Lincoln vista vs viking

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I have been welding for a living for 2 years and i am going back to school to get aws certifications. I want to invest in a new shield that is auto darkening. I am interested in the vista 3000 or viking w tribal design. One web site has the patriot 3000 for under 200 shipped to the door with the larger window. Some of the forums say that this helmet is heavy, i usually like heavy things because they are more durable.  I also see that they have stopped making this series. I know that the miller elite series has problems welding over head etc. I do not know if the vista shares the same problems. Also the door to change the lenses looks like a major weakness. The viking looks like a great mask, but has smaller window. If anyone has any thoughts on which one i should choose please give me your 2 cents the viking with 5 pack replacement lenses is 160patriot w lenses 198I don't really care much about spending more money just want the better mask
Reply:My suggestion would be a Jackson NexGen EQC. I have had mine for 3 years now and have welded in every position possible with it and had no issues. Tons of NR 232 wire and  7018 have been burned using this hood and countless lbs of tig wire. Its a great hood and thus far has been very durable. The other thing I like about it is that its a standard 4x5 clear.Hope this helps some.'Mike
Reply:Originally Posted by johnnyfirebluetorchI have been welding for a living for 2 years and i am going back to school to get aws certifications. I want to invest in a new shield that is auto darkening. I am interested in the vista 3000 or viking w tribal design. One web site has the patriot 3000 for under 200 shipped to the door with the larger window. Some of the forums say that this helmet is heavy, i usually like heavy things because they are more durable.  I also see that they have stopped making this series. I know that the miller elite series has problems welding over head etc. I do not know if the vista shares the same problems. Also the door to change the lenses looks like a major weakness. The viking looks like a great mask, but has smaller window. If anyone has any thoughts on which one i should choose please give me your 2 cents the viking with 5 pack replacement lenses is 160patriot w lenses 198I don't really care much about spending more money just want the better mask
Reply:Ok I bought the Vista  I actually broke down and got modernThe all black model goes for 121 at my LWS.  The frilly one with all the designs is around 40 dollars more.I used it for the first time today, and was pleased once I got over my fear of the technology.I like the fact that it can be turned all the way to a #13 shade.  I've been having trouble seeing the puddle when going uphill from above the rod looking down.  The light from the arc drowns out the puddle.  It does seem to help to be able to adjust the shade to a darker # when necessary.  (as if anything can help my welding)What you may consider a small window is acceptable to me.  I've never used anything but a plain fixed shade 2x4 hood.  The window on the Vista seems to be a bit larger than my conventional shade and visibility is pretty good.The  sensitivity is ultra sensitive.  I think it's a good thing, although it might drive you a little nuts adjusting it for different lighting conditions.  But it is easy to do.I CAN WEAR MY GLASSES UNDER THIS THINGAnd you can adjust the shade # with a handy dandy little knob on the outside of the hood.Today was heavy overcast, and it seemed to work just fine, so my worries about the solar thingy were unfounded.AND IT COMES WITH A DESIGNER ACCESSORY PACKAGE!!!!!!!!!!!!Personally, I think they could get rid of the fancy carrying bag, and cutesy bandana, and charge a few bucks less for the thingI deep sixed the carry bagI tried to figure out a use for the bandana, and decided to see if Clarence would like it Attached ImagesLast edited by farmersamm; 01-18-2010 at 07:01 AM.Reason: spelling"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:I see you bought the liquid cooled model, didn't know it was filled with Bud Light. Clarence look like he's wondering if you've gone loco.Tough as nails and damn near as smart
Reply:Originally Posted by farmersammOk I bought the Vista  I actually broke down and got modernThe all black model goes for 121 at my LWS.  The frilly one with all the designs is around 40 dollars more.I used it for the first time today, and was pleased once I got over my fear of the technology.I like the fact that it can be turned all the way to a #13 shade.  I've been having trouble seeing the puddle when going uphill from above the rod looking down.  The light from the arc drowns out the puddle.  It does seem to help to be able to adjust the shade to a darker # when necessary.  (as if anything can help my welding)What you may consider a small window is acceptable to me.  I've never used anything but a plain fixed shade 2x4 hood.  The window on the Vista seems to be a bit larger than my conventional shade and visibility is pretty good.The  sensitivity is ultra sensitive.  I think it's a good thing, although it might drive you a little nuts adjusting it for different lighting conditions.  But it is easy to do.I CAN WEAR MY GLASSES UNDER THIS THINGAnd you can adjust the shade # with a handy dandy little knob on the outside of the hood.Today was heavy overcast, and it seemed to work just fine, so my worries about the solar thingy were unfounded.AND IT COMES WITH A DESIGNER ACCESSORY PACKAGE!!!!!!!!!!!!Personally, I think they could get rid of the fancy carrying bag, and cutesy bandana, and charge a few bucks less for the thingI deep sixed the carry bagI tried to figure out a use for the bandana, and decided to see if Clarence would like it
Reply:EDIT EDIT  I meant VIKING.  I got the VIKING  Sorry"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:I would agree with ironman715. I don't weld very often but when I do it's the most handy (and lightweight) hood to have around. The major advantage of the Jackson over the Lincoln's is that the NexGen uses a replaceable battery type of lens. In the Lincoln hoods the solar panel is doing nothing more than charging batteries inside the hood that are not replaceable. Once the batteries inside the solar hoods go bad or corrode, the whole hood is basically shot. Also, the NexGen has a bigger viewing area than the new Viking hood. Speedglas would also be another one to look into....
Reply:By the time the batteries inside go bad, it will be time for a new hood. No worries