highly recommend the Optrel 680 or 670. Amazing clarity, view color, weight, and the finish and style are definitely not boring. Pricey but really an amazing product. I used to be afraid to use mine in the rough, but now I have two, and use one like a rented tractor. I mean I treat it like crap, and it is durable. I recently got an Arc Angel Jackson (~250$) and it lasted one day before I cracked the ADF. The Optrel has taken 30 hits like the one that did in the Jackson, and it keeps on keeping on. Its not really that much more than the Elite.Constant Current Weldor.
Reply:+1 on the Optrel 680. I'm saving up for it now.
Reply:I like my Miller Elite. It's the older model not digital but holding up well. Miller does have a current rebate.http://www.millerwelds.com/pdf/Helme...Flyer_Form.pdf
Reply:But how are these compared to my speedglas?
Reply:If it is just the boring part that annoys you, ebay has sticker sets for your hood to spice it up.Personally I like the fact that I do not have to worry about ruining a fancy paint job.
Reply:I like the speedglass 9100xx, mainly because it's light enough where I don't have to lift my hood all the time.I like my optrel helmet too. both are good.Wasn't impressed with my miller elite (non digital)loved my miller performanceand I like my jackson balder bh3Torchmate 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:I also have a Speedglas 9100xx and have owned and a Jackson Truesight as well.  You have the best helmet on the market there is no point in buying another high end welding helmet because in my experience its the clearest most comfortable on the market.  My step dad has a Miller Digital Elite,  It's okay but pales in comparison to the Speedglas 9100xx- the headgear is inferior and makes a annoying sound when you nod the helmet down, it's also on the flimsy side.  I totally feel you tho it is kinda boring having the best auto darkening helmet, its like your on top of the mountain and you still want to climb but there is nothing left to.  I bought a Fibermetal Pipeliner to use just for kicks and because its so old school looking, also compact for certain applications.  If you seriously want to buy another high end helmet... buy an Optrel or get a Pipeliner and put a ArcOne Tradesman in there or a GLASS gold shade lens..
Reply:Ty for the input!
Reply:Here are some of the skins you can buy for the helmet.
Reply:Originally Posted by taz00Here are some of the skins you can buy for the helmet.
Reply:If you like this sort of thing, go to ebay and search for "speedglas 9100 skins" , you will find lots of different options.
Reply:Originally Posted by taz00If you like this sort of thing, go to ebay and search for "speedglas 9100 skins" , you will find lots of different options.
Reply:The Jackson WB70 - light weight, nice clear blue tint.  Feels a bit flimsier.  The View is great.  My go-to helmetOptrel 680 - like it for over head welding.  Best looking. blue tint.  smaller view area.  external knobs - you can fine tune as you weld.  My under the car helmet.Miller Digital Elite - solid.  Greenish color/tint (which I don't like) - auto-off but not auto-on (flashed myself - I understand new ones are auto on) - my kids use itMiller Elite - pretty much the same as digital elite except no 'x-mode' - my kids use it.With the Miller I have trouble setting the darkness to where I can see the puddle and see where I'm welding.  If I lighten it up, the arc becomes too bright (fuzzy) etc.  No such problem with either the Optrel or the Jackson.  I personally believe the blue tint is a must.  Opinions will of course vary.  I'm in my mid 40s, so younger eyes may see things differently.Amazon has the Jackson for something like $240.  The rest are typically $300+Con Fuse!Miller Dynasty 350Millermatic 350P-Spoolmatic 30AMiller Multimatic 200Hypertherm PowerMax 1000G3Miller Maxstar 200DX
Reply:Originally Posted by con_fuse9The Jackson WB70 - light weight, nice clear blue tint.  Feels a bit flimsier.  The View is great.  My go-to helmetOptrel 680 - like it for over head welding.  Best looking. blue tint.  smaller view area.  external knobs - you can fine tune as you weld.  My under the car helmet.Miller Digital Elite - solid.  Greenish color/tint (which I don't like) - auto-off but not auto-on (flashed myself - I understand new ones are auto on) - my kids use itMiller Elite - pretty much the same as digital elite except no 'x-mode' - my kids use it.With the Miller I have trouble setting the darkness to where I can see the puddle and see where I'm welding.  If I lighten it up, the arc becomes too bright (fuzzy) etc.  No such problem with either the Optrel or the Jackson.  I personally believe the blue tint is a must.  Opinions will of course vary.  I'm in my mid 40s, so younger eyes may see things differently.Amazon has the Jackson for something like $240.  The rest are typically $300+
Reply:To the guy that wanted to trade me his optrel...im still interested. I also have this for trade. Paid 379$ too nice for where i work. Trade for other nice welding things. Actually looking for a ahp tig. They are 620$ on amazon. My helmet was 379$. Matco li ion impact worth 400$ and a 300$ modular face mill. Anyone interested? Attached Images
Reply:Don't know how they compare. Never used the Speedglass. I have the Digital Elite. It is great! Nice and light. The headgear is for a welder though. Doesn't work as well for a fabricator-where you take your hood off every 30 seconds to fit something up. Great for a welder that keeps the hood on for extended periods. Nice and comfortable.The optics are pretty good. I generally use another hood for tig, but that's just my preference. I generally use the Millers for stick, or high amp mig.
