Daily Welding - mig use helmet questions

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I've been welding for about 2 years in a fab shop. All mig (occasional tig) using a miller 251. I spend about 1-2 hours under the helmet (5 days). Throughout the day, since its fab work, the helmet is always down/up and off/on. When its off, I hang it on a hook to try to keep it clean as possible.I've been using a "premium" harbor freight helmet for the last 2 years. I get the $10 warranty and swap it about 9-10 months in. I honestly can't say I have any problems with the helmet, but something tells me its not the best idea to use it long term... quality/vision wise. The only issues I do have is when the headgear breaks, etc. So I'm ready to invest in a GOOD helmet... but dont know what to look for? Safety (short and long term) are my biggest concerns. I do not need bells/whistles (atleast I dont think I do). Why are there $200, $300+ dollar helmets? Besides the fancy cosmetics and bells/whistles... Thanks,
Reply:I keep it simple, but I did go to an auto lens a few years ago. 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:I use a Miller digital Elite, but find I never change the shade, so a single shade hood would work fine for me. Anything made by ArcOne is top quality stuff as well, I just like the bigger viewing window hoods.
Reply:Originally Posted by Big_ChiefSo I'm ready to invest in a GOOD helmet... but dont know what to look for? Safety (short and long term) are my biggest concerns. I do not need bells/whistles (atleast I dont think I do). Why are there $200, $300+ dollar helmets? Besides the fancy cosmetics and bells/whistles... Thanks,
Reply:The HF that I use now is auto-dark, which is think is great... It allows for work adjustments while still under the hood (saving time). I have been using the "search button" and looking at other posts... correct me if I am wrong, auto dark and fixed shade are the only 2 options out there, right? As far as lenses... I have never changed the lens (just swapped the whole helmet). This is what has been on my mind the most... what are the differences in lenses? I spent about 90% mig and 5% tig and 5% plamsa. I have noticed there are differences in how I see... should I be changing lenses for the type of work? I know it might be a dumb question, I mostly mig. Thanks,
Reply:I have a Miller elite, a older model and love it. A friend has a Speedglas and hates it. Like DSW said about the headgear , it just wasn't right. Maybe you gotta have hair for a proper fit. Watch for sales , rebates , and check craigs list  too. Besides trying them on, take it for a test run. Everybody has a favorite for their own reasons.
Reply:Here is the Miller Digital Infinity™ Series Helmet , I think this just came available this month. http://store.cyberweld.com/miwehebldiin.htmlMiller Welding Helmet - Black Digital Infinity™ Auto Darkening Lens 271329The Miller Black Digital Infinity™ auto darkening welding helmet features the largest viewing area of any auto darkening welding filter in the industry. At 13.4 square inches of viewing area, the Digital Infinity lens operates in weld, cut, grind and Miller's X-Mode™ which eliminates sunlight interference and low-amp lens flashing from obstructed sensors. The Digital Infinity is also equipped with InfoTrac™ which features arc time tracking, time and timer functions, and a multi-language help menu.The Miller Black Digital Infinity auto darkening welding helmet comes complete with Miller's redesigned headgear with oversized comfort cushion and has a three year lens warranty.Digital Infinity™ Features13.4 sq. in. viewing area provides the largest view in the industryInfoTrack® lens technology features arc time tracking, time and timer functions, and a multi-language help menu.Four arc sensors for superior lens responseFour Operating Modes - Weld, Cut, Grind, and X-ModeDigital controls allow user to easily adjust mode and settingsAuto-On/Off power control triggers lens at the strike of an arcRedesigned headgear with oversized comfort cushion provides extensive adjustability, settings, and enhanced support.Digital Elite™ SpecsComes complete with5 outside cover lenses2 inside cover lensesMag lens holderHelmet bagThree year lens warranty
Reply:http://www.ebay.com/itm/LINCOLN-VIKI...-/251993420947 The Miller guys are the only ones I see responding, so I'll throw a plug in for the Viking, I went from the blue flame HF helmet to one of these, and there is a world of difference in optic clarity.Thermal Arc 210 - Tweco 211I - Cutmaster 52
Reply:Originally Posted by mxpapahttp://www.ebay.com/itm/LINCOLN-VIKI...-/251993420947 The Miller guys are the only ones I see responding, so I'll throw a plug in for the Viking, I went from the blue flame HF helmet to one of these, and there is a world of difference in optic clarity.
Reply:Yes, fixed and auto darkening are your 2 options. One big advantage of the higher end shields is their ability to pick up low amperage tig.  Also, the cut and grind modes are great for going back and forth between welding and cutting.  Just gotta remember to hit the button each time.I had the HF auto for a while. Still keep it around as a backup or extra if someone wants to watch.  The miller digital performance was a huge improvement in both comfort and optics.  Headgear still isnt perfect but nothing mass marketed ever is.Go to your lws and try as many types of headgear as you can there.  Figure out what works.  While not always true, if you find headgear that feels good, the optics will be good enough.  Buy the best helmet you can/want to afford.  You wont have a need to have it replaced under warranty.Multimatic 200Ellis 1800Haberle S225 9" cold sawMM 300;  Spoolmate 30A w/ WC-24TB 302GDynasty 280 DX Tigrunner
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPI keep it simple, but I did go to an auto lens a few years ago.
Reply:I am a hobbyist who goes from perhaps 4 hrs a day under the hood to half a year not welding at all.  Had the bargain Northern for ten years, no trouble except it was a little hard for me to see.  My confidence has been shaken recently by couple of auto dark lenses from ebay only lasting a year, and worse yet, TWO in a row $30-$40 ebay helmets simply not working.  I started looking online and will probably buy this one if they still have them Monday:http://store.cyberweld.com/jawehecatrau.htmlThe feature that really intrigued me was "Amber band pass for enhanced clarity of weld puddle" and the shade 5 to 13 adjustability.That plus a big lens will actually allow me to see the weld!
Reply:Originally Posted by HT2-4956You also got me thinking I might need to try out one of those ArcOne single shade AD lens (I'd need a #12).   One question I have on it though is there still enough room in the lens holder on a Huntsman hood to accommodate a cheater lens behind it.  Also wouldn't mind knowing what you had to pay for that.Thanks.
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPNo there is not enough room inside the Huntsman hood for a cheater too. But Looks like there would be enough room inside the pipelinner hood. I forget how much I paid for my lenses. I don’t think ArcOne makes a #12 lens.  http://www.arc1weldsafe.com/
Reply:Originally Posted by HT2-4956Probably not going to spend that kind of money on something I can't test drive first.