best auto helmet

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Hi all.What do you all think about the auto helmets and whats the best out there? i currently have an ANTRA brand auto helmet and i don't think i'm to happy with it.I am a new welding student taking GMAW (MIG) FCAW/Plate CERTIFICATION  class.what do you all recommend.   i'm not looking to buy a 500 plus helmet like the speedglas 9100FX.Today i switched to my back up fixed shade gold lens back up helmetthanks in advance matthew
Reply:I recommend staying with your fixed shade gold lens hood.But if, for some reason, you're hell bent on an AD, the Jackson Balder that I use for TIG work is pretty nice. Think I paid about $300 for it.
Reply:I have less than $100.00 in this hood and auto lens. Attached ImagesDon’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Originally Posted by Matthew R. Denniswhats the best out there?  ......i'm not looking to buy a 500 plus helmet like the speedglas 9100FX.
Reply:I can't say what's best, but I can say what I use.  I use a Lincoln Viking 3350.  I recently sold my previous 3350 and bought the 4C version.  So far I like it.  Arguably not the best, but very good (in my opinion) and I got it from my LWS for around $220.  Not cheap, but not $500 either.I am on the lookout for a good fixed lens backup hood.
Reply:I got a $120 Hobart at a local ranch supply store. It isn't a Speedglas, but it darkens when the arc strikes.Smith Toughcut Hobart Stickmate AC/DC
Reply:Originally Posted by BigTBI can't say what's best, but I can say what I use.  I use a Lincoln Viking 3350.  I recently sold my previous 3350 and bought the 4C version.  So far I like it.  Arguably not the best, but very good (in my opinion) and I got it from my LWS for around $220.  Not cheap, but not $500 either.I am on the lookout for a good fixed lens backup hood.
Reply:I use and have used for several years an ArcOne lens like CEP recommended. I use mine in a FibreMetal "Pipeliner" hood. No batteries, no on off switch, and easy to swap out for my mirror lens if I want or need. Oh, one thing I learned early is go one shade darker with an auto than with a mirror lens.Oh and you can get ArcOne lenses that fit into a large window as well. The viewing area is 2x4 but it can save buying another hood.Last edited by MrLeadMan; 06-06-2016 at 09:53 PM.Ranger 250 GXTSmith Gas Axe
Reply:What don't you like about the ANTRA helmet?
Reply:I have the Lincoln viking 3350 4C and I like it a lot.  Paid $247.00 shipped.Lincoln, ESAB, Thermal Dynamics, Victor, Miller, Dewalt, Makita, Kalamzoo.  Hand tools, power tools, welding and cutting tools.
Reply:I bought the Eastwood extra large view helmet it's nice and on sale all the time for 89.99.
Reply:Originally Posted by N2 WeldingI have the Lincoln viking 3350 4C and I like it a lot.  Paid $247.00 shipped.
Reply:I took my cheap northern tool helmet and put a Lincoln Viking auto darkening cell it in.The Lincoln Viking cell is around $200 and I think it was well worth it. It was a "WOW" difference between the northern tool auto dark cell and the Lincoln.old Miller spectrum 625 Lincoln SP-135 T, CO2+0.025 wireMiller model 250 and WP-18V torchCraftsman 100amp AC/DC and WP-17V torchCentury 115-004 HF arc stabilizerHome made 4 transformer spot welderHome made alternator welder
Reply:Originally Posted by mad welder 4I took my cheap northern tool helmet and put a Lincoln Viking auto darkening cell it in.The Lincoln Viking cell is around $200 and I think it was well worth it. It was a "WOW" difference between the northern tool auto dark cell and the Lincoln.
Reply:I originally ordered the same helmet for $180.00 before I stumbled across 4C Technology lense.  I immediately cancelled the order before it shipped and paid the extra $67.00 to have the 4C lense.Lincoln, ESAB, Thermal Dynamics, Victor, Miller, Dewalt, Makita, Kalamzoo.  Hand tools, power tools, welding and cutting tools.
Reply:another vote for the Lincoln Viking 3350 with 4C. got mine from Bakers welding supply online for $218 with free shipping. best helmet for the money in my opinion. came with 5 outer replacement lenses and 2 inner lenses.
Reply:Originally Posted by Paul Fanother vote for the Lincoln Viking 3350 with 4C. got mine from Bakers welding supply online for $218 with free shipping. best helmet for the money in my opinion. came with 5 outer replacement lenses and 2 inner lenses.
Reply:Originally Posted by DanI agree, the 3350 4C is a very good lens. Everyone I've let use mine has been impressed. After each guys first time using the lens, I've always heard a WOW from them after they flip the hood up.My Lincoln Viking 2450 1/1/1/1 rated lens is pretty darn good too.As long as you don't need it for low amperage TIG, my HTP Striker CSV is a real good lens also.
Reply:Originally Posted by N2 WeldingI looked at how much the lense/cell cost and was like no no no ill just buy the new Lincoln and get a nice helmet to go with it.  Nice removable forehead band for washing the oily sweaty dirty funk and a nice paint job to boot
Reply:Originally Posted by mad welder 4None of the contractors want to steal a yellow HF helmet or even get close enough to it to see that it has a Lincoln cell in it.The HF actually did come with a decent removable grunge band.
Reply:Originally Posted by OscarI found my striker csv to work really well with low amperage TIG.  Why did you not like it for low amperage TIG?