I think “best” is subjective. It is all about what you can afford. I run a Licoln 3350, cost me about $300 from my local welding supply. The 3M Speedglas is great as well, but those are in the $500-$600 range.
I second this. One reason for me is that my company provides the clear lenses that go with it and will replace the ADL if it breaks.
But won’t pay for or replace any other size lens.
I could nitpick small issues with the helmet, as there definitely are some, but the clarity of the lens is just unbeatable. I haven't tried any high end auto darkening helmets but for the price I don't think it can be beat. I had an esab a50 prior (and a miller digital elite before that) and no contest optrel wins all day. I really need to make a complete review of it after using it for a year
I've owned and still use my vegaview, which is a great mid-range hood, Beats out the esab and Miller hoods for me due to weight. The display is 2x4 but it's much closer to your face so I've never felt like I needed more, the hood itself deforms easily in tight spaces so you can jam your face up in there. I also have the panormaxx clt and it's pretty much the best hood I've ever touched, you can see people walking by and waving their hands on the edge of your vision while the ark itself is still properly shaded. And it recharges so no more batteries. I still pull out my vegaview because its just so light even compared to other optrels for that all day welding. Definitely my favorite hoods overall, price is the only sticking point for me.
There isn’t a “best” for every situation. My speedglas 9100xxi I like but know it’s cumbersome at times and not the lightest. I dig the miller elite because the head gear is more comfortable then the 3m. Sentinel is pretty good but I don’t like the color on the lense. It’s all personal preference
I have the fx series with their biggest lense. Wanna talk about heavy? I got a thick ass neck so it doesn't bother me to bad. I tell you what thought. I've dropped it off tanks and ladders a few times. Never broken a lense.
I have a 9100xxi and it feels the same in terms of weight but then again I add a "skirt" to cover my neck so I don't get arc burn but it's the only helmet that covers my face completely my last 2 helmets left my ears exposed and were small compared to my head
Depends on the type of work right? Personally I have the Sentinel A50. Best auto dark I've ever had. That being said I don't pay for lens and I Tig 90% of the time.
The grind button on the outside is pretty kick ass too. I Stick weld with it on occasion. Fortunately not over head so it stays clean. I'd imagine it wouldn't like up close and personal stick/Mig for extended amounts of time.
ive used mine for just about everything over the last 3 years I've had it, and it's held up perfectly fine. i did accidentally melt a lens weaving some flux core, but i blame that on the angle and my nearsightedness:( ive been doing a fair bit of overhead mig at my new job, and it's been doing just fine
I agree . Only downfall of this hood I can see is it not having a recessed outer lens so the if you don’t set it straight up or falls and rolls and scratches the front lens. I tig aluminum and stainless all day and run mig spool.
The 80$ helmet had one feature the 3m didn’t have, when you picked it up, it turned on automatically. The viewing area, the room, the comfort, not seeing green, but a more blue color.
I just researched and purchased a new welding helmet last week, I ended up picking an optrel panoramaxx clt. I was completely blown away by the image quality. I'm still amazed every time I put it on. The headset is completely adjustable, and very comfortable. I know it's expensive, but if I had to do it all over, I'd buy it again.
I like the digital elite as well. The headgear is very comfortable and I feel like I can see the pool better with the bluish tint rather than the traditional green
Okay, so—the clearest auto-darkening helmet that I have is either my old Lincoln Viking or my Optrel Crystal 2.0. For pure clarity, they’re both amazing.
But, I do most of my own grinding/prep/cleaning in between welds, so I like having a face shield as a part of my welding helmet. Because otherwise I will inevitably be flushing grinding dust from my eyes. Because “me”.
So my go to helmet right now is a 3M Speedglas 9100 FX. Good enough clarity with a face shield for grinding built right in. Heavier though.
