$100 Welding Helmet

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Sorry if this question has been asked a million times, but here goes...I am new to welding and would like a recommendation on a welding helmet. Here's the parameters.Under $100. This is my upper limit for now.I will be welding about 1-2 hrs a day, around 2-3 days a week while I learn. Time includes cutting, grinding, etc. Not 1-2 solid hours of welding, my little Handler would probably burn up.Flux core welding on mild steel (1/8" to 3/16") with Handler 125 until I decide to upgrade to something with more powerAuto-darkening, preferably adjustable shade.Grinding mode if possibleWelding outdoors under my shed. (is sunlight an issue with auto-darkening helmets?)I have been using one of the cheap helmets from Northern Tools and it works great, but I want to upgrade and keep it for a spare.  I will not go over $100. Surely there are good helmets out there for the beginner in this price range.Thanks.Learning to weld, one arc at a time.
Reply:Buddy uses a Kobalt and does fine. Personally I'd wait till you can afford a good one tho.
Reply:Up your budget a bit. You can't have champagne and caviar on a beer budget.
Reply:Miller Pro-hobby FS-10.  Done.My name's not Jim....
Reply:Originally Posted by BluediemondBuddy uses a Kobalt and does fine. Personally I'd wait till you can afford a good one tho.
Reply:Originally Posted by BoostinjdmMiller Pro-hobby FS-10.  Done.
Reply:That's what I use.  Everyday to earn a living.  I think this one was bought in 2008 or so.  No batteries or on/off switch to worry about.  This one is finally starting to act up a bit.  I plan on replacing it with the same thing.It's a simple, no fancy bs, solar powered, shade 10 auto darkening helmet.  If you plan on sticking your head in tight spots, you might want to pass because it only has two sensors at the top.  For most things it works great.Last edited by Boostinjdm; 08-26-2015 at 02:41 AM.My name's not Jim....
Reply:Arcone Tradesman lens for $50 and a Craigslist Pipeliner, I got mine for $15. $65 all in and you've got a better lens thana Miller Digital Elite.
Reply:Originally Posted by FyreTexI'm not attacking you guys. I'm really trying to obtain good information. So with that being said....Are you guys saying that none of the Miller, Hobart, Lincoln, Rhino, Antra, Jackson, etc helmets out there under 100 bucks are any good?Can you elaborate on why the under $100 helmets aren't any good?  Doesn't have to be the fanciest helmet around, just be able to do the job when I put it on.  I guess since I'm a gun guy I can put it another way. I'm looking for a "Glock" helmet, not a "Sig Sauer". I hope you guys get what I'm saying.
Reply:@ FyreTex - PipeLiner with ratcheting headgear and Sellstrom flip front  lens.  Set up with a Phillips Gold #11 (glass).  Grinding mode?  FlipUp the front plane and you're ready for slag removal and grinding.  $90 investment.  For outdoor work, you will dislike using an ADF as sunlight will trigger the sense On/Off.  Sure, you can modulate the ADF's intensity/delay but still a PITA and not practical for long-term outdoor use IMO. Attached Images"Discovery is to see what everybody else has seen, and to think what nobody else has thought" - Albert Szent-Gyorgyi
Reply:This is the helmet I have been using for a little while. I am in a similar situation as you. Im just starting to weld and only use it for a couple of hours. It has a grind mode as well. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00BWA...00L&ref=plSrchSent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I497 using Tapatalk
Reply:Have you considered used? There are many hobbyists out there who just have to have the best when not needed. Many times this tends to run it's course and items are sold off. I have a really nice Lincoln multi sensor hood, (don't know number) I gave $50.00 for with a slight scratch in the plastic from normal use. It was only a couple of months old at the time and the seller just didn't use it like he'd thought at purchase. It was about $350.00 new. This helmet very much is a step up from the Jackson I've had for years, (single sensor) and just a bit better than my Sellstrom helmet I've also had many years. All work well but as mentioned not the best to work outside for which I still use a fixed shade "Fibre-Metal" helmet for mostly.I know that's a bit off track for what you're asking, but used is out there and the quality will be better for the target pricing you specify.SlobPurveyor of intimate unparalleled knowledge of nothing about everything.Oh yeah, also an unabashed internet "Troll" too.....
