Optrel vegaview 2.5

[NickyEng]

Kent your point is valid and it's right you don't need such things. But not everything purchased in business has to make you more money. Ppe often doesn't. We pay more for it because of a number of reasons but like you an expensive lid won't add value to work I do. It will be crystal clear at 5 amps to 300 amps no matter where I'm looking through the viewing area. The head gear will be comfortable and well fitting. It will be light and flexible. I'm sure yours is gonna do everything you need but I'm the type of person who will pay for life's luxury and get the best of what I can afford. It's the same with your fishing gear. That pin you have is just so much nicer, lighter better built smoother than a 30 quid product yet neither one is gonna hook any more fish than the other in capable hands.

Richard absolutely spot on here. I just upgraded from an R-tech Ac/dc tig analogue to a digital Gys 220 ac/dc tig. It's s far superior welder. The r-tech worked just fine but the Gys has much more functionality and increases my capability. I can't charge more an hr for using the Gys which cost over 2000 but it benefits my business and I get the pleasure of using a near top Spec machine.
The same goes for a welding helmet, the helmet is on your head the same amount of time the machine is switched.on so why not have the best and most comfortable helmet you can afford and your welding might reap the benefits if your vision is clearer and head more comfortable

 

[Richard.]

I'm veeeeeeery fussy but very patient too. I try as much as I can before deciding but it doesn't take much to put me off. Some people like large viewing areas some don't as the focus becomes distracted. It's like the side windows on a speedglas. I hated them with a passion and blanked them up. When the blanks fell off I sprayed them but my mate likes them, why he does I can't work out. Internal controls are a must on my next lid as is a large viewing area. It's got to have clear optics and maintain the same shade throughout the whole adf. Cheap ones get darker at the edges which I don't like. I don't like the new speedglas head gear. All those pivots and adjustments annoy me. I wanna slap it on and go not faff with flimsy complex head gear. Front lens changes must be easy and quick. Nothing worse than trying to tuck it in from the inside while holding the adf only to find you've put a finger print on the inside in the most annoying place. This is where speedglas rise above the rest IMO. Finally it's got to be light. My neck aches after a while and reducing the lid weight and the weight kept central helps a lot.
So as you can see I have quite a list of requirements and the closest I've found to for filling them is the Jackson truesight 11 W70. The WH70 and Viking 3350 are close second place which is what I may have to go for given my favourite is not available here.

 

[Chris Stevens]

How about the miller digital elite rich. I have heard the xmode for positional welding Is awesome and some welders just leave it on That knowing they won't ever get a flash. Miller have just released the infinity digital which looks awesome.

I have a Miller and its very very good. Never been flashed due to excellent sensor system, head gear very comfortable, large viewing area, and its pretty light. Only downside is that it doesnt have clear true colour view when not welding, like new Speedglas, which seems to me to be about the best out there at the moment.

 

[Richard.]

I have a Miller and its very very good. Never been flashed due to excellent sensor system, head gear very comfortable, large viewing area, and its pretty light. Only downside is that it doesnt have clear true colour view when not welding, like new Speedglas, which seems to me to be about the best out there at the moment.

I didn't know you had a digital elite? They look ok but I don't think the viewing area is that big when compared to the Viking 3350. The newer Miller digital infinity looks waaaaaay smarter than the elite waaaay bigger viewing area and nicer all round but again like the Jackson it looks like it cannot be bought here. Shame as it looks like another contender for my short list where as the digital elite not so much.

 

[NickyEng]

I didn't know you had a digital elite? They look ok but I don't think the viewing area is that big when compared to the Viking 3350. The newer Miller digital infinity looks waaaaaay smarter than the elite waaaay bigger viewing area and nicer all round but again like the Jackson it looks like it cannot be bought here. Shame as it looks like another contender for my short list where as the digital elite not so much.

I mentioned the digital infinity model in my earlier miller elite post too, looks awesome.
I have the original miller elite inferno too. It is auto darkening but not the digital panel. not used it for ages as kept having problems with the batteries running out for some reason. They don't make that one anymore I don't think
Looks exactly the same as the digital elite inferno but no xmode either. Rich why are some helmet models only available in USA then?

 

[Richard.]

CE markings. We have different standards to the USA. And a lot of there products ain't CE marked so they cannot be sold over here. So you'd have to buy it from the states.

 

[NickyEng]

I didn't know you had a digital elite? They look ok but I don't think the viewing area is that big when compared to the Viking 3350. The newer Miller digital infinity looks waaaaaay smarter than the elite waaaay bigger viewing area and nicer all round but again like the Jackson it looks like it cannot be bought here. Shame as it looks like another contender for my short list where as the digital elite not so much.