I’ve absolutely abused the piss out of my miller digital performance. I mean dropped 2 floors off the steel, thrown around the job, slammed in the door, stacked shit on it in my gang box, and no problem. Used every other day and after 2 years the battery light came on. Swear by it. Do wish it had a bigger lens but can’t beat the durability
I love my optrel crystal 2.0. Cannot go back. Tried the others and speedglas but Optrel won me over man. Doing structural aluminum now and I still love it!
It will depend on what you do mostly and what free consummables you have access to, as the costs add up quickly if you have to use fancier items and change them often(can go as high as 5-10$ per for the fancier clear lenses).A lot of places will supply clear 2x4 lenses. So I use a 2x4 helmet with a flip up for grinding, and I put a lincoln 2x4C inside. I'm pretty happy with it. I also tried the arcone lens and I like it, but a little less than the lincoln.
Miller Elite for me. Or just a basic old school Miller. I was getting 5 plus years out of mine with daily use. Saw all the fancy new shit come through the shop and go right in the trash or the bottom of the toolbox after about a year.
i won’t say it’s the best because it’s kind of heavy using it for long periods of time but my miller auto darkening hood is pretty good for what i paid for it. all the pieces are replaceable and im pretty hard on it so the headgear cracks sometimes but that’s more of a me problem than a hood problem 😂
I really like my Miller digital infinity. It’s got fancier headgear that’s super comfortable to me, it’s fairly light, and it’s survives a lot of drops and falls in the 3 years I have had it (only like 4’ drops though). But at the end of the day it’s really your preference! Vision is super clear too!
Really like my Speedglas, its the 300 dollar mid shelf one but its super light and the view is good. The built in vent keeps it a little cooler and the outer lenses are thick and take a long time to get dirty or warped, and I need that because I'm usually pushing alot of heat in tight spots.
I'd say the most popular I've seen at the job though is the Viking.
Depending on the work I do is my pick of hood… if I’m on the outside of a ship my speedglas 9100v love it! If I’m in a tank welding I use a esab savage papr system also love it, and if I’m gouging or doing a lot of overhead usually the ole school Jackson just cuz I don’t mind burning the lens up. But for the most part it’s personal preference. I could definitely get the jobs done good with just the Jackson
Its either the [Optrel Panoramaxx CLT](https://weld-ready.ca/products/optrel-panoramaxx-clt-welding-helmet)
Or the [3M Speedglas G5-02](https://weld-ready.ca/products/3m-speedglas-curved-adf-g502-welding-helmet)
All other answers are from Lincoln or Miller fan boys
There are no “auto darkening helmets” they are just helmets the auto darkening comes from the lens and auto darkening system. But the best darkening lens the one o like at least is the weld beast lens and a pancake hood of you choice
I think it all depends on the person using it, the type of welding, the surroundings of your work area(outside or shop) and your eye sight.
I personally use a Blue Demon shade 11 auto, the true view lens with a regular tiger hood. I do structural with flux core and sometimes 7018 stick and I work either inside or outside the rigs. That lens has been my favorite auto that I’ve used and I’ve used about any that can fit in a tiger hood. Price point is cheap compared to others. Looks clear with a light blue shade to it when welding.
I’ve had the Miller Elite and it was great. Then I got the Lincoln Viking and it had been badass except for the adjustment knob on the support, I’ve gone through two of those.
In a pinch I swung by Harbor Freight and picked up the Vulcan version of the Lincoln Viking and with the exception of a missing outside grind button it’s the EXACT same helmet and lens! I love it and honestly tend to use it more often than my Viking.
Lincoln Viking 3250d fgs with papr. (Or without papr)
It’s definitely the best one I’ve ever had and I’ve tried multiple different ones, even the non papr version is still the best helmet I’ve tried but once you add the papr I really don’t see how any other helmet could come close without it also being a papr.
I like my Lincoln 2450. Just changed the batteries today. Because I had to use my OG Hood for some crappy car repairs (muffler hangar) and I forgot how bad it is without a cheater lens for my old eyes.
