Replace Speedglas with????

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I have an auto darkening Speedglas (3/11) helmet that is 8 yrs old and has decided to not work properly anymore. Called 3M tech and after going through process of elimination, the circuit board is starting to go. I can actually see delamination and it is not allowing me to see when welding and also lets flash come through. Not good. So the Speedglas I have will be permanently discontinued this coming Feb. The replacement would be the 9100 series and would cost around $250 at online shops. This would include a 3yr warranty, extra face shields, extra sweat band, etc.I do not weld very often and was wondering what other brands (Miller, Hobart, Jackson, etc) would be comparable to my current one. I absolutely want auto darkening and to have a decent viewing area (2"x4" or larger)I need the helmet to function with MIG, ARC, and Plasma and having a grinding mode would be great too.Any thoughts would be much appreciated.Last edited by jh225; 11-26-2012 at 05:02 PM.
Reply:I will put in my vote for the Jackson Truesight W60 which we covered in a recent thread.   Replaced an old AD jackson and a Miller Elite with this hood myself.  Speedglass is also an excellent helmet.  if you have an LWS you can try some out at,  that is the best way to go.Tiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:Originally Posted by soutthpawI will put in my vote for the Jackson Truesight W60 which we covered in a recent thread.   Replaced an old AD jackson and a Miller Elite with this hood myself.  Speedglass is also an excellent helmet.  if you have an LWS you can try some out at,  that is the best way to go.
Reply:Not meaning to hijack the thread, but does the Truesight have auto on or do you have to turn it on?
Reply:You have to turn it on if its sat for a while...  but I liked the clarity and the huge viewing area in addition to the easy to reach buttons that I was willing to forgo the auto on function. Would be a nice addition though.   I had already upgraded my old jackson to the new headgear so I knew it fit well and was comfortable..Tiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:8 years is a pretty good service life from anything, nowadays. If you haven't had any other nagging problems, or costs that seem unnecessary, is there any reason not to just get the newest model?  I have used an Optrel Satellite since 2005. Here is some info on it:http://www.westernsafety.com/optrelw...eldingpg1.htmlmiddle of the page.They make some large viewing area helmets, too. Where the arc is really does not require a wide area of view to see. I mainly wanted clarity. The Optrel has clarity. It is light weight,also. You can go from welding to grinding with the push of a button on the side of the helmet. Good luck on your search. Let us know what you got and how you like it.TxDoc's Photos Lincoln SP175 PlusLincoln Power Mig 256Lincoln 250 LX Spool Gun Lincoln Precision Tig 225 Hypertherm 600 KMG 2x72 Belt GrinderBaldor 812RE Grinder
Reply:I think you got your moneys worth from it 8 years old is pretty good going for a shield, personally i would be inclined to try one of the more newer shields which are available nowdays. I had an esab eyetech 1, for about 5 years and now i use an esab origo tech which at half the price seems to be working ok and i'm happy with it. You need to think of it as an investment, say lasting 5 years, so at $250 that works out at just $50 a year for your shield
Reply:I got the Speedglas 9100x about a year ago as an upgrade to the cheapy black HF AD, which would auto-lite when tig at lower amps. Still use the HF for stick, no complaints.I haven't had the luxury of trying a variety of hoods, but I would not hesitate to buy another 9100 or recommend it to others. When it's time, I'll consider others as well, but so far it's one of few things I've purchased that I'm really satisfied with.I'm a hobby welder on a budget, but it is well worth the cost for the protection and clarity I was seeking, and got.I'm pretty safety concsious. My dad lost an eye as a kid. Like he says, "it didn't grow back".So, the investment in good equipment is also measured by more than the dollars spent.Let us know what you get and what you think.Last edited by jtcnj; 11-28-2012 at 09:10 PM.Lincoln AC/DC 225/125 and WP17. 75A AC is for pipe thawing!HH 140 - new addtion 9/2012.I didn't agree, but hoped for Hope and Change.I got change for myself and my family: for the worse.This is the reality of: Barackalypse Now. Again.
Reply:What do you guy's think about the Miller Pro Hobby series? I tried one on at the LWS and couldn't believe how light and comfortable it was compared to my old Speedglas. At $150, it seems like a decent helmet.
Reply:I recently got a new Lincoln 3350 to replace a 4 year old Harbor Freight AD hood.It's a little heavier the the HF, but it's a lot clearer and the big window is great! So far I'm liking it a lot.The local welding supply had the Lincoln on sale for $15 more than buying it on line and the salesman gave me a discount on some other items I was buying.
Reply:Jackson EQC, works just fine till u drop a grinder on it on accident.I forgot how to change this.
Reply:the pro hobby is OK, the only problem is with only two sensors I get flashed if I'm working inside a frame sometimes.SqWave 200Millermatic 190Airco 200 ACHypertherm PM45Boice-Crane Band SawVictor O/A
Reply:Replace with..... HARBOR FREIGHT!!!! Lincoln Power Mig 216Lincoln AC/DC-225/125Miller  625 X-Treme PlasmaMiller 211 Forney 95FI-A 301HF 91110Victor Journeyman O/PMilwaukee DaytonMakita  Baileigh NRA Life Member
Reply:I guess I just don't get spending $250 for a lens.