Well just went onto cyberweld USA website.
it tried to charge me 354 pounds postage.to the uk for the miller digital infinity making total cost £597.00 so thats out the window

 

[MichaelV]

Well this may or may not help you, but I have decided to invest in the vegaview 2.5 after reading this thread- the picture showing the view impressed me.

Hi Bill
Given what you've said, I thought a couple of further pics would help especially if you're about to commit!
A 4mm rod... You can just about discern the blue hue of the INE 6013 . And, the torch. I'll follow up with some more notes.
Michael

 

[MichaelV]

Although there has been some fairly spirited discussion about the relative merits of expensive lids, ADFs and traditional fixed shade visors, I am only offering thoughts on the vegaview 2.5. I've had a chance now to test it for a couple of days in the 150-200A range, with 1.0mm wire and Argoshield Heavy; so, in short arc and transitional arc. I intend doing some tests later in spray arc in the 250A range.

It's extremely light, very comfortable and because you can adjust it so that it's close to your eyes, the relatively small screen becomes much less obvious, and you get quite a wide field of view. The external knobs do not come proud of the pivot knobs, so to some extent they're protected; but you could hit them a skelp if poking the head into a cramped space.

There's plenty of scope to tweak sensitivity and delay, and I found that a shade of about 11 1/4 was ideal in the 150-175A range. The clarity is excellent... I thought my wee ESAB Eye-tech II was good, but this is significantly better. I find the colour transmission is a great feature... arguably a novelty, but it is nice to see the puddle in something other than neon green.

For the amateur interested in improving his/her skills, I think it's a great lid, albeit expensive. I'm not a pro, so reluctant to comment on how they might find it, other than guessing that many would probably find it quite agreeable.

I'm not geared up for arc shots really, but have access to machines running FCAW at 250A and will give that a run to see how it looks.

Michael

 

[NickyEng]

Although there has been some fairly spirited discussion about the relative merits of expensive lids, ADFs and traditional fixed shade visors, I am only offering thoughts on the vegaview 2.5. I've had a chance now to test it for a couple of days in the 150-200A range, with 1.0mm wire and Argoshield Heavy; so, in short arc and transitional arc. I intend doing some tests later in spray arc in the 250A range.

It's extremely light, very comfortable and because you can adjust it so that it's close to your eyes, the relatively small screen becomes much less obvious, and you get quite a wide field of view. The external knobs do not come proud of the pivot knobs, so to some extent they're protected; but you could hit them a skelp if poking the head into a cramped space.

There's plenty of scope to tweak sensitivity and delay, and I found that a shade of about 11 1/4 was ideal in the 150-175A range. The clarity is excellent... I thought my wee ESAB Eye-tech II was good, but this is significantly better. I find the colour transmission is a great feature... arguably a novelty, but it is nice to see the puddle in something other than neon green.

For the amateur interested in improving his/her skills, I think it's a great lid, albeit expensive. I'm not a pro, so reluctant to comment on how they might find it, other than guessing that many would probably find it quite agreeable.

I'm not geared up for arc shots really, but have access to machines running FCAW at 250A and will give that a run to see how it looks.

Michael

The Clarity of vision looks amazing michael

 

[Richard.]

It does but the external controls and reduced viewing area doesn't make it a winner for me. The shade 2.5 when inactive is a lovely touch though.

 

[Kent]

I can't mention what I use and I use it for very little. 1 I don't know how to weld tig yet a 2 the mig I don't feel like bothering much. Due to not enjoying the helmet. Sounds stupid I know but much of it is experience. Lack of. And time has been short recently. It looks like I might get a couple of days a week back soon so I have been tidying stuff around........I am getting there.

I say I don't have money...who does just after xmas. Lol but I have 300 quids worth of bolts to move to give me space back and it will give me the cash flow back again

That said I won't be buying a helmet until I have taken up Richards kind offer of a few hours tuition. So I might have more idea then. What I do know is my welds wander because I can't line myself before the arc correctly due to lights issues and sensors.

It's not always true that paying more gets you anything better but at times it can. I can fish better if I spend more time prepping at home.

I don't need a more expensive pole but having 10 top kits available made a massive difference to my fishing.

I don't want a Navara as I am happy in a Nissan Note. But I need one to tow the fifth wheel.

If all that makes sense?

