Striker Stealth CSV Helmet (Full Review + Video)

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Goodafternoon everyone!!So, the HTP America guys sent out this cool helmet for me to have a look at, and honestly, I didnt know how well this was going to turn out... See, I HATE cheap auto-darkening helmets, I can't stand the things... Back when I first started welding, I went through a few of them, and they all completely sucked... These were helmets in the $50-$100 range, and they had sub-par headgear, hard-to-find clear lenses, and optics that bothered my eyes after very little arc time...I ended up going old-school with a passive-lens hood, which I used up until a few months ago...Now I've used some of the best helmets on the market, in the $300-$500 range... And because of this, and my past experiences, I was really leery of testing out a $139 hood, but let me tell you, this thing completely blew me away.What do I like about it? Well, lets start with the hood itself... It comes with a sexy gloss black finish, which is "scratchable" on the surface but seems overall very durable. It's flexible without being "wimpy", and has HTP's usual high-quality fit and finish.Moving on, the lens is clear... I mean, like REALLY clear, in fact it's one of the clearest helmets I've ever used... HTP claims it's one of the clearest lenses on the market, which is something I won't disagree with. Its a yellowish-orange color in it's light state, and switches to a dark, dull green once the four arc sensors send it into its dark state... Thats right, it has FOUR arc sensors, which as I found out, will pick up on a 5 amp DC Tig arc...Its adjustable, with the usual shade, sensitivity, and delay knobs, which are very "tight" and are harder to turn than some helmets, but they're not hard to use at all. Theres a wire clip that holds in the VERY high quality plastic "lens housing", and the entire lens can be removed in seconds. Its one of the best systems I've EVER used... You simply flip the wire back, and the entire assembly just lifts out, and allows you to remove the clear plastic lens...Now, when I got this helmet it didnt come with any extra clear lenses, and it DOES look like it takes a unique lens, which could have been a problem, but after a little disassembly, I found that it uses standard $1 clear lenses that you can buy anywhere... This is a very nice feature as well.Now, lets move on to the headgear...Its the standard plastic shape with a ratcheting knob in the back, so you can tighten it down around your skull... It comes with very large foam pads all the way around it, which make it very comfortable to wear, and it's quite easy to adjust to a comfortable level.On the outside of the helmet's shell, are two black plastic knobs which adjust the tension between the helmet and the headgear, which work as they should, however they're so small that I found them difficult to adjust with gloves on...And this is where we find the first thing that I don't like about the hood, the headgear "ratchets" as you raise and lower the helmet... It has these notches, which allow you to lock the helmet half-way down, and make a loud "clicking" sound as you flip the hood down...I'm not sure what purpose they serve, but the helmet is still easy to "flip" up and down, and the headgear sounds mildly annoying, but it's still comfortable and very well made. Its not the end of the world, and I actually started to get used to it, but this is by far my biggest complaint about the helmet, and its still not a deal-breaker...What are my overall thoughts about the unit? Well, as usual this is another HTP product that honestly makes me wonder why HTP isn't a house-hold name... Just like everything else they've sent, its affordable, well built, easy to use, works as it should and costs MUCH less than comparable products from other companies... I'd put it up against helmets that sell for twice as much...However, the headgear scores just below average because of the ratcheting feature, which you can see in the video...The optics score MUCH higher than average, thanks to their clarity, adjustability and comfort level... I have very sensitive eyes, and this helmet does not bother them at all...Fit-And-Finish as well as build quality are on-par with everything else I've gotten from HTP, and the helmet scores very well here, too.It uses clear lenses that you can buy for $1, and the unit's low price both give it extra points in the "value" category, and at the end of the day, the CSV defiantly gets the "Thumbs-Up" from me. I wish I'd just bought one of these a few years ago instead of the cheapies that I did...Anyway, here's the video I made, if you watch it you'll see everything that I've mentioned here, plus a few other things as well.[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chcc3aM9ts4[/ame]It was a really fun review to make, and I just thought I'd share my findings with y'all... Have a nice weekend, everyone!! [Account Abandoned 8/8/16 Please Do Not Attempt Contact Or Expect A Reply]. See you on YouTube! -ChuckE2009
Reply:The $99 one doesn't click and had a grind mode but only 2 sensors. Love this thing.Torchmate 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 have the same helmet and it's great.  http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=63237 1st on WeldingWeb to have a scrolling sig! HTP Invertig 400HTP Invertig 221HTP ProPulse 300HTP ProPulse 200 x2HTP ProPulse 220MTSHTP Inverarc 200TLP HTP Microcut 875SC
Reply:Hood is out of stock until late May. So, it looks like Lanse posted this video to early.Lanse, you probably haven't covered this in school yet, but for spray transfer you want to push the weld puddle. Pulling the puddle cause instabilities in the arc. Based on feed back from Jeff Nolan, I am doubting the 2400 is actually able to output the necessary power to produce a true spray transfer with 80/20.ESAB Migmaster 250 Hobart Ironman 230Multimatic 215TWECO Fabricator 181i & 211iHH125EZ - nice little fluxcore only unitMaxstar 150 STH - very nice
Reply:Where you compensated for this "demo"?Syncrowave 300Maxtron 450, S-52E, 30A
Reply:Originally Posted by wendellWhere you compensated for this "demo"?