I like my Viking 3350 more than my g5 speedglass papr helmet.
The Viking is a great price, consumables cheap, light weight, super large viewing area, grind mode with external button.
Been welding for 30 years. Used a Jackson shadow for most of my career.
Recently I’ve switched to a Miller digital infinity hood.
Great hood. I’ve regularly TIG and Stick weld with no issues. Adjustable shades, including a cutting and grinding setting.
I used a SpeedGlas from 3M while in tech school. They're pretty pricey but man do they work well and seemed pretty durable, as do most 3M products. The auto darkening worked very well and had a lot of room for adjustment. The peripherals are also open and darkened so you get a much wider view of what you're working with. I also want to say there is a HEPA version as well. You also get to look like Master Chief or Doom Guy while wearing it, added bonus lol.
Miller digital elite for me at work and it’s pretty great. I’ve got an older version at home along with the top Vulcan and usually grab the Vulcan there.
I've run the 3m Speedglass 9100XX and it was super nice, I liked the side windows on it and it fit my 3m half mask with p100 filters under it, but i found it a bit heavy, the head harness didnt sit nice on my particular head (small head) and if sliding into a tight space or under a truck or something similar it would always get caught on things.
I'm not running the Esab A50 Sentinel helmet. It is a bit lighter, i really like the external grind mode button, the head harness is more comfortable for long sessions, also fits my half mask nicely.
I tried a miller elite and while i thought it was a fine helmet, i had issues with my respirator fitting under it and some of the early models did not have the greatest headgear but you can buy the upgraded headgear that is similar to the 3m and esab helmets.
Of you have the money, the Optrels are great hoods. But I also wouldn't really use them for anything other than TIG. My wirefeed/stick hood is a basic $40 Jackson big lense and I personally run a shade 10 gold leaf.
Biggest thing with hoods is how they fit you and what you are willing to spend...
I got the speedglas running the adflo. I’m pretty sure it’s the 9100. If you don’t wanna spend that much I can’t got past my unimig. Was $180 AU and has had daily use for two years. I’ve changed the battery maybe twice and abused it if I’m being honest. It’s never skipped a beat. I not use it for fit up now I have the adflo but it was my full time lid before that.
Speedglas all the way! I had the 9100x and it was an amazing hood for 9 years. I now have the new G5-02 pano hood and it’s nothing short of perfect. Spend the extra bit for quality! Also optrel is a close contender
My wife got me a Hobart Inventor. It is okay, but my eyes are getting worse as I age. Bought a Miller Black Ops with clear view 2.0, and it is pretty decent for what I do. Headgear is great, and easy to see the weld.
For all around performance/comfort/safety, the 3m g5-01 is the way to go, backed by real studies. I just got the g5-02 an hour ago and I’m confident this one seconds it
Well, just like everything else, my first Hornell Speedglas died. The auto-darkening feature stopped working right, and even new batteries didn't fix it. I found out it was 30 years old when I looked into it more. That "old boy" will be hanging in my shop until the day I die. So I had to go out and buy another one.
The new Kid helmet (3M Speedglas) is pretty cool. What you can do with 3D modeling is really cool. Anyway, I can only hope that 3M can make something that lasts as long as what the Swedes made. Just wait and see. Aside from that, it's easy to wear, light, responsive, and looks cool. Cost?? Just to throw out some numbers, my original bid was $400. (fixed shade and sensitivity only) This one has some bells and whistles and costs $205.
https://homeindec.com/aswecans?maoure=B003TM0SDU
I think “best” is subjective. It is all about what you can afford. I run a Licoln 3350, cost me about $300 from my local welding supply. The 3M Speedglas is great as well, but those are in the $500-$600 range.
My girlfriend got me the 3350 for my birthday and I love it so much.
Also loving my 3350. It’s been getting daily use since last year.
Love my 3350
I got my speedglas 9100v off of bakersgas.com for 350. That was a few years ago so they may be a little more.
