What kind of auto-darkening welding helmets do you guys recommend. I've looked at some of the Hobart and Miller helmets and they're nice, but a little pricey. Any input? Thanks, .....Jerry

Hey Bamm, i felt the same way towards shelling out 300 bucks for one. Mine is an Inweld ADF 600 S that i purchased at the local welding supply house for around $125. I've had it a little over a year now and no problems.

good quality is expensive great is even more eye replacement is astronomical// go ahead save some bucks buy as cheap as you can get

Nice...:rolleyes:
Let me re-phrase the initial question so as to clarify. It's not all about money, but if there are 2 helmets both having the same auto-darkening time 1/25,000th of a second and both having the same adjustable settings #9 shade - #12 shade, is there a reason that I should pay double the price to get a Hobart, miller or 3 times that amount to get a speedglas? Am I just buying a name or is there actually a difference? Hope that clarifies the question. Thanks, .......Jerry

The one i got from Harbor has a Hobart lense and was like $60 on sale.
I don't have the model# handy but it is the battery powered one with the on/off button,and shade adjust inside ON the lense unit.It's not as "streamlined" as the one above but it is a nice "shop" helmet.
Their "cheap" helmets are crap and I for sure would not recommend them.
Here is a shot of it.
http://hotrodders.com/journal_photos/00025531/11404129892.jpg

Hey mike, thanks, that's the kind of info I'm looking for. How do I tell if it'd a "hobart" lense on the helmet or a cheap one?

I was told this by someone who has a Hobart and bought one of these.

good quality is expensive great is even more eye replacement is astronomical// go ahead save some bucks buy as cheap as you can get

I partially agree with that comment, cdowns. While i surely agree with staying away from $25 auto-darkening helments, i also know that you dont have to spend $400 dollars to get proper protection. And i figured that Bamm wasn't looking for the cheapest available. There is quality protection out there without spending a wallet full of money for it. The Inweld helment is for use at my shop. At work, i use a Speedglas auto-darkening. They paid for it, not me ! :) Is it any better ? IMHO, i doubt it ! Specs are the same on both helments. Never had any problems with the Inweld, but... My Speedglas has been sent in for repairs twice in the last 1 1/2 years.:confused:

Just my 2 cents ! Peace !:)

I use a cheaper Hobart around $150, the guys at work who weld all day use $400 dollar helmets. Biggest difference I can see is the cheap ones only work well lookling straight at the arc while expensive ones will filter periferal flash too, like if a coworker was welding next to you.

I love my Miller Big Window. Nice & quick, 9-12 shade w/ good sensitivity adjustments. It was in the $160 neighborhood back when I got it.

I use a speedglas I got off ebay, it is on the pricey side but I love it it works awesome and it has adjustment for shade, sensitivity, and it actually weighs less than my old flip face helmet. I would check out some used ones on there, just make sure the person has good feedback and that they are very specific about any problems.

I have tried a number of auto darkening helmets, don't like them. I have a "hands free" Cherokee Accustrike (actually I have two, one home and one at work) and have used them for 10 years or so. I don't like how the auto darkening ones are ALREADY dark before you start! They are about a #4 shade like sun glasses before you even strike an arc. The Accustrike allows you to see thru a clear lens that is very large. You can flip it up and have a clear lense to grind after a weld. You don't need to "open" your mouth, just a little with the chin does it. I wouldn't use anything else.

Brian

http://www.accustrike.com/ http://www.accustrike.com/mvhelmet.gif

I'm with you on that one Martinsr.I don't how many times I've wished they would come out with a lense that isn't shaded to begin with.
I've only ever seen one of those helmets with the chin strap.I figured it was pretty goofy looking,but there's no denying it a good idea.