Auto dark helmets

[Vicegrip]

Any brands or models stand out as good values? The duct tape to helmet % is getting a little too high on mine. It was a cheap one to start and I have treated it as such. I am looking for one that has a grinder mode as I do a lot of tack welds that get ground off as I run the bead.

The high end Miller looks nice and has what I am looking for as well as a big window but it has a big price too. Are there others that are better or a better value?

[Bert]

I just bought mine at the Miller tent sale. I got the Elite, only paid $250 for it. Guess between the tent sale and them pushing the newer digital elite. I got the older one, 'cause I'm leary of Too much electronics (has that uv or whatever sensor). I've used the "old" model doing tig and was VERY pleased with it (and price was right), though I saw a BUNCH of guys buying the new digital...My guess, is to keep your eyes open, a good sale on the older version might be on your side since they are phasing it out!

[Broccoli1]

Since you mentioned the Grind mode as something you want, the Miller hoods have the On/Off control on the inside of the hood- it appears you have to take the hood off to get to the control knob.

My Optrel Satellite has the controls on the outside and I can activate the Grind mode by pushing a button with the hood down and with gloves on.

I don't weld for a living so I can't really make a comment on how it holds up to all day work but just thought I would mention the Grind mode functions.

Draw back is the Optrel has a small window.

B& R has good prices on Miller and Optrel

http://www.brweldingsupplies.com/parts/OPTREL/product_details.cfm?category_id=64&product_id=792

[griff01]

Any brands or models stand out as good values? The duct tape to helmet % is getting a little too high on mine. It was a cheap one to start and I have treated it as such. I am looking for one that has a grinder mode as I do a lot of tack welds that get ground off as I run the bead.

The high end Miller looks nice and has what I am looking for as well as a big window but it has a big price too. Are there others that are better or a better value?

I have the Miller Big Window Elite (about 2 years old). I compared several helmets, all of good quality but went with the Miller because the "extra" lens was at the bottom of the window not at the top. This enables me to use my bi-focals and not need a cheater lens.

Griff

[tasslehawf]

I got the Miller Elite for the big window after my cheepo-no-brand one went bad. I have to say, I'm not sure the bigger window is all that useful since when you're welding you're usually looking at this tiny area, but maybe that's just me.

I like the idea of the Optrel with the grinder mode for about the same price as the Elite. I think grinder mode would be much more useful than the bigger window. Although if you work in bright sunlight like I do these day's, the new digital elite would be useful for it's electromagnetic switch (not useful if there are others welding nearby).

[Blue Collar Moto]

Bought the new Elite. Like it. However, the guy who sold it to me said (I kinda hate to say this on millers site) that "Miller was not wanting to fix problems associated with moisture under warranty." I dont use mine at work, (construction) so I dont think I will have a problem with it. But if your going to be sweating alot on a job that may cut the life span down a bit. .o2

[Bert]

That's what sweatbands and doo-rags are for!!!!!!!!!!

[tasslehawf]

Bought the new Elite. Like it. However, the guy who sold it to me said (I kinda hate to say this on millers site) that "Miller was not wanting to fix problems associated with moisture under warranty." I dont use mine at work, (construction) so I dont think I will have a problem with it. But if your going to be sweating alot on a job that may cut the life span down a bit. .o2

Like moisture damage to the electronics?

One of the things I liked about the elite when I first got it was that it came with a couple extra sets of lenses.

[Miller Helmet]

Auto-Darkening Helmets

Hi Vicegrip,

We're glad to hear that you are interested in our auto-darkening helmets. It sounds like you are looking for a large window with grind-mode, but our Performance Series also provides a great value with grind-mode as well. While the lens is a little smaller and it has 3 sensors, all of the other feature sets are the same as our standard Elite. It is one of the best values on the market for the features that it has.

In regards to our analog/standard Elite, we are not going to be discontinuing it anytime soon. We will continue to sell the standard Elite, with the Digital Elite providing a premium option with the additional feature sets that set it apart from other helmets on the market.

To add to the warranty comments, we warranty all of our helmets for two years from the purchase date if there are no signs of neglect/abuse. We design our helmets for everyday working conditions, so any water damage from being left outside in the rain or submerged would constitute neglect/abuse.

Hopefully this helps a little, but please let us know if you ever have any questions about our helmets. Good luck welding!

Thank You,
MillerHelmet

[cope]

Jackson NexGen does the job for me.

[Vicegrip]

Thanks for the input all.

I am looking at the "peformance" level helmets as well. They seem to be a good bang for the buck after I did some priice shopping.

A quick question. How does grind mode work on the Millers or any of the helments for that matter.
The $80 cheapo helmet I have now will kick on and off and on and off when I am grinding with it down. I would like a helmet that can be set so I can weld and then grind without having to switch or change anything going back and forth. Is there such an animal? Will the electromagnetic mode in the digital do this? I made a sensor blocker for my helmet that flips down to keep the lense from darkning in my cheater "grind mode" but I would rather it be automatic. So far I forgot only twice and flashed myself through the lense but there is still much time.

[hankj]

Phil,

Best bet is hit some LWS's and test drive some hats.

Hank

[Bert]

MillerHelmet,
thanks for the post!!!

[Vicegrip]

Phil,

Best bet is hit some LWS's and test drive some hats.

Hank

Good point. I was thinking this earler today and I need to find a local shop that stocks more than 2. The last time I went to purchase one it was auto dark or standard, take your pick. They have gotten more feature laden for sure.

[Coalsmoke]

Digital Elite

I was perhaps one of the first to get the new Digital elite and start putting it through its paces. At the time I liked it so much I did a review HERE on it. Anyways, since I've had it for a little while now, I've got some time logged on it and I must say its still the best hood I've ever run. At the end of the day, it just works flawlessly. It has never had a glitch, or even flashed me for that matter. If a person can afford it, they will be very happy with the Digital series. It's sort of reached the point with this hood that I can't think of anything that could be improved with it, which in a society where we always want more, is saying something.

Have a good one out there