Reply:Originally Posted by BluediemondBuddy uses a Kobalt and does fine. Personally I'd wait till you can afford a good one tho.
Reply:I've used this one and it works pretty well and has a large viewing areahttp://www.eastwood.com/extra-large-...ng-helmet.htmlTorchmate 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 ordered  this helmet  I love how it fits and is great for the price   http://www.eastwood.com/extra-large-...ng-helmet.html gets you in that 100.00 area you wanted
Reply:Not sure how you could go wrong with this helmet for $139 delivered. Virtually all the same features as a Miller Digital Elite: weld, cut, grind modes, shades 5-13, 4 arc sensors, and a great company (HTP America)http://www.usaweld.com/Striker-Digit.../90131-dig.htmMiller Multimatic 255
Reply:Go down to Harbor Freight and pick one you like. $54.00The lenses are all made overseas anyway- even in Miller hoods.I only upgraded to a Hobart Hood because i was rigging and wanted a bigger viewing area.I still have the HF model and use it.ALL of the welding hoods out there provide the required eye protection. Clear safety glasses provide UV protection too- shade level in a hood is there for comfort so yer eyes don not get fatigued from the bright light.Outside I never had any problems with the AD- problems with sunlight coming through the back of the hood and hitting the screen, but you just block the sun I never liked the grind mode- just put on a clear face whiled for that part.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:Thanks guys for the input.  After lots of internet searching I think I'll get the Hobart Discovery VS or the Miller Classic VS. They seem very similar and It should fit my needs of occasional welding.Learning to weld, one arc at a time.
Reply:Just make sure you can see the puddle!I spent 5 years making messes. Then spoke to my LWS. Turned out the ADH I was using was too dark!Got an adjustable. Run it at 6. Now I can see what I'm doing and make some pretty adequate welds.Be wary of The Numbers: Figures don't lie,. but liars can figure.Welders:2008 Lincoln 140 GMAW&FCAW2012 HF 165 'toy' GTAW&SMAW1970's Cobbled together O/A
Reply:Ed I have to disagree...not all hoods are equal. I cant see doo doo through HF hoods. My Jackson Smart Tigger is much better. Night and day difference.Miller Multimatic 255
Reply:Jackson insight 120 bucks 4 sensors,lightweight, be done. I also use a Pipeliner with a arcone ss240 AD lens, works real good, but only 2 sensors since thats all the room it has. I always keep a #10 gold with it though.Miller Maxstar 200 SDPiperliner #10 Gold
Reply:Originally Posted by ManoKai@ FyreTex - PipeLiner with ratcheting headgear and Sellstrom flip front  lens.  Set up with a Phillips Gold #11 (glass).  Grinding mode?  FlipUp the front plane and you're ready for slag removal and grinding.  $90 investment.  For outdoor work, you will dislike using an ADF as sunlight will trigger the sense On/Off.  Sure, you can modulate the ADF's intensity/delay but still a PITA and not practical for long-term outdoor use IMO.
Reply:Originally Posted by Louie1961Ed I have to disagree...not all hoods are equal. I cant see doo doo through HF hoods. My Jackson Smart Tigger is much better. Night and day difference.
Reply:1st what is your eye sight worth to you?  Obviously you don't want to risk any injury or damage to your eyes so don't skimp too much on your helmet.  If you're limited to $100 you should be able to find a decent auto darkening helmet for that.   Praxair has some helmets under the Prostar name for around $80 that should suite your needs (adjustable sensitivity, auto darkening, adjustable darkness and multiple sensors). Stay away from Harbor Freight or any knockoff cheap helmets and go to a reputable welding store.Lincoln Weldanpower A/C 225 D/C 210 /6kw auxiliary (code 9113 & 9108)Lincoln Weld Pak 100 MigMiller Maxstar 150 TigLincoln Scratch Tig 200 ampMiller 8-VS Suitcase Flux CoreHypertherm Powermax 30Victor Torches / Regulators
Reply:Originally Posted by ManoKai@ FyreTex - PipeLiner with ratcheting headgear and Sellstrom flip front  lens.  Set up with a Phillips Gold #11 (glass).  Grinding mode?  FlipUp the front plane and you're ready for slag removal and grinding.  $90 investment.  For outdoor work, you will dislike using an ADF as sunlight will trigger the sense On/Off.  Sure, you can modulate the ADF's intensity/delay but still a PITA and not practical for long-term outdoor use IMO.I didn't mean to suggest that all lenses are the same in clarity but that they are all equal in safety- and he was looking for a Sub $100.00 hood to use with his Hobart Handler 125 At that price they are pretty much the same. I have had a HF, Optrel and now use a Hobart Pro Series. The HF had the best head gear- go figure. My eyes are getting old - I might as well just get a solid black lens since I can't see crap- time for cheaters I've always had glasses for far but could read at least.But I feel just the same as I did when I was young-'cept when I read, bend over, run, throw a baseball, pick up heavy objects etc etc.- other than that I feel great at 50.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:Originally Posted by ortegaej1st what is your eye sight worth to you?  Obviously you don't want to risk any injury or damage to your eyes so don't skimp too much on your helmet.  If you're limited to $100 you should be able to find a decent auto darkening helmet for that.   Praxair has some helmets under the Prostar name for around $80 that should suite your needs (adjustable sensitivity, auto darkening, adjustable darkness and multiple sensors). Stay away from Harbor Freight or any knockoff cheap helmets and go to a reputable welding store.
