Table of Contents
- View The Best Welding Helmet Below
- 1. YESWELDER Solar Powered Auto Darkening Welding Helmet
- 2. Jackson Safety 46131 Auto Darkening Welding Helmet
- 3. Hobart 770286 Flip Front Welding Helmet
- 4. Honeywell Fibre-Metal Fiberglass Welding Helmet
- 5. Miller Electric Welding Helmet
- 6. Antra AH6-260-0000 Auto Darkening Welding Helmet
- 7. TACKLIFE Welding Helmet
- 8. DEKOPRO Welding Helmet
- 9. Instapark ADF Series Solar Power Welding Helmet
- 10. FOOWOO Auto Darkening Welding Helmet
- Welding Helmets Buyer’s Guide
Finding the best welding helmet is critical for your safety. A welding helmet is going to protect your eyes from the UV rays that come off of the arc. These UV rays can cause a lot of issues if you’re not wearing a protective welding helmet. There are many options available in the category of welding helmets. You need to consider things like price, lens shade, comfort, breathability, and more. By learning what it takes to be one of the best options for welders, you need to do a fair amount of research.
When it comes to being a welder, your safety needs to be the main priority. If you cause damage to your eyes, you won’t be able to get clean welds. Additionally, you could burn your skin. Protecting your eyes, neck, and skin while you weld should be one of your number one priorities every time you get started on a new project. Skipping safety regimens is never going to benefit you, so taking the proper amount of time and learning what you need to stay safe while you’re working on a new weld is imperative.
In this guide, we have listed out the ten best options available for welding helmets. Additionally, we haven’t included a buyer’s guide section so that you will understand precisely why these are the best of the best. Additionally, we have added a frequently asked questions section so that you have quick answers to the most prominent questions surrounding welding helmets.
View The Best Welding Helmet Below
1. YESWELDER Solar Powered Auto Darkening Welding Helmet
This auto-darkening welding helmet will give you excellent clarity and a view that’s in real color. Many welding helmets give your project a lime green glow, but you won’t face that when using this one. You’ll have a large viewing area, which provides you with an excellent range of sight. You can see more of the welding area because of the widescreen viewing area.
This is going to improve the operator’s control. You will also find that this welding helmet is quite comfortable. It’s stacked with oversized cushions and offers high levels of adjustability. It supports and fits your head better than other welding helmet options you may have tried in the past.
Pros:
+ Excellent Optical Clarity
+ Meets ANSI Safety Standards
+ Includes Replacement Battery
+ Includes Replacement Lenses
Why We Liked It – Auto-darkening welding helmets are preferred in the welding world as they provide you with the highest level of protection for your eyes. Additionally, picking this welding helmet up is easy. You can simply go to Amazon and have it delivered directly to your house.
2. Jackson Safety 46131 Auto Darkening Welding Helmet
This Jackson Safety Ultra-lightweight welding helmet offers an auto-darkening feature. It uses four independent sensors, and they are positioned so they won’t obstruct your view while you’re welding. The Jackson Safety 46131 welding helmet offers variable shade from 9 to 13. This will give you excellent protection, no matter what type of welding you’re doing.
The digital controls on this Jackson Safety welding helmet are easy to use. You can make delay and sensitivity adjustments with ease. This is amazing when you’re changing between tasks and welding durations. Additionally, the clean view variable shade feature will enhance your color recognition and visibility.
Pros:
+ Jackson Safety = Trusted Brand
+ Meets ANSI Standards
+ CSA Compliant
+ Protects During Grind Mode
Why We Liked It – Jackson Safety has been around for almost 90 years. With that type of experience, they know what it takes to make genuinely excellent safety gear. Putting your safety and trust in Jackson Safety is always going to be a great choice.
3. Hobart 770286 Flip Front Welding Helmet
This flip front welder’s helmet comes from an excellent company. When you need the best welding gear, they have everything you’re looking for. You will be able to use this for a variety of welding jobs. It’s easy to put on and take off. You will have a standard viewing area.
It has been approved by ANSI and is safe for your job site. While this is a pretty basic welding helmet, it’s also very affordable. When you’re looking for a simple welding helmet that’s going to keep you safe from Sparks and the brightness associated with welding, this is an excellent option. You’ll simply be able to use it at a moment’s notice without having to worry about control panels, batteries, and settings.
Pros:
+ Simple & Durable Design
+ Quite Affordable
+ Nice Adjustability
Why We Liked It – There are a lot of welding helmets available that have a plethora of features. While these may be best suited for some welders, others are merely looking for a helmet they can throw on that will keep them protected. This one is affordable and easier to use than many of the best welding helmets.
