Recommendations... My helmet has low T - helmet droop...

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I have had a very basic $25 helmet that I got for welding class 5 years or so ago and one thing has always bothered me, it droops down in that annoyingly slow fade if I lower my head at all.   If I have the tension knobs loose, then I have to keep my head up which obviously doesn't work very well, or I have to keep them so tight that it takes a pretty vigorous nod and then some for it to lower.  Or I got to take it off each time I finish a section and lift to look at it.  A leather neck guard doesn't help either.  Oh, and the overall adjustment system sucks because it doesn't really stay tight on my cranium so I end up shaking it off after one or two head shakes.Since this is the only helmet I've ever used, I'd like some recommendations specifically on better headgear that has less of a problem.  I have also considered an AD helmet because I use a mig and flux core and would like some better aim when I squeeze the trigger.  The Speedglas 100 is not too terribly priced, given I love my eyeballs a lot.If I were a professional, I think I would spring for something in the 9100 class, but that seems exessive for my level of use.Any ideas on helmets with better head gear?
Reply:I got a 100 a yr ago Christmas and love it. I don't know what the time interval is, but it shuts itself off after a time and you have to train yourself to turn it on. Otherwise it's like looking at the arc w/ sunglasses. I'm only a hobbyist, so bear in mind IMO it wouldn't hold up long for someone welding all day, every day. I found out it is tough, I ran over it w/ my little 2 wheel garden tlr. It popped the cvomplete AD assy out of the shell. Snapped it back in and it's worked fine since.                                   MikeOl' Stonebreaker  "Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes"Hobart G-213 portableMiller 175 migMiller thunderbolt ac/dc stick Victor O/A setupMakita chop saw
Reply:I have the speedglass 100V and also love it for the price..only thing i didn;t like about it is it comes with totaly different type of headgear than others,,its a pull together type of ratchet system and i just couldn;t get used to it after using the twist knob type for over 30 years...lolI got a Jackson 370 headgear for it and had to drill a few lil holes for it to work on it and couldn't be happier..in my opinion the ZJack 370 headgear is the best out there...........most comfotable..in and out adjustments..and it clicks up and stays in position untill you knod a lil and comes down easily.1 pic is the 100V hood i have..the other is showing the Jackson 370 headgear fitted in it Attached ImagesLincoln Ranger 8 225Lincoln 180 ProMigMiller Maxstar 200DXInternational Ironworkers Local 70930+ years and counting
Reply:Miller performance series!I had my adjustment knob keep moving on my old hood, good old duct tape!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:Hmmm, I had not seen the Miller... I will have to go try each on.  Good to know I can do a redneck upgrade to a better head gear on the 100.   How's the Miller head gear?  Does it keep the lid up and balance well?  Stay tight?Sorry for the basic questions, but this is plowing totally new ground for me.  Any other comments on the speedglas headgear is appreciated.
Reply:I've had no issues at all.http://store.cyberweld.com/miwehepeauda2.htmlhttp://store.cyberweld.com/mipewehe.htmlTorchmate 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 suggest you take your hood to your local welding supply and see what they say.I just walked in the door from mine and they were able to update my adjustment band with new parts...And I think if you ask them about the little white plastic rivet  that is made to sorta finalize the adjustment arm lever... you might be in good shape with regards to the head band...   Two of my hoods are from the 1950's probably... but they still were able to find stuff to fit...Weldandpower Lincoln 225 AC,DC with Briggs 16hp gas engine.WW2 era Miller TIG.
Reply:This was is the headgear the Speedglas 100 series come with,just couldn't get used to it...puttin the Jackson 370 headgear in it was a breeze,5/8" hole and put it in,then snug it up so the stop adjustment pin turns along the inside the hood and scratches a mark,then drill 1/8" holes for the stop adjustments...I've added the 370 headgear to my Halo X hood with the Nexgen and my 2 fixed shade Jackson shadows,big lens and small flip up lens.....no matter what hood i have or ever get,it'll get the Jackson 370 headgear,best i've ever used and most comfortable...Otherwise for the price these lower end Speedglas 100V's can hardly be beat for the price,,i just happened to get lucky and buy mine from someone brand new never used still in the box for 80.00....And this is from someone who uses and loves my NexGen,so that tells you a lil somethin about how good these really are,,if you get the chance..try one out..... Attached ImagesLast edited by FabCrazyGuy; 01-17-2012 at 08:02 PM.Lincoln Ranger 8 225Lincoln 180 ProMigMiller Maxstar 200DXInternational Ironworkers Local 70930+ years and counting
Reply:$80 for the Speedglas 100... I hATE YOU!  lolThanks for taking the time to read my question and respond for everyone.  It really helps a person to hear the voices of experience and get some different ideas.  The Speedglas 100 with the Jackson headgear sounds like a wolverine mating with a honey badger!  I think that's good, isn't it???
