Reccomendations on helmet?

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Been using an auto darkening helmet from Harbor Freight type place for a few years, really it's been pretty decent, other than in cold weather when it gets slow to trigger.But I'm finding it less than ideal the more TIG I do. Plus I would like to have a helmet I keep clean and clear for nothing but tig work.Any reccomendations, Doing quite a bit of thin metal low amps with face stuffed in close and have some aluminium projects comming up too.Looked at the Millar Elite and Digital, nice and light on the head, lots of ajustability on settings. 3 or 4 pickups for the low amp TIG stuff.ThanksLincoln PT185 TIGLincoln 175 MIGLincoln 240 amp AC StickLind Needle Arc plasma welderPlasma cutter, soon???
Reply:i got a elite after a cheap a/d hood and like it a lot.you can get a little flash of tig at the end of a crater fill if you set it wrong.i got a passive miller that  uses the same size lenses for that reason (and also as a backup), but i dont use it much...miss the auto dark too much.woulld i buy another elite.....yesG
Reply:Been using a miller elite fo 1yr 8 mo, head gear a little cheap, but it is still all original on mine. No problems yet, I use 44lbs of  wire every other day.
Reply:Another vote for the Miller elite. I tried as many AD hoods as I could get my hands on and I liked the fit and feel of the Miller the best personally. I have not regretted the investment.
Reply:I have to turn my helmet on when I use it. But it shuts itself off around 30 minutes. Since I weld, fit, drill, weld, drill, pee etc. I may not weld for 32 minutes, I had better remember to turn it back on.  I won't have another helmet that doesn't auto-on. This isn't a harbor frite helmet: Sellstrom, about 8 years old, $300.Things I like: easily 'findable' AA batteries, standard flat protective lens.I'd like: 4 sensors (been flashed with 2), low amp TIG ability, lighter, something to hold my cheater lens, bigger knobs (mine are 5/16" diameter with small adj blades and tiny stenciling).9-11-2001......We Will Never ForgetRetired desk jockey. Hobby weldor with a little training. Craftsman O/A---Flat, Vert, Ovhd, Horz. Miller Syncrowave 250
Reply:I did not really like the look of the tiny adjustment knobs on the Miller, Thats where I thought the Digital might be an advantage, buttons could be pressed with gloved hand. I do like the external adjustment on my old AD though, can reach up and adjust without taking the helmet off, but sometimes the knob has gotten it's self screwed off to 8 when I wanted 11 or up to 13 when I wanted 8 or 9.Lincoln PT185 TIGLincoln 175 MIGLincoln 240 amp AC StickLind Needle Arc plasma welderPlasma cutter, soon???
Reply:We just upgraded to (2) digital elites. The X mode with the electronic arc sensor is terrific for situations like low current TIG or when you are working out in the sun. We have been doing both lately and are really appreciating the extra bucks we spent on the digital elites.CharleyL
Reply:I used a speedglas 9000 series for about 8 years, it was a great helmet and really light but it was quite easy to obstruct the sensors. I now use the Kemppi Beta 90X. its a bit more weighty than the speedglas but its still comfortable, Its got good reaction time, hard to obstruct the sensors, Its got lots of adjustment for shade and reaction speed, Its solar powered so no need to worry about batteries and its got a flip front with clear lens underneath for grinding, sharpening tungsten etc. You never need to take it off!!
Reply:I been using a Speedglas 9002 for years and love it, really light and it always works.....Reaction time is really quick. When it wears out will buy another one just like it.....BrandonLincoln Tombstone 225 A/C Steel StickerOld Victor O2/Acetylene setupMiller Syncrowave 250 Tig/PC-300 PulserMiller Millermatic 212 Mig HTP Invertatig 201 Giant Teck D50 Plasma cutterLots of HF grinders
Reply:Timberwolf,If you're going to spend the money on an elite series hood, do yourself a favor and go with the digital.I used a standard BWE for the last couple years.  Got so it was flashing me a bit on lo amp tig (may have been blocking the sensors).  Plus, the older BWE's only went down to a shade 9.Recently got a BWE digital and love the hood.  Headgear is a little cheezy (replaced it once on the old hood) but it is very comfortable.Only thing I don't like about the BWE digital, is having to turn it on after only about 30 min of non welding.  Get used to it though.Syncro 250 DX Dynasty 200 DXMM 251 w/30A SG XMT 304 w/714 Feeder & Optima PulserHH187Dialarc 250 AC/DCHypertherm PM 1250Smith, Harris, Victor O/ASmith and Thermco Gas MixersAccess to a full fab shop with CNC Plasma, Water Jet, etc.
