Visibility of the puddle Tig Al vs Tig SS

[mjk]

One of the primary reasons I chose the Optrel 2.0 was the fresh air attachment
I had seen a review by a fabricator over in the UK Urchfab who builds drift cars and along with a discussion with my wife about breathing health I (she) went for it.
Advantages; wide and clear viewing(when adjusted correctly)
with the fresh air, no more fogging
light weight
2x 2032 batteries that I've had in for 2 years+ that havn't needed replacing
good customer service
Disadvantages price

My previous helmet was a Jackson Boss wide view, very light and if I hadn't wanted the fresh air improvement of the Optrel, I'd still be using it
Before that was a Miller that literally ate batteries. Seemed like 2 months and I'd have to replace them

Will any helmet make a non welder a welder...NO
But a good comfortable helmet will take a variable out of the equation
After setting my Optrel to manual 10 instead of the auto 12, I was able to see more of the puddle and surrounding area with SS
Every auto helmet I've tried has some sort of tendency to go dark when catching the sun or evan a shop light at the wrong angle

 

[mikeylikesit]

When they first came out, all the "cool kids" had to have them- they were gonna save the welding world. I tested one and wasn't convinced it was worth 2-3 times most name brand hoods so I didn't buy one. When I got my current job, there was one here, and I tried to use it, as it was "free", but did not like the small size, heaviness (compared to my own) or electronics, especially if I had to step outside.
With this place, I could buy whatever I wanted, so I got something else. Test drive a bunch to find out what "fits" you- the brand alone won't make you a weldor, but if you cannot see or read the puddle, you won't be able to weld properly.

i dont know what model you tried for free but the e684 and crystal 2 arent heavy at all by any standard.
three heaviest helmets are miller infinity , lincoln viking 3350 and esab a60.
optrel are primarly for inside sitting at a bench. looking at the design and overall construction reflect that. problem is not everyone sits at a bench all day

 

[Halcyon]

does nobody weld outside ? i bought the e684 and franky started to hate it more and more as time went on so i got rid of it. wasnt even usable outside as the sun trigger the sensors immediatly. adjustment knob orientation and location i didnt care much for either. rechargable battery ? ,no thanks i want no part of that.
the panoramax ive seen a few people say the thin center section of glass breaks.
not trying bash optrel but it seems theyre way over hyped if you ask me.
people convinced me to buy one before i knew any better. never again

I've got a Miller helmet with "X mode". It can tell the difference between arc and sunlight.

Can't tell the difference between arc and grinding sparks though.

 

[mjk]

My Miller would darken if I snapped my finger in front of it
Never got an answer why

 

[mikeylikesit]

My Miller would darken if I snapped my finger in front of it
Never got an answer why

do you snap fingers and weld at the same time ? i dont see what the big deal is ,if it worked fine other wise

 

[mikeylikesit]

I've got a Miller helmet with "X mode". It can tell the difference between arc and sunlight.

Can't tell the difference between arc and grinding sparks though.

turning the sensitivity all the way down may block out the sparks. if that still doesnt work you have a grind mode which just locks it to shade 3. i personally never grind with the helmet because i dont like the restricted view. personal preference i guess