Reply:The Jackson 370 headgear averages around 14-15.00 at most weld suppliersLincoln Ranger 8 225Lincoln 180 ProMigMiller Maxstar 200DXInternational Ironworkers Local 70930+ years and counting
Reply:You know, I think I'm going to order the Jackson 370 and add it to my current helmet.  That ALONE will make me a much less angry person.  ---> That way I can make sure I like it for my brain strap... Thanks a bunch FabCrazyGuy. ps, would you have a picture of where you put the 5/8" hole in relation to the original hole on the Speeglas?  or did you just enlarge the existing hole?
Reply:Don't quote me on the 5/8" size hole..but i "Think" thats what size drill bit i used,this was a year or more ago when i did it.When you get the headgear just match it up and make sure my memory serves me right(i'm 51 and have CRS..lol)Yes,i just drilled the square hole it had on it out to a hole for the headgear to fit through,i snugged it all up pretty tight,put it on while it was locked into the up position pretty high where i liked it.....then i marked on the hood where the little adjustment pin is on both sides...then while it was all tight,i put it on and flipped it up and down a few times,that kind of scribed a mark on the hood where holes need to be...then just drill 1/8" holes where the scribe mark is according to how close adjustments you want and where you want it to stop at...i put extra holes up high and down low just in case i get into a tight position sometime where i need the hood practictly on my chin...lol..you'd be suirprised some of the spots we get into at times...This headgear has a locking position when it's up,it'll never slip down on you and only takes a little knod to flip it down when needed..but bein an auto lens i rarely have to..most of the time i'll have it down long before i need to weld,the lens is really clear and good quality for the priceAnd oh yea..only ONE downside i found on the Speedglas 100V..no one ever seems to carry the outside lens covers at any LWS..have to order a bunch online to keep around...these are different than any of the other Speedglass hoods...Lincoln Ranger 8 225Lincoln 180 ProMigMiller Maxstar 200DXInternational Ironworkers Local 70930+ years and counting
Reply:have 9100V and I'm happy with it. I bought it second hand, but it was never used for 130€... ...I'm welding just for hobby, but I don't mind spending some money on good helmet that could last 10years. Also IMO speedglass have the best optics. I like optrel helmets too, they are great.
Reply:I have a Miller Elite AD helmet.  The basic headgear is pretty good.  I got the adapter for a hardhat and it sucks.  Great when new but in a couple of shifts won't stay up and can't make tight enoughGordie -- "I believe you understand what you think I said, but I'm not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant."
Reply:Well, my first experiment with the upgraded Jackson headgear is a success!  $13 plus shipping and it installed like a breeze... because unknown to me was that my fixed shade plastic helmet turns out is a Jackson and I never noticed.   I got it several years back when I started taking classes and bought it at the LWS when I asked for a helmet.  I put it on my head and never looked at it again.  I guess the label pressed on the helmet should have been a clue...  but in my defense I had attached a leather neck guard which blocked the name.  Yeah, I'm the village idiot, but I'm a HAPPY village idiot! Oh, and I like the headgear.  It stays up well and drops with a slight nod, has some pretty good adjustability and seems comfortable.  My helmet doesn't weigh much so not sure if that translates to other helmets.  Added a new clear plastic front and I can SEE! Anyway, thanks to all the experts for being patient and helpful with a hobbyist.  No bs, I am in awe of the professional welders here.    I dont' think average folks have any clue as to all the complicated mental things required that go into a good weld or the skill, not to mention the awareness so you don't hurt yourself or someone else.Thanks again.
Reply:+1 here for the Jackson 370 Head GearPer the suggestions and comments on this thread I also ordered the 370 headgear and put it in my cheap $40 Northern Tool AD lid and 'bam' just like that I am a happier man. What a difference from the junk setup that was in it. Something as simple as having it go up to the same spot every time and stays there and with a nod it comes down to the same spot and stays there makes a big difference.And It's comfortable with an adjustable/rocking plate that goes on the back of your head but it is positioned a little lower and with the big easy knob it snugs up nice without having to crank it down real tight.At the current going rates for the 370 it's a steal of an upgrade.How do you know the blacksmith's dog? When you hollar at him he makes a bolt for the door!
Reply:Has anyone noticed the 370 headgear squeezing at the temples? I cant seem to get mine to adjust to a point where it wont push on my temples