Auto-shade helmets - Opinions?

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Hello,I am currently shopping for a variable shade auto-darkening mask.Do you have an opinion on these masks and modules?- Optrel: Satellite- Jackson/EQC: Executive Series (module), Master Series, Professional Series or NexGen - Speedglass: 9002V or 9002XOther suggestions?Thank you,Frank
Reply:you get what you pay for.......... and when you get one make sure that you are good bout charging it and taking care of it ie helmet bag or dropping it or leaving it somewhere!!dawg
Reply:I've owned my Jackson EQC Exec for over two years.  I've never replaced the batteries, just the coverplate ($2).  My only complaint is the headgear.  It won't stay at any kind of tension, but since it's an autodark, I've lived with it.  The darkening module is top of the line, and is even quite improved in the NexGen from what my stepdad says; he has both.
Reply:I have the hobart hood.  I think it is the best bang for the buck at $129.  It has the three adjustments for delay, shade (9-13), and sensitivity.  All ajustment knobs are inside and it came with plenty of replacement covers.  It also came with the bag and a very comfortable head gear that stays put when you want it to.Knoledge is Power
Reply:I've got the Optrel: SAT.  Love it.  Purchased it around thanksgiving time last year.  Paid about $240.00 with shipping from a welding store on EBAY.  BRwelder if I remember correctly.  I am very happy with this helmet.  I have only ever heard of great reviews of this helmet from others and that is why I bought mine.  Check the online stores or ebay for the best deal.  My local supplier had a deal last month when I was in for some more gas:  Helmet, storage bag, safety glasses, ear plugs, and a filter for the helmet for about $280.00 + tax.  Remember you get what you pay for.  Go to a large store if avail and try on all the helmets and see which one works best for you.  Take into consideration: weight, field of view, coverage, suspension adjustablity and fit, and price of parts.  Good Luck.BrianLincoln Mig 215Miller 211Victor Torch SetMiller Maxstar 200SDMiller Syncrowave 250DX Tig runnerMiller Trailblazer 302 running on LPMiller Extreme 12 VS SuitcaseEllis 1600 BandsawMiller xmt350 CC/CVLincoln Vantage 300
Reply:My speedglass XL with manual/auto darkening, shades 9-13 and solar power worked great for many of years for me. It's well worth getting the larger lens and solar.  Using it constantly, I would go though batteries every 1.5 years or so. The only downside is that you have to buy those overpriced lenses. I've dropped it from 30 feet before(cracked the solar but it still worked) but the only thing that finially finished it off(after 6 years) was leaving it in the back of my truck and a heavy rain rolled though that night. It's gotten wet plenty of times before to the point of not working and all I had to do was dry it out for a day or so.  But for all I have been through with it, I'm a big speedglass fan now.Common sense in an uncommon degree is what the world calls wisdom.
Reply:Miller Big Window Elite gets my vote. Jackson's NexGen would have been my next choice.
Reply:I had two Jacksons the auto dark was iffy and mine chewed up batteries.  Personally Jacksons suck!!!  The head gear was also crap from day one.  Dont waste you money.I now have a Hornell Speedglass it is great.  Love it.  Highly recommend it.  Optrels I have heard good things about, but it is French and I don't by french.You have to decide on how much time you are going to spend under the hood.  And decide what the convience and comfort is worth to you.I got all the bell and whistles on mine including the hardhat option.  It was in the $400 range but I spend 20-30 hours a week welding (and that is increasing).  I am glad I spent the money.Ron ShopFloorTalk Millermatic 350P, M-25, M-40 gunsDynasty 300DX, Coolmate 3, Crafter CS-310 TorchTrailblazer 302, 12RC, WC-2430A spoolgunSpectrum 2050Thermal Arc Plasma Welder PS-3000/WC-100B
Reply:Jackson NexGen rules the world.
Reply:My Optrel says made in Switzerland.MM135 on 75%-25%Miller Dialarc 250AMP AC/DC TIGSpectrum 375 Victor torchesOptrel Satelite
Reply:Optrel is owned by Dalloz and is quite French!  I believe Dalloz also owns Jackson, but I could be wrong there.Ron ShopFloorTalk Millermatic 350P, M-25, M-40 gunsDynasty 300DX, Coolmate 3, Crafter CS-310 TorchTrailblazer 302, 12RC, WC-2430A spoolgunSpectrum 2050Thermal Arc Plasma Welder PS-3000/WC-100B
Reply:So far, Speedglass seems to be on top of my list. Mainly because most of the local suppliers around here say they have problems respecting Optrel and EQC 2 year waranty. If your module is not working correctly (lighter shade on the borders of the lens), the'll say you've drop the helmet and won't replace it. --- Or maybe they are just pushing speedglass.--- Who knows? Comments...