Reply:Originally Posted by GambleMan, can't you guys just take a review for what it's worth. If it sucked he would of told you it sucked. If it was good he would have told you it was good.
Reply:Then she'll out your own cash and test **** out and stop giving everyone else a hard time.Torchmate 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:But Gamble, I'm not giving anyone a hard time.  I simply asked a question. An honest question.Syncrowave 300Maxtron 450, S-52E, 30A
Reply:Lanse is a good man and if he says it's bad it's bad if it's good it's good Integrity counts around here and he has thatAnyway you know you really don't need a grind mode just shut the thing off and that will work ..They go to there lightest shade and it won't flicker Your just using it as a face shield ...But don't forget to turn it back on when you start welding again...or in the case of any grind mode helmet set it back to weld ...Same thingBacked my CATMA over your CARMA oops clusmy me  What would SATAN do ?? Miller Trailblazer 302 AirPakMiller Digital Elite  Optrel Welding HatArcair K4000Suitcase 12RC / 12 VSHypertherm PM-45Rage 3 sawRusty old Truck
Reply:Originally Posted by wendellBut Gamble, I'm not giving anyone a hard time.  I simply asked a question. An honest question.
Reply:Lanse, or anyone that has one of these. How does it work outside in the sun?I bought a new Lincoln 3350 with the big window and works wonderful inside or outdoors as long as its cloudy but if the sun is shining and you try to do any welding that requires looking up the least amount you can't adjust it enough to keep it from going dark. Forget about overhead that requires a bright sky in the background.It's totally useless outside on a sunny day. I've talked to Lincoln and they even sent me a new lens and it still doesn't work outside.Trailblazer 302Hobart Stickmate AC/DCLincoln SP 135 TSmith torchSpoolmatic 30A
Reply:Hey everyone!! Glad y'all liked the review  Originally Posted by wendellWhere you compensated for this "demo"?
Reply:Originally Posted by shortarcLanse, or anyone that has one of these. How does it work outside in the sun?I bought a new Lincoln 3350 with the big window and works wonderful inside or outdoors as long as its cloudy but if the sun is shining and you try to do any welding that requires looking up the least amount you can't adjust it enough to keep it from going dark. Forget about overhead that requires a bright sky in the background.It's totally useless outside on a sunny day. I've talked to Lincoln and they even sent me a new lens and it still doesn't work outside.
Reply:I've not found any of the auto darks that don't do what you are talking about shortarc. I have a $300 (10 years old almost) Huntsman that does the same thing, as does my $59 Hobart and a couple of the ones that replace the 2 X4 lenses in old hoods I had. I can't see much way around it, so I just flip my hood when I have too.Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, Over
Reply:the sun is out in full force here in South Texas.  I'll report back in a few. 1st on WeldingWeb to have a scrolling sig! HTP Invertig 400HTP Invertig 221HTP ProPulse 300HTP ProPulse 200 x2HTP ProPulse 220MTSHTP Inverarc 200TLP HTP Microcut 875SC
Reply:Make that tomorrow.  Ran low on time today. 1st on WeldingWeb to have a scrolling sig! HTP Invertig 400HTP Invertig 221HTP ProPulse 300HTP ProPulse 200 x2HTP ProPulse 220MTSHTP Inverarc 200TLP HTP Microcut 875SC
Reply:Originally Posted by shortarcLanse, or anyone that has one of these. How does it work outside in the sun?I bought a new Lincoln 3350 with the big window and works wonderful inside or outdoors as long as its cloudy but if the sun is shining and you try to do any welding that requires looking up the least amount you can't adjust it enough to keep it from going dark. Forget about overhead that requires a bright sky in the background.It's totally useless outside on a sunny day. I've talked to Lincoln and they even sent me a new lens and it still doesn't work outside.
Reply:From a previous post:I have been using a Miller Digital Elite for more than two years and do not have a reason to change. I especially like the X-Mode setting so that when I am welding outside, sunlight does not trigger the lens, but the arc does.
Reply:I have one, too. I really like it, but the ratcheting thing I did find annoying. A great hood, for a real fair price.
Reply:Originally Posted by shortarcLanse, or anyone that has one of these. How does it work outside in the sun?I bought a new Lincoln 3350 with the big window and works wonderful inside or outdoors as long as its cloudy but if the sun is shining and you try to do any welding that requires looking up the least amount you can't adjust it enough to keep it from going dark. Forget about overhead that requires a bright sky in the background.It's totally useless outside on a sunny day. I've talked to Lincoln and they even sent me a new lens and it still doesn't work outside.
