Auto-darkening helmet

KennyG · Nov 4, 2017

I will add one more data point. I have used a cheap HF auto dark helmet for about 4 years. It's still working and the rechargeable battery seems to be holding up. However, I get annoyed at the inadvertent darkening from work lights and I find it's a little hard to see the puddle and see exactly where the arc is.

I decided to spend some money ($200) and I got a Lincoln Viking 2450 helmet. It has a much larger window, the "4c" technology with 4 light sensors. Excuse the pun but it's like day and night. I can see so much clearer now it's amazing.

No question that the cheap helmets will work but if you intend on doing much welding, spending more will make the experience much more enjoyable. I'm not under the illusion that it will make me a good welder (that would be a miracle) but now I can see that I'm making a mistake much faster.

Doofy · Nov 4, 2017

Hahahaha Ain't that the truth! The auto-darkening helment did not improve my welding techniques very much. I still can't see what I am doing very well unless I have a super bright light focused on where I am welding. I'm not sure if the shade is to dark or if it is light infiltration from the back of the hood reflecting back into my eyes.

Most often, my weld just wanders away... kinda looks like chicken feet, most of the time. Gonna try a blackout shroud and see if it helps.

xring100 · Nov 4, 2017

KennyG said:
I will add one more data point. I have used a cheap HF auto dark helmet for about 4 years. It's still working and the rechargeable battery seems to be holding up. However, I get annoyed at the inadvertent darkening from work lights and I find it's a little hard to see the puddle and see exactly where the arc is.

I decided to spend some money ($200) and I got a Lincoln Viking 2450 helmet. It has a much larger window, the "4c" technology with 4 light sensors. Excuse the pun but it's like day and night. I can see so much clearer now it's amazing.

No question that the cheap helmets will work but if you intend on doing much welding, spending more will make the experience much more enjoyable. I'm not under the illusion that it will make me a good welder (that would be a miracle) but now I can see that I'm making a mistake much faster.

I completely agree i wandered off course with my dads amazon special helmet several times because i could not see clearly. Been flashed when welding in weird positon and the sensor was covered.
The Lincoln covers a huge shade range. I liked the miller interface but the lincoln lens technology
Another case of you get what you pay for.

Eric102 · Nov 5, 2017

Quote: "I bought an Antra AH6-260 4 sensor helmet fully auto on off for about $45 from amazon and it has been great almost 2 years of use no problems or even battery replament needed.
It has a grind mode, and has replaceable batteries , is also solar powered.

It accepts cheater lenses and also has a test mode, sensitivity adjustment and delay control fast 1/25000 second dimming response and also has a 2 range selector 4/5 - 9 for plasma cutting and acetylene and 9-13 for most stick and Mig.

Also comes with 6 replacement outer lenses , batteries included and Tig rated down to 2 amps

has over 750 reviews is their Best seller a 4.5 rating for $45.95"

Just got that one myself, so far seems like a bargain for $46. Antra AH6-26- Solar Power Auto Darkening Welding Helmet with AntFi X6-2 Wide Shade Range 4/5-9/9-13 - Arc Welder - Amazon.com

tomplum · Nov 16, 2017

This thread had me looking at extra gear. I tried to fix my Optrel and killed it. I bought this one. Only about 2 hours time on so far, but big viewing area and clear. Replaceable battery too. I clicked on it a couple times and a 15% off coupon popped up- so under 60$. Welding Helmet, Tacklife PAH3D Solar Power Auto Darkening Welding Helmet with Wide Shade Range DIN 3/4-8/9-13 and Highest Optical Class (1/1/1/1), Large Viewing Area, Polyamide Material - - Amazon.com

crazyal · Nov 16, 2017

I have a HF one. It hangs on the tank valve on my mig welder. When I touch the mig wire to the steel without pulling the trigger it makes a small spark that's just enough to force the lens to darken. It's probably 10 years old now and has never failed to work. The biggest issue with it is the protective lens is plastic so splatter does stick to it on occasion and when it gets covered in smoke and dust if you are not very careful you will scratch it. Those scratches take their toll making the puddle harder to see. Now that I'm getting older and my eyes need a little help I'll probably replace it with something nicer with a thinker plastic protector lens (or glass) so I can just replace the glass at will. I'm also going to get something that I can use a cheater lens with.

flyerdan · Nov 16, 2017

The plastic cover lenses are sacrificial and are available at any welding store in a variety of sizes, pretty cheap, too. Lot of places really go through them.

Redlands Okie · Nov 16, 2017

Well the OP has already done his deal. But for other readers mine has the grinder setting as mentioned by one or two others. I use the grinder setting often. A trip to the eye doctor tends to make one more careful. I also keep it in a plastic bag so as to keep the dust and what not out of it. Less scratches on the lenses and no bugs etc etc. auto darken is sure nice to have. And ya I still have the head nod habit at times even though I have had the hood for years.

sd455dan · Nov 16, 2017

For a bit more money about $100

Some of the Guys over on Welding Web are really liking this

HTP Striker Supreme XL
Striker Supreme XL Welding Helmet, Welding Gun Accessories, Metal Working, Welder Supplies | USAWeld.com

Quoted from a post
(I bought one when they were on sale for Father's day and I love it a LOT. The head gear is a little wonky but visually it is stunning. Best view of the puddle I have ever had on any helmet. It is 1/1/1/1 rated. Super impressive visual acuity.)

a description of the ratings of clarity

offers excellent protection and unbeatable clarity

in fact, earned an optical clarity rating of 1/1/1/1,

the best possible optical clarity rating for auto-darkening welding lenses.

Graded on a scale of 1 to 3, with 1 being the best grade and 3 being the worst,

the Striker Supreme XL achieved excellence in all four classes of optical clarity—

optical (or accuracy of vision),
diffusion of light,
variation of luminous transmittance,
and angle dependence on luminous transmittance.

This sounds really good if my antra bites the dust or I need an even clearer view of the puddle.