Reply:The UVEX Optrel is supposed to use a newer technology in the lens where it does not get light areas around the edges. With the older style of hoods they would get light areas around the edges. I have had this hood for about 2 years, and have dropped it from 4ft to 10ft more times than I like admit with no problems. I have never had to change the batteries (which your no supposed to have to) and don't have to let it sit in light to charge, it works very well.The place I bought it from (Airgas) wanted $369.00 I told them I wouldn't give anymore than $250 later the guy came from behind the counter and said the best he could do was $269 so I bought it.Last edited by thenewguy4; 05-22-2004 at 09:52 AM.MM135 on 75%-25%Miller Dialarc 250AMP AC/DC TIGSpectrum 375 Victor torchesOptrel Satelite
Reply:Here are a few PM's A36 and I had.They are just plain shade 5's.  They are great to have if you are working at a bench or hot table.  You have periferal vision and the are not in the line of sight of the arc and give you full protection when welding.  I got all the bells and whistles with the hard hat option.  With the hard hat it was ~$450 with out the HH I think they quoted me ~$350.  The HH is pricey but it is all quality.If you are a hobbist or weekend warrior.  I would look seriously at what you are spending.  But if you are a part time or full time professional welder then you have to go Speedglas or Optrel.  My only problem with Optrel is it is french owned.  I have heard good things about them.  Optrel has the variable shade adjustment on the outside of the hood.  Some guys like it, I dont think it would do me much good.  I run mostly production and once I set it I'm good.  Guys who do alot of feild work and/or repairs would probably prefer the ease of access to the controls.  Optrel and Speedglas pricing is similar.Just stay away from Jackson.  The headgear is crap.  My first one I melted when I was running spray transfer on 1" plate.  The helmet frame did not melt.  It was the frame on autodark unit that melted the light from the arc melted it through the replaceable lens.  Jackson gave me the run around.  BOC Gases (my retailer) stood behind their sale and replaced the unit on their own dime.  I think they took their frustrations out on the Jackson sales rep.  Jackson sucks.  BOC Joliet is excellent!Well that is more than you are asking for but hey.  I think I am going to post this on the thread also.a36 wrote on 05-22-2004 09:05 AM:About the side shields; are they connected to the auto-shade module or are simply shade 5 shields?thanksfrankShade Tree Welder wrote on 05-22-2004 03:12 AM:The outer spatter sheild lens is more money about double. $1 vs $2.  But, I dont mind the extra view is worth it.  Hornell (Speedglas) has an option for Shade 5 side shields, get them!
Reply:I work in a shop with nine other guys who use the Optrel Satellite hood. ( I, of course, use a big window fixed shade with a shade 12 Gold.) the other guys seem to agree that the Optrel is the one they would buy if they had to do it again.
Reply:speedglass is definitely the way to go.  i have a few of them and would not consider buying one of the others.  the thing i do not like about the obtrel welding helmets is that they have all the controls one the outside of the helmet and if you have to stick your head in a small space i feel there would be more of chance of busting one of the dials off. also the speed glass has 14 layer and the optrel has only 8.  you might pay more the speedglass but i think it is worth it.  you only have one pair of eyes so you have to look after them.
Reply:What about this curved outer plastic window at the Speedglas helmets? Does it more easily get ruined by weld splatter than the traditional helmets with the standard flat glas as outer protection?
Reply:We sell the Jackson units under our Striker name.  I have never had any run around from customers who have had a warranty issue.  Jackson sends them a new module ASAP.  However they will not warranty a lens if is is cracked or if there is spatter on it.I have not had the opportunity to try the Optrel or the Speedglass, but when we started selling these in the early 90's, the Speedglass did not have as fast of a switching speed, and I don't think Optrel was around, or at least not with A/D technology.Jeff NolandDrive a LincolnDrink a MillerWeld with an HTP
Reply:The optrel Sat. gets mixed reviews in my books. I switched from a Solarmatic because of the O-ring seal on the outer lens, the grinding feature and the fact it has a ultra low range to a shade 5. Its a great mask except I had the first one replaced due to improper fit of the outer lens. (O-ring would not seat correctly) and the inner lens was too loose. (Gradually falls out from head nods) The replacement mask still has the loose inner lenses which I have to tape in place. (I know a shop who uses the same ones....I mentioned the troubles I had, Thiers was "fine" until they looked....lens was long gone with spatter on the cartridge...oops)Lastly, I can't adjust the headgear pivot to be consistant. Too tight or too loose. P.S. I'll Buy French before I buy Chinese anyday.Last edited by Canoe2fish; 12-20-2005 at 12:42 PM.