![KwikSafety - Charlotte, NC - EAGLE EYES, HAMMERHEAD, OWL Welding Goggles [ANTI-FOGGING ANTI-SCRATCH] ANSI Tested OSHA](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81rdg26ObDL._AC_UL160_SR160,160_.jpg)
Today I took this thing into Tesoro in Salt Lake with great expectations. Leading up to the safety meeting I had already shown several pipe welders, and they were all impressed. A red barricade prevented testing it until 11:00. Chomping at the bit I told my fitter to hurry up I was ready. The instructions were in Korean so I had to figure it out on my own. I struck an arc, and it was on grind mode. Damn it! Checked the settings, and struck off again. BAM!!!! It was a beautiful bluish green color, and ultra clear. The lens sits so close to your face that even though the lenses are small I swear I have the same viewing area as my Speedglas 9100xx. Grind mode is awesome. When you hit the hold button it is a light blue, and you are in grind mode. Hit hold again, and you are back in weld mode, and the lens color is light green. You will never strike an arc while in grind mode or vice versa. I could were my prescription glasses under the hood, but they had a tendency to fog up, and my vision is not horrible so I just welded with out them. I COULD look through the bevel, and had no flashing. The sensitivity is adjustable, and with three sensors it is hard to get flashed. I was in a tight spot, and had one sensor covered, and one obstructed slightly, and I got flashed. Then I realized that I accidentally hit the hold "grind mode" button while positioning. Struck off again, and all was good.
Pros:
It seems well built, and very sturdy.
Extremely comfortable.
Ultra clear blue/green color.
I felt that I was protected fully, and did not get flash burn.
ANSI Z87.1 approved.
Easy to use settings.
Several different shades.
Grind mode better than most auto hoods I have used.
The most low profile/ comfortable hood I have ever used.
Light weight beyond belief.
Huge viewing area despite the size of the lenses.
I never got flashed in weld mode, and it never blinked in grind mode.
Cons:
Although I could wear glasses with it they would fog up.
It did fog up a very times, but not super bad.
I could see the rubber between your face, and hood getting really hot welding in the summer.
While it is nice having the setting buttons on the side they can be easily engaged bumping into pipes while positioning.
The pouch was s***, and the zipper broke already.
The instructions are completely in Korean.
Although it has several shades to choose from the setting are only in odd numbers. 5-7-9-11-13. 9 is pretty good for a root, maybe slightly bright, but seems just shy of a 10, and the 11 is a little dark, but not horrible. Both were manageable.
I score this product as a 4.4 out of 5. It does have a few issues, but most issues are pros, and cons at the same time like easy side buttons getting bumped. I wish it had more shades to choose from, but for such a small hood what can you expect. I will be using this extensively over the next week or so. I plan to put it through the ringer, and see how long it last. First impressions is that any welder that does not have a hatred of auto lenses should get this for those tight welds that will not fit a hood. I feel that if this saves one bad X-ray it will pay for it's self. Hell if you makes you comfortable on those countless welds these s***ty fitters put us on it is worth it.
| Manufacturer | EX |
|---|---|
| Part Number | 2018-01-26-0281 |
| Item Weight | 0.01 ounces |
| Package Dimensions | 10 x 6.8 x 6.4 inches |
| Item model number | ARC-513 SHIELD |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Special Features | Heat Resistant |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