4. Honeywell Fibre-Metal Fiberglass Welding Helmet
A welder helmet needs to offer great levels of protection from sparks and heat. This one is made from a thermoplastic material that offers excellent heat resistance. It’s also smooth and seamless, which reduces the risk of burn through. The design is both straight and curved so that you get better protection. Additionally, this unique design will help to block more smoke and fumes as you weld.
On top of that, you’ll notice that this welding helmet gives you better air circulation than most others. Consumers love the molded-in glass holder feature. The flip-up telescoping lid provides a seal against light and includes a shade 10 welding lens. This is going to leave plenty of room for glasses and respirators.
Pros:
+ Exceptionally Durable
+ Hard Hat Mount
+ Excellent Adjustability
+ Meets ANSI & CSA Standards
Why We Liked It – This is one of the best welding helmets because of its durability. You won’t have to worry over peeling, chipping, or becoming faded. Additionally, it exceeds standards when it comes to abrasion, weathering, and adhesion. It also does an excellent job of deflecting heat so that you experience lower internal temperatures.
5. Miller Electric Welding Helmet
Miller Electric welding helmets are loved and considered some of the best by consumers. This particular model offers a clear light lens technology. This technology will give you better contrast and clarity than many other welders helmet options. Recently redesigned, this welding helmet offers improved adjustability, as well as enhanced support.
This will lead to a more comfortable and secure fit. This welding helmet uses three independent Arc sensors that provide consistent lens response during obstructed and low amp welding. There are three different operating modes, which include cut, weld, and grind mode. Because this welding helmet offers these three different modes, it’s incredibly versatile when compared to other welding helmets.
Pros:
+ Large Buttons for Easy Adjustment
+ Wide Viewing Area
+ Great Optical Clarity
+ Trusted Brand
Why We Liked It – We feel this is one of the best welding helmets available because of the lens technology that it uses. You will quickly realize that the green glow associated with welding helmets is reduced drastically while wearing this item.
6. Antra AH6-260-0000 Auto Darkening Welding Helmet
When you’re searching for an auto-darkening welding helmet that’s exceptionally affordable, this may be the best option for you. This welding helmet uses a passive filter and has a permanent shade 13. These features are combined with a double-layered auto-dimming shutter that will give you an accurate shade range. The automatic darkening lens saves time and eliminates the need to flip it up and down.
It provides full protection for your face and your neck from Sparks and radiant heat. This welding helmet is extremely lightweight, which will reduce stress on your head and neck. The darkening reaction time is fantastic, with the four Arc sensors that are built into this welding helmet. This type of lens will reduce eye stress.
Pros:
+ Great for Industrial Use
+ Insanely Versatile
+ Quite Affordable
Why We Liked It – When it comes to true versatility, this welding helmet has you covered. No matter what type of welding you’re conquering, it will provide you with all the protection you need. Whether you’re plasma cutting, metal fabricating, or working on a do-it-yourself hobbyist project, this is the best fit for all of your jobs.
7. TACKLIFE Welding Helmet
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This welding helmet not only gives you an excellent shade range, but it also gives you some of the best optical clarity you could ask for. In fact, its optical clarity rating is better than most other welding helmets that are available today. This welding helmet also gives you a large viewing area. The headband of this welding helmet is extremely comfortable.
Additionally, it helps to reduce fatigue on the welder neck and head. This will allow you to wear your welding helmet longer than ever before. It offers built-in switches that will make it easy to move between welding and Grind Mode. The shade range is also fantastic, and the ability to adjust it and multiple places mean you’ll have the perfect fit every time.
Pros:
+ Auto Darkening
+ Accurate Shading = No Radiant Bypass
+ Excellent Fire Resistance
Why We Liked It – This welding helmet is perfect for industrial use. This means you’re going to be able to use it for plasma cutting, TIG welding, stick welding, MIG welding, and much more. Whether you weld in a shop or factory, this is one of the best welding helmets you could ask for.
8. DEKOPRO Welding Helmet
The auto darkening feature of this welding helmet uses solar power. It will switch from light to dark more quickly than most other welding helmets in its class. You will have a standard viewing area when you choose this welding helmet. However, it does offer excellent clarity and color recognition. This welding helmet only weighs about a pound, which is going to make it one of the best options for long-wear.
The headgear is adjustable and comfortable. Whether you work in the automotive, construction, or manufacturing industry, this welding helmet is going to be a good fit. Additionally, it offers excellent adaptability, regardless of the environment you find yourself working in or how long the project is going to take.