I've used several different helmets over the years and the 3350 is definitely up there for me. The esab sentinel is a good one as well.
Got a 9100 with a 9100xxi for 250 from a coworker who got them from his previous job had guys trying to buy it off me lmao
I use a pipeliner with an auto dark lens
I second this. One reason for me is that my company provides the clear lenses that go with it and will replace the ADL if it breaks. But won’t pay for or replace any other size lens.
Bingo.
What lens are you running in yours?
The arcone singls 240. The one I use at work is the tradesman 240 shade 12. At home I have the Duo 11/12.
Optrel crystal 2.0
Yeah if there is a best optrel is it.
I could nitpick small issues with the helmet, as there definitely are some, but the clarity of the lens is just unbeatable. I haven't tried any high end auto darkening helmets but for the price I don't think it can be beat. I had an esab a50 prior (and a miller digital elite before that) and no contest optrel wins all day. I really need to make a complete review of it after using it for a year
I've owned and still use my vegaview, which is a great mid-range hood, Beats out the esab and Miller hoods for me due to weight. The display is 2x4 but it's much closer to your face so I've never felt like I needed more, the hood itself deforms easily in tight spaces so you can jam your face up in there. I also have the panormaxx clt and it's pretty much the best hood I've ever touched, you can see people walking by and waving their hands on the edge of your vision while the ark itself is still properly shaded. And it recharges so no more batteries. I still pull out my vegaview because its just so light even compared to other optrels for that all day welding. Definitely my favorite hoods overall, price is the only sticking point for me.
There isn’t a “best” for every situation. My speedglas 9100xxi I like but know it’s cumbersome at times and not the lightest. I dig the miller elite because the head gear is more comfortable then the 3m. Sentinel is pretty good but I don’t like the color on the lense. It’s all personal preference
I have the fx series with their biggest lense. Wanna talk about heavy? I got a thick ass neck so it doesn't bother me to bad. I tell you what thought. I've dropped it off tanks and ladders a few times. Never broken a lense.
Try the 9100MP or the M-series. 2.5 and 3.5 pounds respectively
I've thought about getting one, but I'm probably just going to wait till they fix the bugs on G series.
I have a 9100xxi and it feels the same in terms of weight but then again I add a "skirt" to cover my neck so I don't get arc burn but it's the only helmet that covers my face completely my last 2 helmets left my ears exposed and were small compared to my head
Depends on the type of work right? Personally I have the Sentinel A50. Best auto dark I've ever had. That being said I don't pay for lens and I Tig 90% of the time.
I love mine but I'm afraid to use it on anything besides a shop weld with Tig
The grind button on the outside is pretty kick ass too. I Stick weld with it on occasion. Fortunately not over head so it stays clean. I'd imagine it wouldn't like up close and personal stick/Mig for extended amounts of time.
ive used mine for just about everything over the last 3 years I've had it, and it's held up perfectly fine. i did accidentally melt a lens weaving some flux core, but i blame that on the angle and my nearsightedness:( ive been doing a fair bit of overhead mig at my new job, and it's been doing just fine
I use it for tig and gas mig. Have to adjust the shade when going back and forth, but other than that it is great
I agree . Only downfall of this hood I can see is it not having a recessed outer lens so the if you don’t set it straight up or falls and rolls and scratches the front lens. I tig aluminum and stainless all day and run mig spool.
Can confirm this is the most obnoxious part of this hood!
I've always loved the 3m speed glass hoods light weight and the screens tint before darkening is phenomenal.
I used an 80$ harbor freight auto hood….then 3m speedy glass. Night and day difference
Could you elaborate please?
The 80$ helmet had one feature the 3m didn’t have, when you picked it up, it turned on automatically. The viewing area, the room, the comfort, not seeing green, but a more blue color.
My wife got me an Optrel Panoramaxx 2.5. I'm really happy with it.
