Need welding helmet help ?

[screamin reel]

If you had a choice between THESE TWO helmets what would you choose for general mig welding ?
Miller XLi series auto darkening 9-13 shade, 3.85 x 1.85 viewing field for $250 Canadian
or
Optrel OSE MiraPlus auto darkening fixed 10 - 11 shade 3.86 x 1.50 viewing field for $220 Canadian.
Some suppliers are telling me I don't need the 9-13 for mig welding.
The Miller elite series and Optrel Satellite are out of my price range and we don't have Eastwood or Harbor freight here in Canada for a cheaper alternative.
Thanks again

 

[Skiddy]

If you had a choice between THESE TWO helmets what would you choose for general mig welding ?
Miller XLi series auto darkening 9-13 shade, 3.85 x 1.85 viewing field for $250 Canadian
or
Optrel OSE MiraPlus auto darkening fixed 10 - 11 shade 3.86 x 1.50 viewing field for $220 Canadian.
Some suppliers are telling me I don't need the 9-13 for mig welding.
The Miller elite series and Optrel Satellite are out of my price range and we don't have Eastwood or Harbor freight here in Canada for a cheaper alternative.
Thanks again

I would go with the miller i think the optrel maybe too dark sometimes. Plus miller has a very good reputation.

 

[malcolmzilla]

x2 on the Miller, great response, adjustability and field of view.

I am borrowing one along with the TIG machine, it sure is nice compared to my old (but free) Sellstrom...

A better helmet is on my xmas wish list, along with a better blended gas reg.

 

[Past_Miner]

I would go with the Miller. My helmet, whatever it is, is a 9 - 13 variable and I routinely have to adjust it depending on which MIG machine I am using and how thick the material is. Besides, for $30 its probably worth it just to have the flexibility.

 

[73stallion]

can you not order a helmet off harbor freight's website? will they not ship to canada?

 

[wackston]

I have a miller big window elite wich u say is out of your price range but as far as comparing miller to optrel I like my miller much better than the optrel satelite (compareable helmet), for one the knobs aren't on the outside just waiting to be broken off, plus it's lighter,,, the only complaint I have about my miller is it eats batteries like crazy I have to change them about twice a year

 

[bmc69]

Guess I'm the only Optrel fan here..all of ours are Optrel dual-mode (grind/weld) helmets. Love 'em..

 

[screamin reel]

Thanks all for the replies.
Yes I could order from Harbour freight but by the time I pay for shipping, exchange and brokerage I am really not that much further ahead.
When I spoke with a few professional welders today the majority picked the Optrel. They said If I were to Tig or stick weld they would go to the Miller.
They said the Miller would generally be considered overkill for my needs as they would never go darker than 11 for mig welding.
I will probably go the Miller route because I figure $30 for overkill is a good deal.
Thanks

 

[GoFastCrackPipe]

If you can find one, check out the Optrel OSE Orion. I'm using one and I love it. It has shade levels of 9-13, like the miller and a comprable price.

 

[HotWheels]

Is there that much of a differnece in helms? I use a speedglass...

 

[wackston]

I am a welder by trade,, I love my miller I do mostly tig welding but alot of mig aswell,, don't get me wrong optrel makes a great helmet,, really u won't go wrong with either