Optrel -vs- ESAB welding helmets

[Soft Cars]

Which is better? Yes I know this is an oil forum, but somebody out there might have an opinion.

https://optrel.us/product/crystal-2-0/

https://esab.com/us/nam_en/products...ies/helmets-and-head-protection/sentinel-a60/

 

[Austinowa]

I have not used either of those however I’m sure both are decent helmets.

I have used a Miller performance on and off for roughly 10 years and besides 2 buttons not working from me leaving it outside in the rain still works fine.

My current shield is a Lincoln Viking I think 3350 with their 4c lens and I highly recommend it. Had it about 5 years and still works great. Also I can tell a pretty good difference between the Lincoln and Miller. I do know Miller now has their own version of 4c lens which I’m sure is decent.

Sorry I don’t have info on the helmets you posted about but if your open to other brand I would recommend either of the two I mentioned.

 

[Soft Cars]

Austinowa - thank you for your reply. Very much appreciated.

 

[D60]

I also have no input on your two hoods so I wasn't going to say anything

Miller Digi Elite: annoying, head gear sucks. Don't understand how Miller can't sell decent head gear. Need for Panasonic-only batteries slightly annoying. Something about the tint hinders visibility for my eyes. I'll likely never try another Miller hood -- why bother when the market is saturated with good choices????

Viking 3350: better. Despite marketing claims of low weight, seems heavy

I finally settled on a budget 100 Series Speedglas. Picked it up cheap as a spare and it's become my favorite hood. It just works, it's simple, relatively light, comfortable. Does require proprietary cover plates so keep those in stock. So far I've always been able to find them inexpensively on Amazon.

 

[Soft Cars]

The ESAB A60 came in the mail today. Extremely heavy. Just by having it on for 10 minutes in my living room, the muscles at the base of my skull are already sore. I don't know if I have unusually weak muscles, or if the helmet is unusually heavy. They say it weighs 644 grams / 1.4 pounds. I might have to go through the long drawn out process of sending it back.

 

[D60]

I was curious so I weighed a few hoods here. FWIW my cheap shipping scale so far is always exactly on with my local PO, so I'm gonna say it's accurate.

My preferred Speedglas 100 series: 15.1 oz
My Lincoln Viking 3350: 1lb 6.2oz
My wife's Jackson Insight W40: 1lb 3.2oz

By my math the fancy Viking is nearly 50% heavier than the Speedglas which I like more in every way!

Left to right: Speedglas (technically a "women's" model solely because it has roses on it -- this just makes me WOKE), Lincoln and wife's Jackson. Shipping scale not in use here, just staged for photo

 

[D60]

Oh and just 'cause I was thinking of it: for giggles a Miller WeldMask is 7.7oz -- not that I'd ever suggest this substitutes for a standard hood. Sure is nice up under trailers and wedged between framerails, though!! Wear sunscreen! No really, wear sunscreen

 

[Trav]

The ESAB A60 came in the mail today. Extremely heavy. Just by having it on for 10 minutes in my living room, the muscles at the base of my skull are already sore. I don't know if I have unusually weak muscles, or if the helmet is unusually heavy. They say it weighs 644 grams / 1.4 pounds. I might have to go through the long drawn out process of sending it back.

I like my Viking, nice big viewing area and is feather light at at 1.6 lb. No offence but you need to work on your neck muscles more.

 

[Soft Cars]

I like my Viking, nice big viewing area and is feather light at at 1.6 lb. No offence but you need to work on your neck muscles more.

The Viking feels heavy on my neck. I think you're right, but they have no machine of any kind at the gym for neck muscles.

 

[Trav]

https://www.spine-health.com/conditions/neck-pain/neck-strengthening-exercises

 

[D60]

The Viking feels heavy on my neck. I think you're right, but they have no machine of any kind at the gym for neck muscles.

Nah, it's heavy. You probably get used to it, but it's heavy. I've never had it hurt my neck but it's just like a monkey on my back.

 

[Trav]

I guess I find it light because of wearing a crash helmet for the last 54 years.

 

[Soft Cars]

Nah, it's heavy. You probably get used to it, but it's heavy. I've never had it hurt my neck but it's just like a monkey on my back.

I like the feel of the Miller Classic. It's pretty light at only 454 grams. The ESAB by comparison is a whopping 644 grams.

The Miller Classic has the old style Miller headgear which I find to be more comfortable than their newest generation.

What I might do is pick up a Miller Elite and swap in the old headgear from the Miller Classic. Supposedly, that headgear is supposed to fit all Miller helmets. I'm just used to a rigid headgear. The new trend of manufacturers making their headgear soggy and pliable doesn't jive well with me. I'm used to having my head in a vise.