Reply:All, is 250.00 a pretty good price for the Jackson W70 BH3 helmet?My 39.00 HF is falling apart and I really can't see much through it anymore so I thought I might upgrade.I really have no idea what I am doing.Two Shop Cats (not Bobcats...real cats)Miller DialArc 250 AC/DCScratch-Start TIG SetupMIG 175Plasma CutterO/A
Reply:Originally Posted by wannab1All, is 250.00 a pretty good price for the Jackson W70 BH3 helmet?My 39.00 HF is falling apart and I really can't see much through it anymore so I thought I might upgrade.
Reply:TigM, thanks.  I've been looking through all the threads trying to find the 'best' helmet for my hobby.  DO you have any suggestions?I really have no idea what I am doing.Two Shop Cats (not Bobcats...real cats)Miller DialArc 250 AC/DCScratch-Start TIG SetupMIG 175Plasma CutterO/A
Reply:Originally Posted by wannab1TigM, thanks.  I've been looking through all the threads trying to find the 'best' helmet for my hobby.  DO you have any suggestions?
Reply:And here's another.Very good vids.Just a couple welders, big hammers, grinders, and torches.Work will free you.Men in dirty jeans built this country, while men in clean suits have destroyed it. Trump/Carson 2016-2024
Reply:Originally Posted by wannab1TigM, thanks.  I've been looking through all the threads trying to find the 'best' helmet for my hobby.  DO you have any suggestions?
Reply:Upgraded. Still not happy. Digital lens is nice. Helmet is heavier than i enjoy. Attached Images
Reply:I 2 digital Elites, love them, I had a 9100xx, but i felt that the helmet didnt block enough spatter, from overhead mig/stick and other funky out of positions. I bought the Digital Elite, never looked back...until I saw the top end Titanium hood Miller makes, the one with the integrated grinding shield...now that is nifty!Miller Spoolmate 200 w/t S-52 WirefeederMM 211'09 Miller Trailblazer 302Ok guys if there was only two helmets in the world, the Jackson W70 BH3 and the Miller Digital Elite which one would you suggest for me?  Remember, spending some other person's money is always fun.I really have no idea what I am doing.Two Shop Cats (not Bobcats...real cats)Miller DialArc 250 AC/DCScratch-Start TIG SetupMIG 175Plasma CutterO/A
Reply:Originally Posted by wannab1Ok guys if there was only two helmets in the world, the Jackson W70 BH3 and the Miller Digital Elite which one would you suggest for me?  Remember, spending some other person's money is always fun.
Reply:I'm leaning toward the W70.  I have a line on a brand new one for 250.00 and free shipping so I may have to send them the money!I really have no idea what I am doing.Two Shop Cats (not Bobcats...real cats)Miller DialArc 250 AC/DCScratch-Start TIG SetupMIG 175Plasma CutterO/A
Reply:I don't use it a lot, but when I do, the HF helmet works at a price I am willing to pay.I am not trying to impress anyone.I offer three choices: Good, Fast, & Cheap. You may pick two.Hobart AC/DC StikMate LXHarbor Freight AD HoodHarbor Freight Industrial Chop SawDeVilbis 20 Gallon, 5 HP Compressor
Reply:I'm not trying to impress anyone either.  I am, however, trying to improve my welding abilities and being able to see my work is pretty important to me.  So, yesterday I purchased the Miller Digital Elite from Zoro Tools.  I got 30% off that deal (saving $90.00) and I'm going to send in my Miller helmet rebate form for another $70.00.  So my new very good helmet will effectively cost me $143.00.  The main thing I get out of this is the clear ability to see my work.I really have no idea what I am doing.Two Shop Cats (not Bobcats...real cats)Miller DialArc 250 AC/DCScratch-Start TIG SetupMIG 175Plasma CutterO/A