Reply:Well, that should pretty well settle that issue. Now, can you put it on its most sensitive setting and see if it will darken with a low amp tig arc?  I didn't quite see the results of that on Lanse's review.I really like that helmet and I am thinking about getting one as a back-up.
Reply:I'm pretty sure it will, as you cannot turn up the sensitivity all the way up without it automatically going into dark state.  The instructions specifically state you must turn up the sensitivity up until it darkens on it own with no arc present, then you just back off just a smidge so that it will darken up as soon as an arc is struck.I'll test it out in just a few and report back later tonight. 1st on WeldingWeb to have a scrolling sig! HTP Invertig 400HTP Invertig 221HTP ProPulse 300HTP ProPulse 200 x2HTP ProPulse 220MTSHTP Inverarc 200TLP HTP Microcut 875SC
Reply:Wasn't able to properly prop up the camera, but I'll figure something out tomorrow.  Turns out, the high-frequency start alone is enough to make it "twitch" (saw this by accident by forgetting to attach the ground clamp to my welding table).  My Eastwood TIG200 can only go down to 10A, and sure enough it catches it.  Report back tomorrow. 1st on WeldingWeb to have a scrolling sig! HTP Invertig 400HTP Invertig 221HTP ProPulse 300HTP ProPulse 200 x2HTP ProPulse 220MTSHTP Inverarc 200TLP HTP Microcut 875SC
Reply:Thanks all for the replies. I guess I may just have to consider the Lincoln a write off and try the Striker. I'd like to have the Miller, but its a little rich for me right now.I hope someone from Lincoln reads this. Trailblazer 302Hobart Stickmate AC/DCLincoln SP 135 TSmith torchSpoolmatic 30AThis seems to just be another miller elite rebrand/ ripoff.HtpLongevity MillerNo nameI'm sure they come with different head gear or whatever but you get the idea.
Reply:Of course it is. Made as cheaply as possible and marketed by shills on web forums.  What are they suppose to do?  Innovate?  Not in the business model.Syncrowave 300Maxtron 450, S-52E, 30A
Reply:Hey newbie you do realize that any company can go anywhere for the shell of the helmet and somewhere else for the sensors and rest of the helmet, right? Just because they look the same to you doesn't mean they are the same.Torchmate 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:Hey, that's what they do with welders and everything else too, well maybe not htp but still... All I know, is they sent me a helmet... I thought it was awesome... Made a video   About it... My work is done, and no matter where else you can buy it, or one that looks like it, the htp is the stuff. Highly recommended.And FYI, my reviews are the truth, I'm not afraid to make bad reviews of free stuff. Done it before, I'm sure I'll end up doing it again someday. I call it as I see it and don't consider myself a shill.[Account Abandoned 8/8/16 Please Do Not Attempt Contact Or Expect A Reply]. See you on YouTube! -ChuckE2009
Reply:Thank you for pointing out that I am new to posting here.  While that doesn't affect what is directly in front of me... Your right they can go anywhere they want, and it looks like they all went to the same manufacturer.
Reply:Originally Posted by Tower dragThank you for pointing out that I am new to posting here.  While that doesn't affect what is directly in front of me... Your right they can go anywhere they want, and it looks like they all went to the same manufacturer.
Reply:I was just pointing out that there are a lot of shields out there that are pretty much the same and most likely come from the same factory in Korea or what have you.  The htp is one of them.  I'm sure it is a good shield I don't doubt that, but I'm telling you I have held an 80 dollar ebay shield in my hand that is the exact same as the htp ( shell shape, lens size, sensor arrangement, dial location, no grinding mode, etc) I'm not speaking for the customer service, piece of mind, the businesses net profit, warranty.. any of that.P.S. lanse, keep up the product reviews, I wish there were more of them by people who know how to weld.P.P.S. gamble dont assume too much. I own a lot of shields.  Too many.  One of them is a miller performance that was probably made in the same factory as this htp. (Ha) and I hate the ****in thing.
Reply:Originally Posted by Tower dragI was just pointing out that there are a lot of shields out there that are pretty much the same and most likely come from the same factory in Korea or what have you.  The htp is one of them.  I'm sure it is a good shield I don't doubt that, but I'm telling you I have held an 80 dollar ebay shield in my hand that is the exact same as the htp ( shell shape, lens size, sensor arrangement, dial location, no grinding mode, etc) I'm not speaking for the customer service, piece of mind, the businesses net profit, warranty.. any of that.P.S. lanse, keep up the product reviews, I wish there were more of them by people who know how to weld.P.P.S. gamble dont assume too much. I own a lot of shields.  Too many.  One of them is a miller performance that was probably made in the same factory as this htp. (Ha) and I hate the ****in thing.