Pros:
+ Very Affordable
+ Multiple Patterns Available
+ Great Shade Range
Why We Liked It – While it may not be the most crucial feature, we love the fact that this welding helmet comes in so many different designs. It’s nice to add a bit of flair and style to your daily welding routine, and this helmet is going to be able to do that for you.
9. Instapark ADF Series Solar Power Welding Helmet
This welding helmet uses Arc sensors that are charged by solar power. You will get an extremely large viewing area when you go with this helmet. The new design offers convenient external controls. Additionally, you can make adjustments to the sensitivity, dark state, and delay without needing to take your helmet off.
The variable shade adjustment switches quickly from light to dark. Consumers love the composite material that this welding helmet is made of because it’s very lightweight. It has a ratcheted headband with excellent padding so that you’re not only going to be comfortable while wearing it, but you will also be well protected.
Pros:
+ Resting Shade of 4
+ Best for Comfort
+ Versatile Use
Why We Liked It – Quick adjustment times when it comes to your shade range is vital while welding. This solar power welding helmet makes adjustments in less than one second, so you won’t have to worry about the impact variable lens shading times can have.
10. FOOWOO Auto Darkening Welding Helmet
If you’re searching for exceptionally affordable welding helmets on the market, this may be the best fit for you. It’s made of high-quality materials. These materials will protect your face and eyes for an extended amount of time. If you are welding daily, this is the type of helmet you will need. It offers a standard clear viewing area.
Additionally, it diffuses light, and the ability to see clearly from different angles is spectacular. The solar power technology, combined with a replaceable lithium-ion battery, means that you will be able to work for exceptionally long periods in just about any condition. It also has a top optical class rating, which is not found in all welding helmets. It’s a smart choice when you’re looking for the best helmet to wear for safety.
Pros:
+ Versatile Use
+ Fatigue-Free Fit
+ Meets ANSI Standards
Why We Liked It – We love the fact that you will be able to see clearly, regardless of your environment or the angle in which you’re looking at your project. This welding helmet is very balanced and more adjustable than many others in the same category.
Welding Helmets Buyer’s Guide
When you start to look at welding helmets, you’re going to quickly realize that there are a crazy number of options to choose from. From a standard welding helmet to ones that offer solar-powered darkening systems, you will have a lot to choose from.
There are also a variety of specifications that need to be understood and taken into consideration. You will have to take a look at the viewing area size, optical class, and the sensors for each helmet before deciding which is going to be best suited for you and your welding lifestyle.
Other Brands & Options to Consider
While we have provided you with a decent amount of information on some of the most popular welding helmets, it’s important to understand that there are many other great options out there. We’re going to spend some time providing you with the information you need when it comes to choosing the very best welding helmet. We’ll provide you with some additional examples of great options in this category.
The Esab Sentinel A50 is a welding helmet that shines. Consumers love the Esab Sentinel A50 because it offers a good shade range. It’s stylish and versatile. The Esab Sentinel uses both solar and battery power for the auto-darkening feature. You will have a large viewing area and good optical clarity. When using the Esab Sentinel A50, you will have access to a touchscreen display on the inside that allows you to change the sensitivity and shades.
Some find that this feature is a bit tricky, especially if you have big hands or you’re wearing gloves. While the Esab Sentinel A50 may be a bit difficult to control, it makes up for it in comfort. The adjustable 5-point headgear will fit heads of all shapes and sizes.
Additionally, the Esab Sentinel A50 makes maintenance a breeze. While you won’t have to replace the lens on the Sentinel A50 very frequently, when you do, it will only take a matter of seconds. Overall, the Sentinel A50 a solid welding helmet that you will be able to rely on for years to come.
Another great welding helmet is the Lincoln Electric 3350. The Lincoln Electric 3350 does not offer as wide of a field of vision as others, but it does give you a very tall viewing area. Overall, the Windows size is excellent when you’re looking at things that are directly in front of you. When it comes to quality, the Lincoln Electric 3350 is top-notch.
The lens reacts extremely fast, and the 4 Arc sensors give it amazing optical clarity. In fact, when it comes to clarity rating, this one is at the top of its class. The Lincoln Electric welding mask is quite exceptional. It’s incredibly lightweight, and making adjustments is simple. Consumers are also pleased with the level of comfort that it provides, even during long welding sessions. Putting your trust in the Lincoln Electric brand will leave you well-protected and satisfied.
Both the Lincoln 3350 and the Esab helmets are available on Amazon. You’ll be able to pick the Esab or the Lincoln 3350 up easily and protect your eyes from the harmful effects of welding. Know that when you invest in Esab or the Lincoln 3350, you will be getting one of the best welding helmets currently available.
