Optrel vegaview 2.5

[wheresmejumper]

The things to remember
all our heads are different shapes
We all use different processes,on different base metals,each one creating differing flare colours that need to be cancelled out
some want to be able to change shade level while wearing heavy gloves,without taking off the helmet.external controls a must
some want them located on the inside.neither one is right or wrong. It is a preferance,not a fault.
some spend most of the day with the helmet up.some most of the day down.if you cant set up a 200 quid helmet to fall when it should,its more than likely you are at fault.
True colour is ******.they just leave more of a certain wavelength of light through unfiltered.red green amber blue.
Technology is still no where near replicating the clarity of a GOOD glass/polycarbonate lense
if you like a certain helmet the most,it doesnt mean its the best.it just suits your particular niche needs the best.

 

[Richard.]

Technology is still no where near replicating the clarity of a GOOD glass/polycarbonate lense

Agreed, and it never will be as clear as a fixed shade glass no matter how they try to build them. But then there is many advantages to them over the fixed shade too. Like you say every body has there own requests which is why so many designs are on the market. I have a fixed shade 10 hand shield which I use for tacking up with sticks. No auto darkening mask stuck on my head will keep up with it for tacking up round a big frame.

 

[Bill Edwards]

Agreed, and it never will be as clear as a fixed shade glass no matter how they try to build them. But then there is many advantages to them over the fixed shade too. Like you say every body has there own requests which is why so many designs are on the market. I have a fixed shade 10 hand shield which I use for tacking up with sticks. No auto darkening mask stuck on my head will keep up with it for tacking up round a big frame.

I used a fixed shade handheld mask for years. After buying the auto helmet (and removing the film on the inside so I could actually see through it ) it was my mask of choice but whenever I realised it had been left in the car I went back to picking up the handheld mask and didn't really think much of it - not unhappy with the handheld, fixed kind.

But then after using the helmet a lot recently I went to weld something and for the first time ever, I actually walked over to the car to get it out rather than use the handheld mask - that's a first for me!


But to be honest it's still all a bit daft, I did a quick job a few weeks ago where all I had was a fixed shade handheld and within moment I was back using it as though I never stopped, and didn't really find myself thinking of the auto mask. At the end of the day, if you're able to weld with any degree of competence all you actually need is something to keep your eyes safe, you can manage fine with whatever is to hand.

 

[Bill Edwards]

Well my expensive headgear arrived today, I'm very much looking forward to giving it a go. Initial impressions from looking through it indoors are not disappointing.

 

[NickyEng]

Well my expensive headgear arrived today, I'm very much looking forward to giving it a go. Initial impressions from looking through it indoors are not disappointing.

My Lincoln Viking arrived today too, looks great and can't wait to use it

 

[Richard.]

I look forward to hearing about the performance of the two. I'm convinced the 3350 will probably be the next one I buy

 

[Bill Edwards]

Well, after a few hours wearing the thing I can offer my initial thoughts on the Vegaview.

The off shade is simply fantastic, you really can see extremely well. I've not worn it for 8+ hours straight by any means, but the headgear is certainly more comfortable than the cheapie I was using. Also, the adjustment for the headband size is in much smaller increments, rather than dropping off or crushing your skull which were the options from the cheap one. The view while welding is unsurprisingly quite superior.
The shade adjustment doesn't stand too proud and is tight to turn and doesn't seem to get knocked out of position, although I did once manage to engage grind mode by accident, followed of course by getting flashed when going to weld.

So far I'm happy with it. But although it's nicer to use it doesn't seem to make me a better welder!

 

[Richard.]

Bill the optrel was one on my list to try out but haven't had the privilege yet. The only thing that makes me ask the question about them is the small viewing area compared to others in its price range. Is it noticeable because I have always liked a wide view even though my concern is the arc and pool I like the fact I can fit it in from most angles if I need to. Would it be better for you with a bigger viewing area or is it plenty sufficient.

 

[Bill Edwards]

It's a pity you are so far away as you'd be welcome to try it.

I don't really think I can answer your questions and help you much. I find the viewing area perfectly OK, although I have yet to try some really tight spots where it's hard to move, but I'm sure it'll be fine.
Unfortunately, I've never used a mask/helmet with a larger viewing area so I'm not able to compare it to anything. Plus I only have one eye, so that's not going to make things easier.

 

[Richard.]

Given there price and excellent rep I'd imagine the viewing area would be perfect in all situations. I bet the shade 2.5 is amazing for all the inbetween work.

 

[Bill Edwards]

Oh yes, it is. I'm still taking time to adjust to it as you get so used to flipping the mask up after welding, but if you're in a well lit workshop you can check the position or alignment of something just before you weld it and can often do additional welding without lifting it. The view really is like posted earlier by MichaelV.

In poor light (which applies to where I work when it gets dark) it is still an improvement to my cheap mask where the darker shade means you just see black.

 

[Richard.]

Yeah that veiw Michael put up dose look like it was in a league of its own. Think mine is a 5 when inactive. Grind mode on both my masks that have it is pretty useless IMO. Too dark for any real safe grinding, OK for a light flash.

 

[Bill Edwards]

Well personally I haven't found it light enough for me to grind with it - nothing to do with safety, but accuracy. Lately I've been making gates which require more accurate cuts or finishing, rather than say grinding a weld out or prepping metal which it'd be fine for.But it may simply be that the couple of times I've remembered I should be able to grind with it have been in poor light, which as I say is common where I work.

I'll try to get some more shots if that'll help, in different conditions.

 

[NickyEng]

Well Guys the Lincoln Viking 3350 got its first run today.
Pulled out the Oerlikon 200MP and ran a few passes flat out on some 10mm scrap metal.
Clarity of the weld pool is unsurpassed IMO . Nice comfortable headgear. All round peripheral vision is superb with that big ass viewing window!
Prefer it to Gen 1 miller elite which I had before. Very impressed.

 

[Richard.]

Well Guys the Lincoln Viking 3350 got its first run today.
Pulled out the Oerlikon 200MP and ran a few passes flat out on some 10mm scrap metal.
Clarity of the weld pool is unsurpassed IMO . Nice comfortable headgear. All round peripheral vision is superb with that big ass viewing window!
Prefer it to Gen 1 miller elite which I had before. Very impressed.

Yeah they are pretty good. I too like that huge window. Optically it's really clear too but the Jackson/newtech/balder lens with its light blue tint is that Little bit clearer though. Prefer the 3350 overall mind. Inside controls are a godsend IMO.

 

[Bill Edwards]

Here you are Richard. The outer shield is already showing battle marks from mma welding too close and also from being put down lens first a lot, so bear that in mind. It wasn't a sunny day but not terribly dull.

Btw, being put down lens first shouldn't a problem as it doesn't touch the surface but I put it on uneven stuff a lot. It isn't getting mollycoddled.

 

[Bill Edwards]

Well I'm overjoyed.

The battery died in my VegaView. Just wonderful, I had to revert back to the other helmet, then when that got too uncomfortable (must say the Optrel is nice) it was down to using the fixed handheld again...

 

[Brad93]

Your battery has died in a week? That's not very good at all.

 

[NickyEng]

No way that can be right, must somehow be keeping the lens powered up?
Or maybe just a duff battery

 

[Bill Edwards]

Something's clearly not right, I plan to replace the battery (got probably another day of welding to go without it now though, I do miss it ) and see what happens.