Welding Helmet Suggestions

**Newman180** · 04-17-2011, 08:13 PM

So I have a HF Auto Darkening Helmet which worked great for stick; I was never flashed once. Now that I started tig, I'm getting flashed like crazy... After trying adjusting the light in the building, changing my head's angle, and letting the solar panels soak in some sun, it doesn't make a difference. After a few flashes, I just couldn't take it anymore and put on some old fashioned oxyacetylene goggles with a 10 shield...but man was that difficult.

I'm on a budget, but I don't think I want to sacrifice my eyes anymore. Anyone have suggestions on which helmet to research? There is not enough information on the Longevitiy helmets for me to be willing enough to spend over $100 on...

To be honest, I havn't done much searching yet, but maybe you can point me in the right direction. I know about jackson,speedglas, miller, etc. but there are so many options...

Thanks,
Austin

**rustycase** · 04-17-2011, 08:34 PM

#1 lets me use his NexGen helmet... sometimes... It's GREAT! got 4 sensors and will trigger off tig.
I'm not going to be able to afford one, soon.

My Huntsman 411P is really inexpensive and very lite-weight.
I'd suggest you get one if only for those two reasons.

Only the best active lens helmets are sufficient for low amperage tig.

Good luck
rc

**Gadget** · 04-17-2011, 08:35 PM

First off the lens of the helmet should filter the UV rays even when full open, you just get blinded by the light. That's the way it's supposed to work anyway. I had an HF helmet and with TIG it would always flash so I took it back. I traded for the next price up and had no more problems. I also have a Longevity helmet and I never get flashes with that.

**rustycase** · 04-17-2011, 08:43 PM

I'd like to try a longevity helmet!

Will there be a trade show, perhaps in San Jose or Bakersfield, CA soon?
rc

**oneeyedmac** · 04-17-2011, 09:08 PM

Weldfabulous.com has Miller Performance Series millermatic II helmets on sale for $160. They work for Tig down to 5 amps, have three sensors and are battery powered, I forget if they also have solar but I like battery anyhow. I searched high and low for the right helmet at the right price and I found this one. I bought it last week and have been practising with it and haven't gottne flashed because of the helmet. They also sell helmets here at longevity.

**Newman180** · 04-17-2011, 09:56 PM

Thanks Guys.
That miller is tempting, but even that feels pricey for me.
I found Welding Helmet Striker CFB | USAWeld.com
and WeldingDepot -- Auto Darkening Helmet Powerweld® PWH9843 Black Variable Shade 9-13 with 2 Year Warranty
Both have 4 sensors as well as some sort of grinding/plasma mode.

I would like to stick with longevity and buy one of their helmets, but I can't tell what the difference between the models. Plus, oddly, they seem overpriced compared to the ones I posted. Thoughts?

**odleo** · 04-17-2011, 10:47 PM

I have an HF and Longevity hood and niether has allowed me tomget flashed yet. I dont own a tig yet, but Stan with SIC Fabrications has let me use a couple of times. For the money you spend on a Longevity, I dont think you will go wrong.

**Gadget** · 04-18-2011, 08:58 AM

The highest line of the Longevity helmets also has a grinder mode. I think the helmets break down into three different levels. I have the mid level and it is my go to helmet for welding TIG. I use the HF for stick just because if I'm going to get the lens splattered I want it to be on the HF unit.