2024 - Volume #48, Issue #5, Page #35
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Mid-Range Welding Helmet Loaded With High-End Features
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The Sentinel doesn’t have the curved glass technology of the Speedglas G5-02 from 3M (Vol. 48, No. 3). However, Kevin Beckerdite, ESAB, suggests that curved glass comes at a cost in dollars and restrictions in use.
“The Sentinel is a more versatile helmet at a much better price point ($369 vs. $860 for the G5-02),” notes Beckerdite. “Curved ADFs (auto-darkening filters) require using very thin glass. We’ve received feedback that they can become damaged if doing higher amperage MIG welding in close proximity.”
The Sentinel features a more traditional flat ADF. It achieves perfect 1/1/1/1 EN optical ratings, the highest possible for optical class, light diffusion, light homogeneity and angle dependence. In layperson’s terms, it delivers a clear view with even shade across the full height and width of the viewing area. The welder sees the arc and the workpiece without distortion.
Beckerdite adds that the enhanced true-color OpTCS technology reduces eye fatigue while helping identify changes and impurities in the arc.
While this writer has not worked with the Speedglas G5-02, ESAB did provide the Sentinel for a trial. It lived up to the claims of quality optics and responsive auto-darkening. There was no comparison between its 0.04 millisecond switching time and other features and the entry-level ADF welding helmet previously purchased at Harbor Freight.
The Sentinel’s Halo headgear was easily adjusted and provided good fit and balance. Beckerdite notes that it and the shell (1.4 lbs.) are designed to minimize neck fatigue while maintaining good clearance.
Switching between welding and grinding can be frustrating as sparks from the angle grinder set off ADF sensors. ESAB eliminates the frustration with a quick-access, external grind button.
The A60 is an improved version of ESAB’s earlier Sentinel helmet. It has a 40 percent larger viewing area (4.65 in. by 2.80 in.) Its 3/5 to 13 shade range is adjustable by half-value digital increments. Four hyper-acting arc detection sensors offer automatic light recognition in any work environment. A replaceable ADF battery with solar backup powers the helmet.
A dual-color LED control panel inside the helmet offers up to nine programmable ADF memory settings that can be saved for use with different welding profiles. A graphical meter displays shade sensitivity and delay settings. When desired, a shade-lock feature maintains the ADF at its selected shade until turned off. Warning lights alert the user to grind mode, ADF shade lock and low battery levels.
This user noted only two frustrations with the helmet. The first was the poor quality of the instruction manual. The icons were too small and unclear. The second involved installing the button battery. While the manual didn’t call for doing so, removing the headgear assembly simplified access.
When these were pointed out to Beckerdite, he responded immediately, agreeing that the manual needed work, particularly on the clarity of icons. As for battery access, he admitted it’s not ideal due to the legal requirement to use a tool when installing.
“Future helmets will see something much better,” says Beckerdite.
Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, ESAB Welding & Cutting Products, 2800 Airport Rd., Denton, Texas 76207 (ph toll-free 800-372-2123; www.esab.com).
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