First thing if your over 40 have you had an eye test lately?
I sort of realised I was doing more guessing than real seeing and ended up with a new prescription
No point spending more coin if that ain't done
Is your existing lid correctly adjusted and will it? We used to spend ages padding things out and fettling the fit
Now we expect one size fits all fair enough if you spending thick end of 200

 

[Chris Stevens]

I didn't know you had a digital elite? They look ok but I don't think the viewing area is that big when compared to the Viking 3350. The newer Miller digital infinity looks waaaaaay smarter than the elite waaaay bigger viewing area and nicer all round but again like the Jackson it looks like it cannot be bought here. Shame as it looks like another contender for my short list where as the digital elite not so much.

XMode is a feature which actually does work, and is well worth having if you ever weld outside, other features such as full digital control, and no outside knobs are I think good things. I think the next helmet I will buy though will be Speedglas 9100XXi, as I think they are still the best in terms of build quality, features, and ease of getting parts. Also Rapid are just down the road from me, and might be able to get a good deal on one. Wonder though if the clear view thing in open mode isnt a bit of a sales gimmick on the new gen helmets though, as I guess good direct lighting on the workpiece would have improve view quite a bit?

 

[Richard.]

The xxi is supposed to be the bo##ocks for its new update on the optics. I've used the Xx only and I thought it pretty good, well balanced nice viewing area size but I'd never own either as the head gear is junk.
Tom sent me a wh70 to try out a while ago which had the updated Jackson 370 head gear. Mate it's the best fitting most comfortable head gear around. Knocks the spots of that flimsy crap on the speedglas.
My speedglas has the old style head gear which is ok ish but the back bush has failed twice and I've gone through loads of slip washers. Speed glad have awesome masks let down with crap head gear

 

[NickyEng]

The xxi is supposed to be the bo##ocks for its new update on the optics. I've used the Xx only and I thought it pretty good, well balanced nice viewing area size but I'd never own either as the head gear is junk.
Tom sent me a wh70 to try out a while ago which had the updated Jackson 370 head gear. Mate it's the best fitting most comfortable head gear around. Knocks the spots of that flimsy crap on the speedglas.
My speedglas has the old style head gear which is ok ish but the back bush has failed twice and I've gone through loads of slip washers. Speed glad have awesome masks let down with crap head gear

I didnt really like the headgear on the Miller elite (non digital) to be honest. it kept jumping teeth on the mask tilt adjustment if you bumped it, then it would sit to far or close from your face. It was not the best. The savephace setup has never budged

 

[Richard.]

The digital elite head gear looks crap too. Similar sort of thing to the new speedglas head gear with loads of pivot points and straps to adjust etc.

 

[NickyEng]

The digital elite head gear looks crap too. Similar sort of thing to the new speedglas head gear with loads of pivot points and straps to adjust etc.

Yep it was crap rich, that miller helmet is lying in my garage. Need to fish it out when I get some time and see if it's worth doing anything with. It bloody ate batteries for some reason. Is the Lincoln 3350 Headgear ok Richard?

 

[Bill Edwards]

Hi Bill
Given what you've said, I thought a couple of further pics would help especially if you're about to commit!
A 4mm rod... You can just about discern the blue hue of the INE 6013 . And, the torch. I'll follow up with some more notes.
Michael
View attachment 76884 View attachment 76888

Thanks for that, impressive...
I seem to do quite a lot with low (ok, rubbish) lighting and while I know that is a problem it isn't something I can easily rectify. I think the 2.5 shade will help a lot, plus it would be nice to have better colors etc while welding as well.
The other (important) thing I have with my current cheap helmet is comfort, and getting flashed occasionally. It's fine for little jobs here and there, but I find it unpleasant to wear on big jobs, and sometimes get flashed when in odd positions.
No complaints on it mind, it only cost around £20/25.

 

[Chris Stevens]

The digital elite head gear looks crap too. Similar sort of thing to the new speedglas head gear with loads of pivot points and straps to adjust etc.

Miller head gear is excellent, very comfortable, and no problems at all in year I have been using it.

 

[ukracer]

First thing if your over 40 have you had an eye test lately?
I sort of realised I was doing more guessing than real seeing and ended up with a new prescription
No point spending more coin if that ain't done
Is your existing lid correctly adjusted and will it? We used to spend ages padding things out and fettling the fit
Now we expect one size fits all fair enough if you spending thick end of 200

Valid point but I had an eye sight check and new glasses every12 months as I am diabetic I most likely will benefit from a cheater lens.

That said I find the hardest thing is seeing after the arc. Its hard to explain but if I wait longer its harder to get started again. All I am speaking about is Mig BTW..