AD welding helmet..??

[Sully2]

Here is the one Im planning on geting soon. Can someone tell me more about it as to ..?..good/better/ best..? ..POS..or ??


Miller brand
"Featuring our new replaceable battery/solar-assist Performance Series lens technology (no recharging required), these helmets measure up to your most demanding requirements. They're lightweight, comfortable and offer unsurpassed light-state clarity and exceptional battery life.

XLi Performance Series light industrial welding helmets are ideal for the hobbyist and most light-duty industrial applications. Not recommended for out-of-position or low amperage (below 10 amps) TIG welding"

XLi Performance Series Features

# Lens Speed - 1/16,000 sec
# Shade Control - 9-13 Internal Control
# Sensitivity Control - Internal Adjustment
# Delay Control - .10 - 1.0 sec
# Viewing Field - 3.85" X 1.85" (97 X 47mm)
# Number of Arc Sensors - 2
# Lens Power Control - Manual ON/Auto OFF
# Low Amperage TIG rated - 10 amps
# Inverter Arc Capable
# Battery Life - 2,000 hours
# Weight - 16 oz.
# 2 Year Warranty


I dont stand a chance using a standard dark helmet..I cant even see my hand in front of my face..lol

 

[Sandlot]

I bought this one from Harbor Freight. I am very happy with it for the amount I paid. Only problem is getting a magnifier to fit. In the other thread I posted a picture on how I wire tied in a magnifier. So far, so good. Oh, and standard cover plates do not fit. You can order plates from HF or cut down standard plates. I just order 10 each, inside and out, for a buck apiece. This should last me a few years!

Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

 

[Sully2]

Ive looked at the HF helmets...but Im a little leery of them. I got nothing against HF...I buy a lot of stuff from them...but dont want to take any "risk" with my vision

 

[MadReferee]

I used an HF el-cheapo helmet for a few years and then bought a Miller Big Window Elite. The difference is like night and day and the price was $250 vs $59. You get what you pay for.

The Miller XLi helmets are a step below the BWE with the main differences being a quicker lens, 50% longer batter life, 4 vs 2 arc sensors, and of course a bigger window. If you can afford the extra $60 or so it will be well worth it. I got mine from IOC on eBay.

You can't go wrong with any of the Miller helmets. They are not the best on the market but they are close. BTW, they are not made in the USA either.

 

[Sully2]

The Miller XLi helmets are a step below the BWE with the main differences being a quicker lens, 50% longer batter life, 4 vs 2 arc sensors, and of course a bigger window. If you can afford the extra $60 or so it will be well worth it. I got mine from IOC on eBay.

You can't go wrong with any of the Miller helmets. They are not the best on the market but they are close. BTW, they are not made in the USA either.

Whew! Im stretching the old budget now dude...lol The larger window DOES look nice though..I have to admit that for sure.

 

[wushaw]

May I suggest the XLis unit with the "easy" external shade adjustment, with it being external you can even dial it in while welding to get the best picture possible.
I recently purchased a Northerntool AD helmet with the external adjustment, I like the external adjustment much better than the Jackson AD hood that I inherited that has to be torn apart to adjust it. I just wish the headgear on the Northerntool helmet wasn't complete junk.

 

[Henro]

As MadRef said, you get what you pay for...

That being said, a standard fixed shade lens works fine for a LOT of people. Personally, I was surprised recently when I made my first weld with one of these. I think I could see the puddle maybe even better than I do through my good AD hood, which is a Jackson NexGen.

In my limited experience, the AD hood was most valuable when starting out and striking the first arc. As I gained experience, got comfortable with welding and watching the puddle and so on, I believe the AD hood utility may have decreased a bit, at least for me.

The large lens also is appealing, but really you only look through a small part of it anyway, so I am not sure if it really is that important. Heck, I use a cheater lens inside my NexGen, and that cheater is about the size of a normal fixed lens, so most of the large lens area I have is not used by my eyes.

Just a couple points to ponder, from my experience. I was really surprised by how well a standard non AD lens worked. I did miss the ability to see where the electrode was before striking the arc though.

I think with TIG I would rather have the AD lens as it is not desirable to touch the tip to the work with my welder which is not the scratch start type...

Hope this post relates to the thread...as I finish typing this I'm not sure anymore...

 

[Sandlot]

Well, back in the day, I used a Speedglas high dollar hood, all types of adjustment, great ventilation, and the company paid for it. Last week I used my HF el cheapo, and other then the lack of adjustment and ventilation, I couldn't tell the difference. Using a AD hood for several years at work you get into habits that carry on at home. One is to blink at the same time as I push the mig trigger. In that length of time it goes dark and you don't have any flash dazzle to deal with. Manual hood as good as AD??? You been sniffing that argon mix again? Try flipping that darn thing down while your head is wedge between two pipes or while you are wedged under your tractor.

Speedglas Welding Helmet - 9002V Auto Dark Lens

 

[Berniep]

I have the miller XLi that you are looking at. I am very happy with it. I learned to stick weld with a standard helmet and I just love the AD and big lense area. Sure it's mot as big as others but it is much larger than the old 1.5 or 2 inch tall helmet lenses I used to use.

 

[Sully2]

I have the miller XLi that you are looking at. I am very happy with it. I learned to stick weld with a standard helmet and I just love the AD and big lense area. Sure it's mot as big as others but it is much larger than the old 1.5 or 2 inch tall helmet lenses I used to use.

I appreciate your input! And Im glad to see that you like yours.

I dont NEED "the best"...but I dont want to spend even a nickle for some POS either....and as far as the std "dark glass"...forget that! Id fall down trying to SIT down even with that thing. I cant see jack noodlie thru that dark lens.

I appreciate the replys fellas!!