Reply:Thanks Sundown and others, thats the way I was thinking, bit of money, but sounds like it's built for the job. having to turn it on is going to be a learning curve, but learned to do tougher things.Just need to check price local and then see if it's close enough to justify not buying on line.Lincoln PT185 TIGLincoln 175 MIGLincoln 240 amp AC StickLind Needle Arc plasma welderPlasma cutter, soon???
Reply:for what it's worth, i'm a fan of the Optrel linehttp://www.optrel.com/us/index.php?site=productshttps://weldingsupply.securesites.co...OR:terms::PR10i use an Optrel Satellite (now called an E680) for all my tigging, it really lets me get in close when i need to and you can adjust the filter range on the fly just by turning the dial while you weld. and i use the older style (more of a square than newer ergo model) shades 10-11 for the dirty smoky jobs.  and if things get too damn bright (ie; mig Alu, i throw a tinted inside lens in).
Reply:I had a Optrel Satellite for almost 4 years, it was a good helmet, problem with those is once the internal battery goes dead, the helmet is shot. I know a lot of guys from our factory that had theirs for less than a year and a half, and they had to throw them away. At least the Millers and others you can replace the battery.
Reply:Originally Posted by yammymanI had a Optrel Satellite for almost 4 years, it was a good helmet, problem with those is once the internal battery goes dead, the helmet is shot. I know a lot of guys from our factory that had theirs for less than a year and a half, and they had to throw them away. At least the Millers and others you can replace the battery.
Reply:Good to hear those battery's are replaceable now. We had alot , and i mean alot, of angry welders in our shop because of those optrels.!!! lol
Reply:Originally Posted by yammymanGood to hear those battery's are replaceable now. We had alot , and i mean alot, of angry welders in our shop because of those optrels.!!! lol
Reply:I my self have the digital elite and love it my teacher said my welds have improved a lot just by changing helmets.. I think its because i can see more of the weld area verses 1.5" viewing area.. thats just my 2 cents well worth the 300 I payed on ebay.
Reply:All of you guys that had failed helmets should have lit a fire under Sperian's *** to replace them.
Reply:I have used a HF hood and now I have a Miller hood (for about 2 years now).  I wouldn't trade my Miller hood for anything.Jamie WebbWelder & InspectorBusiness and HobbyLincoln Pro-Mig 180 with Spool Gun and Lincoln AC225
Reply:Had gas to exchange today and they didn't have a digital in stock and their price was a bit high, so might just order one on line. Like to shop local if I can, but $75 - $100 difference time shipping is paid is a bit much.Lincoln PT185 TIGLincoln 175 MIGLincoln 240 amp AC StickLind Needle Arc plasma welderPlasma cutter, soon???
Reply:I like my old fashin flip-lense jackson.. I have used it for over 15 years tool and die welding and it hasen't failed me yet.
Reply:if you're under 50-75 amps or so, a shade 9 gold lens is fairly easy to see out of if you have to leave the hood down. especially if you have at least one light near the work area. for AD helmets look at the jackson lineup like nexgen or the EQC variable. what i don't like about the miller elite is the curved cover lenses are expensive but you may not have to change them much for just tig work.
Reply:What about using a accu-strike helmet?
Reply:I like the Jackson EQC Pro Variable lens.  I have 2 and am very happy with both.  Tough, reliable, last long time, work great in all conditions.   The new Halo-X hood is lighter than the old HSL-100 too.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Here is the place where i got mine and they ship  fast and its free shipping.. http://stores.shop.ebay.com/Welding-...0436331?_rdc=1Ive used about every type of hood out there in the past 6-7 years, For the money the miller was decent and lightweight, the huntsman 4x4 was about the best ive used when it comes to clarity as it has a nice baby blueish shade, but my speedglas gets used the most
Reply:I think I am kind of set on the miller digital, that extra lighter shade is nice for the low amp tig and plasma needle arc. Helmet will be shop only 99% TIG and won't ever see abuse so if it's a little lighter duity thats ok.Any good places to buy on line? likely best if place is in the north east. Looks like $275 for the black digital and about $290-300 for graphics is the best price going.Lincoln PT185 TIGLincoln 175 MIGLincoln 240 amp AC StickLind Needle Arc plasma welderPlasma cutter, soon???
