Got to try a new Jackson helmet...

[ChuckE2009]

Goodmorning everyone!!

So, I recently got a nice Christmas present from the good folks at Kimberly-Clark, they found my YouTube channel and sent me the new helmet that they've just launched!! I was really thrilled, and felt very honored that I, of all people, ended up with it.

Its the Jackson Balder WH70 BH3.

And it looks like something out of Star Wars, its a beautiful creation:

I opened up the box, and checked it out. The first thing I noticed about this helmet is just how light it is... Feels like it weights about half of what my Jackson BOSS does, you can actually forget you're wearing it...

It comes with the standard yet very nice Jackson 370 Headgear, and has three adjustable controls, the standard Shade, Sensitivity, and Delay... Which have large, thin-glove-friendly knobs inside the helmet...

And the outer lens is curved. Its the first Jackson I've used that DOESNT use standard sized lenses, but on a positive note it DOES seem to deflect spatter better than a regular flat clear lens. I was worried about how much its going to cost to use this thing and all, but I found and ordered a whole pack of clears for $18 shipped from Cyberweld. Not bad, at all.

But whats best about this helmet? Not the little things. I put it on and looked through the lens, and noticed that the optics are crystal clear, they're honestly as good as the glass fixed shade hoods I've used. But they're green... WTF? Jackson said they were blue....

No Helmet:

Light Shade:

 

[ChuckE2009]

Ahhhha, there we go. In the helmets light shade, the display is green, but as soon as it kicks on everything turns this beautiful blue color... I'd never used a "blue" helmet before, but man was it beautiful!! Its VERY easy on your eyes, and blue is my favorite color to begin with

I got it setup with my camera:

And got some footage showing off the color... And the clarity of this lens, which of course, is all in this video:

So, overall I REALLY like this helmet.

What DONT I like? Well...

1) It never really turns off... Its solar powered, so its one of those deals where its always "ON". Honestly not a bad thing, but its completly different than what Im used too, I bet I'll get really comfortable with this setup. It means its idiotproof, never again will I pick up a helmet, forget to turn it on, and get flashed. Or my favorite, think you have it turned on but the "push" of the button didnt register because you're wearing gloves.

2) There are only two arc sensors... Not a big deal for me, don't get me wrong, but I know some people demand more than that.

3) For some reason, it reads 9-13 on the "SHADE" knob. It will go a "click" below that, and a "click" above it, too. I tried it plasma cutting last night, and it was awesome

Okay, fine, I'm nitt-picking. I think this is a great helmet, its lightweight, has a beautiful color, crystal clear optics and idiotproof controls at the end of the day. I really like it so far. I'm sure it'll be in a LOT of videos to come, and once I have some real time in with it, I'll make a full review.

Thanks for reading guys, I hope y'all have a great weekend

 

[Shield Arc]

That thing looks like something an astronaut would wear! :laughing:

 

[crazyal]

Nice.

 

[ptexer]

Can't wait for the review.

 

[woodlandfarms]

Suggested Price?

 

[CNC Dan]

MSRP = $500+

on sale at cyberweld for $350 ish.

 

[yomax4]

Looks good. Thats a lot of cash for a 2 sensor hood though. Jackson was the last USA made lens out there but I bet that hood is an import. Looks like they made the switch like everyone else. Not that it matters..

 

[BIG DOOLEY]

Looks good. Thats a lot of cash for a 2 sensor hood though. Jackson was the last USA made lens out there but I bet that hood is an import. Looks like they made the switch like everyone else. Not that it matters..

I was thinking the same thing that it is a bit pricey for a 2 sensor hood.
I have a 4 sensor Nexgen (USA) and I have to say that Jackson does make nice products.
My headgear is old and I am going to buy a new Standard hood with the more comfortale style and swap out the lense.
Congradulations on the new hood.
Enjoy!!!!

 

[karmakat]

Does seem pricey for 2 sensor. Still loving my Lincoln (4 sensors) for 185.=] The curve to reduce splatters sounds cool though,but my standard lenses cheap enough to replace for splatters though.