Auto Darkening Helmets. Is there a difference?

[Gary Fowler]

For what it is worth, I haven't seen any optical differences in the high dollar Speedglas vs my $39 HF hood. The major thing with welding hood and visual deformities is in the quality of the clear lens used. A cheap clear lens will cause double vision or worse. If you use a quality clear lens, then you wont be troubled with visual issue with just about any self darkening lens. They all pass ANSI spec for UV light filtration and speed of reaction to darkening.
As for clarity of puddle, nothing beats an American Optical Gold Lens with super blue filter. If you can find one, I might be over $200 and it is a single shade lens.

 

[fatjay]

My HF helmet is great. I've been using it for 3 years without issue.

 

[Gary Fowler]

I have a HF hood that is 10 years old. I finally took it out of service and started using my new HF hood. The old one got to where the battery wouldn't charge up enough for the glass to darken for a few seconds. After a couple seconds of welding, the UF light charged it up and it would work properly. I always hung it up next to the window so full sun hit it all afternoon.
I guess I will experiment with it to see if I can snap apart the lens to expose the batteries and maybe replace them (or not, $39 is not that great of a price so I might just leave it on the shelf for a while )

 

[dragoneggs]

My HF helmet is great. I've been using it for 3 years without issue.

How often do you use it? I think my cheapo ($99) Miller autodarking helmet finally crapped the bed today. It notified me that the batteries were an issue Changed them and it still goes total dark now after battery replacement. I might be in the market for a 'better' one. Hard to justify as I am a hobby welder.

 

[MinnesotaEric]

For what it is worth, I haven't seen any optical differences in the high dollar Speedglas vs my $39 HF hood. The major thing with welding hood and visual deformities is in the quality of the clear lens used. A cheap clear lens will cause double vision or worse. If you use a quality clear lens, then you wont be troubled with visual issue with just about any self darkening lens. They all pass ANSI spec for UV light filtration and speed of reaction to darkening.
As for clarity of puddle, nothing beats an American Optical Gold Lens with super blue filter. If you can find one, I might be over $200 and it is a single shade lens.

With the Jackson W70 lens, you get optically clear with a bluish tint in a large viewing area with an auto shut-off and grind, torch, and weld settings. Check out the video at 1:17 where it shows what you see when welding (too bad they couldn't put the camera at a different angle). Not that I've tried every welding helmet out there, but in my experience, I haven't seen better clarity.

 

[Tractor Seabee]

Someone back a ways stated about cataract surgery. I noticed a huge difference after from prior. My doctor explained the cataracts reduce the light tat the iris receives so make sense. Made a big difference in night driving also. I have used my HF auto for 6 years now, never failed. use 9 or 10 depending on rod size. 5/32-3/16 takes the 10 and once in awhile 11. Mine does not activate in sunlight but does with a grinder. My welding is all SMAW and O/A so you mig & tiggers; I have no clue on your need. I have a new HF on the shelf for backup. Should use it once in awhile to assure it really is a backup. Have a couple old hoods gathering dust in the corner, candidates for the next big clean out. Always have and still O/A weld with #4 goggles. Arc length was mentioned as changing light strength. True, but extending the arc will produce porosity, scatter metal particles all over, and result in poor penetration (weak weld). You will know when the arc is too short as it will snuff out. Finding that happy medium is what practice is all about.

Like most on TBN I am not a production welder anymore so laying out big bucks for part time use isn't in my lexicon.

Ron

 

[joeu235]

After a couple projects completed with my new Viking helmet. Here's my opinion:
1) My Kobalt helmet was a great deal at $100 4 years ago.
2) My new Viking helmet is very clear
3) My Kobalt was a great starter helmet and I'd recommend to any new welder
4) The Viking head gear is much more comfortable
5) I don't believe the Viking is 3.5 times better ($100 vs $350)

Conclusion. If this is your first helmet, get the Kobalt. When it finally wears out, you'll know if your ready for an upgrade.

 

[dragoneggs]

With the Jackson W70 lens, you get optically clear with a bluish tint in a large viewing area with an auto shut-off and grind, torch, and weld settings. Check out the video at 1:17 where it shows what you see when welding (too bad they couldn't put the camera at a different angle). Not that I've tried every welding helmet out there, but in my experience, I haven't seen better clarity.

Eric, no disrespect but that video was marketing genius/crap. 2.23minutes and mostly CGI (computer graphics imagery). A small amount of actual welding video and pretty much zero info other than the side by side comparison to... what?

I am a pretty much a believer of what you pay for but I want some good info on what helmet to upgrade to without breaking the bank.

 

[BukitCase]

I have one of the Jackson large window hoods, really liked it - it's still "OK", other than having to replace the guts at around $300 once - then I bought one of these (because of a thread here)
Antra Welding Helmet Auto Darkening AH7-86- Huge Viewing Size 3.86X3.5" Wide Shade Range 4/5-9/9-13 Great for TIG MIG/MAG MMA Plasma, Grinding, Solar-Lithium Dual Power, 6+1 Extra Lens Covers: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

I've only used it a couple times, but it's a LOT clearer than the Jackson, and I could buy FOUR of 'em for the cost of a new cartridge for the Jackson. It's nice to have a second hood (#1 grandson things so too :thumbsup:

Guess what's gonna happen to the Jackson the next time it craps out ... Steve

 

[Big Barn]

I really like this Tweco auto dark helmet. It’s very comfortable and is my “go to “. Please keep in mind these days most of my projects do not require extended hood time. Taking the lid on and off a lot is required.

IIRC the helmet was $600 but included a free welder.