Esab Savage A40 helmet

[DavidR8]

I don't know if this is the appropriate spot for this so please move it if I've posted in the wrong place.

I've been in the market for a new autodark helmet for a while. My current helmet, an Esab Origo-Tech is circa 2004. It been ok but I've really struggled trying to see the puddle while learning to TIG because it's just not very clear. New protective lenses helped a bit.

There's a tremendous range of choices from low-end no-name to the Optrel Crystal 2.0 at the top end. I'm just a hobbyist in his garage trying to stick metal together for home projects so I cannot justify the $600 CDN for an Optrel nor did I want to go low end.

I settled on the Esab Savage A40 after trying it at my LWS. The head gear is not any different from my existing Esab, basically a headband with an adjustable strap over the top. It does have a pivoting piece at the back of the headband where the ratcheting adjust is which helps it conform to my headshape.

I was blown away by the clarity and lack of tint to the lens compared to my old helmet.
This is my old Esab Origo-Tech



And this is the Savage A40


I'm very happy with my choice. For $155 CDN it's outstanding value in my rookie opinion.

[Podman]

I plan on getting one myself, they are $90 dollars here in the US.

[Rondo]

The technology has been around for 7-8 years. ESAB is finally getting the picture so to speak. Others like Washington Alloy and Weldcote Metals have led the way on color and clarity for half the price of Lincoln and Miller and offering long warranties. Enjoy being able to see again.

[rumb]

Here is mine Savage A40, which I bought 3 days ago:


Wow, 1 ISO stop = 1DIN, so to gain same exposure, I need to rise iso from 100 to 1600, it's 4 full stops, or 4DIN.

[Shootr]

I have no clue what the post above is about - but I can't whine about it as it brought this helmet to my attention. Looks really good for a cheapo like me so I ordered one up - looking forward to trying it out.

[Podman]

I really like my esab, beats all the others I have tried.

[Munkul]

Wow, that's nice!

I've been a long term fan of Esab hoods, they have a great value for money. I have 2 sentinel A50s and honestly, the picture through them in the light state isn't quite as good as that.

I liked the Warrior Tech (predecessor to the A40) it was a budget, yet solid and comfortable hood. If the A40 is as reliable as a Warrior tech, then you're onto a good thing.

[Shootr]

Oh. My.

I'm having a hard time believing this is a $100 helmet (actually $86 on sale). After HF level junk, I can't get over this thing - I practiced for about 2 hours this morning because it was so enjoyable.

The view DavidR8 posted is absolutely accurate, I can see all colors without a green tint. The headgear is comfy, the AD works flawlessly - yes I'm excited - it's like a blind person getting the bandages off after sight surgery!

[farmersammm]

I guess the real question is how the colors look when welding.

I have a Jackson True Sight, which was one of the first true color hoods. The puddle looks like true molten metal, no greens or any other colors.......just molten metal. I suppose it's about 5yrs old, and I haven't welded with any other hoods, so I'm not sure how the modern lenses show color in other manufacturers products.

[Shootr]

I guess the real question is how the colors look when welding.

I have a Jackson True Sight, which was one of the first true color hoods. The puddle looks like true molten metal, no greens or any other colors.......just molten metal. I suppose it's about 5yrs old, and I haven't welded with any other hoods, so I'm not sure how the modern lenses show color in other manufacturers products.

Maybe contrast is a better description while it's dark. Without darkening, the view is colorful and true to nature. Perhaps that helps when the darkening kicks in.

When it's dark, it's not so much color, it's being able to see the many gradients of the arc and puddle and structure being welded. I can now see all three really well - I can see where I'm going, the stick out, the puddle - things I could not easily discern with my old cheapo helmets.

[BeeGee]

I just ordered an A40 to upgrade from my older Kobalt AD helmet. Hopefully I’ll be able to see what I’m doing now!

[John Koch]

Thanks sincerely to everyone who posted here. This was super helpful. I had a shop fire and lost all my stuff, bought a junk helmet from Princess Auto. Out of frustration was just about to buy an expensive Miller replacement when I saw this and bought this one for $216 CAD. So much better! Saved me some serious cash. Thanks again!