Good helmet that wont break the bank

[cubangt]

So for quite a few years i have managed with one of those $50 harbor freight helmets..its seen some better days and on occasion the auto darkening doesnt always kick in on time and i get a few of those nice little bright spots in my vision for a while..

Ive started doing alot more side projects for clients and would like to consider a good helmet to have as my day to day..

Ive seen some up in the $400 range and higher.. but im not there yet.. so was looking for something good and worth the money with a big viewing screen for under $200..

Any recommendations? Feedback on models in that range.. something reliable...

[aametalmaster]

I used an entry level Miller Pro Hobby for 8 years and loved it. I don’t weld everyday now but I still use it. I think the name was changed to The Classic VS Series. Just my thoughts. https://www.millerwelds.com/-/media/miller-electric/files/pdf/products/welding-protection/helmetcomparisonv2.pdf

[Sberry]

I havnt used all the good ones but,,, I use a HF and like it better than a "good " one I had, get a new one.

[Ltbadd]

This is what I just bought Link
Haven't welded with it yet but it seems good, came with one set of xtra inside/outside clear lens and one xtra battery
I see there is also a $10 coupon available so final cost is $70
What I like is it has 4 sensors as I only do TIG welding which includes of lot of lower amp work <60 amps

[ryanjones2150]

I say get the best hood you can afford. I’m guessing you’re stuck on getting an auto hood as opposed to a passive lens hood. I actually prefer a passive lens for eye comfort, but the benefits of the auto darkening are pretty obvious. Saying that, you could get an auto darkening lens for a passive hood. Seems like the one I got was around $150, Lincoln Viking I think. It works well. It will drop into any standard hood and you’ll have the old passive lens as a backup for when your batteries are dead.

[BukitCase]

IMO, "best" doesn't always mean "most expensive" - on recommendation from another board, I ordered one of these

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...0?ie=UTF8&th=1

Liked it so much I ordered a second one for my grandson.

So far it works better/is clearer/costs less than 1/4 what my Jackson hood cost... Steve

[cubangt]

I really appreciate all the feedback and suggestions.. im going to swap out the batteries on my current hood, but still going to buy a new one this week before my next project starts to have, i do own a passive lens hood as well, but ever since i got the auto darken one i havent gone back to use that one..

Ill be picking up another 100% argon tank to get my tig setup going again as well as get out my spool gun to try some aluminum welding. and looking to reorganize what little room i have in my garage so i can have all my machines setup and available to use.

So this is the current hood i have that is giving me small issues(hopefully just battery related)
https://www.harborfreight.com/weldin...met-63121.html

Before everyones feedback, this is the one i was considering getting
https://www.harborfreight.com/weldin...met-58058.html

And after the first 2 responses, this was the 2nd options im considering
https://www.millerwelds.com/safety/h...hnology-m30254

The passive hood i have is one that came with my first welder 10yrs or 12yrs ago.. it served its purpose and is still used by anyone that is around when im welding if they want to see what im doing.

Once i replace the batteries and make a decision on what to buy, ill post back my selection and my thoughts on how it works out.

[aametalmaster]

What I like about the classic you posted is it uses AA batteries which I have only replaced 2 times in 7 years

[cubangt]

nice, ill add that as a "pro" to my decision. Alot easier to get those batteries than those sometimes special "coin" batteries

[Ltbadd]

And after the first 2 responses, this was the 2nd options im considering
https://www.millerwelds.com/safety/h...hnology-m30254

You'll be happy with the Miller for sure, good call. I have a Optrel e684 and the clearlight version of the Digital Elite both are nice

[cubangt]

Yea im leaning more and more towards the miller hood. I took a look at mine lastnight and couldnt find anything to remove in order to get to any batteries, i looked up the specs on their website and found the following:

• Solar powered cells with battery assist provide up to 6 years of expected life under normal welding conditions (no battery change needed)

So im wondering it this hood has provided its final service. I mean its been well over 10yrs old

[ryanjones2150]

I had a similar hood branded Hobart, but ya man, it’s over for that hood. It’s a hard task to find a comfortable, “high quality” hood for cheap. Don’t be afraid to invest in yourself though. Optrel, 3m, most of the name brands are going to serve you well. I’ve been impressed with the optrel crystal 2.0. Great optics, clear vision. I also have an expensive Miller something or other. The one thing I’ll say negative about the Miller is that it does not like batteries that aren’t the Miller batteries. I have had trouble using off the shelf batts in it. But it doesn’t burn through batteries much so it’s not a big deal to have the Miller battery ready.

Get the best hood you can afford.

And whatever you get, go ahead and get a package of inside and outside sacrificial lens. You’ll need them.

Let me know what you decide on.

[mmurray39]

Speedglass

[Ltbadd]

Miller has their new Clearlight 2.0, supposed to be even better clarity.

[Taw Paw]

I have a Miller Elite. I had it for about 18 years now. Coin batteries hold up well. Changed head gear on it, paint is all messed up on outside. I am now having trouble with battery holders due to dry rotting and breaking. I may have to replace it soon. Its been a really good helmet for me.