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Re: Optrel Crystal 2.0

That's probably a great idea. I hope you manage to sell the mask and buy Crystal 2.0.

Re: Optrel Crystal 2.0

ya selling it may be a idea. ive only used it for tig and never had smoke or splatter on it. i do quit a bit of welding in a garage and the lighting isnt good. e684 is difficult to see at the 4shade. 2shade would be worlds better. for outside stick welding i just picked up a miller elite. i love the xmode for outside welding. ive had alot of trouble with other helmets outside as the sun can trigger the lens at the worst time

Re: Optrel Crystal 2.0

Unless you plan on welding at super high amps, sell the e684 and then get the crystal 2.0.

Re: Optrel Crystal 2.0

i got the e684 just months before the 2.0 went on the market . wish i could of got a 2.0 instead as i would be much better in a poorly lighted garage

Re: Optrel Crystal 2.0

Originally Posted by psacustomcreations

Thanks for the heads up

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“Heads up”![emoji41]


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Re: Optrel Crystal 2.0

Originally Posted by Oscar

You might want to wait on retrofitting the Miller headgear onto the Optrel as I and others have done. Optrel is planning to lend me one of their new headgears to evaluate soon.

Thanks for the heads up

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Re: Optrel Crystal 2.0

Originally Posted by psacustomcreations

I have used my Crystal 2.0 several times now and like it. It does have a few differences over the Miller Digital Infinity.
The Optrel is much clearer in picture but of course has a smaller viewing area. This mostly makes a difference if you keep the hood down while moving items or going from spot to spot to tack or weld. The larger viewing area of the Miller made that easier so I didn't bump into things. The clarity of the Optrel makes it easier to actually see what you are doing.
I like the Miller headgear over the Optrel and will most likely swap the headgear and try out the Optrel that way. I have not done that yet so can't report on that.

You might want to wait on retrofitting the Miller headgear onto the Optrel as I and others have done. Optrel is planning to lend me one of their new headgears to evaluate soon.

Re: Optrel Crystal 2.0

Originally Posted by Chris H

So how do you like it? I am thinking of getting one but with the PAPR set up. Would love to know how you like it. Hearing good things and ready to pull the trigger if you give it a thumbs up. I will do a lot of gas shielded flux core for some heavier fabrication and don't want any of that in my lungs. Thinking the PAPR will be a good investment for my long-term health. Have had two cancers when I was in my 20's and not wanting a repeat of that experience. 51 now and every day is a blessing! just getting into welding in a serious way and love it.

I have used my Crystal 2.0 several times now and like it. It does have a few differences over the Miller Digital Infinity.
The Optrel is much clearer in picture but of course has a smaller viewing area. This mostly makes a difference if you keep the hood down while moving items or going from spot to spot to tack or weld. The larger viewing area of the Miller made that easier so I didn't bump into things. The clarity of the Optrel makes it easier to actually see what you are doing.
I like the Miller headgear over the Optrel and will most likely swap the headgear and try out the Optrel that way. I have not done that yet so can't report on that.

Re: Optrel Crystal 2.0

Surprisingly, really, as the manufacturer claims, the view through the glass mask, as through a normal non-darkened window glass.

Re: Optrel Crystal 2.0

So how do you like it? I am thinking of getting one but with the PAPR set up. Would love to know how you like it. Hearing good things and ready to pull the trigger if you give it a thumbs up. I will do a lot of gas shielded flux core for some heavier fabrication and don't want any of that in my lungs. Thinking the PAPR will be a good investment for my long-term health. Have had two cancers when I was in my 20's and not wanting a repeat of that experience. 51 now and every day is a blessing! just getting into welding in a serious way and love it.

Re: Optrel Crystal 2.0

This came in today. I got it based off the videos and reviews from Oscar, SCSmith and a few others.

The second photo is my phone held up to the lens.

It will be a day or two before I use it but I will make sure I post my thoughts as well.




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Re: Optrel Crystal 2.0

Originally Posted by Oscar

It will be fine, up to my estimated guess of 275A-ish, maybe 300A, depending on your eyes.

Thanks! The max amperage that my TIG welder is capable of is 225, so I should be all set. I ordered Crystal 2.0, can't wait to try it out.

Re: Optrel Crystal 2.0

Originally Posted by juha_teuvonnen

Will Crystal 2.0 work for TIG welding aluminum, since it only supports up to shade 12?

I am planning to learn how to TIG weld, mild steel and aluminum. I have some experience MIG welding automotive stuff, but totally new to TIG. I am wondering if the Crystal 2.0 will be usable for TIG welding aluminum? I am concerned that it only goes up to shade 12, and with TIG being pretty bright I was wondering if it will not be dark enough. I am also considering Optrel e684, Lincoln Viking 3550 and Miller Digital Elite. Cost is not a consideration.

It will be fine, up to my estimated guess of 275A-ish, maybe 300A, depending on your eyes.

