MrElectric03

iTrader: (71)

Hello all,

Im a heavy equipment mechanic by trade, I build large mining equipment and do plenty of welding about 2-3 days per week. Ive recently made the big mistake of buying this snap on welding helmet.


A co worker had one and liked it so I picked one up. The thing doesnt fit my head right and squeezes the sides giving me a headache and making it hard to concentrate. Ive still used it here and there for quick things but now both of our helmets flash us even after a good charge. We are going back and fourth with our dealer trying to get him to do something for us.

So I want to buy a new helmet. Im not against paying a good amount, as much as I use it id like a good one I just expect it to last for a higher price. Ive been looking at the Millers and the ones below here. I prefer an oversized lense and its got to be auto-darkening because almost all of what I will be using it for is arc stick welding. If any of you have used any of these or have a good reccomendation id sure appreciate it!

Build-it-Break-it

iTrader: (9)

Im a heavy equipment mechanic as well and Im required to wear a hard hat at all times as Im sure you are. I would recommend the 3M Speedglass welding helmet with hard hat. Theres alot of add ons you can get with it depending on the model you buy. The helmet does have draw backs tho. Its heavy to wear, the sliding/tilt feature parts are flimsy plastic and I've seen them break. If your not required to wear a hard hat with your welding helmet i use the Miller Elite at home. It has a large view screen and isn't to heavy to wear for long periods of time. I hope this helps a little. Good luck.

http://solutions9.3m.com/wps/portal/...K8BC31gv)&rt=d

MrElectric03

iTrader: (71)

That's a nice hood I'll look into that for sure. I am required to wear the hard hat on mine sites but I'd like headgear too for when I'm in the shop. Thanks I appreciate it!

goinfast

I use the speedglas 7 days a week and love it. I use the 9002x with the bigger viewing area. It's a little heavier but I find the lens works the best.

2000_SS

iTrader: (24)

i hate my speedglas, but i don't have the big window and our shop quit carrying replacement lenses....best hood i ever owned was my Jackson NexGen....pretty pricey, not too light, but very nice. I've been welding for 10 years and any more, i just prefer a cheapo ~$40 Jackson or whatever brand solid state hood...big viewing area, cheap lenses, lightweight due to no batteries/electronics.

MrElectric03

iTrader: (71)

That is a nice hood. A guy in my shop has one and ive borrowed it a few times. Id prefer a larger viewing area but other than that its pretty good.

Koondog

Miller, Miller, Miller. I have used an Elite for about 2.5 years... 10-12hrs a day 6 days a week... 4 sensors, big viewing area, reliable. Lot of guys in my shop have switched from the speedglass, but to each their own.

2isbetterthan4

iTrader: (2)

I have had my Speedglas for quite a few years now. I have used a Miller in the past and been impressed but the Speedglas is a bit smaller helmet, especially when your upside down laying in a car welding up cages. . Best guess would be the miller or Speedglas, see if you can borrow one of each and give them a try to see which one fits your head the best.

MrElectric03

iTrader: (71)

I tried an older Miller Elite today and it worked pretty good. The guy uses it all day and has had it for four years or so. I like the Speedglas too but there are so many out there its hard to tell the difference. Which has the flip up lense and large view? Have you guys with the speedglas ever had a problem with the lense fogging up?

Z28LOVER

iTrader: (8)

I have a speedglas 9000 series that I've had for about 15 years it has the ariginal head gear and I have replaced the batteries in it once. It's been a great helmet I would definitely recommend them.

Breaking Stuff

iTrader: (11)

I use a speedglass 5-6 days a week at work. I also own a miller digital elite. They both have their pros, not a whole lot of cons. I really like the head gear on my speedglass. Although my miller is really comfortable as well. Both have a large view. I seem to get flashed more with the speedglass though. Its a tough decision between the two. You really can't go wrong with either.

duffy_3554

Speedglass 9100x. Its what we use at work and in my opinion is the best. the new headgear they put in them is really nice, no pressure points.

GIMPY02

Miller all the way.. I have the new miller 9400i ( very bottom pic) and love it. Its kinda heavy but I deal with it. And that snap on helmet is made by jackson

SoxXpupPeT

iTrader: (34)

Miller Performance! had it for over 3 years and ive gotten Alot of use out of it. working flawlessly

time3777

If you can find an old pipeliner hood I would buy it, I have pipe welded for years and thats all we ever used.

Pocket

iTrader: (22)

I use a Miller Pro at work and Harbor Freight special at home. Both operate pretty similar but the Miller has a sturdier build

mikh338

iTrader: (16)

i have always used miller helmets as all machines are miller as well. whatever you do, dont cheap out...you only get one set of eyes lol. speedglas is also very nice helmets like many others have mentioned

Pocket

iTrader: (22)

Thats silly, the miller helmet has hurt my eyes more than the cheap ones because you have to turn it on and it shuts off after approx 20 mins without seeing an arc. Usually not a problem, but some jigs are complicated

NHRATRANSAM64

iTrader: (12)

I have used quite a few different helmets, and so far my Miller Elite has been the best. It has a large foam pad on the back of the head band that makes it extremely comfortable. Plus the large view window is incredible for an auto darkening helmet.

It says its not recommended for overhead welding, but I have done lots of it without any problems.

americanmuscle13

Miller Elite the best hands down had mine for a few years and love it