Quality Difference? Welding Helmets

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I have this now....                           

I just ordered this....Lincoln Viking  3350 series....is there really any quality difference, as far as protection for the eyes, and such?   The Vulcan from Harbor Freight is nice, but I have found that I have to really tighten the headband more than is comfortable in order for it to stay in place, then when lifting the hood, it seems to want to fall off.   If  you have the Lincoln 3350 series, could you comment on the experience you've had with it?               

Miller Multimatic 215Miller Spoolmate 150Primeweld cut 60 Plasma CutterMilwaukee Chop SawBauer Portaband Saw w/Swag TableDewalt, Milwaukee, Porter Cable 4.5” grindersMag Drill/Annular CuttersArcUnion J-20 Portable Rod OvenVevor pipe stands
Reply:protection for your eyes will be the same- You'll get clarity and some other functions with a more expensive hood.Head gear quality might be better but honestly my HF hood seems to be the only one that holds.My Hobart hood head gear sucks.Ed Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:if your dead set on a lincoln i would of went with that 2450adv to be honestinvertig 221 water cooledhypertherm powermax 30xpfronius transpocket 180fronius transsteel 2200fronius iwave 230i water cooled
Reply:its all about what you will be able to see. I have no experience with the Vulcan hood, but the Lincoln 3350 was the clearest hood I had owned up until Father's day when I got an Optrel Crystal 2.0. That one is the clearest hood I have tried so far. Better than the Jackson Truesight I had a few years back and better than the Miller Digital Elite, Jackson BH3, and a few other helmets my friends let me try.Miller Multimatic 255
Reply:The cost of a great paint job.That will not same a year welding.I use the black hood and save money .Dave FYI my hood is a Lincoln in black

Originally Posted by metalmelter2021

I have this now....                           

I just ordered this....Lincoln Viking  3350 series....is there really any quality difference, as far as protection for the eyes, and such?   The Vulcan from Harbor Freight is nice, but I have found that I have to really tighten the headband more than is comfortable in order for it to stay in place, then when lifting the hood, it seems to want to fall off.   If  you have the Lincoln 3350 series, could you comment on the experience you've had with it?               


Reply:MetalMelter, you made a good choice with the Viking 3350.  As Louie shared, it has a really good clear view.  

The above is a picture taken through the 3350 lens.For comparison, here is a picture taken through the lens of my Jackson W40.

Both pictures were taken with the same lighting in my shop.  This is prior to auto-darkening, but this is very close to what I see when welding, so I believe it is a reasonable comparison - it shares the difference in lenses.Head gear is so personal, it is hard to give good advice.  I like the 3350 head gear just fine.  I spent several hours wearing my 3350 on Saturday, and it never felt awkward or uncomfortable.  I suspect you will be pleased with your new helmet choice.
Reply:ToolFanGeoff, I really appreciate your pics for comparrison.   This kind of sharing by folks with experience, to newbies at welding like me, is the reason why I joined this forum.   The effort made to help guys such as myself along is a noble thing, and shows selflessness and willingness to extend a hand, even though it might be a little inconvienient to do so.   Thank you, Sir!   Thanks to every responder to my inquiry.Last edited by metalmelter2021; 8 Hours Ago at 07:43 PM.Miller Multimatic 215Miller Spoolmate 150Primeweld cut 60 Plasma CutterMilwaukee Chop SawBauer Portaband Saw w/Swag TableDewalt, Milwaukee, Porter Cable 4.5” grindersMag Drill/Annular CuttersArcUnion J-20 Portable Rod OvenVevor pipe stands
Reply:It is ever changing in the welding world. I am one of longest in welding since 1964. There have bind a lot changes.Like Stick welding was king 🤴 today it is fluxcore.  TIG welding was only found in very few shops today most have a tig welder. Hood lens was just one type then was gold and today auto.Now we look at inverter welders time will tell on that one but looks good today.Dave

Originally Posted by metalmelter2021

ToolFanGeoff, I really appreciate your pics for comparrison.   This kind of sharing by folks with experience to newbies to welding like me is the reason why I joined this forum.   The effort made to help guys such as myself along is a noble thing, and shows selflessness and willingness to extend a hand, even though it might be a little inconvienient to do so.   Thank you, Sir!   Thanks to every responder to my inquiry.
Reply:I've used Lincoln 3350s after my Jackson Boss crapped out. The Boss was about the clearest view hood at it's time. The 3350 is wayyy ahead of the Boss, clarity wise. The Lincoln headgear seemed flimsy at first but after using it a short while I got used to it and really like it. Another nice thing about the 3350 is clear cover plates aren't expensive and if need be, the outer is a standard 4x5 and the inner is smaller in one dimension and can easily be made from cutting down a standard cover lens.
Reply:

Originally Posted by Broccoli1

protection for your eyes will be the same- You'll get clarity and some other functions with a more expensive hood.Head gear quality might be better but honestly my HF hood seems to be the only one that holds.My Hobart hood head gear sucks.
Reply:https://www.amazon.com/Lincoln-Elect...a-858090002524Sent from my Lincoln Buzzbox using Tapatalk
Reply:Nice choice and stand tall.I love my 3350. You'll enjoy the clarity.Lincoln 330MPXLincoln Power Mig 256Lincoln LN-25X Wire FeederMagnum PRO 250LX GT Spool GunLincoln AC/DC 225¼ Ton of Torches OFC-A OFG-AAir Carbon Arc Gouging CAC-AEverlast 62i Plasma CutterIngersoll Rand T-30 14hpInstagram: #Freebird Welds
Reply:I have the Vulcan hood - I had to move the depth adjustment (how low the band sits on your head) to deeper than what I am used to with other hoods.I thought it was just my head shape (big and pointy head lol), but it could be a common thing.That being said after that adjustment I haven't had any real problems/complaints with it falling off, even when accidentally hitting it on things while flipped up.
Reply:

Originally Posted by SlowBlues

I have the Vulcan hood - I had to move the depth adjustment (how low the band sits on your head) to deeper than what I am used to with other hoods.I thought it was just my head shape (big and pointy head lol), but it could be a common thing.That being said after that adjustment I haven't had any real problems/complaints with it falling off, even when accidentally hitting it on things while flipped up.
Reply:For me the clear lenses are the kicker.  I like cheap, readily available, nonproprietary lenses, also preferably the same size lenses.  Not knowing how far you are in your welding. I would suggest buying several sets of clear lenses so, there vision/glare variable is readily controlled.