Reply:I got one of these on sale at amazon for $90.  Great hood. 1 million times better than anything at HF or Tractor Supply.  http://www.amazon.com/Jackson-Safety...welding+helmetIf you look around you may be able to find a similar bargain.Miller Multimatic 255
Reply:I have an older Speedglas that was expensive when new. It's really a terrific helmet. As a backup, I bought a Rhino helmet on Amazon and it works very well. It has the usual settings plus a grind setting that is very nice. iAt $98.00 it fits the OPs budget, too.Miller Millermatic 252Miller Syncrowave 200Liincoln AC-DC 225Victor O-A Set
Reply:I have a 3M speedglass 9100xx FX, Jackson HaloX with TrueSight amber shade lens, an older Jackson EQC hood, an older Optrel helmet, I've used the Harbor Freight helmet, and the large view welding helmet made by Washington Alloy. Cheapest being $40 on sale, most expensive was over $400. For MIG welding, they're all the same. I go back and forth on the amber shade of the Jackson HaloX helmet. It's nice with a brand new lens, but once it's dirty it's hard to see out of, and of course it uses a custom outer cover that relatively expensive compared to other covers. I really don't like grinding in a welding helmet, and only do it with the speedglass helmet, because the welding lens portion of the helmet flips up and there's a clear face shield underneath, so I wouldn't pay more for that option. Adjustable shade I only change when I'm welding with over 250 amps or so. Usually just keep it at 9.My point is, for your purposes, all helmets will be the same. Get the largest viewing area you can get. The "safety" of all the helmets may be the same when they're working, but if you pay a little more, you may be getting better quality control. Even lenses from the same factory, distributors essentially choose how much they want to pay for quality control. Harbor Freight obviously pays very little or nothing for additional QC.John 3:16(2) Miller Pheonix 456(2) Millermertic 252Dynasty 210DXHobart 210MVPDoringer D350 SA Cold SawScotchman 350LT Cold SawWebb 10x50 MillWebb 15x40 LatheGeka Bendicrop Ironworker
Reply:Originally Posted by DoctorBuzz$73 for the Miller Classic VS -- http://store.cyberweld.com/hobhoodblac.htmlOr, if you need a grind mode -- as suggested, a used Fibre Metal with flip-up lens and ArcOne T240-10 lens -- http://www.amazon.com/ArcOne-T240-10.../dp/B003WE9XXQMy employer has replacement protective lenses available for the Fibre Metal hoods for free.... so I'm sticking with that.  I've got the thermoplastic version, which is cheaper but heavier.    I'm sure you could find and actual fiberglass version that's used for an even better price.The benefit to the Miller is that the batteries are easily replaceable, however, the disadvantage is that you also need to carry around a grind shield.  Supposedly the "backup battery" on the ArcOne lasts "forever", tho... and even if it did go out in 3 or 4 years, I'm sure you could figure out a way to tack a new battery in there.
