TIG helmet recommendations

I haven't seen too much negative about the Lincoln helmets. I doubt i'd go with a cheap one. I like the idea of the Miller X-Mode but their helmets seem to have short lives. That one low cost Lincoln stood out to me as most of the cheap helmets have higher minimum TIG amperage ratings. I'll take a closer look at the Jacksons. The Optrel helmets are some I want to consider too. If the outside lens covers are for protection, I take it that the inside lens covers are an easy way to keep dust and dirt off of the lens without having to wipe it down. I wasn't sure if they had any other purpose other than to protect the lens.

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Originally Posted by performance

But here is one that is the most excellent replacement, and probably the one I'll go with when mine dies. Also the Moresafe (original company that designed this look that Jackson bought) design is very functional. https://www.bakersgas.com/NAS138-46118.html

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I might just have to go with this Jackson Welding Helmet Stars & Scars with the TrueSight II Lens
$272.25

I am hoping it will also help keep some of the sun out, when working outside.

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Originally Posted by BikeShop

I noticed the low current TIG sensitivity, the mid-range Millers are rated at 5 amps while the mid-range Lincolns are rated for lower current, but Miller does have the X-Mode. For lower current sensitivity from Miller requires the top line models. Lincoln has an economy model rated to 5 amps TIG current. It is on sale for even less now and gets good reviews. I might get it until I figure out what I need and what I don't need, just get used to wearing a helmet and if it gets scratched up or broken, no big loss. I am really looking for something good down to 3 amps though and the Miller X-Mode is interesting.

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I have the digital elite.
Powertig 250ex.
Down to 5 amps works perfect but.
I only use x mode it triggers from the high freq.
So it seems the Elite does not care if there are any amps at all it triggers.
Less than $200 eBay.
I like everything about it.
IMO.

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Originally Posted by Ynotweld

I have the digital elite.
Powertig 250ex.
Down to 5 amps works perfect but.
I only use x mode it triggers from the high freq.
So it seems the Elite does not care if there are any amps at all it triggers.
Less than $200 eBay.
I like everything about it.
IMO.

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Great. So I take it the X-Mode works whenever the power begins an arc?

Some things I plan to do are really small.

I was thinking to get a number 9 torch, but I might get the mini-size below that.

I've seen a few helmets that claim sensitivity below 5 amps, but that Miller X-Mode sounds like it might be a good choice for low power.

I did finally find a TIG power sensitivity for that Jackson helmet and it was a low number and that one sale price does look like a good deal for it. The one common complaint about it is about the tension adjustments for holding the helmet rotated up. In the field I can see where removing and setting down the helmet might be difficult, but in my shop, I can lift the helmet off when I want.

How does x-mode work with lift-arc TIG?
I'm considering a welder that unfortunately doesn't have HF.

I don't have it yet, but the way I understand it is, it detects the electrical field as soon as the welding current starts, so I don't think it relies on high frequency, but it detects the electrical field of the welding current.

I don't think the type of start should matter.

I have both the Lincoln 3350 and the ESAB Sentinel. In a more perfect world I'd have the 3350 lens installed in the Sentinel helmet shell. Both lenses allow very good visibility of both the joint and the puddle itself. The Sentinel helmet is much more ergonomic and once properly fitted, you would barely know you're wearing it because it's so light.

If I were Lincoln, I'd try to manufacture a better helmet around their already excellent lense.

Just my observations on these two. Just a matter of personal preference!

They just announced a new series (lincoln) of viking.

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Originally Posted by performance

They just announced a new series (lincoln) of viking.

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Great. I haven't bought a helmet yet, but I have been looking at the Miller Classic VSi, which is the only Classic model with X-Mode and the cheapest helmet with X-Mode. I'll check the new Lincoln Vikings.