Reply:Cyberweld would be a good online place to check out.  www.cyberweld.com  Or try Ebay.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:http://stores.shop.ebay.com/Welding-...0436331?_rdc=1 they ship fast
Reply:I was going to buy a Miller Titanium 7300 when I saw this in ebay and won it. Speedglas 9002Xhttp://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...=STRK:MEWNX:ITHave not received it yet but would like to purchase a Diopter lens 1.5 for it. Does 3M sell these lenses or do I have to go find one from another manufacturer? I'm in the Philippines and can only buy online in the US market.Thanks
Reply:I have been using a new speedglass 9100x for about 2 months.   Best I saw opticaly.   The headgear is massively adjustable.  Lightweight .   Shell is not soft and flopppy like some.  Like it a lot.My first auto helmet.   Selected it spicificaly for low amp Tig capacity.  About 315$ here in florida.Amother nice feature - it has side windows which makes it less clostriphobic and greatly helps your preiferal vision.   I can leave it down and walk throug the shop and not kill myself falling oversomething.   Plus its got air vents too.PSIt takes the regular small size of magnifier inserts ( I use 2 x for tig )The 9100x is the medium size window.  The large window is 100$ more.Didn't see much advantage of the extra size for the buck.Love the helmet.Last edited by jethro; 08-02-2011 at 02:48 AM.
Reply:Had the jackson EQC master for years and it was good but i didn't like the two sensor set up got flashed a lot When i bought my TB302 i also got a digital elite no more getting flashed and use it for plasma cutting and gouge and grinding also it works greatBacked my CATMA over your CARMA oops clusmy me  What would SATAN do ?? Miller Trailblazer 302 AirPakMiller Digital Elite  Optrel Welding HatArcair K4000Suitcase 12RC / 12 VSHypertherm PM-45Rage 3 sawRusty old Truck
Reply:Originally Posted by jethroShell is not soft and flopppy like some.
Reply:Originally Posted by yammymanI had a Optrel Satellite for almost 4 years, it was a good helmet, problem with those is once the internal battery goes dead, the helmet is shot. I know a lot of guys from our factory that had theirs for less than a year and a half, and they had to throw them away. At least the Millers and others you can replace the battery.
Reply:I personally have a Jackson nexgen and a fibre metal pipeliner. My guys all have different kinds. Some are miller digital elite, some speedglass. 2 guys even have the ****ty lincoln Vikings. I have a big head, so I love my nexgen.Go Cards!!!!!
Reply:i have 2 speedglas hoods. a 9100x and a 9100xx. i also have a new digital elite. i liked the 9100x so well i bought the xx and it's even better. i thought the side windows in the x was a great idea but after using it for a year i got the xx without the side windows because i found the windows to be more of a distraction mainly when welding outside in the sun. added to much glare to the inside so i just leave the covers on the side windows. i bought the miller because of name and the reviews on here. after putting it through it's paces, in just my opinion the only nice part about the digital elite is it proves to me that the speedglas hoods are far superior then the flimsy, uncomfortable, less defined clarity of lens, noisy ratcheting head gear, and flush touch buttons. i have to say the digital display is nice if you are holding it in your hand looking at it when you change it with gloved hands on the flush buttons and you can read the display and see it change. on your head good luck. i was flashed several times just turning it on "or so i thought"  with mig gloves on after it shut off. (be sure to watch for the lens to darken to make certain it turns on). with the speedglas hoods, no problem with the raised buttons and lights with stick gloves. you don't have to be looking directly at the lens because the light just jumps out at you. i will say that if i had bought the DE prior to the speedglas's i would have been spoiled because it is far superior than any other hood i had prior to the 9100x. once you go with a Caddy a Lincoln just doesn't cut it.225NT bobcatAEAD200LEScott 125mm175, mm252 w 30A, PT225mm211, TA 181iHyper Therm 380, cut master 529100X & XX, Digital Elite6 Victor setssmith little torch, meco midget kalamazoo band sawsteel max saw evoulution circular saw
Reply:My 9100xx is a very good helmet large window..You guy's asking about a cheater lens????Just get a pair of reading glasses at the correct power and weld .The 9100xx won't even know you have them on. I weld shop work only all tig no stick with reading glasses and have great success.V.
Reply:I use a 2x4 huntsman 411p that i use i bought a ad lense made by miller that goes in plase of the original lense and it works great i do shop and feild welding from tig  to wirefeed and stick even  air arc and never have had any problems pluss it take no batteries its all solar powerd dont have to worrie about turning it on works in the heat as well as the cold total with hood and lense i spent about 150.00 hope this helpsLincoln Pro Core 125Lincolin sp 100Miller Big 40Lincoln Idealarc SP250miller matic 212http://www.facebook.com/hdwelding?sk=wallwww.hdweldingbeds.com