Reply:Originally Posted by DoctorBuzz$73 for the Miller Classic VS -- http://store.cyberweld.com/hobhoodblac.htmlOr, if you need a grind mode -- as suggested, a used Fibre Metal with flip-up lens and ArcOne T240-10 lens -- http://www.amazon.com/ArcOne-T240-10.../dp/B003WE9XXQMy employer has replacement protective lenses available for the Fibre Metal hoods for free.... so I'm sticking with that.  I've got the thermoplastic version, which is cheaper but heavier.    I'm sure you could find and actual fiberglass version that's used for an even better price.The benefit to the Miller is that the batteries are easily replaceable, however, the disadvantage is that you also need to carry around a grind shield.  Supposedly the "backup battery" on the ArcOne lasts "forever", tho... and even if it did go out in 3 or 4 years, I'm sure you could figure out a way to tack a new battery in there.
Reply:Originally Posted by DoctorBuzz$73 for the Miller Classic VS -- http://store.cyberweld.com/hobhoodblac.htmlOr, if you need a grind mode -- as suggested, a used Fibre Metal with flip-up lens and ArcOne T240-10 lens -- http://www.amazon.com/ArcOne-T240-10.../dp/B003WE9XXQMy employer has replacement protective lenses available for the Fibre Metal hoods for free.... so I'm sticking with that.  I've got the thermoplastic version, which is cheaper but heavier.    I'm sure you could find and actual fiberglass version that's used for an even better price.The benefit to the Miller is that the batteries are easily replaceable, however, the disadvantage is that you also need to carry around a grind shield.  Supposedly the "backup battery" on the ArcOne lasts "forever", tho... and even if it did go out in 3 or 4 years, I'm sure you could figure out a way to tack a new battery in there.
Reply:I've had both a Lincoln and a Miller helmet in the past that were in the $120 range. They worked fine down to about 50*F then neither would darken consistantly. Sometime when the arc would start they would darken like normal and some times they'd stay light. Bought one of the $39 HF specials and it darkens fine in 10*F temps. Now I have 2 of then and they are used extensively in the winter in 10-32*F temps never had them not darken when the arc was struck.My "collection":Homemade Stick WelderVictor O/A TorchAC 225Ideal Arc 250HF 90 Amp Flux CoreHF Mig 170Solar 2020 Plasma CutterPower i-Mig 140EHarris O/A torchHF Dual Mig 131140STAlpha Tig 200x
Reply:I have a Rhino helmet that I bought on eBay for just under $100.  It has the extra large viewing screen and has worked perfectly for me from 6 amps to 250 amps.I also have a HF hood that I bought on sale for $35.  The screen is much smaller, but it has never flashed me.  I bought it just to see if a cheap helmet works OK, and it does.Just my opinion, but get anything you want.  For the amount of time you will be spending welding, it doesn't make sense to pay for a super premium helmet.  You can get something very good that you will be happy with in your $100 budget range.  I really like the extra large viewing screens.  If you try them both, you'll agree.Sent from my 831C using TapatalkHemi-T"Ignorance can be fixed, but stupid is forever."Hobart BetaMig 2510Everlast PowerPro 256 TigMiller Radiator-1 Tig cooler
Reply:@ManoKaiI like the bolt sticking out the side.  Will make me look like Frankenstein when welding. I'll need to get an oxy-acet torch and walk around saying "Me like fire, fire is good!"Learning to weld, one arc at a time.
Reply:Wow! I didn't expect so many good suggestions. Now I'm more confused than when I started.  Guess I need to order one today so I'll have it by early next week.  Hmmm.... decisions, decisions, decisions.Learning to weld, one arc at a time.
Reply:@ FyreTex -  Ha!  You can thank member CEP for that outstanding recommendation.  Have since transitioned to nyloc nuts in lieu of wingnuts.  The plastic wingnuts that arrive with the PipeLiner no es beuno."Discovery is to see what everybody else has seen, and to think what nobody else has thought" - Albert Szent-Gyorgyi
Reply:I forgot to mention earlier that the screen on the Rhino is quite large. It's larger than the one in my Speedglas so that's one thing in its favor.Miller Millermatic 252Miller Syncrowave 200Liincoln AC-DC 225Victor O-A Set
Reply:Originally Posted by Hemi-TI have a Rhino helmet that I bought on eBay for just under $100.  It has the extra large viewing screen and has worked perfectly for me from 6 amps to 250 amps.Just my opinion, but get anything you want.  For the amount of time you will be spending welding, it doesn't make sense to pay for a super premium helmet.  You can get something very good that you will be happy with in your $100 budget range.