Time for a new hood. Suggestions?

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Someone recommend me a good welding helmet, it's time to get rid of this one I picked up at a lowes. Budget is as high as $250. list the pros/cons of each.I've seen a lot of speed glass, but the price is $150 - $450. Not sure the difference? Same with the nexgen ones. How is the new lincolns? I seen one for $205 on ebay.Looking to possibly order one this week or next. Keep in mind that I am NOT  professional welder and I just do this as a hobby in my garage. Haven't really built anything worth using, just practice for now, but I do want one that will last me a very long time. Solar powered isn't a must but it sure is nice.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 Jackson BOSS. I really like the large lens and amber color, makes seeing the puddle easier and its in closer to true color than the green ones. Only con is the headgear
Reply:Originally Posted by ironmangqI have the Jackson BOSS. I really like the large lens and amber color, makes seeing the puddle easier and its in closer to true color than the green ones. Only con is the headgear
Reply:I've also heard someone say to use a gold lens as it helps you see a lot better, but never heard this from anyone else. So I'm totally up for suggestions.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:you get what ya pay for .. Jackson 3n1, ultralight one,pros, light,flexable to get ur mellon in tight spots, torch with shade 5, grind mode and variable lens shade 9-13 ,cons price and batteries , $360-400. worth it imo , if you dont go with and autodark, it might slow your "learning" down some, tack welding is an art in itself...
Reply:Imho I don't care for the speedglass welding helmets. Any of the jackson or miller autodarks have worked great for me.
Reply:Originally Posted by Mo-Weldyou get what ya pay for .. Jackson 3n1, ultralight one,pros, light,flexable to get ur mellon in tight spots, torch with shade 5, grind mode and variable lens shade 9-13 ,cons price and batteries , $360-400. worth it imo , if you dont go with and autodark, it might slow your "learning" down some, tack welding is an art in itself...
Reply:I have the Miller Elite ( standard Elite not the Digital). It's a very nice hood. Down sides are the funny cover plates and the greenish color to the view. ( Never really noticed the color thing until I got  a chance to use a Jackson Nexgen) Over all, I've been very happy with the unit.I'm thinking about getting a Jackson Nexgen because of the color as mentioned above. I borrowed it from one of the students to give it a try last term and was impressed. Color and clarity seemed a bit better than my Miller. Controls didn't seem as nice as the Miller from what I remember. My old fixed shade Jackson has always been a good hood and is my backup.I tried the Speedglas one time. It didn't fit me all that well personally but it was a lot lighter in weight than the Miller/Jackson IIRC. The issue might have just been the head gear or the way it was adjusted for the guy who I borrowed it from to try it. Wasn't going to adjust someone elses hood to fit me better. Over all it seemed like a very nice unit. I almost picked up one as a spare when the LWS guy wanted to unload his floor model. I offed him a stupid low price one day when he asked if I needed a new hood. He passed but a few weeks later said he'd do the deal. Unfortunately someone swaped out the lense for a dead one in the mean time.  Wouldn't mind giving one another try.I'd offer you the Miller with spare cover lenses at a decent price, but I'm not ready to order a new hood right now due to budget constraints. Maybe in a month or so..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Grind mode refers to the 3 n 1. If you weld.... you will grind eventually.  It is a safety feature that is beneficial at times,when a face shield isn't handy, say if you are running a 7 or 9 inch grinder perhaps. Good luck finding a hood you like.
Reply:Personally I use a clear face shield for grinding and I use the "grind" mode for torch work.  Makes it easier to see my silver pencil, which disappears on Shade 5.  I haven't priced a NexGen for years, but if you can afford one I recommend it.  Have used the same one since 2004 with no issues.
Reply:Well I borrowed my dads helmet he got years back when he worked for mac. It's a mac tools one made by morsafe. I think he paid around $150 or less at the time, but now this helmet is $519. All I have to say is wow. I am seeing things I have never seen before. Steel looks better, but aluminum was insane. I could see everything so clearly and the whole workpiece and not just the small section I was working on. I think I may have gotten spoiled and will have to get something comparable.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:Yep, It's hard some times to explain to people the reason to spend some decent money on a good hood until they have tried one. I get that reaction from time to time when I let students use my Miller AD hood instead of their HF piece of [email protected] government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Yes, good optics make a difference. Color; Clarity; Lens size; functions and adjustability  are what you need to decide on when you make your purchase.Semper FiJesus may have been a Carpenter, but his dad was a Millwright" A grinder and a can of paint, will make a welder what he aint' "I've done so much, with so little, for so long, that now I can do anything with nothing!
Reply:Originally Posted by DSWYep, It's hard some times to explain to people the reason to spend some decent money on a good hood until they have tried one. I get that reaction from time to time when I let students use my Miller AD hood instead of their HF piece of cr@p..
Reply:I think the new Lincolns 3350 and Hobart XVX have the large lens and are in your price range, but I haven't used either. Maybe someone that has can comment.Semper FiJesus may have been a Carpenter, but his dad was a Millwright" A grinder and a can of paint, will make a welder what he aint' "I've done so much, with so little, for so long, that now I can do anything with nothing!
