Lincoln 3350 V Phantom XL

[Burdekin]

Rightio guys, I've been looking for a new Tig welding helmet to be used predominately on 1mm ish car panels so low amps. I've looked at the cheaper range and they're good for above 20amps. I'm only a part time welder so was a bit hesitant to pay top dollar but I think I'll have to pay a bit extra.

How much better is the Lincoln 3350 over say the Phantom XL? The Lincoln is £80 and therefore I'd need to look after it which to be honest I'm not that good at with helmets as I do throw them about when welding (not in anger).

Cheers.

 

[Burdekin]

Just noticed the XL has an optical class of 1/2/1/2 V 1/1/1/1 of the Lincoln, the Phantom extreme is 1/1/1/2. Getting a helmet with the combination of low amps capability, large view window and optics at least 1/1/1/2 seem to start about the £120 range.

 

[choco]

I have the xl bought from weldequip. The newer version of the xl is 1/1/1/2. I have tried it down to 5 amps on both ac and DC with no flashing. Made a huge difference over my previous cheap 30 euro helmet.

 

[Burdekin]

Thanks for the update. Weldequip need to update their website as the pic for the XL shows 1/2/1/2.

 

[choco]

Yes , I was pleasantly surprised when it arrived and said 1/1/1/2

 

[Tom Orrow L]

Just noticed the XL has an optical class of 1/2/1/2 V 1/1/1/1 of the Lincoln, the Phantom extreme is 1/1/1/2. Getting a helmet with the combination of low amps capability, large view window and optics at least 1/1/1/2 seem to start about the £120 range.

Have a look at the GYS Spaceview. Optical clarity of 1/1/1/2, massive lens, four sensors, TIG down to 2A and it's usually less than £100
Only downside is the strange looking graphics on the side of it.

 

[Burdekin]

Thanks Tom. Nicely speced helmet.

Think some spec details on here for the better speced helmets in their price range would be a good idea.

 

[Pond frog]

I've got a phantom extreme and its a nice helmet but I hate the internal controls , I wish I'd bought somthing with controls on the side . Lots of people prefer them on the inside just personal preference but I think it's worth considering .

 

[Burdekin]

Well I bought the Viking 3350 helmet, little fib to my wife about the cost. The helmet arrived at my work on Wednesday and as I cycle to work I couldn’t fit the box in my rucksack but I could fit the helmet in. I get to my workshop after work and set the helmet and I’m getting flashed as the helmet isn’t darkening quick enough so I press the test button and it’s not working. Have a wee think and assume it’s a flat battery but no problem as my wife has loads of the little flat silver batteries at home. Thursday I get to the workshop, take out the filter, open the battery cover and there is no battery so I put in the battery from home but it’s all lose and doesn’t fit. Quick google and I find that the little silver batteries come in a variety of sizes, never knew that so lesson learnt. Got to work today and check the box the helmet came in and sure enough there is a battery inside, so third time lucky hopefully this afternoon.

Initial thoughts are the view is lovely and clear when just looking through normally but I didn’t weld for long due to the initial flashes so will see what it’s like later when I’m over at the workshop.

 

[Burdekin]

New battery, 1.5 times cheater lens, fantastic and can see clear as day. Very pleased and a happy camper.

 

[Richard.]

I have a 3350.
Can't fault it's excellence.
Inside controls which I like but they are a little fiddly with a gloved hand.

 

[Burdekin]

Been using the 3350, excellent viewing helmet and it is really very clear, only negatives is it's a relatively heavy helmet (assume because the size of the filter) and it's not great if your welding leaning over.