Welding Helmet woes :-(

[Engineer1964]

Ok Guys, It was time i updated my welding helmet, I've had it a few years and no matter how much i try to increase the shade it stays on minimum and is a bit too bright when your welding 10mm steel at 300amps

My eyes were starting to get sore, not arc eye sore but the tell tale warning you get a tingling sensation, so sod it i'll get myself a new helmet and as Esab's come with a two year warranty i went for the Origo tech.

Now the depressing bit i've had quotes from £139.99 to £99.99 and £97.00 all Plus Vat so i agreed to but one from my welding supplier (Keeping trade local at £97.00 + vat) I wait and wait and wait

Been waiting over a week and still no helmet, so as a last resort i thought i'd look on ebay, and got a shock

£72.00 Inc vat and free Delivery so ordered it this evening

What a bargain

 

[Hitch]

Them Origo techs, handy headshields to have.....

The 3 i've had in about 4 years (supplied by employer) all have varied shade, depending on which corner you look through. Probably 2-3 shades difference corner to corner on each one.


No way are they worth £100.
Okay as a cheapo home headshield, but a croc o carp for professional use.

Cleaning.changing the lense is a fidly long winded affair too.... and the head band, i give it until its second drop.

 

[Welderpaul]

I've used Esab Eyetechs for years, had a few others but not a patch on them.
Discontinued now, but always coming up on ebay. They last ages and put up with a lot of abuse.

 

[Engineer1964]

I've used Esab Eyetechs for years, had a few others but not a patch on them.
Discontinued now, but always coming up on ebay. They last ages and put up with a lot of abuse.

The one i have now is an eye tech one, The thing that worked for me is the 2 year warranty and the price, if it lasts a year then its paid for iteself

 

[voipio]

I've had an Esab New-Tech which I'm impressed with. More expensive, but fast reacting, and a more even shade across the window than other auto darkening helmets.

 

[TAITSIE]

Have had an EYETECH 1 for about five years now, never had any problems with it.

 

[chevy2]

I've had my eyetech 9-13 helmet since 2000,
Still works pretty good although i now use only use it for mig and plasma as i've recently bought a Miller Elite for tig.