Auto-Darkening Welding Helmets
Nov 1, 2006 12:00 PM, By Katie Sauck
Growing up a farmer's daughter, I was always in my dad's shop helping him work. Actually, I more or less just watched him work and handed him the tools he needed. Dad did a lot of welding and I was always fascinated by it. He would hand me a spare helmet and I would watch the bright orange sparks shooting off in every direction.
Welding helmets have come a long way since the days I'd sit on the shop stool watching Dad weld. With all the technological advancements in auto-darkening lenses, the days of flipping the helmet up and down between welds are over. But with all the features available, what's the best buy?
Six of the men in my life came together and tested helmets from five of the leading manufacturers of welding helmets. My dad Mark Sauck, brother Tyler Sauck, uncle Glenn Hruska, uncle Brian Sauck, cousin Peter Owens, and uncle Lonny Schwieger, who all have had years of welding experience, tried out every one of the five helmets.
It was obvious throughout the test that each auto-darkening welding helmet worked well, no matter its price. It was the subtle differences between the helmets that set them apart. Here's what the testers found.
Miller XLi
Lens speed: 1/18,000
Shade control: 9-13
Viewing field: 3.85 × 1.85 in.
Weight: 16 oz.
Coming in as the top pick, the testers declared the XLi to be the best value for the money. The helmet had comfortable headgear, several good options and good switching speed, and it was easy to use. The guys noted that the helmet had no reflection; the lip on the bottom of the helmet cut down any glare.
Weighing only 16 oz., this helmet came out the best in comfort and weight. All of Miller's helmets come with a comfort cushion that attaches to the headgear to add more padding; the testers found this to be a great feature.
The XLi works well with light-duty industrial applications and has new replaceable-battery, solar-assist Performance Series lens technology. It has two independent arc sensors and a well-balanced design, and it comes with a two-year limited warranty.
Price: $229. Contact Miller Electric Mfg. Co., Dept. FIN, Box 1079, Appleton, WI 54912, 800/426-4553, visit www.MillerWelds.com or www.freeproductinfo.net/fin, or circle 178.
Jackson Halo X
Lens speed: 1/25,000
Shade control: 9-12
Viewing field: 2½ × 3⅜ in.
Weight: 6-oz. shell w/out lens
The testers ranked the Jackson helmet second overall and claimed it had the best switching speed. The helmet has a clear protective lens that is easy to change out. Adding to the Halo's ease of use are separate on and off switches.
Although the helmet is lightweight, the guys thought the headgear could be more sophisticated. They complained that it flipped down too easily.
Two AAA batteries with solar battery life extender power the helmet. It has a two-year performance guarantee.
Price: $205. Contact Jackson Products Inc., Dept. FIN, 5801 Safety Dr. N.E., Belmont, MI 49306, 800/253-7281, visit www.JacksonProducts.com or www.freeproductinfo.net/fin, or circle 177.
Speedglas 9000
Shade control (with 90002X lens): 9-13
Viewing field: 3.57 × 1.68 in.
Weight: 17.4 oz.
Light shade: 3
The large viewing area set the 9000 apart. Not only did it have ample viewing area in the front, the helmet had tinted lenses on the sides to allow for peripheral vision. The testers thought the Speedglas lens was excellent. The push-button adjustments were easy to get at and made changing shade and sensitivity effortless. The helmet also has four exhaust vents to reduce CO
One downside was the headgear. The headband was basic, and the rivets pulled hair.
Price: $427.99. Contact 3M Corporate Headquarters, Dept. FIN, 3M Center, St. Paul, MN 55144-1000, 888/364-3577, visit www.hornell.com or www.freeproductinfo.net/fin, or circle 176.
Miller XLiX
Lens speed: 1/20,000
Shade control: 9-13
Viewing field: 3.85 × 1.85 in.
Weight: 16 oz.
The XLiX has Miller's options and good switching speed. It also has comfortable headgear; however, sometimes the helmet hit the back of a tester's head when he flipped it up.
Like the XLi, the helmet has a lip around the bottom edge that blocks all glare. It also comes with replaceable-battery, solar-assist Performance Series lens technology. It has analog controls and two independent arc sensors and handles low-amperage TIG applications. It comes with a two-year limited warranty.
Price: $259. Contact Miller Electric Mfg. Co. at the address and phone number given above, or circle 175.
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