Goodbye miller hello jackson

[SRO1911]

My miller elite has finally done me wrong for the last time, after the 4th or 5th mid-bead flash today I proceeded to fling it across the quarry and get my old n ugly Hobart 'tha hood' out of the truck. I have been trying to get some info on the Jackson truesight since i got to test one briefly at the local west-air. I enjoyed it, though i didn't really use it long enough to firm up the opinion.
Got home and after spending a few minutes talking to miller about my elite I said screw it and ordered the Jackson.
I will be using my Hobart, or my old fibremetal until that brown clad Santa shows up. It means putting my tig plans on hold for a bit, but with some good bids laid in hopefully not too long.
So now that I have spent way too much...
Has anyone else tried one since the last time this subject came up?

[DougAustinTX]

I just bought the Jackson Truesight tattoo model last week, Cyberweld had it for $291 with a 20% rebate. I bought it because of the reviews that said it had the amber view, rather than the usual green, which I was really tired of. The battery life is supposedly exceptional, it has 4 sensors with grinding, welding and plasma settings. Cyberweld also had great prices on the spare inner and outer lens covers. I haven't used it yet, but I can say that, just putting it on in the shop and looking around, it definitely seems like like the amber color provides a brighter view than my other AD helmets. There is a reason many top firearm shooters have used amber lenses in their glasses for many years.

[SRO1911]

Originally Posted by DougAustinTX

There is a reason many top firearm shooters have used amber lenses in their glasses for many years.

Yes we do,

and cyberweld is where I ordered mine.

(not just the top folks, but the ones on their way too)

[bigb]

Don't forget to post up reviews after you try them out. I'm sure I'm not the only one who will be waiting.

[Mr. Moose]

I recently asked the Jackson technical services representative about the distinction between the truesight and the nexgen EQC. He said the nexgen (which is also an amber/orange puddle color) is still more sensitive than the truesight at lower amps. They cost about the same ($285-300) depending on where you source them. I got my local welding supply to match the e-bay pricing and bought it from them.

[skelley521]

Amber lens for sure on the Truesight, it was so bright orange that I sold it within the first week...to bright for my liking.

My Speedglas has always given me the best looking puddle, YMMV.

[SRO1911]

It has arrived, intact and sooner than expected - way to go cyberweld.
Will be burning some rods in the morning and putting it through its paces.
First impressions - it feels lighter than my miller and the hood definitely has more flex - not sure if thats a good thing or not. The lens assembly comes out pretty easily - It would have been nice if they had included a few spare lens covers.
Buttons are clearly labeled and easy to operate and the head gear is kick a$$!!!!!! I have this same headgear frankensteined in another hood, and will put it in every hood I own at some point.

[SRO1911]

So far, so good.
Burned a few pounds of 7018 and 110m this weekend and after a little getting used to it I can say this is the best hood I have ever used. Tim will tell as to the durability but if its like any other jackson hood that shouldnt be an issue. The lens is more amber than gold - reminds me somewhat of the old blu-blocker sunglasses. Adjustments are easy, with buttons that can be manipulated in gloves.
I'm not going to say it makes me a better welder - but with even the few hours I do have on it I am already more comfortable. Being more comfortable means not stopping to get settled as often - so more iron an hour. The helmet itself does have a lot of flex compared to my millers, jury is still out on that part - thus far it has not been a problem - I didnt get in too many funky positions with it, mostly just kneeling, working flat on the ground and a little bending over sideways.
It responds just as quick as any good AD, and the sensitivity adjustment has been fine in about the middle - any lower and the glare from the sun coming off the white side of the quarry was tripping it.
The shades seem to be about right - compared to glass lenses. I didnt do much with the torch mode, other than confirmed it worked - it does not switch, just goes to a fixed shade and stays.
Will keep this updated as I get it broke in good.
I will be picking up a fresh batch of 1/4 inch 7018's in the morning, give it a little trial by fire.

[DougAustinTX]

I haven't had time to try my new one yet, but I am most interested in the TIG performance. If it lets me see the puddle a little more clearly it will be worth it. I am used to having my face almost on top of the parts I am tigging. I know what you mean about the flexibility of the helmet itself, very odd, almost feels like some sort of rubber.

[SRO1911]

A solid week of welding on it now, and it just keeps getting better and better.
Had some light work this week, welding clips on purlin (decided I hate red iron, my next shop will be all pipe)
Low amps did not seem to have any effect on how fast/reliable the switching was - it worked as well on 90 as it did last weekend on 400+
Also got to do a little gouging, no problems there. The flex in the hood had me worried at first, but so far it has been more a help than a hindrance, when you get layed over and have to kinda twis on your shoulder - the hood gives instead of twisting. Even laying flat on your side on ear to the ground you can still see clearly, my miller would always try to twist in situations like that.

I do need to cut me a leather for the top/back of the hood - sun at your back throws some nasty glare and this hood seems to sit a little 'taller' than many others. I dont like sun-roofs in cars let alone hoods. I did end up turning the sensitivity down pretty low - not sure if the heat affects it or not, bu tthe coolest day out in midland this past week was 105 - Had 3 days 110+
I do not usually use my welding hoods to grind, face shield are too cheap not to keep on hand, but being 50 ft up and no where near a ladder let me test the grind mode - better to just turn the hood off - all the grind does is lock it to light state. Turn it off and save the juice. Speaking of juice, thus far I have about 75 hours of actual 'on' time with it and am still on the batteries that came in it. I am keeping a half-azzed record to see just how far it goes on a set.

All in all I am impressed - 4 1/2 stars - will be 5 when I can find cheap local replacement cover lens'

[DougAustinTX]

I used my Truesight yesterday for the first time. It was better than I expected it to be. Just did some light mig work on steel, but it was so much easier to see the weld. Mine also sat high on my head at first, but there is an adjustment that allows you lower the whole shell of the helmet to whatever level you like. I set mine so it sat low... feels better to me. I am very curious to see how well it does with low amperage inverter tig.

[astaindsoul5446]

Thelma! Check your batteries!

[SRO1911]

Another week has gone by, and I think I can finally put forth a fair review. Nothing too exotic this week, just the regular - meat 'n taters - jobs.
I have now used this hood in almost every funky, uncomfortable, typical position imaginable and have yet to get flashed by missing a sensor. The amber color is more comfortable for my old eyes, YMMV - getting a clear distinction between puddle and slag has not been a problem even with nice smokey jet rods. I have ran it as low as 85 amps or so up to 450 without a hitch. I ended up turning the sensitivity all the way down - direct sunlight and in a few cases bright glare will trip it on higher settings. I typically am the only welder on the job so I dont need to worry about other people flashing me.
The hood itself does not seem to be wearing any faster than any of my other hoods, I was initially concerned that it might me too 'soft' - but after blasting it with sparks, slag, overhead drips and, all manner of sparkly bits it is still in good shape.
My 3m respirator fits well under it, and I will be adding a carbon fiber cloth to the top to keep sunlight and sparks out. The shape and length of the mask work well with my body type, I have not felt the need to add a bib to it as I have done with some other hoods.
On the negative side, and its a short list, the auto-off is on a 2 hour timer. Still on the first set of batteries with over 100 hours on them. To turn the hood off you have to press and hold the power button - sometimes 2-3 seconds, sometimes 20+ seconds. This might be a defect in mine - not going to worry about it too much.
Overall I am still happy, I still think its money well spent.

[onfire]

i have ben looking for a new hood and this review has ben really helpful. im really intrested in the amber glow. and you make it sound awsome

[rodabaughm]

I love my jackson true view!!! The controls are nice and easy to use.