Customer Reviews

US Forge 88101 Easy Strike Welding Helmet with 4-1/2-Inch by 5-1/4-Inch Full Vision Stationary Retainer, Black

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I needed a welding helmet for some home hobby welding, and wanted a flip down helmet, that had a large faceplate filter and wasn't too much $$$ (I'm not a pro welder). Well, this helmet is plenty nice! It has a fully adjustable internal harness that fits around your head, as well as an adjustment on the top which adjusts how far down it comes on your forehead (depth adjustment on your melon). The ratchet headgear adjusts well and seems to hold its tension while the helmet is flipped-up, and flipped down, and then up again. The weight of the helmet is not excessive. The level of adjustment is extensive (I have an average head size, and there's room to adjust both up and down from my normal.) PERFECT! The helmet is rigid, and does not feel like "cheap" plastic: i.e., has a substantial feel! The filter is held in place by four simple internal clasps, that allow for easy change out, should you so desire. The filter plate is NOT loose fitting in the helmet, and does not rattle. For the price, I'd consider this money WELL SPENT!!!

This is a below average welding helmet for the price. Got it for some hobby welding. Where this helmet lacks are the adjustments for the headband. They are all plastic and of poor quality. I tried to tighten the knobs enough so the helmet would stay up over my head to prepare work, they be able to flip the helmet down with a shake of my head when ready to weld. Couldn't get this helmet to do that. One of the plastic knobs stripped and I had to super glue it. Considering if it's worth sending it back.

I bought this mask as a first mask as I am getting into welding but this thing is VERY dark. It's a comfortable fit with nice adjustments but can't see a thing with it on. I had to set up a 750 watt halogen light to see what I was doing before pulling the trigger on the welder. I keep it around if someone wants to watch what I'm doing but bought an auto darkening mask for $55 here. That is definitely worth the money. You can see what you're doing in low light then is darkens immediately upon welding.

I am new to welding and have only tried on other helmets at friends houses. I knew I wanted one that had a large window and was comfortable. After reading some reviews here about this helmet I thought I would go for it.

Pros:
+ Very comfortable and adjustable
+ Large glass means you can keep your head in just the right position and not kink your neck.
+ Holds well in the up position and with a nod can close

Cons:
- Sometimes even outside it is very dark, I would consider getting an auto darkening one, but at this price-point this is a fine helmet.

Overall a nice helmet at a very good price.

Thanks for reading my review.

This is a great helmet for the price. Bought a welder for my son and picked this up as an extra because it was so inexpensive. He has already used the helmet a lot and really likes it.