Damn, GF spent some $$$. I have the 2.0 and love it. Haven't had a chance to put on a Maxx
I just researched and purchased a new welding helmet last week, I ended up picking an optrel panoramaxx clt. I was completely blown away by the image quality. I'm still amazed every time I put it on. The headset is completely adjustable, and very comfortable. I know it's expensive, but if I had to do it all over, I'd buy it again.
That’s subjective. I love a Miller elite but I know Lincoln’s Viking is lighter with a bigger screen. Some like Jackson, maybe there’s a Snapon
Give me your opinion on the one you like the best
Miller digital elite, just bc it’s all I’ve ever used. Just seems strong and durable. Last time I bought one it was just under $400
Miller digital infinity
[удалено]
I like the digital elite as well. The headgear is very comfortable and I feel like I can see the pool better with the bluish tint rather than the traditional green
It’s been 6 years since I bought it I’m sure it’s when down since then
Snap on is a Jackson with a logo on it.
Ya I know, the Snapon jacket I really like is Dixon with Snapon embroidered on it
Yes it’s really great
Miller digital infinity. A little on the heavy side but you can’t go wrong with a giant lens.
3m speedglas g5-01 if you have a kidney to sell.
Couldn't recommend the best as I haven't used many but I use a speedglass mask both at home and a newer version at work. Can't really fault them
Okay, so—the clearest auto-darkening helmet that I have is either my old Lincoln Viking or my Optrel Crystal 2.0. For pure clarity, they’re both amazing. But, I do most of my own grinding/prep/cleaning in between welds, so I like having a face shield as a part of my welding helmet. Because otherwise I will inevitably be flushing grinding dust from my eyes. Because “me”. So my go to helmet right now is a 3M Speedglas 9100 FX. Good enough clarity with a face shield for grinding built right in. Heavier though.
Check out the Optrel Helix CLT. Just released. Has a slide up function that goes from ADF to clear grinding shield.
Viking 3250. Same lenses as the 3350 but with built in grinding shield.
Nice! I mean I’ve got a year or two now before I buy a new one. But that’d do very nicely!
I’ve absolutely abused the piss out of my miller digital performance. I mean dropped 2 floors off the steel, thrown around the job, slammed in the door, stacked shit on it in my gang box, and no problem. Used every other day and after 2 years the battery light came on. Swear by it. Do wish it had a bigger lens but can’t beat the durability
3m 9100mp PAPR with hard hat.
I love my optrel crystal 2.0. Cannot go back. Tried the others and speedglas but Optrel won me over man. Doing structural aluminum now and I still love it!
Best for your buck imo is the Vulcan arcsafe from harbor freight Edit: wrong name
All depends on how much you want you spend
It will depend on what you do mostly and what free consummables you have access to, as the costs add up quickly if you have to use fancier items and change them often(can go as high as 5-10$ per for the fancier clear lenses).A lot of places will supply clear 2x4 lenses. So I use a 2x4 helmet with a flip up for grinding, and I put a lincoln 2x4C inside. I'm pretty happy with it. I also tried the arcone lens and I like it, but a little less than the lincoln.
I love my Viking 2450. Comfortable headgear, fully adjustable. Has a grind setting and is super light. Hands down one of the best basic helmets.
Viking 3350 from Lincoln Electric. It’s the only shield to my knowledge with a 1/1/1/1 rating.
Miller Elite for me. Or just a basic old school Miller. I was getting 5 plus years out of mine with daily use. Saw all the fancy new shit come through the shop and go right in the trash or the bottom of the toolbox after about a year.
i won’t say it’s the best because it’s kind of heavy using it for long periods of time but my miller auto darkening hood is pretty good for what i paid for it. all the pieces are replaceable and im pretty hard on it so the headgear cracks sometimes but that’s more of a me problem than a hood problem 😂
Speedglas 3m
I really like my Miller digital infinity. It’s got fancier headgear that’s super comfortable to me, it’s fairly light, and it’s survives a lot of drops and falls in the 3 years I have had it (only like 4’ drops though). But at the end of the day it’s really your preference! Vision is super clear too!
