Save Phace Gen-X Extreme Face Protector (EFP) Welding Helmet Review
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Quality
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Safety
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Durability
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Comfort
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Value For Money
Summary
When all is said and done, the folks over at Save Phace have created an impressive helmet with some unique features, but above all their helmets are a cut above the rest when it comes to style. I’d go so far as to say that Save Phace creates their helmets as an artist creates art – lots of attention to detail, fantastic airbrushed designs, and just plain badassery all around.
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Very Fast Lens Reaction Time (Switching Time)
The auto-darkening lens is one of the key features of this helmet, so you’ll be pleased to know that its reaction time is extremely fast, clocking in at 0.3ms (at 23°C). This means you’ll be fully protected from getting flashed from the weld arc, and you’ll feel no discomfort even after hours of welding, as your eyes will never be exposed to the arc.
All-In-One: Grinding Mask, Splash-Guard and Welding Helmet
The auto-darkening lens can be easily replaced with a clear lens (not included with the mask), which instantly transforms the helmet into a grinding mask or splash guard. This cheap and easy adaptation will save you a great deal of money as you won’t need to look into buying a separate helmet.
Adjustable Hood, Excellent Face Protection
It’s completely adjustable, so you can alter how far away from your face you’d like the helmet to sit. On the face of it this might seem like an unnecessary gimmick, but when you consider that you’d be able to wear this helmet over prescription eyewear, other respirators, or anything else you can think of, suddenly it seems a whole lot more sensible.
We also discovered that the design of the hood is very effective in keeping most of the hot air out. In the past heat could work its way under the helmet and onto the face, making welding an extremely uncomfortable experience. However, this helmet has eliminated the problem. As you wear it you’ll find that heat doesn’t become trapped underneath the mask quite so easily, so welding can be much cooler and more comfortable than ever before.
Versatile Helmet: Suitable To Most Welding Tasks
This is an extremely versatile helmet which can be used alongside a wide variety of materials. Unless you’re a hardened professional using some unusual materials, you probably won’t need to buy separate helmets for different jobs. This helmet does exactly what it says on the tin: it protects your face from everything from cutting tiles to chopping wood to jet washing to leaf and snow blowing, and a whole lot more. In fact, this helmet doesn’t have to be used just for welding – it can be worn on any occasion when your face is at risk from flying debris.
Cool Design
As if you hadn’t noticed already, the artists at Save Phace have come up some really cool designs. They’re definitely stylish, but still manage to look and feel professional. They have loads of character, and are a great way to inject some extra personality into your welding persona.
Clear Lens (For Grinding And Splash-Guard Mode) Not Included
One of the first advantages that was mentioned was the fact that the auto-darkening lens can be replaced by a clear lens to give the helmet a dual purpose, but it’s worth noting that these spare clear lenses are not included. You will have to purchase these as extras, which will raise your costs. Make sure you account for this in your budget.
Beware Of Extreme Temperatures
Take extra care with the lens, because heavy welding might have some negative effects. If you perform a great deal of intense welding which reaches very high temperatures for significant periods of time, you may notice that some areas of the lens start to soften and melt. However, for the vast majority of welding jobs this shouldn’t be a problem.
Screws Sometimes Loosen
During times when you’re wearing your helmet a lot, you might find yourself lifting up the hood and lowering it again repeatedly. Over time, this can lead to many of the screws working loose so that the hood doesn’t feel quite as secure as usual. Although this is a minor inconvenience, it is also a very easy problem to fix. Simply tighten them up again or secure them using tape, then carry on wearing your helmet as normal!
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- Filter Dimensions: 4.25″ x 2″
- View Size: 3.62″ x 1.42″
- Optical Clarity: 1/1/1/1
- Arc Sensors: 2
- Lens Shades: Fixed-shade switching from light-state 3 to dark-state 10 shade.
- Switching Time: 0.3ms
- Power Supply: Solar Cell (No Battery Change)
- Cheater Lens Compatible
- Warranty: 37 Months
Awesome Helmet Bag
Overall, this is a great helmet that would be a good buy for both beginners and professionals alike. Sure, it’s prone to wear and tear just as any helmet might be, but all things considered, the pros far outweigh the cons. This helmet might not be suitable for very heavy welding jobs, but its flexible nature (in that it can be used for many different tasks, including as a grinding mask and splash guard) is a huge plus point.
It’s clear that this Save Phace Extreme Face Protector has a broad, useful range of features which make it adjustable, flexible and really effective, as well as being affordable. All things considered, the good quality plus the low price makes this a helmet that provides you with excellent value for money!
