Welding Helmet Buyers Guide - Classic Trucks Welding Helmet Guide

Lincoln Electric's line of Vista auto-darkening helmets tops off with the 3000 Series Surfrod. Another ideal helmet for the occasional welders among us, features include variable sensitivity, delay, and shading (#9-13) without the use of batteries, as they're fully solar powered. Comes with 2-year warranty.

With Lincoln's Vista Series, the initial number designates viewing screen size--the 1000 Red Rod is identical to their pinstriped model shown, just with a smaller (3 3/4x1 3/8-inch) screen. Additionally, external front plate access makes servicing much easier. Comes with 2-year warranty.

The Vista 3000's digital control panel is about as straightforward as they get--clear LCD optics and easy-to-use functions. And because of its reliance on solar power, there are no batteries to replace (must be charged though).

If you're not familiar with the Hobart family of welding helmets, you will be now. They offer a full range of auto-darkening helmets, including their deluxe XVX Prowler Off-Road model. With a 1/20,000-second reaction time, #9-13 variable shade adjustment (#4 light state), and extra-large viewing screen, this is an extremely light helmet that packs a mean punch. Comes with 2-year warranty.

If you're familiar with the Miller Elite controls, however, you won't need the user's manual to operate the Hobart XVX! Additionally, Hobart offers a unique molded pad for the head strap.

Rounding out our collection of helmets is the Hobart fixed-shade (#10) helmet--lightweight construction, exterior graphic options, and a 12-month warranty make for a nice little helmet (even as a back-up for your auto-darkener!).