Optrel weldcap review

[Hood]

I find the optrel weldcap quite interesting. Air Liquide have their own branded version of it so I might get one ordered in so I can give it a whirl.

I was originally thinking of a weldcap but the more I thought about it the more I realised it would be a stinking heap of crud and sweat within a week, so glad I went with the E684 instead.

I prefer using my older Speedglas with the green view or my old ESAB Warrior for welding aluminium. My eyes are fairly sensitive to light though so most of these modern ADF's are too bright for me even on shade 13.

On the old style lids like the warrior etc I needed it down at 9 and even then I was struggling at times but my eyes are screwed so.... With the Optrel though I let it do its Auto most of the time and it is great to see through for me. Only time I need it on manual is outside on a very sunny day when doing stick welding, then I have to turn it manually to about 11. If it is dull or inside then Auto is fine on the stick, kind of weird.

 

[HughF]

I prefer using my older Speedglas with the green view or my old ESAB Warrior for welding aluminium. My eyes are fairly sensitive to light though so most of these modern ADF's are too bright for me even on shade 13.

I like a fixed shade 10 aulectro gold lens for aluminium, but the optrel is very close, I've been doing some back to back tests with the fixed shade and the jackson this evening.

 

[Richard.]

That Jackson is now sitting in a good friend of mines shed, it's the holy grail of his welding helmet collection.

It's a hell of a lid mate.

 

[HughF]

I was always an optrel user years ago, in fact the solarmatic comfort that died on me was gutted and the shell is now my fixed shade with the gold lens. I think optrel really know how to make a good product. I'm glad I've come back to their products, I might be tempted to try something else from their stable.

 

[Jim Davey]

I've got most of their range on the shelf Hugh if you fancy trying any out.

 

[Bill Edwards]

I prefer using my older Speedglas with the green view or my old ESAB Warrior for welding aluminium. My eyes are fairly sensitive to light though so most of these modern ADF's are too bright for me even on shade 13.

Interesting that you say that, I too have eyes which are very sensitive to light - a real pita at times.
I don't tend to have issues with getting a high enough shade on helmets though, no problem at all - unless it's an ali thing, I don't weld that.

 

[Richard.]

@Tom Orrow L
Have you had your hands on a digital infinity yet mate.
I'm very intrigued to know what they are like.

 

[Tom Orrow L]

@Tom Orrow L
Have you had your hands on a digital infinity yet mate.
I'm very intrigued to know what they are like.

I have mate, they've been quite popular actually. Very comfortable headgear and a very nice lens. Wanna have a play with one?

 

[henry Kadzielski]

You know you want to

 

[addjunkie]

I have mate, they've been quite popular actually. Very comfortable headgear and a very nice lens. Wanna have a play with one?

Whats extra for the extra 60 quid @Tom Orrow L over the normal elite.

 

[Richard.]

Whats extra for the extra 60 quid @Tom Orrow L over the normal elite.

That's obviously because it's such a cooler name.

 

[Tom Orrow L]

Whats extra for the extra 60 quid @Tom Orrow L over the normal elite.

Good question, the headgear is more comfortable, it's a little less bulky and the lens' seem a little more durable but that's all I've noticed personally.

I've not even had a look into the difference of specs if I'm honest :P

 

[Richard.]

The viewing area appears to be a chunk bigger on the infinity over the elite.

 

[addjunkie]

The viewing area appears to be a chunk bigger on the infinity over the elite.

My spare lid is on its last legs, I will need to shop soon, but dont think Ill spend that kind of money!

 

[Richard.]

My spare lid is on its last legs, I will need to shop soon, but dont think Ill spend that kind of money!

Worth looking at the sentinel.