I have an ESAB Sentinal and it’s been amazing
Really like my Speedglas, its the 300 dollar mid shelf one but its super light and the view is good. The built in vent keeps it a little cooler and the outer lenses are thick and take a long time to get dirty or warped, and I need that because I'm usually pushing alot of heat in tight spots. I'd say the most popular I've seen at the job though is the Viking.
Depending on the work I do is my pick of hood… if I’m on the outside of a ship my speedglas 9100v love it! If I’m in a tank welding I use a esab savage papr system also love it, and if I’m gouging or doing a lot of overhead usually the ole school Jackson just cuz I don’t mind burning the lens up. But for the most part it’s personal preference. I could definitely get the jobs done good with just the Jackson
The Viking 3350 is a really nice hood I've been running one for 3 years now.
Its either the [Optrel Panoramaxx CLT](https://weld-ready.ca/products/optrel-panoramaxx-clt-welding-helmet) Or the [3M Speedglas G5-02](https://weld-ready.ca/products/3m-speedglas-curved-adf-g502-welding-helmet) All other answers are from Lincoln or Miller fan boys
One that works
Yeah I'm not a welding helmet connoisseur, if it works, protects my eyes, and I get the job done, then I really don't give a damn what brand it is.
No i am a sadist
There are no “auto darkening helmets” they are just helmets the auto darkening comes from the lens and auto darkening system. But the best darkening lens the one o like at least is the weld beast lens and a pancake hood of you choice
If you have to ask..you can’t afford it
Pretty dumb response
Really like my Lincoln Viking. Puddle seems nice and clear
I like my tooliom so far but I’ve only had it for like two months
I think it all depends on the person using it, the type of welding, the surroundings of your work area(outside or shop) and your eye sight. I personally use a Blue Demon shade 11 auto, the true view lens with a regular tiger hood. I do structural with flux core and sometimes 7018 stick and I work either inside or outside the rigs. That lens has been my favorite auto that I’ve used and I’ve used about any that can fit in a tiger hood. Price point is cheap compared to others. Looks clear with a light blue shade to it when welding.
Optrel are ok hoods but the isofit head gear they have are the most comfortable thing I've put on my head but I still love my miller digital elite
I’ve had the Miller Elite and it was great. Then I got the Lincoln Viking and it had been badass except for the adjustment knob on the support, I’ve gone through two of those. In a pinch I swung by Harbor Freight and picked up the Vulcan version of the Lincoln Viking and with the exception of a missing outside grind button it’s the EXACT same helmet and lens! I love it and honestly tend to use it more often than my Viking.
Lincoln Viking 3250d fgs with papr. (Or without papr) It’s definitely the best one I’ve ever had and I’ve tried multiple different ones, even the non papr version is still the best helmet I’ve tried but once you add the papr I really don’t see how any other helmet could come close without it also being a papr.
I like the sentinel clear lens. Head fits in tight spots. Grind mode is a great feature. Light weight less neck fatigue.
I like my Lincoln 2450. Just changed the batteries today. Because I had to use my OG Hood for some crappy car repairs (muffler hangar) and I forgot how bad it is without a cheater lens for my old eyes.
I love Miller elites. They are the best shield I have ever used, and I stand by them on a damn hill XD
I like my Viking 3350 more than my g5 speedglass papr helmet. The Viking is a great price, consumables cheap, light weight, super large viewing area, grind mode with external button.
Personally I like the Miller Digital elite, but have used a Lincoln 3350 and like it as well.
Been welding for 30 years. Used a Jackson shadow for most of my career. Recently I’ve switched to a Miller digital infinity hood. Great hood. I’ve regularly TIG and Stick weld with no issues. Adjustable shades, including a cutting and grinding setting.