Reply:The Miller Elite has the large lens and looks very similar to the one you are showing with a few differences. Cyberweld has the basic black one for about $250 at the top of your range. The Jackson Truesight's also have the big lens and are just a few bucks over your range at about $285 and the Jackson Boss AD's are about $250 with a big lens also. If you jump up to $300 You can add the Nexgen and the Speedglas 9100X to the list as well.Just to make the decision simple for you!    .No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:I honestly don't know the difference between each of them. Plus I just do this for a hobby and by no means a professional. So would I be able to see or make full use out of a $300 helmet vs a $200 one?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:Originally Posted by DSWJust to make the decision simple for you!
Reply:Originally Posted by skelley521I really liked the Speedglas 9002X filter. It darkens out the slag puddle and the weld puddle was a nice silver color that stood out.I'm actually going to test the new 9100XX filter I got back from 3M here in a bit, so we will see how it goes.
Reply:I have a Miller Digital Elite and it is the best shield I've ever used :]
Reply:I love my Miller Elite, but I leave it at work. I got a steal from a buddy, $30 for a Hobart Hood Professional. Regular price up here is about $130. Auto dark, shades 9-13, and surprisingly enough, it works really, really well. If it ever dies, I will have no problem buying another one, even at full price. I use it for mig welding.
Reply:i am a hobbyist and see no advantage to an autodark. ive had  real welders tell me they like not flipping the hood down 75 times a day..but for me.. i have had  them flash when tigging..i do not see the puddle/slag interface nearly as well as with a manual  fixed shade hood. for stick welding  i got  a fibre metal 2006SH10PC a fixed shade with a flip front.y when you put the stinger down you can   lift the front with yer gloves on  with the dark lens in it and have a clear lens to clean slag with . i use a Huntsman 951P  nonflip one for tig, because theres no slagto clean in tig..i also very strongly suggest a gold lens..and if you arent seeing things clearly dont be afraid to go lighter.. the lightest shade  still gives you  complete uv protection..i use a gold #9  and see puddle very well.. youy can buy either of my helmets for $50..last pic is my 2 autodarks on the hook where they stay..i actually let my 2 year old grandson wear them around because he can keep them flipped down and see through them.. finally found something they are good for,, Attached Images
Reply:There are big differences in Auto Darks. So when you go to buy one, choose the one that fits your needs as I mentioned above.Before you use them, see if they are rated for the amps of the process you are using.I hear a lot about flashing, but when I look up their hoods I generally find they were not rated for low amp tig and such. Also many have 2 sensors which can get blocked when tigging.Do you fault the hood or mark it up to operator error?Many fail to mention the details of there hoods when giving reviews.I just finished testing my 9100XX and will post my review later.Hopefully someone that has used the lincoln; jackson; hobart; etc, will continue posting reviews of their styles for you also.Semper FiJesus may have been a Carpenter, but his dad was a Millwright" A grinder and a can of paint, will make a welder what he aint' "I've done so much, with so little, for so long, that now I can do anything with nothing!
Reply:Originally Posted by GambleWell I borrowed my dads helmet he got years back when he worked for mac. It's a mac tools one made by morsafe. I think he paid around $150 or less at the time, but now this helmet is $519. All I have to say is wow. I am seeing things I have never seen before. Steel looks better, but aluminum was insane. I could see everything so clearly and the whole workpiece and not just the small section I was working on. I think I may have gotten spoiled and will have to get something comparable.
Reply:Not a clue. A fabricator on another forum said his miller elite died on him and he will sell it to me after he warranties it out, so depending on how much he wants I may go that route.Or just get the miller performance one. They are on sale at a local store for $220 or all over ebay for $185-$200 ish. He said they sell way more miller stuff than speedglas for whatever that is worth.Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal DealerWhy do you get flashed sometimes? My kobalt one never got me, but this mac tools one did twice tonight. Not a big deal, but just curious as to why.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:As I mentioned, I use mine for mig welding. On the box the Hobart came in said it was good for low amp tig, but I have never tried, as I don't tig. Flashing is not a problem on either hood either,  Hobart or Elite, unless the Elite is turned off, the first weld it will take a split second before it goes dark, but after that, no problems.
