I’ve had some issues with seeing the flash with some of the helmets that I’ve tried and owned and have decided that I’m going to spend some $ and get a nice one, hoping that it will eliminate some of the issues with the cheaper ones (I’m betting that some of if is the newer 5a arc ratings on some of the better helmets making them better for TIG welding, where I’ve had the most problems with getting flashed and related eye strain).

Anyone have one that they especially like/would recommend?

 

I use the Miller one. It is the big window one and it is completely adjustable. It is pricy but IMO well worth the money. I got mine at Cyberweld but I am sure that other places carry it.

 

my stepdad has one that works awesome i never see any flash

ill have to post the brand and number from it so you can check it out

 

I have the miller elite wide lense at work. I tig and have no flash problems at all. The helmet I have at home is an older speedglass and that has no flash issues when properly adjusted either. The miller cost 350 from a local welding supplier.
Hope this helps.
Kory

 

Sounds like the one I have. I spent about $200 on it, but wouldnt give it back for anything. I dont see any flash. Response time is super fast. I got mine off ebay. Cheapest place I could find it shipped. They usually come with designs. I got the american flag one because it was the nicest looking one in my opinion.

J.

 

I've had flash issues with every helmet I've tried, even the expensive ones. The two things that are almost to blame with me are: Dirty spots over the sensors. Also, find the sensors and make sure that your hands never, get between your helmet sensors an your arc.

 

J,

We have the exact same helmet. I got mine on special when they first came out for $210.00 shipped. Best money I ever spent. I would not get ride of mine either!

 

Yeah, mine got dirty too. But after like a year of using it. It came with a nice draw string bag. When I was done welding, back into the bag it went after I wiped it off. After spending 200+ bucks on something, I tend to take care of it, haha. Also, my helmet came with extra front splatter lenses and inner lenses as well. I believe my "sensors" are behind the front shield. However, I havent replaced the shields yet because I just make sure I clean the helmet. They are due though...I should change them out.

As for blocking the sensors with my hand...thats never happened. Its so sensitive that even ambient light triggers them. The Miller has settings to control how dark it gets, reaction time, and I think even how long it stays dark after it triggers. I cant remember. I set it once when I got it and left it alone. All I know is Ive been twisted up under the car with the helmet wedged up into the floorboard doing exhaust, and it never failed to trigger.

Comp788: Yeah $210 sounds right. I trust miller for everything having to do with welding. Im saving up to get a nice 220 MIG from Miller now. But when I was shopping for helmets, I came across that deal and jumped all over it. No regrets.

Justin

 

I also have the Miller Elite. I too paid somewhere around $210 on ebay. SPatter shields are really easy to replace too, a few clips on the inside and the whole assembly comes out and replacement ones are fairly inexpensive. I dont have any issues with flash either. The adjustable sensitivity is great.

 

I use a Jackson, older model by about....3 or 4 yrs. Its adjustable shade and delay for switching speed. Never have been flashed except in weird light situation, and even then, rarely. its usually just active, so its already dark in those situations. Dunno the cost, I think around $300 then. Got it from the local welding shop.

 

I use two different ones. I use a $100 Jackson Journeyman auto helmet at my shop and a $550 Hornell Speedglas at work. Neither have any lag in change time. No flash if I keep them clean and keep fresh batteries in them. If I wait until the "low battery" light comes on, its WAY too late. I've dropped the Jackson too many times to list and it still works great! The Hornell has never seen the floor or even the table very hard......

Kevin

 

I have a love hate relasionship with all helamts that auto tint. They work great untill your welding someth and the sensor gets shaddowed and thinks your done welding and turns off. Boy does that hurt.

 

See, Ive never had that happen with my Miller. Maybe with a cheaper brand (i.e. harbor freight special)... But Ive had my arm crossed over most of the sensor, and the ambient light or reflective light was enough to trigger it. Like I said above, Ive had my head and helmet jambed up into areas and it never failed to trigger.

I could see it happening maybe once every 1000 times you use the torch, but if its happening that often to you, you either need a different helmet or need to figure out why its happening.

J.

 

It can happen with any one. My boss almost threw his miller one away cause it was pissing him off.

 

Then he should have adjusted the sensitivity higher.

I've got a Miller Elite, and haven't ever had a problem except when the battery gets low, and in 3 years, i've only had to replace it once. Solar-assist helps greatly with battery life.