New welding helmet

[Oldtimearcwelder]

Hi guys I want to thank you all for the advice on here. I'm currently using a fix shade welding helmet I just nod my head to grow it down . Im thinking of buying a decent auto darking hood . Optrel or something like that. How safe are they compare to a passive hood. Cheers guys

 

[Hood]

Almost any auto will be safe, in the unlikely event they don't darken they will still provide protection from UV which is the thing that gives you arc eye. You may see stars for a while but no damage will be done.
Regarding Optrel, I have had a few and personally I think they are the best around. I had the E684 initially, Panoramaxx next and now Crystal. I liked the shape/style of the Panoramaxx but preferred the lens in the E684 but the Crystal blows both out the water. The new Panoramaxx with the Crystal lens is very tempting for me but I have spent too much money lately so it will have to wait

Everyone is different though, some people don't like the Optrels and much prefer the likes of the Speedglas, I used one of them for a day and just couldn't get on with it, too claustrophobic for me personally, so best idea is if you can try a few different makes on and find what suits you.

 

[Tom Orrow L]

Optrel are brilliant bits of kit, best in the game in my opinion. Personally my favourite is the Crystal 2.0 but the new Panoramaxx CLT is a very close second.

 

[Hood]

Optrel are brilliant bits of kit, best in the game in my opinion. Personally my favourite is the Crystal 2.0 but the new Panoramaxx CLT is a very close second.

What is the new Isofit headgear like? Been tempted to get that for the Crystal.

 

[Munkul]

There's loads of great hoods out there on my shortlist would be speedglas 9100xxi, optrel crystal, lincoln 3350 4c and esab sentinel, not necessarily in that order.

 

[Oldtimearcwelder]

Cheers guys I'm looking at the optrel Vega view 2.5

 

[Tom Orrow L]

What is the new Isofit headgear like? Been tempted to get that for the Crystal.

So comfortable its unreal! Want me to send one up to you so you can try it before you buy?

 

[Hood]

So comfortable its unreal! Want me to send one up to you so you can try it before you buy?

That's a kind offer but I think it would not be in a fit state for return after it has been on my slap head
Will pm you in a bit about it.

 

[Oldtimearcwelder]

Just purchased the optrel e268 helmet should be here on Wednesday. Hopefully it will help improve my MIG welding

 

[Hood]

Just purchased the optrel e268 helmet should be here on Wednesday. Hopefully it will help improve my MIG welding

Did you mean an e684, if so you will not be disappointed

 

[Oldtimearcwelder]

Did you mean an e684, if so you will not be disappointed

Yes sorry meant e684

 

[Oldtimearcwelder]

Do I need to leave it in day light when I'm not using it

 

[Hood]

Do I need to leave it in day light when I'm not using it

No, should be fine , also they use easily replaceable 2032 coin batteries if you ever do need to replace them.

 

[Oldtimearcwelder]

Cheers guys . Can't wait to get it

 

[duncans]

I've been using this helmet I got with the pickhill bantam oil filled so then I swapped helmets to the A50 helmet I've got blimey I thought is this auto-darkening working as I could see every thing and it was hahaha you deff see a big difference with a decent helmet

 

[Oldtimearcwelder]

What's the head gear like on them to wear

 

[Hood]

What's the head gear like on them to wear

The Optrels or the A50's?
If the Optrels, they are, for me at least, very comfortable but can sometimes slide on my slap head.

 

[Oldtimearcwelder]

Sorry ya the optrels .

 

[Oldtimearcwelder]

Got my new helmet today what a difference it makes really happy with it.. came with a nice bag too to store it

 

[Hood]

They are nice lids