General welding questions that dont fit in TIG, MIG, Stick, or Certification etc.
Helmets- solar vs battery
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682bear
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My old AD helmet crapped out on me today... so I am shopping for a new one...

What are the pros/cons between the solar helmets vs the battery powered helmets? Is one type generally favored over the other?

My old helmet is a Jackson that was gifted to me and is the only AD helmet I've ever used, so I'm in need of a little info...

Thanks- Bear
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ex framie
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Bear,
I have used both types, I prefer battery powered.
IMO they are a higher quality.
Look for something that switches in 1/25000 th of a second or quicker and has 4 sensors.
You lot have a much greater range available to you than us at the arse end of the world, so hopefully someone local will chime in.
Look at the big players like miller and Lincoln and try a search of this forum for what's been said before.
Cheers
Pete

God gave man 2 heads and only enough blood to run 1 at a time. Who said God didn't have a sense of humour.....
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exnailpounder
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There are many choices in welding hoods as you have probably noticed so you're going to get alot of feedback on this topic. I chose the Lincoln Viking. Good price good features, very happy with it.
Ifyoucantellmewhatthissaysiwillbuyyouabeer.
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Are there hoods that just use solar, if so I'm not aware of any. If you sign up for the newsletter from IOC you can get $15 off your first purchase, that's where I bought my Miller Digital Infinity.

You can also find a few reviews in the Product review forum.
Richard
Website
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Coldman
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There are plenty of hoods that just use solar. They are all cheepies for like $60 from big box stores and cut price hardware and auto spare parts retailers.
Flat out like a lizard drinkin'
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Woodbutcher
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Im not going to beat around the bush, my opinion is that the viking 3350 is the best choice for all around welding, it is battery and solar, but the view is breathtaking! Got mine on amazon for just a whisker over 200 bucks.
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My older style Miller Elite (not the digital elite) is now eating batteries very quickly.

It has been a great lid so far though. I would still buy another battery one.

I don't have a solar one, my backup is a standard old passive helmet.
Dave J.

Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~

Syncro 350
Invertec v250-s
Thermal Arc 161 and 300
MM210
Dialarc
Tried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
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Coldman
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The solar only ones tend have the small screens and only one or maybe two sensors. You get what you pay for.
Flat out like a lizard drinkin'
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I'm considering the Striker line. Have not heard any bad about them yet - but have heard good several times.

http://www.usaweld.com/Striker-Stealth- ... 30-csv.htm
Dave J.

Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~

Syncro 350
Invertec v250-s
Thermal Arc 161 and 300
MM210
Dialarc
Tried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
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682bear
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Thanks for the replies...

I had assumed that the solar hoods were of somewhat lower quality just from the prices that I've seen shopping around on the internet, but I guess I have to hear it from the horses mouth...

I doubt that I would be happy with a cheaper helmet after using my old Jackson, anyway. I am going to stop in at my lws this week and fondle a few different ones before I decide on a specific one.

Right now I'm sort of leaning toward the Miller Digital Elite... but we'll see what I think of it when I get one in my hands.

Richard, thanks for that link... it looks like that website has some decent prices...

I always welcome more info and opinions...

Thanks again- Bear
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