Re: Optrel Crystal 2.0

First time I struck an arc with my crystal 2.0, I went on a road trip two states over to retrieve my socks. Expensive trip and expensive helmet. Hahahaha! Best lens so far on the planet .

Re: Optrel Crystal 2.0

Will Crystal 2.0 work for TIG welding aluminum, since it only supports up to shade 12?

I am planning to learn how to TIG weld, mild steel and aluminum. I have some experience MIG welding automotive stuff, but totally new to TIG. I am wondering if the Crystal 2.0 will be usable for TIG welding aluminum? I am concerned that it only goes up to shade 12, and with TIG being pretty bright I was wondering if it will not be dark enough. I am also considering Optrel e684, Lincoln Viking 3550 and Miller Digital Elite. Cost is not a consideration.

Re: Optrel Crystal 2.0

Originally Posted by Lis2323

I’ve seen those on Canada Weld. Not for me. I’ll pass. [emoji3]

Pourquoi? Bad experiences with the site, is there something I'm missing on the quality of the helmet offered there compared to others, or just more than you would normally spend on a helmet? Even their sale price is almost double anything I own.

Re: Optrel Crystal 2.0

Originally Posted by filetobeef

optrel mentions 4 to 12 darkening and you mention that 12 is a bit light once over 300A welding.
they also mention an auto or manual of +/- 2 shades,wouldn't this mean it could potentially go to shade 14 then?

No, the way it works is that there is ± 2 shades on Auto-Pilot, not on manual shade selection. See, you can't set the fixed shade level on Auto-Pilot because then that defeats the purpose of the helmet being able to adjust itself based on arc intensity. In other words, on Auto-Pilot, you can't set it to "12" and then go +2. "12" is already the "+2". On Auto-Pilot, you set a relative shade level, where Neutral (N) is roughly equal to 9/10. From N you have ±2, so say you set it at +2. What happens is that you're telling the helmet you prefer a shade 12 already, so it darkens to that state "earlier" with less amperage (arc intensity). Going higher in arc intensity doesn't do anymore for it's already 2 steps ahead of N, at the max of 12. Hopefully that makes sense.

Re: Optrel Crystal 2.0

optrel mentions 4 to 12 darkening and you mention that 12 is a bit light once over 300A welding.
they also mention an auto or manual of +/- 2 shades,wouldn't this mean it could potentially go to shade 14 then?

Re: Optrel Crystal 2.0

Originally Posted by whtbaron

Cheaper by the doz... was checking for Cdn. pricing when I found this one at $989.... but only $791 if you order 2 or more.... https://www.tenaquip.com/product/cry...iABEgIkivD_BwE

Found this one on sale for $627 Cdn. .... not sure what pricing you're finding, but if they export to the US your fat dollar might make that a good buy even there....

https://canadaweldingsupply.ca/produ...yABEgKbc_D_BwE

I’ve seen those on Canada Weld. Not for me. I’ll pass. [emoji3]

Re: Optrel Crystal 2.0

Originally Posted by filetobeef

need to buy a new helmet and seriously considering the crystal 2.0 but having a hard time justifying the price at 50% of a harbor freight protig 205 for just a helmet .
any sales coming up?

This is what it looks like through the lens in the undarkened-state. Almost like clear glass.






The prosecution rests, your Honor. No further witnesses are needed.

Re: Optrel Crystal 2.0

Cheaper by the doz... was checking for Cdn. pricing when I found this one at $989.... but only $791 if you order 2 or more.... https://www.tenaquip.com/product/cry...iABEgIkivD_BwE

Found this one on sale for $627 Cdn. .... not sure what pricing you're finding, but if they export to the US your fat dollar might make that a good buy even there....

https://canadaweldingsupply.ca/produ...yABEgKbc_D_BwE

Re: Optrel Crystal 2.0

need to buy a new helmet and seriously considering the crystal 2.0 but having a hard time justifying the price at 50% of a harbor freight protig 205 for just a helmet .
any sales coming up?

Re: Optrel Crystal 2.0

I use similar for O/A and plasma but I’m not certain what number shade(s) they are. Got them from LWS and they weren’t ten bucks but not much more.







I also have the Selstrom Covid Special when it’s impossible to social distance in the shop. [emoji1]

Re: Optrel Crystal 2.0

Got some cheap $10 polarized sunglasses. Only been doing plasma cutting, but they seem to do the trick to darken everything +2 shade levels. I usually plasma cut at Shade 6, but wearing the sunglasses (first, before I put on my regular prescription eyeglasses, as the other way around doesn't work well for whatever reason), I ended up turning it all the way down to shade 4, and it appears identical to Shade 6-before-the-sunglasses. Of course you do lose the ultra-light undarkened state because you are wearing the sunglasses, but I have a feeling that 300A+ welding will no longer be an issue. Also the true-color artifact stays unaffected with sunglasses. Everything is just as crisp and clear as before, just approx ~2 shades darker.

Re: Optrel Crystal 2.0

retrofitted Miller head gear. Officially the best piece of welding equipment I own, bar none.