|
|
Hi, first post here and I'm somewhat new to MIG, done stick for years, but still a hobbyist. Current helmets are Jackson HSL2 with a AO cool weld #10 and a Hobart AD. I love the cool weld's clarity, still have trouble starting with the head flip. The Hobart is beat up and no replacement lens are available. Does anyone have experience with an Optrel e684 and a Balder variant like an ESAB New Tech, Jackson w70 BH3, or any I missed? I can get the Optrel e684 now or wait for the distributors to start releasing the new Jackson w70 Truesiight II(released 4 March 15). I've only seen arc shots of the Jackson w70 BH3. The Opterl e684 is surposed to have a competing technology. What are your thoughts?Lincolin 210MP
Reply:Here's the link to the Jackson Truesight II http://www.na.kccustomerportal.com/D...llSheet_v5.pdfLincolin 210MP
Reply:I have the e680 (not sure about '4' - might just be color) and the Jackson w70 BH3. The Optrel is built how you would expect a European made helmet. Quality stuff all around. A pretty smooth front makes it reasonable to do vertical overhead with it (in my case welding under a car/truck). Good clarity. Cheater lens fits nicely. I was worried about the knobs on the outside, but so far there hasn't been any issue. The only negative is the viewing area - a bit smaller.The Jackson has bigger viewing area and is overall a lighter helmet. Feels flimsy in comparison. But it does the job and again, I have had no issues. I use the Jackson 95% of the time. My latest big project was a trailer. Lots of moving around tacking, going back and finish welding (stepping over frame rails etc.) The lighter helmet was nice - In my opinion, less fatiguing.Both helmets are blue lens. Both allow me to see the puddle and where I'm going. With the green lenses I can either see the puddle clearly or see where I'm going, rarely both.Neither helmet has given me much of an issue when outside. I seem to recall turning the sensitivity down a bit on both and haven't changes the settings again.I got the Jackson from Amazon back when it was $240. (some got it for less with rebates). I understand its 360+ now. Not sure if that its worth that.Con Fuse!Miller Dynasty 350Millermatic 350P-Spoolmatic 30AMiller Multimatic 200Hypertherm PowerMax 1000G3Miller Maxstar 200DX
Reply:I take it back, the e684 has significant control features above and beyond the e680. $371 is the best price I could find.I know its Swiss designed (and made?) and probably, as a safety device, works as advertised. That has got to be a pretty neat trick to fine tune the shade of a helmet based on arc brightness.... I mean you aren't always looking right at the arc (welding under a car its not always possible - for example)If it was a $ vs. $, I'd go with Optrel. If you can get the Jackson at a better price (they have rebates all the time), I'd still consider it.One caveat - overhead welding. You don't want a helmet that traps the sparks. Optrel even advertises there helmet is suitable for overhead.Con Fuse!Miller Dynasty 350Millermatic 350P-Spoolmatic 30AMiller Multimatic 200Hypertherm PowerMax 1000G3Miller Maxstar 200DX
Reply:Thanks for the Optrel recommendation, I wish these manufacturers would post arc shot videos!Lincolin 210MP |
|