Auto-Darkening Helmet

[bigtiller]

I see this one at Northern Tool.

Hobart XVX Series Auto Darkening Welding Helmet, Model# 770627 | Welding Helmets | Northern Tool + Equipment

Do I really need a $300 mask that switches in 1/20,000 of a second?

Would a $150 mask that switches in 1/12,000 of a second satisfy the average guy?

Is an $80 mask that switches in 1/3,000 of a second going to make my eyes tired after a couple hours use?

What about all the other bells and whistles that each price range has, do they work? Are they desired by the average welder?

I know just about nothing about this but I decided if I can spend $80 for a hat to keep the sun off the top of my head, I should be able to spend a bit more for eye protection even though I only weld a dozen times a year or so.

 

[stoatspur]

I've got an auto darkening from HF that cost me $49 five years ago. It still works. I don't weld that much but the helmet makes things a lot easier.

 

[deereman75]

I got the Lincoln viking helmet. Costs a lot less, and is 1/25000 switching speed.

 

[k0ua]

I see this one at Northern Tool.

Hobart XVX Series Auto Darkening Welding Helmet, Model# 770627 | Welding Helmets | Northern Tool + Equipment

Do I really need a $300 mask that switches in 1/20,000 of a second?

Would a $150 mask that switches in 1/12,000 of a second satisfy the average guy?

Is an $80 mask that switches in 1/3,000 of a second going to make my eyes tired after a couple hours use?

What about all the other bells and whistles that each price range has, do they work? Are they desired by the average welder?

I know just about nothing about this but I decided if I can spend $80 for a hat to keep the sun off the top of my head, I should be able to spend a bit more for eye protection even though I only weld a dozen times a year or so.

I have this one, it is 1/25,000 of a second..It seems to work well for me. but only 2 sensors, not 4 and no bag..or spare lenses.. The reason for 4 sensors, is once in a while when you are working around a structure and sticking your head between some elements of that structure, you can obscure the sensors and wind up flashing yourself.. It has only happened to me twice, but it can happen.. The 4 sensor products make this less likely. If you take care and are conscious of the likelihood of shielding the sensors, you will be fine with a 2 sensor helmet.. Of course there are no problems when welding out in the open, just when you are threading your head through your work. You decide, but for me the $40 buck helmet is good enough.

Wel-Bilt Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet | Welding Helmets | Northern Tool + Equipment

James K0UA

 

[BlacknTan]

Since I've gotten used to an auto darkening shield, I don't think I could ever go back again. A bit of modern technology that I now can't do without.

I don't know how many sensors, or the sensitivity but it works like a charm... Unless I forget to turn it on!

 

[Shield Arc]

One thing to consider with a lot of the auto darking hoods, is the cost of the clear cover lenses.
I have one of each of these, I think the Arc One is just a touch better than the Miller.

Miller Auto-Darkening Welding Lens - 2 X 4 Fixed Shade 770226


Airgas - ArcOneｮ 2" X 4 1/4" Singlesｮ Fixed Shade 10 Auto Darkening Welding Lens For Fixed Front And Lift Front Helmets

 

[bigdeano]

One thing I learned the hard way, don't buy a solar powered helmet that doesn't also have a battery. In low ambient light conditions, like indoors, it won't respond fast enough and you'll get flashed. I haven't looked at the one you're considering, but it's something to be aware of.

 

[Groo]

if you are really worried about getting flashed, just blink as you hit the trigger.

 

[JimRB]

Like Bigdeano I had a solar powered. If I forgot to store it so it got light it was useless. I have an old Miller or Hobart with a battery that also is variable. It works pretty well.

 

[Gary Fowler]

I have a couple of the solar powered ones and have never had a problem with it not working except the one that got full of salt water from my sweat dripping into it. It shorted out and quit working but never failed to work prior to that. I just hang mine on a hook on the wall when not using it and it stays charged. I had a battery powered one and forgot to remove the batteries once during prolonged non-use and they went dead then leaked into the battery compartment destroying my SpeedGlass hood and lens. I have never bought another high dollar hood and they all work well IMO.

By the way, even if the lens doesnt darken, you still have 100% UV protection so you wont get flash burned. Flash burn doesnt happen instantly with one flash either although it doesnt take but a few none protected arc flashes to give you scratchy eyes. IT is just like a sunburn on your skin. Over exposure to UV will burn your eyeball just like the sun which is why when we go out in bright light without sunglasses our eyes get scratchy, slight case of sun burned eyeballs. I have had many cases of flash burn in my life mostlyfrom reflected light from walls or shiny objects behind me like stainless steel vessel walls or leaking hoods when welding. Always check your hood prior to using it, especially after changing clear lens, by putting it on and passing a bright light around the perimeter from the outside and looking for light leaking in. An improperly seated lens gasket will get you a bad case of burned eyes before you know it, kinda like laying outside on a cool cloudy day.