which helmet?

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So, I'm in the market for my first helmet.  I'd love one of the Speedglas 9100x but there's just no way I can shell out that much dough.  Probably never should have tried it on, oh well.My needs aren't going to be as demanding as say a full time welder, so I'm writing to tell ya what I'm looking for and see if you guys have any suggestions.My values go like this...glass size (3.5" x 2" min) and shade options (5-13) are on top.  Second would be comfort and extra shade options like tack and grind modes.  Third is stuff like shade sensitivity, etc.  As I'm still learning the trade at my own pace it probably would never be on my head for more than 30 minutes at a time.  I really don't care what it looks like, it def doesn't have to be brand name.A hundred bucks or less if possible is where I'm aiming in price range, at least for now.If you guys can suggest a proven good model for me I'd sure appreciate.My buddy works for MSC and gets Sperian and Jackson Safety helmets at cost, but as I don't know a thing about either of them I'm fairly hesitant.  Either of these known to be any good? bad?as always many thanks, and Merry ChristmasLast edited by 4130; 12-16-2009 at 04:09 AM.
Reply:I've never used a Sperian hood, but Jackson hoods are awesome.  Speedglas makes a really nice hood, and I love my 9100v.  Its a little more expensive than what you have in your budget, but might be worth saving up for.  I'm pretty sure everyone has their own preference on hoods though..  Get out and try on a bunch and decide which one you like the most...Esab TradeMaster TorchSmith AW1A Airline TorchLincoln AC/DC 225/125Millermatic 252 w/ Spoolmatic 15aThermal Arc 190 GTSSpeedGlas 9100v
Reply:I agree. Jackson makes a good hood. I have a fixed shade Jackson that used to be my primary hood for a long time. I currently have a Miller Elite. It won't go down to a 5 however and is way more money than you say you want to spend.I would put fit and comfort as number 1 on the list personally. 30min doesn't seem like a long time till you have on a hood that doesn't fit well and is annoying especially in awkward places. I tried on every hood I could lay my hands on before investing in the Miller. I tried the Speedglass hoods, but they just didn't feel comfortable to me. Maybe it was the adjustment, but I wasn't interested in a hood that MIGHT fit better after I F'd with it for a while. If you can find a friend with a hood you can try or see if the LWS has one to try, I would.I was also hesitant about some of the budget no name hoods made in China. In THEORY they will protect as well as the big money hoods. I do know that quality control on most of that stuff is minimal at best. To me my eyes are worth more than saving $200 or so. It's a little late to look back and say "oops I should have spent the money" when your eyes are F'd years later. I can list dozens of things that were "SAFE" in the 60's and 70's that are killing people today due to lack of PPE..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Your budget may be a little low but here is my suggestion. Get the Speedglas hood in the fixed shade 10 or 11. It will be a shade 3 when on (no arc) shade 7 when off (for torch cutting) and shade 10 or 11 (on and welding) I have been welding for some time and have never needed an extra mode to tack. The Speedglas hoods that flip up and have the clear shield for grinding are nice but a little heavier and its really not necessary. Dont get a cheap hood, you get what you pay for. The fix shade Speedglas hoods are about 150 and you may find them a little cheaper than that.
Reply:Can anyone tell me how the 3M Speedglas 100V stacks up against other helmets?Found here for $140...http://cgi.ebay.com/3M-SPEEDGLAS-100...item53de971321Also, how about the Miller Performance model (between the Pro-Hobby and Elite models)Found here for $181...http://cgi.ebay.com/MILLER-PERFORMAN...item518bf6b1ddLast edited by 4130; 12-16-2009 at 06:16 PM.
Reply:A little more than the hundred bucks you want to spend, but these are very good hoods that I use that will do all that you want and last for years.Click name of hood to learn more...Jackson EQC Pro Variable.  I have 2 of these, used regularly, excellent lenses, very durableJackson EQC 3N1 Executive.  I have one of these, great lens, full featured, large view areaJackson Boss EQC.  If I buy another style Jackson lens, this will probly be it, either this or the one below...Jackson NexGenLast edited by DesertRider33; 12-16-2009 at 07:17 PM.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Thanks everybody for all the help.  My heads still spinning from looking at all the different models and options.Have heard a neg review of the Miller Performance model, and unfortunately that's the way I was leaning.  Can anybody else give an opinion on this particular model?
Reply:i recommend against a radnor cobra  which i have and never use. i recommend a huntsman 951p, inexpensive. i use a gold lens and see the puddle very well...
Reply:I used to have a Miller Elite and loved it (well until my brother decided to back over it). Now I have the Jackson NexGen X great helmet. Buts it really what ever works for you meeting both you budget and welding needs. If not doing alot of welding and trying to get off cheap yet functional try a Harbor Freight Auto Darkening helmet they have a couple of good ones! And if you can locate one of those 20% off coupons it makes a great USEFUL bargain. my backup helmet is a Harbor Freight autoodark that I have used for years. There are also some great import helmets out there as well try contacting Lugweld of Everlast! I see Everlast has some great looking helmets  that has many of the features that rival even the best of the helmets out there.Co-Own CNC shop:Miller :1251 plasma cutter, MaxStar 700 TIG/Stick, & XMT 456 Multiprocess Welder.&  2 Hypertherm HPR260's Plasma CutterSorry I had a bad stroke but now I am back.
Reply:Working construction I always used a fixed shade hood. Until recently I have been working in a shop and purchased a Chicago Electric welding hood from Harbor Freight. I would NOT recommend that hood what so ever. It allows a lot of light in through the bottom. Making welding uncomfortable and occasionally getting flash burn. The only good thing about it, is that it only costs about 40$. Still NOT worth it. Just my .02
Reply:Harbor Freight has a couple of styles other than the standard el cheapo  you might want to go to the Harbor Freight site to check it out. NorthernTool's site also has some good helmets.Co-Own CNC shop:Miller :1251 plasma cutter, MaxStar 700 TIG/Stick, & XMT 456 Multiprocess Welder.&  2 Hypertherm HPR260's Plasma CutterSorry I had a bad stroke but now I am back.
Reply:I hope I got on before you spent your money 4130.  Check out this one, you'll be glad you did.http://www.accustrike.com/
Reply:Try out a Jackson, Huntsman, Sellstrom or Fibre Metal all good fixed shade hoods.
Reply:if you are just starting to weld, pay your dues and get a fixed shade hood... still have and use the first fibermetal pipeliner i ever owned.Air vantage 500 on the 08' KWharris torchesl25 pro suitcasecomletely restored 1969 SA200 redfaceon my 08' duramaxPIMPN AINT EASY
Reply:Originally Posted by 4130Thanks everybody for all the help.  My heads still spinning from looking at all the different models and options.Have heard a neg review of the Miller Performance model, and unfortunately that's the way I was leaning.  Can anybody else give an opinion on this particular model?
Reply:Get the new Halo hood from lincoln. It is basically a Jackson EQC 3in1 and it only weighs about half a pound. It is super light weight and wont tire you out over a long day like the older Jacksons will. Not too bad on price either.AWS CWI/CWEASNT NDT Level 2 PT/MTAWS Certified Welder(aerospace)
Reply:I have always used the Huntsman.  I have two of them with a different shade in each.  I like the light weight of the Huntsman.
Reply:Originally Posted by redcoupeGet the new Halo hood from lincoln. It is basically a Jackson EQC 3in1 and it only weighs about half a pound. It is super light weight and wont tire you out over a long day like the older Jacksons will. Not too bad on price either.