$100 Welding Mask recommendations

[DSEL74]

I have just read quite a few threads on welding masks and while ones like the Digital Elite etc seem to be the most favoured a $250+ is not on the cards.

Are there any recommendations for ones in the sub or $100 region that are still quality, my eyes are important. Or anyone who of any currently on sale???

[DSEL74]

I'm hoping to get a auto darkening version and at this stage only have a stick welder which I am going to be using for the first time as soon as I get some eye protection.

[Vernonv]

This is what I've been using for a while now (for TIG, MIG and stick welding). Very pleased with it.

[BobL]

Try to target a helmet that has
- as high a switching/response time as possible
- as many sensors as possible
- and as big a viewing area as possible.
- as wide a darkness setting as possible
I think that small viewing area is the main issue with lower cost helmets.
Once you try a helmet with a larger viewing area it's really hard to go back.

Other points to look for are
Switches and adjustments that are on the outside rather than inside

It not a guarantee but the other thing I see in lower cost helmets is that the head bands are a lot flimsier and tend to fall apart quicker.

EDIT" The one Vernon refers to looks like it covers all the bases.

[DSEL74]

Thanks guys.

Vernov, it looks good but I don't really want to wait a couple of weeks for delivery. I'm hoping to just go to a store and buy one.

Bob, thanks for the list….What do you consider cheap??? Is $100 still considered a cheap one??

[DocBug]

bobthewelder has some sub 100 units that are pretty reasonable.


http://www.bobthewelder.com.au/home.php?cat=647

Local too

[Vernonv]

Fair enough.
I buy a bit of gear from there (mostly TIG consumables) and I have always found delivery to be quick (about a week).

The one Vernon refers to looks like it covers all the bases.

Yep, your list pretty much matched my list of "must haves" when I went looking for a reasonably priced helmet.

[Zumanity]

I bought a Unimig graphic helmet from gasweld for $130 and it has a great viewing area, spare lense covers, adjustable shade ranging from 9 - 13 in darkness (all electronically controlled) has adjustable shade timing and sensitivity too. Im very pleased with it

[LordBug]

The first BossSafe helmet in BobTheWelders store is what I'm currently using at work, previously it was a Unimig mask.
Works great. Great view, haven't experienced any eye fatigue with it (Except when I leave it in grinding mode and start welding ), only minor downer is two sensors only, and changing out the screen protectors is a bit fiddly.

[Dave J]

This is a great helment and comes with protective bag and gloves. It has variable adjustment for both sensitivity and delay.
I have one and my son bought one recently and we are both happy with them, after using mine he contacted me to buy the same one.

http://m.ebay.com/itm?itemId=131121144599

[Legion]

I love my Digital Elite, but I'm thinking of getting a backup fixed shade with big lens, if such a thing exists. For stick, auto-darkening was a life-saver for me, couldn't do without it. But for pedal or switch HF TIG (or probably lift-arc as well), I'm thinking a lightweight fixed helmet might be just fine.

[DSEL74]

Ok guys I ended up getting a really good deal on a UNI MiG, with the wide screen & 4 sensors.
http://www.unimig.com.au/catalogue_p...subcategory=41

[Legion]

Coincidentally Jody did a good helmet video this week.

I wouldn't mind a Jackson Shadow but they're not really available here.