True Vision Mask and Cheater

[jonclancy]

Hi All,

I’m just about to start a college TIG course and need to get a mask. I tried a friend’s auto-darkening mask and found it hard to see through. As the course is some 70 hrs, and I need to see what I’m doing, I’m happy to invest more into the mask than entry-level.

I’ve looked at both the R Tech True Colour XXL (£114] and the ESAB Sentinel A50 (£214). The A50 is a fair chunk of change more than the R Tech, but both are a long-term investment.

I’d really appreciate any thoughts or recommendations. Hoping to order in the next couple of days.

Cheers

 

[qwakers]

esab every time. id never ever go cheap again.

 

[SteScouse]

I got the ESAB at xmas, by far best helmet I've tried.

Really great view and super comfortable too

 

[fizzy]

What about the viking 3350?

 

[carbon]

I did look at the A50 myself recently, a nice helmet but I'm not sure about the front lens. After I had bought something else I was told by the supplier that they do sell a few lenses for the A50 due to scratching.

 

[SteScouse]

I did look at the A50 myself recently, a nice helmet but I'm not sure about the front lens. After I had bought something else I was told by the supplier that they do sell a few lenses for the A50 due to scratching.

You get five in the box

 

[fizzy]

I got the ESAB at xmas, by far best helmet I've tried.

Really great view and super comfortable too

Is it true colour? How does that compare with green? Is it easier to see what is going on?
My Optrel satellite is finally dying I think. It takes a second or so to cut in when trying to TIG weld - blinds me or I have to try to shut my eyes before starting.

 

[indy4x]

I've recently gone from the R-Tech True Colour mask to an Optrel VegaView which is also True Colour. The R-Tech was a definite step up from my previous non true colour auto darkening mask but the Optrel optics are a revelation, really impresssed

Not used the ESAB A50 and it was on my shortlist, from memory I swung for the Optrel over the A50 as you can plonk it on the bench and the lense is held away from the surface of the bench by the mask design

Downside is it uses Optrel specific cheater lenses but I'm pretty sure I can 3D print an adaptor plus the VegaView was more money

Urchfab (and no I'm not a fan of his channel) has a review of the A50 plus there are others on YouTube

EDIT: Just to add, am a hobbyist, not a pro welder

 

[SteScouse]

I didn't pick the ESAB A50 as it was a present. But i am chuffed with it.

My previous helmet was an IFL, cost about £65 and was/is a good helmet. On paper same 1/1/1/2 rating as the sentinel

But the Sentinel is in a different league. I'm only a hobbyist welder, not a pro guy. But even to me the difference in what you actually see is awesome.

I asked advice on here few weeks back re visible "wetting" during the weld. Well with this you can see the wetted area happening as the metal softens, as opposed to an area shaded a different shade of green.

Much easier to judge the speed to move on. And as an unplanned side effect often wire stick out same as weld ends as when you began. Less trimming, less faff.

I'd point out only had this a few weeks and i am a self taught amateur. Also one i got on xmas day didn't work, had to be replaced.

But my daughter said the vendor (ENGWELD) were hassle free re replacement. They also included some freebies to make up for the inconvenience.

The replacement is flawless and for my needs and level of skill future proof.

EDIT: £5 brandless cheater lens goes straight in too

 

[SteScouse]

Bit of an after thought, but JSP Force 8 respirator with press to check filters fits under it fine. No misting on the lens at all.

Sleeker respirators like Stealth and GVS Eclipse should go under it easy with space to spare.

But like every other hood i ever tried safety specs not comfy once respirator on under hood. Too much gear competing for the same space on ya bonce.

My choice is bin the specs. I'd rather chance a "maybe" spark than a "for sure" inhalation. Not recommending this choice, just what i do.

 

[carbon]

Is it true colour? How does that compare with green? Is it easier to see what is going on?

Lots easier to see whats going on, cant comment on the A50 as didn't try welding with it, but tig welding ali with true colour is so much easier than with my older helmet

 

[Hitch]

The A50s are great, you soon get into the habit of putting it down properly rather than on its front.

 

[jonclancy]

Thanks very much for your thoughts. The Lincoln is in the price bracket, and the optics specs are slightly ahead of the A50. It doesn’t appear to be a true Troue Colour mask. I’ve looked at the video reviews, and they have been very helpful. Seeing as I’ll not be using the mask in an industrial environment, some of the durability concerns in the A50 reviews aren’t a worry.

I’ll have a final browse of the reviews tomorrow and decide which way to go.

Cheers, appreciate the input.

 

[SteScouse]

Think the Viking is a true colour too mate, at least the latest ones are

Its also bit cheaper than Sentinel and the lenses standard sizes so further savings there.

If you were nearer I'd arrange to meet so you could try mine before deciding.

Not sure of model number but think you can get a true colour lincoln with smaller lens but same spec for about £150. Lincoln 1850???

Edit: its the 1840 sorry

 

[Turbo]

If it is a problem getting the lens scratched when setting it down could you not add something around the lens to act as an eyebrow ridge & protect it?

 

[MetalMonkey]

I have the A50, I love it. If you aren't using it for a while, pop the batteries out though.
Viking would be next on my short list along with the Miller.

 

[SteScouse]

If it is a problem getting the lens scratched when setting it down could you not add something around the lens to act as an eyebrow ridge & protect it?

You could i guess, but like Hitch said if you put it down properly there is no issue.

 

[jonclancy]

Thanks again, guys. I have ordered the A50, and hopefully I will have it in time for my first session on Thursday. The shade-range, halo and four sensors appealed to me. I’ll report back after I have given it a test drive.

Cheers

 

[Munkul]

Great choice Hopefully you'll love it. It comes with spare front lenses anyway, and if you're not brain-dead you'll always place it down screen up.

I mean, honestly. Only an ignoramus would ever place a helmet lens-down - then your inner screen gets covered in dust, grinding sparks, and anything else that could be in the air at the time. For the sake of a microsecond of thought.

 

[jonclancy]

A50 arrived today in short order, and it was good to see the box properly over-packed.

First impressions are that it is a quality piece of kit. Finish is excellent, instructions are clear, and all the warnings about excess heat etc are explicit. Still trying to get the halo to sit comfortably, but I’m sure a bit more experimentation will sort it - there is a huge range of adjustment available.

Roll on Thursday!