instant dark helmet specs

[Soundguy]

What facts are you referring to?.

specifically the ones I called out. IE. if anyone had the facts, I'd love to read them. for all the models. cheap and spendy.

I agree. If you have a test or some actual documentation that the $35 HF helmet protect your eyes as good as more expensive models from Miller, Lincoln, Hobart, etc. then you will have a great point.

. But if you choose to use a $35 HF helmet feel free to let us know how well it works for you. Sounds like a few other members like using the HF helmets as well.

have been using a HF one for years. wore one band out and now just starting on my 2nd one.

 

[roadhunter]

specifically the ones I called out. IE. if anyone had the facts, I'd love to read them. for all the models. cheap and spendy.

I agree. If you have a test or some actual documentation that the $35 HF helmet protect your eyes as good as more expensive models from Miller, Lincoln, Hobart, etc. then you will have a great point.



have been using a HF one for years. wore one band out and now just starting on my 2nd one.

The burden of proof lies with the product that costs 1/10 as much yet claims the same performance as the name brand models. It is already established that the more expensive name brand models protect your eyes. That is why the more expensive name brand units are used by most every professional welder.

I look forward to seeing real information and facts that confirm the HF units protect your eyes as good as the more expensive name brand units.

 

[roadhunter]

From another site.

We always get what we pay for, guys. Harbor Freight helmets don't pass the most recent ANSI Z87.1 safety standard from 2010 (only 1997 or 2003 version). Which means that switching speed of 1/25,000 only happens if you're baking in the sun at 130 degrees F. Most of us do welding in temps from 50 to 90 degrees. The colder the air, the slower the lens switching speed ... thats the nature of liquid crystal in the auto-darkening lens. The 1/25,000 rating is somewhat false advertising. And your eyes will feel very irritating after welding all day.

That TexasPride hood you are looking at does meet the 2010 ANSI requirement. We only get one pair of eyes. Are they worth an additional $70?

 

[Soundguy]

Did they only test the new helmets or also give specs for older units?

I have my eyes checked each yr for glasses any way, even that neat camera that looks at the back of the eye. I specifically ask my eye dr about weld spark/arc damage. So far nada, but then I'm a once a week welder, not an 8hr a day guy, and I realize that makes a difference. Usually my largest welding projects have only taken a few hours of on and off welding. Ie, a 4 hr project, might be 2 hours of chop saw and measuring, 20 mins torching, hour of welding, and then some assy time. My last bumper and tops topper project went like that, real torch and welding tin only about 25-33% of project time...

Good to see data.

 

[roadhunter]

Further confirmation. Here is a link to one of the HF auto darkening helmets. Go to the user manual and look on the safety page. I believe it is page 5. Clearly states the 2003 ANSI standard not the 2010 standard. No we have actual facts from a laboratory that confirm the HF helmet does not meet the most current safety standards for welding helmet and the HF units dont' protect your eyes like the name brand units do. I guess you get what you pay for but most of us already knew that.

Welding Helmet - Save on this Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet

Here is a link to the cheapest auto darkening helmet that Miller sells. Notice how it meets the 2010 ANSI standard and has a list price below the HF unit that only meets the 2003 standard. Much better value IMO.

Myth busted. If you want a cheap helmet make sure it meets the 2010 standard for safety. In the end even on sale the HF unit is barely cheaper than the Miller so I dont' see any good reason to risk your vision buying a HF helmet when the established brands will sell you a helmet that meets currents safety standards for a few bucks more. No reason to risk your vision over $20 but to each their own.

 

[Soundguy]

one thing though... as of 2003 .. it met the standards.. the standards changed.. that means anyone welding with one is doing so with the same protection that ansi said we needed up until 2009 .. correct?

Also.. did it address the uv and ir protection or just the darkening time? the UV/IR protection is the real crux of the matter. if it is not meeting UV/IR protection.. there's the real eye damage. The shade speed will be an eye strain and temporary issue.. the uv is the killer issue for permanent damage.

I didn't see your miller link?

 

[skylarkguy]

Here is a link to the cheapest auto darkening helmet that Miller sells. Notice how it meets the 2010 ANSI standard and has a list price below the HF unit that only meets the 2003 standard. Much better value IMO.

No link included

 

[roadhunter]

Yea this site is not working properly for some reason on cut and paste items. I tried adding it twice but did not work. Feel free to look up the specs for yourself at Miller - Welding Equipment - MIG/TIG/Stick Welders & Plasma Cutting


Miller - Welding Helmets & Welder Safety Equipment and Clothing - Classic Series
Look for this ANSI Z87.1+(2010) and CSA

 

[Soundguy]

Dang, if I didn't know any better, I'd say that hf ad helmet I bought a year ago looks exactly like that 85$iller, right down to the easy grip knobs and contour!

 

[ThomasH]

Further confirmation. Here is a link to one of the HF auto darkening helmets. Go to the user manual and look on the safety page. I believe it is page 5. Clearly states the 2003 ANSI standard not the 2010 standard. No we have actual facts from a laboratory that confirm the HF helmet does not meet the most current safety standards for welding helmet and the HF units dont' protect your eyes like the name brand units do. I guess you get what you pay for but most of us already knew that.

Welding Helmet - Save on this Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet

Here is a link to the cheapest auto darkening helmet that Miller sells. Notice how it meets the 2010 ANSI standard and has a list price below the HF unit that only meets the 2003 standard. Much better value IMO.

Myth busted. If you want a cheap helmet make sure it meets the 2010 standard for safety. In the end even on sale the HF unit is barely cheaper than the Miller so I dont' see any good reason to risk your vision buying a HF helmet when the established brands will sell you a helmet that meets currents safety standards for a few bucks more. No reason to risk your vision over $20 but to each their own.

So because they don't say the one from 2010, you assume that it means that they are not compliant with it? That is conjecture on your part, as my Miller helmet doesn't say that it meets it and it works fine. It's also 4 years old, so I guess you are saying that it's unsafe?