Updated September 24, 2026. “Washington Alloy welding wire” describes a supplier's range, not one interchangeable filler metal. The classification on the spool is the starting point. In particular, Eagle-Arc 980X and E71T-GS are different products with different welding requirements.
Identify Eagle-Arc 980X correctly
The manufacturer's Eagle-Arc 980X data sheet identifies the wire as AWS A5.28 ER120S-G, a high-strength low-alloy steel filler for GMAW. Its published procedure uses DC electrode positive and external argon/carbon-dioxide shielding gas. It is not E71T-GS and should not be set up as a self-shielded flux-cored wire.
Washington Alloy describes specific high-strength-steel applications and directs users to the applicable repair recommendations. That does not make 980X a general-purpose replacement for every steel wire. For automotive or equipment repairs, establish the base-metal grade and the original equipment manufacturer's repair requirements before choosing a filler. Do not select a higher-strength wire simply because it sounds stronger.
How E71T-GS differs
Washington Alloy's separate E71T-GS technical sheet describes a self-shielded flux-cored product, specifies DC electrode negative, and limits its intended use to single-pass applications. The sheet warns against multiple passes. This is not the same setup or application as Eagle-Arc 980X.
Do not infer shielding requirements or polarity from spool color, wire diameter, or the broad catalog term “MIG wire.” Nor does either product become suitable for aluminum or stainless-steel work simply because Washington Alloy sells fillers for those materials. Match the exact classification and product data to the job.
Separate the wire specification from spool fit
ArcWeld's Eagle-Arc 980X listing is for .030-inch wire in an 11 lb spool. Confirm the package label and part number when ordering. Package weight alone does not confirm the spool's outside diameter, hub opening, width, or compatibility with your feeder.
Our buying recommendation is to record those four dimensions or requirements from the feeder manual before placing an unfamiliar spool order. Also verify the permitted wire diameter, drive-roll set, liner, and contact tip. Do not copy feeder components or settings from an unrelated aluminum or flux-core setup.
Keep the wire identified and protected
Retain the original label and lot information where traceability is required. Washington Alloy's filler-metal storage guidance calls for protection from moisture and contamination, including covering wire on equipment and protecting opened supplies during extended storage. Quarantine an unidentified spool rather than guessing its alloy.
Resolve unknowns before buying
A useful request includes the base-metal specification, repair or welding procedure, filler classification, wire diameter, shielding gas, and feeder model. Send those details through ArcWeld's parts and product-help form. Product identification is not a substitute for approval of a safety-critical welding procedure, but it prevents a different wire from being ordered under the same broad description.