Auto-Darkening Welding Helmets
Nov 1, 2006 12:00 PM, By Katie Sauck
Miller Elite
Lens speed: 1/20,000
Shade control: 9-13
Viewing field: 3.85 × 2.38 in.
Weight: 18 oz.
The Elite offers a large viewing area — the second largest of all the helmets. The helmet is also larger in size than the others, offering ample face protection. However, the large size also lets glare in from the bottom. Tyler Sauck stated, “It was somewhat awkward to use due to the reflection.” The testers said that the Elite is a little on the heavy side but still comfortable to wear. They commented that the helmet could be improved by making the on/off switch more distinct.
The Elite's lens technology is battery-powered with solar assist. It has four independent arc sensors that provide continuous arc sensing, and according to Miller, the Elite responds to extremely low DC inverter TIG arcs. It has a rubber spatter gasket that provides lens protection, includes a magnifying lens-holding system and comes with a two-year limited warranty.
Price: $299. Contact Miller Electric Mfg. Co. at the address and phone number given above, or circle 174.
Speedglas FlexView
Shade control: 9-13
Viewing field: 4.75 × 3.6 in.
Light shade: 3
Weight: 20 oz.
Made with a professional welder in mind, the FlexView has the largest lens size of all the helmets tested. It also has four exhaust vents to reduce heat and humidity in the helmet. It features a spring-mounted filter that lifts up to reveal a clear plate for constant eye protection, which is beneficial if the welder is wearing the helmet when grinding or when he needs to check out a new weld. However, it also made adjustment of controls more difficult. The FlexView has side windows for a wide viewing area.
At 20 oz., it also is the heaviest helmet tested. The testers described it as “nose heavy” because it pulled down quite a bit.
Price: $491.66. Contact 3M Corporate Headquarters at the address or phone number given above, or circle 173.
Optrel Orion
Shade control: 9-13
Viewing area: 3.86 × 1.5 in.
Switching speed: 0.4 ms
Light state: 4
Ranking highest in ease of use, the Orion has controls on the outside, allowing for effortless adjustments. The testers appreciated this feature but also wondered if having them on the outside could be detrimental if the helmet were dropped. Optrel states that the outside controls are durable and can withstand everyday bumps.
The main feature of the Orion is the automatic setting. The sensors detect the arc intensity, then select the proper shade, adjusting even when the wearer is welding if intensity levels change.
The helmet doesn't have an obvious on/off switch; this led to some confusion upon the first use. The testers said that, when looking through the lens initially, it is much darker than those of the other helmets, almost too dark to start a weld. They also said, however, that it has a good switching speed. The Orion also has telescoping headgear, is powered by solar cells and comes with a two-year limited warranty on ADF filters.
Price: $298.08 black; $319.00 magic blue. Contact Optrel, Dept. FIN, Osborn Way, Hook, Hampshire, U.K., +44 1256 693 200, visit www.optrel.com or www.freeproductinfo.net/fin, or circle 172.
Hobart Blaze Orange XTV
Lens speed: 1/12,000
Shade control: 9-12
Viewing field: 3.75 × 1.57 in.
Light state: 4
Weight: 1 lb.
The Hobart XTV has the lowest price of all the helmets. It has a good switching speed but only offers two positions: slow and fast. The testers stated that, overall, the helmet could use more options. Although the helmet features ratchet-style headgear with Coolmax odor-absorbing sweatband, the testers said it was a hair puller and it hit the back of their heads when they flipped it up.
The XTV is battery powered (two AAA batteries) with solar assist. It comes with five front and two back lens covers and has a two-year warranty.
Price: $179. Contact Hobart Welding Products, Dept. FIN, Box 100, Lithonia, GA 30058, 877/462-2781, visit www.HobartWelders.com or www.freeproductinfo.net/fin, or circle 171.
Hobart Patriot XTP
Lens speed: 1/16,000
Shade control: 9-13
Viewing field: 3.81 × 1.85 in.
Light state: 4
Weight: 1 lb.
The Hobart XTP is good for low-amperage TIG applications.Tyler Sauck said it has a smooth transition when switching speeds. However, all the testers thought it could use lighter shade options because it often was too dark when they were welding. They also said the ratchet-style headgear pulled their hair and hit the back of their heads.
The XTP comes with five front and two back lens covers and has a two-year warranty.
Price: $199. Contact Hobart Welding Products at the address or phone number given above, or circle 170.
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