Welding helmet recommendation

I

i6pwr

Joined
May 4, 2008
Messages
871
Finally picked up a welder, but need a decent helmet. I'm sure at some point I'll end up with a Hobart 3350 or similar, but looking for a sub $250 helmet that has a good field of view

I don't know what's good and bad in terms of quality, as well as added protection from the types of screens.

All input appreciated.
 
I like the Viking 3350 but it's heavy.

My favorite still is a base Speedglas 100 (not to be confused with the much more expensive 9100)

Miller's headgear is garbage -- AVOID!

Honestly if you find a HF hood you like, it's probably fine. BUT YOU WANT REPLACEABLE BATTERIES, even if it's a solar recharge. Anything less is disposable.
 
Hoods are personal preference like foods or women. Some darken to a green, blue or even amber/brown. Depending on your eyes and other factors you may be more comfortable with one than the other.

Anymore I prefer simple and lightweight over lots of bells and whistles.

Just like trucks, any will work and comes down to which seat fits your butt the best ;)

If you do go Speedglas 100, the cover lenses are a little harder to find because this is not the most common hood -- I can't understand why because it's a hidden gem, underrated. I buy them by the 10-pack and just keep them in a drawer. They're not expensive.

But any of the major offerings are good except Miller's craptastic head gear.
 
  • Like
Reactions: JC1
I have 4 helmets. I always grab the Hobart inventer . 4 sensors no matter what position I'm in it seems to always be the quickest. Especially high frequency Tig. And probably the cheapest one I think I only paid $100 for it.
 
  • Like
Reactions: D60
Unless you find a good deal used I'd be very skeptical of tool truck anything welding related. It's not their wheelhouse and they're just carrying it for the handful of shops that will buy it -- and hopefully finance it.

The quality may be fine but off the truck you're almost surely paying a premium for the name.

You won't see many professional welders or welding forums touting tool truck equipment. There's a reason the big names are the big names like Miller/Hobart, Lincoln, Victor, Smith, ESAB, Thermal Dynamics, Hypertherm etc

Note the same applies to measuring instruments and cutting tools like mics, calipers, mag bases, drill bits etc. I've never seen a pro machine shop use a SnapOn dial indicator ;)
 
I have a Jackson I bought from a welding supply house. It wasn't expensive then (2016ish) and has been good. But you have to wear a skull cap, because sparks will go over the top pretty easily. Nice and lightweight, but I bet newer/better hoods have better visibility. Which I need desperately.
 
  • Like
Reactions: D60
Thank you for all the info....I'm sure the kids will want to watch so a second helmet would also be a consideration. I currently have a cheap HF helmet that was given to me but it's definitely lacking for my taste. I might end up with the Hobart and also grab the Yeswelder now, then add the Hobart later. Seems the Yeswelder has a strong following.
 
I just found that I also have one of these also https://www.arccaptain.com/products...ning-welding-helmet-true-color-welding-helmet

I haven't really used it much, because I remember that I had a difficult time getting it adjusted to work to my liking. I didn't mess with it for very long and I do need to just spend some time with her and tell her she is pretty :)

I still think the Yeswelder helmet is the best bang for your buck helmet on the market.
 
I have a Miller helmet and like it. I never had any trouble with the headgear. I always use a skull cap because I’ve had my head burned a few times from stray sparks. Whatever you get, make sure it has accommodations for a cheater lens. You’ll need them if you are a bit older as I am. Bifocals and welding helmets just don’t mix!
 
My buddy (who is always broke) bought the cheap HF 125 wire feed the other day. I suggested he consider stepping up to the Titanium or Vulcan or Klingon (or whatever they call their better lines) to which he replied, "But this one's $119." Yep, it sure is (sigh)

Anyway, I blew YEARS of dust from my Miller Digi Elite, replaced the CR2450s (did ya know O'Reilly stocks them so I had them delivered!!) and said here's a free hood. So, he's now got a hood that even a decade ago cost twice his welder. Good riddance!

Once you get used to wearing a cap you won't go back. Keeps the headgear out of your hair and the sweaty forehead pad off your skin. I wrench in a welding cap 100% of the time ‐‐ kinda like gloves for your head ;)
 
Harbor freight or who ever even top dollar Miller or Lincoln helmets, very likely use the same China made electronic LCD blocking device.
If using any of those no matter the brand using eye glasses type shields with them then the darkening time is not an issue, as you always have some protection. For steady constant welding the old school shields are best. My opinion
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

J
High Mileage Mazda 3, Engine clean, oil for long term
2 3
Replies
52
Views
2K
twX
dishdude
2025 CX-5 rental review
2 3
Replies
41
Views
3K
panthermike
C
VRP Testing for the Long Haul- Cadillac 3.6
Replies
7
Views
572
carl1963
Notin1
B58TU Oil Choices
Replies
3
Views
1K
GJM120
1 SX
Picked up a bidirectional scan tool
Replies
14
Views
7K
wtd
Back
Top Bottom