AD helmets under $300

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I've been researching auto darkening helmets over the past few weeks. Thought it would be easier if I just made a list including some of the features or lack there of. Maybe this will help some others as well.  Harbor Freight Blue Flame- $60.00 1.3lb- solor with lithium batteris (not replaceable), auto on/off, 9-13 shade, grind mode, 2 arc sensors, 3 7/8 x 1 5/8 (6.30 sq in) windowHobart XVS $120.00 1.0lb- AAA batteries (replaceable) 9-12 shade, 2 arc sensors, manual on/auto off, 3.75 x 1.37 (5.14 sq in) window Lincoln Viking 1840  $136 1.2lb- solar with battery backup (not replaceable), 9-13 shade, grind mode, auto on/off, 2 arc sensors 3.78 x 1.85 (6.99 sq in) windowMiller Pro Hobby  $156 1.0lb- solar with alkaline batteries (replaceable), 8-12 shade, no gride mode, manual on/auto off  2 arc sensors, 3.85 x 1.57 (6.06 sq in) windowLincoln Viking 2450  $169 1.4lb- solar with replaceable Lithium batteries, auot on/off, 4 arc sensors, grind mode, 3.82 x 2.44 (9.32 sq in) window3M Speedglas 100  $172- 2 Lithium batteries (replaceable), 8-12 shade, 3 sensitivity settings, manual on/auto off, 6.00 sq in window, no grind mode. 2 arc sensors Miller Performance  $261 1.1lb- solar with Lithium batteries (replaceable), 8-13 shade, auto on/off, grind mode, 3 arc sensors 3.85 x 1.85 (7.22 sq in) windowJackson Nexgen  $296- Lithium batteries (replaceable), 9-13 shade, 4 arc sensors, grind mode, manual on/auto off, 9.0 sq in window. I'm thinking about going with the Lincoln Viking 2450 because of price and features but I'm new to welding so I'm not able to give advise, just wanted to pass on the information to help others.Please feel free to comment or point out any errors.
Reply:http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...6894_200416894I've been thinking about this unit also. The specs are good for the $139.00 price tag.This one is also a consideration for me...http://www.usaweld.com/Striker-CFB-s/84.htmLast edited by papaharley03; 05-10-2011 at 07:18 PM.Lincoln Idealarc 250 (circa 1962)Lincoln Weldpak 155 w/Mig KitLincoln Squarewave TIG 175
Reply:i have the nexgen its heavy, i noticed you didnt post the weight of it. other than the weight great helmet.
Reply:I couldn't find a listed weight but I didn't spend much time looking. If you could give us a estimate, I'll be more then happy to add it. I'm sure their are several more options then I've listed. These just seem to be the more common ones that are discussed here.
Reply:I have what I assume is the older model of the harbor frieght helmet. Its called  western saftey. thought it would be total trash but seems to work ok. I think you need to qualify the use though alot of tig welders have complained about getting flashed with cheaper hoods. For hobby mig the cheapies seem to work.http://www.leap.cc/cms/index.php
Reply:im thinking about one of the chin operated hoods from http://www.accustrike.com/i saw them mentioned on weldingtipsandtricks.com and am intrigued. anyone have any experience with these? (not intended as a highjack...)
Reply:Originally Posted by papaharley03http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...6894_200416894I've been thinking about this unit also. The specs are good for the $139.00 price tag.This one is also a consideration for me...http://www.usaweld.com/Striker-CFB-s/84.htm
Reply:I wonder how important a grinding mode would be for the typical weekend hobbyist? If it’s not as useful as it sounds, that might bring some of the entry level name brands like the Miller Pro Hobby and the Speedglas 100 back into the equation.
Reply:You can get a Miller Elite for under $300.... You can get a Performance series for under $200. They're a fine helmet, I love mine. Get it in black.... Flashy graphics don't make you a better welder, and they make changing out the front lense more of a pain on the elite modelsMyself, I'd never use a "grind mode" on my helmet. I hate wearing it more than I have to when I'm not welding. But at work, we use a helmet with an integrated grinding face shield as part of the helmet, it's a very nice feature since we use it so often. Makes it harder to see thoughGive me fuel, give me fire, give me that which I desire.
Reply:Originally Posted by shake thisI wonder how important a grinding mode would be for the typical weekend hobbyist? If it’s not as useful as it sounds, that might bring some of the entry level name brands like the Miller Pro Hobby and the Speedglas 100 back into the equation.
Reply:Thanks for the info Primtime and Broccoli, I wouldn't have ever considered the location of the controls. I also agree that the auto on/off would be a feature worth having.
Reply:i have the cheap blue flame one from harbor freight and it works good for just the light hobby stuff that i do
Reply:Here's another one to add to the list:The Jackson Element helmet. On for $80 right now at Tenequip.http://www.jacksonsafety.com/linkdet...roupid=3023293I don't have one, but the Jackson helmets seem to have  a good reputation on here.Campbell Hausfeld 80 Flux Core.Mastercraft AC-230 Buzz box.
Reply:Weekend warrior needs nothing more than the Hobart, Lincoln, or the Northern specials...I dont find my NexGen heavy, maybe some TIGGERS out there with their silly little aluminum projects might find it heavy....Haha, just kidding!!But seriously, my 1970's pipeliner 2x4 hood is heavier than my NexGen, also Im a goalie, so rocking a Itech 961 for 14 years might have bulked up my neck a little....Lincoln Power MIG 210 MP ( boat anchor )Lincoln Weld-Pac 100 HDHobart IronMan 230Cutmaster 42Jackson NexGenSumner Ultra ClampsDWM120
Reply:Originally Posted by Broccoli1It is handy but not how Miller and Lincoln(2450) have the controls- on the inside of the helmet- PIAI have an Optrel with the Grind Mode but the control button is on the Outside of the helmet- I don't have to take the helmet off to activate the Grind Mode.My Business partner purchased the Miller Performance and it has the Grind Mode but is just useless really- otherwise a good helmet.I like the Auto/On-Off features on the the hoods.Couple of the ones you listed only have Auto Off- so you have to make sure you turn the Helmet ON every time you want to weld and again after you let it sit and stop welding.e.g. Grinding, fitting, cutting the material.
Reply:Originally Posted by JimbobHere's another one to add to the list:The Jackson Element helmet. On for $80 right now at Tenequip.http://www.jacksonsafety.com/linkdet...roupid=3023293I don't have one, but the Jackson helmets seem to have  a good reputation on here.
Reply:Originally Posted by shake thisI wonder how important a grinding mode would be for the typical weekend hobbyist? If it’s not as useful as it sounds, that might bring some of the entry level name brands like the Miller Pro Hobby and the Speedglas 100 back into the equation.
Reply:i am no big fan of the as..much prefer my huntsman with a gold #9...but i like the ad for when im tacking and grinding, i can grind fine with the hood down...
Reply:I like my miller pro-hobby AD shade 10 only.  Costs about $100.  Turns itself on/off. Doesn't need batteries.  Durable.  Cheap enough that it can be replaced if the need arises because sometimes **** happens.My name's not Jim....
Reply:Originally Posted by weldbeadi am no big fan of the as..much prefer my huntsman with a gold #9...but i like the ad for when im tacking and grinding, i can grind fine with the hood down...
Reply:why not just get a passive and be done with it because replacement lenses are cheap and you dont have to worry about battrys going dead or the ad lens just not working.  i hate them because i feel like ive been acr flashed all day.WELD TO LIVE LIVE TO RIDEA bad welder blames his equipment, a good weldor can lay a perfect bead on any thing
Reply:fibremetal pipeliner $40 + arc one singles $80 = $120 lightweight and works welldave