Auto darkening Helmets - your suggestions...

[Bret Dinkins]

Thank you, ...no not that big really! I think perhaps I'm slightly challenged and sometimes I lose my puddle! Thanks again, Bret

I like to use the old 2x4" shields with the flip up front to grind. Then get an auto darkening lens. But that's me. I know you said you want a big view. But how big of a puddle do you really make. Just my 2 cents. Good luck

[Bret Dinkins]

Thank you much, I'll check the 9400 out! Sounds like it may offer what I'm looking for!! It's appreciated! Bret

I used to have the Miller Elite and switched to the Titanium 9400 a few years ago. You can get a 9400 with an outside grind mode button and the info track option, which is very cool in my opinion. Used each helmet professionally, every common weld process, air arc, cutting, every rod type and size, and in positions you can't imagine. Neither of them have skipped a beat!

I know the lens technology in some of the latest ESAB helmets is pretty incredible. Been thinking about buying one to test out.

[Nathan128]

Auto darkening Helmets - your suggestions...

I like to use the old 2x4" shields with the flip up front to grind. Then get an auto darkening lens. But that's me. I know you said you want a big view. But how big of a puddle do you really make. Just my 2 cents. Good luck

[TSBWeld]

Auto darkening Helmets - your suggestions...

I used to have the Miller Elite and switched to the Titanium 9400 a few years ago. You can get a 9400 with an outside grind mode button and the info track option, which is very cool in my opinion. Used each helmet professionally, every common weld process, air arc, cutting, every rod type and size, and in positions you can't imagine. Neither of them have skipped a beat!

I know the lens technology in some of the latest ESAB helmets is pretty incredible. Been thinking about buying one to test out.

[Bret Dinkins]

Thank you, that sounds like one worth checking out! Ill have to see if my local supply has any I can try on like you suggested! Thank you, Bret

Everybody has a favorite hood for their reasons. It would be best to at least try them on. If you can test run them even better. Mine is a Miller Elite and still working fine.

[Bret Dinkins]

I'll check out that Digital Elite, I do a limited amount of position work but do some off of ladders or scaffolding. Thanks Mikey I appreciate the info! Best Regards, Bret

I use the clear shield 99% of the time but when you are at the top of a ladder with a stinger and a grinder it is great to be able to see when grinding without having a shield to hang onto. I have the digital elite and I like it a lot. I have found that if you do out of position work out of a bucket or weld on construction sites the cheaper masks just don't hold up. If you are a hobbyist or do mostly smaller shop work at the bench the cheaper ones are fine.

[BD1]

Everybody has a favorite hood for their reasons. It would be best to at least try them on. If you can test run them even better. Mine is a Miller Elite and still working fine.

[Mikey Welds]

Auto darkening Helmets - your suggestions...

I use the clear shield 99% of the time but when you are at the top of a ladder with a stinger and a grinder it is great to be able to see when grinding without having a shield to hang onto. I have the digital elite and I like it a lot. I have found that if you do out of position work out of a bucket or weld on construction sites the cheaper masks just don't hold up. If you are a hobbyist or do mostly smaller shop work at the bench the cheaper ones are fine.

[Bret Dinkins]

I use to use a clear shield as well - just tired of switching back and forth. Thanks for the info and suggestion! I don't think I'd like that green tint either! Ill check out that Viking! Thanks, Bret

For Grinding/ sanding, or cut-off wheel use, I prefer to use a clear face shield over covering my nice AD welding hood with metal dust inside and out.

Grinding with most AD hoods is going to require you to have to take the hood off your head to switch the sensitivity to the grind setting. My HTP CSV hood has a weld/grind selector switch that allows you to keep the hood on your head , however, you still have to raise the hood up a little to change the position of the selector switch.

My new 1/1/1/1 rated Lincoln Viking 2450 hood has a real nice clear view through it. It also offers 5-7 shades that work well for plasma cutting.

I've used a Miller Elite and Performance series hood. I don't like the green tint of there dark state, and I see some noticeable inconsistency in the shading.

[Bret Dinkins]

Pat, sounds good will check those out! Thank you much on the suggestion! Bret

Lowes has a 4 sensor AD hood with a big view for under a hundred bucks 3 yr warranty its just as good my big window elite, ck worldwide has a new one that looks spec wise juct like the older version of the Lincoln 2450 for about 130.00

[Bret Dinkins]

Ok that does sound like a definite need! Thanks Mikey it's appreciated!!

Make sure you get one with a grinding mode because the sparks will cause the shield to flicker and it will drive you nuts!

[Bret Dinkins]

Hey Brian, I sure appreciate your information and suggestions on the helmets! Thank you in advance, Bret

By far the biggest window for the money is a Viking 3350. I personally use 2 Speedglas 9100XX's, one has the PAPR and an integrate grind lens behind the flip-up auto lens. Also have a Miller Elite. The score? Definitely Speedglas, has the most comfortable fit and great balance, lightweight. Miller Elite, is a good industrial quality helmet with a fairly large lens, is somewhat heavy and narrow on a large head. If you are on a budget but want a big lens definitely check out the Viking 3350.
I have also had 2 Miller Titanium 9400i. I thought I liked them until the flip hinge started falling apart every day, moved to Speedglas and have no regrets! Just my life experiences! Brian

[Bret Dinkins]

Thank you much Griff, I appreciate the info and suggestion! Best Regards, Bret

I have a Miller Digital Elite (large window) at my day job and at my shop. I am pleased with both.

Griff

P.S.
I do TIG, MIG, & STICK AT BOTH

[Danny]

For Grinding/ sanding, or cut-off wheel use, I prefer to use a clear face shield over covering my nice AD welding hood with metal dust inside and out.

Grinding with most AD hoods is going to require you to have to take the hood off your head to switch the sensitivity to the grind setting. My HTP CSV hood has a weld/grind selector switch that allows you to keep the hood on your head , however, you still have to raise the hood up a little to change the position of the selector switch.

My new 1/1/1/1 rated Lincoln Viking 2450 hood has a real nice clear view through it. It also offers 5-7 shades that work well for plasma cutting.

I've used a Miller Elite and Performance series hood. I don't like the green tint of there dark state, and I see some noticeable inconsistency in the shading.

[pat h]

Lowes has a 4 sensor AD hood with a big view for under a hundred bucks 3 yr warranty its just as good my big window elite, ck worldwide has a new one that looks spec wise juct like the older version of the Lincoln 2450 for about 130.00