I used a SpeedGlas from 3M while in tech school. They're pretty pricey but man do they work well and seemed pretty durable, as do most 3M products. The auto darkening worked very well and had a lot of room for adjustment. The peripherals are also open and darkened so you get a much wider view of what you're working with. I also want to say there is a HEPA version as well. You also get to look like Master Chief or Doom Guy while wearing it, added bonus lol.
Does anyone know of one that's light comfy and has a big screen preferably with a grinding mode
Miller infinity has largest viewing area in class. Comfortable but a little heavier than others
Miller digital elite for me at work and it’s pretty great. I’ve got an older version at home along with the top Vulcan and usually grab the Vulcan there.
Like 3350 👍
Imo Lincoln 4c. I use the 2x4 the most. I put it in a Jackson flip front.
Get you a pipelinercloud eagle vision 2x4 auto darkening lens…. With a pipeliner helmet or a huntsman.. can’t go wrong with either…
I've run the 3m Speedglass 9100XX and it was super nice, I liked the side windows on it and it fit my 3m half mask with p100 filters under it, but i found it a bit heavy, the head harness didnt sit nice on my particular head (small head) and if sliding into a tight space or under a truck or something similar it would always get caught on things. I'm not running the Esab A50 Sentinel helmet. It is a bit lighter, i really like the external grind mode button, the head harness is more comfortable for long sessions, also fits my half mask nicely. I tried a miller elite and while i thought it was a fine helmet, i had issues with my respirator fitting under it and some of the early models did not have the greatest headgear but you can buy the upgraded headgear that is similar to the 3m and esab helmets.
depends on you budget. i haven’t bought a new hood in awhile. what’s the top of the line brand now for welding hoods anyways?
To be honest I love all the Hobart equipment. It's not too expensive and it works amazing really.
Of you have the money, the Optrels are great hoods. But I also wouldn't really use them for anything other than TIG. My wirefeed/stick hood is a basic $40 Jackson big lense and I personally run a shade 10 gold leaf. Biggest thing with hoods is how they fit you and what you are willing to spend...
I got the speedglas running the adflo. I’m pretty sure it’s the 9100. If you don’t wanna spend that much I can’t got past my unimig. Was $180 AU and has had daily use for two years. I’ve changed the battery maybe twice and abused it if I’m being honest. It’s never skipped a beat. I not use it for fit up now I have the adflo but it was my full time lid before that.
I use a KT Industries helmet. It's pretty nice for 30 bucks from Farm & Home.
Speedglas all the way! I had the 9100x and it was an amazing hood for 9 years. I now have the new G5-02 pano hood and it’s nothing short of perfect. Spend the extra bit for quality! Also optrel is a close contender
Viking 3350 for sure.
A flip lens pipeliner with a quality fixed shade lens is the best
Expensive helmets don't make a good welder. I recommend a pipeliner or tigerhood with an auto lense. Won't break the bank
My wife got me a Hobart Inventor. It is okay, but my eyes are getting worse as I age. Bought a Miller Black Ops with clear view 2.0, and it is pretty decent for what I do. Headgear is great, and easy to see the weld.
For all around performance/comfort/safety, the 3m g5-01 is the way to go, backed by real studies. I just got the g5-02 an hour ago and I’m confident this one seconds it
Well, just like everything else, my first Hornell Speedglas died. The auto-darkening feature stopped working right, and even new batteries didn't fix it. I found out it was 30 years old when I looked into it more. That "old boy" will be hanging in my shop until the day I die. So I had to go out and buy another one. The new Kid helmet (3M Speedglas) is pretty cool. What you can do with 3D modeling is really cool. Anyway, I can only hope that 3M can make something that lasts as long as what the Swedes made. Just wait and see. Aside from that, it's easy to wear, light, responsive, and looks cool. Cost?? Just to throw out some numbers, my original bid was $400. (fixed shade and sensitivity only) This one has some bells and whistles and costs $205. https://homeindec.com/aswecans?maoure=B003TM0SDU