Reply:9 times out of 10 you get flashed because you block the sensors on the hood. It's common with odd shapes or say pipe clusters. Some AD's have more sensors than others and place them in different locations to try and combat this issue. It's the reason some guys won't use an AD. If you are stuffed under a pipe or in a corner you might not be able to not block the sensors.On an AD with the delay turned way down if you break the arc even for an instant or block the sensor chances are higher you'll get "flashed". With the delay turned up higher the hood won't lighten as soon as the sensors loose the arc.The good thing is with the hood down, every good AD hood will still protect your eyes even if you block the sensors and it lightens up on you..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:I have a solar powered one and have found that if I don't use it for a couple months the battery will be dead and don't work. So then I lay it in a sunny spot to charge it and  it's OK. Now when I know I won't use it for a while I just leave it in a sunny window and it keeps it charged up. This is a Optrel Satellite. Otherwise this helmet has all the features except that to put in new batteries you have to buy a whole new cartridge to put in the helmet.Welder- Miller Thunderbolt AC 225-DC 150 Plasma cutter, Miller Spectrum 300O/P torch- Victor 100
Reply:Hey gamble did you ever decide on a helmet, I am also looking for a new helmet. My Ironman helmet has been excellent for the money but it is not working out so well for tig. I got flashed three times while doing one 6'' t-joint.Lincoln pro mig 180Lincoln Square Wave Tig 300/wp 20/home built water cooler Victor, Purox, Harris, O/A welding/cutting setupsVintage Craftsman drill pressVintage Craftsman/Atlas 12"x 36'' lathe7''x 12'' w/c band saw Everlast 140 st
Reply:I've got a Hobart XFS for about $100 that I like a lot. Though it's not rated for Tig. but I don't have a Tig and wont for several years so thats fine by me. I like the head gear. it's easily adjusted and comfortable. I've had it for almost a year now, and I haven't had any problems with it. Personally I don't see the point in a larger window unless you're craming yourself into a tiny corner where you don't have full range of movement in your head. If you can see the weld and the seem, what more do you need to see? I don't feel that it's worth the extra money for the larger window. My fixed hood has a large window and I don't see how it really helps. I give that one to the kids/any buddies that are helping out.There are no problems. There are only solutions. It's your duty to determine the right one.Hobart Handler 210Airco 225 Amp MSM Stinger
Reply:Does anyone use the speedglas 100v hood, I cant seem to find info on how many sensors it has?Lincoln pro mig 180Lincoln Square Wave Tig 300/wp 20/home built water cooler Victor, Purox, Harris, O/A welding/cutting setupsVintage Craftsman drill pressVintage Craftsman/Atlas 12"x 36'' lathe7''x 12'' w/c band saw Everlast 140 st
Reply:Got a miller performance helmet. AWESOME!!!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:"Was blind, but now I see..." Semper FiJesus may have been a Carpenter, but his dad was a Millwright" A grinder and a can of paint, will make a welder what he aint' "I've done so much, with so little, for so long, that now I can do anything with nothing!
Reply:I've been looking in to it a lot and decided on the Digital Elite. My local welding supply can get it for $285 plus $25 off for the golden ticket thing. For me I believe it will be the best choice because of the X-mode and it has a large viewing area. I do both precise low amp TIG as well has carbon arcing and stick welding outside on equipment. I'll probably see if I can pick it up this next week and see how I like it
Reply:Originally Posted by BCTimberwolfI've been looking in to it a lot and decided on the Digital Elite. My local welding supply can get it for $285 plus $25 off for the golden ticket thing. For me I believe it will be the best choice because of the X-mode and it has a large viewing area. I do both precise low amp TIG as well has carbon arcing and stick welding outside on equipment. I'll probably see if I can pick it up this next week and see how I like it
Reply:Most of the non-digitals have sealing problems around the control knobs and let sweat & debris into the circuitry which can affect the life of the lens.That doesn't mean all digital hood are created equal.As for the life of the batteries, refer to the owners manual for battery life (hrs of use). That should give you a good indication of battery life.Semper FiJesus may have been a Carpenter, but his dad was a Millwright" A grinder and a can of paint, will make a welder what he aint' "I've done so much, with so little, for so long, that now I can do anything with nothing!
Reply:Time for me to chime in here.I have a Miller Titanium 9400i.  I love the looks of it and I really like the fold up shield and grinding mask underneath.  I couldn't care less that it costs me a bunch of money.  I didn't think twice about it.I've had mine for a year now and because of the usage it had started to come apart.  I called Miller up and discussed it with them.  They sent me out a new shell the other day at no extra cost to me.Pick one up if you can.[IMG][/IMG]FabTech Metalworks10100 Belknap Road Ste. A3Sugar Land, Texas 77498-1140Office: (832) 510-WELDToll-free/Fax: (800) 270-4316www.fabtechmetalworks.com
Reply:Originally Posted by DemonSpeederDoes anyone use the speedglas 100v hood, I cant seem to find info on how many sensors it has?
Reply:The 100v  is looking real good for $158.00 http://www.weldingsuppliesfromioc.co...t-07-0012-31blMiller 211Hypertherm PM 451961 Lincoln Idealarc 250HTP 221  True Wisdom only comes from Pain.
Reply:Check out my local supplier for their prices on hoods. WELDER'S SUPPLY,  http://www.weldersupply.com/C/32/HelmetsThe one you posted, $ 139.00   http://www.weldersupply.com/P/813/Se...kPartBLREBATEF
Reply:Originally Posted by BD1Check out my local supplier for their prices on hoods. WELDER'S SUPPLY,  http://www.weldersupply.com/C/32/HelmetsThe one you posted, $ 139.00   http://www.weldersupply.com/P/813/Se...kPartBLREBATEF
Reply:Wow, $249 for a miller digital elite, I paid around the original price of $359 or $365 for mine a over year ago. Been a flawless helmet, I love it.
Reply:My fav is Jackson nexgen, 2nd is speedglas SL (super light)