When it comes to the brands we have already represented, we want to come back to Miller Electric. The Miller Electric Digital Elite series is adored among welders. The Digital Elite series comes in a variety of different styles. Additionally, the Miller Digital Elite Series provides you with excellent shading, sensors, weight, and a variety of features you may not find anywhere else. Choosing a helmet from the digital elite series is going to leave you pleased with your purchase.
The last helmet you should consider is the 3M Speedglas welding helmet. The 3M Speedglas helmet is auto-darkening and has a large lens of 3M Speedglas. This will help you see more clearly. The 3M Speedglas helmets provide you with excellent protection in real liability. They are full of valuable features. They offer best-in-class optics and a better viewing area than most other helmets in the same category. There are many different styles available. Researching the 3M Speedglas line may lead you to your favorite welding helmet.
Comfort & Weight
If you’re a welder, you are likely wearing your helmet for many hours throughout the day. The weight of your helmet is going to play a critical role in how much strain it puts on your head and neck. Wearing a heavy welding helmet can become painful, even after short amounts of time. Using a light-weight or Ultra light helmet will reduce the risk of injuries over time.
The weight will play a role in your comfort levels, and your comfort levels absolutely need to be taken into consideration. The padding in the helmet and the adjustability will ensure that you’re comfortable while wearing it throughout your entire day. You want to find a helmet that fits securely but is not overly tight. Finding the perfect fit will limit the distraction you experienced while welding and reduce the amount of time you use to make adjustments.
Viewing Area
The viewing area of your helmet will play a large role in your ability to see clearly. When you’re welding out of position, a wider view is going to be advantageous. You should always look at the viewing area on a helmet before you decide to purchase it. Some of them will be longer, whereas others will be wider. A small or standard viewing area will be approximately 3 and 1/2 inches by 1 and 3/4 inches. A large viewing area will be anything near 4 inches by 3 inches. Many people prefer helmets that use a taller viewing area, but realistically, it all comes down to personal preference.
Additionally, the project you’re focused on will also play a role. If you find that you have restricted space, you’re going to want the largest viewing area possible. It can be hard to adjust your body so that you can see clearly in small spaces, so the larger viewing area will make your job much easier to handle.
Optical Class
The optical class has to do with the lens that your helmet uses. Auto-darkening helmet lens options are not only tested but also rated for quality. This is what gives them their Optical class. This rating provides you with information on the clarity of the lens. There are four lens Clarity categories. The lens clarity ratings will also be set into four different numbers.
They will be graded either a one, two, or three. One is the very best lens rating. So, when you see a lens rating of 1 / 1 / 1 / 1, you know that it’s much better than one that is rated 1/2 / 2 / 2. If you’re an experienced welder, you will likely notice the difference in lens clarity almost immediately. So finding a loan that’s rated at the lowest possible numbers will ensure that you can see better than ever.
Arc Sensors
When you start looking at welding helmets, you’re going to realize that many of them have Arc sensors. This is used for auto-darkening in your welding helmet. The sensors will detect flashes while you work, and the lens will darken as needed. The adjustment usually happens in a fraction of a second. A helmet that uses 3 or 4 sensors will provide you with better safety, regardless of if you are welding or in grind mode.
The lens may darken through a battery, or it may be solar-powered. Some helmets will use a combination that will allow you to use your darkening lens for a longer amount of time. Paying attention to the reaction time will ensure that you keep your eyes safe and also make sure you have the proper amount of shade on the lens so that you can see what you’re doing easily.
The more sensors that are in your helmet, the better the reaction time will be. You should also look for sensors that don’t obstruct your field of view. Depending on the location of the sensor, it could distract from your ability to see clearly through the lens. So, getting to know the sensors and where they’re located in your helmet can help ensure you find the best fit for you and your welder’s lifestyle.
Lens Shade
Money auto-darkening helmets will have a lens that provides a range of Shades. The more shades that you have access to, the more flexible the applications will be. Lens sensors and Arc sensors work hand-in-hand at ensuring that your lens is the appropriate shade at all times. If you notice that you change the shade of your lens consistently, you will benefit from a helmet that has a wide range of shade options for the lens.
More often than not, the lens will have a 9 to 13 shade rating. This is considered normal. When you’re working on low amperage, and it’s harder to see, you may want to go with a lens shade rating of between 6 and 13.
Sensitivity
Pretty much all of the automatic darkening helmet lenses will have the ability for you to set a minimum brightness. When the sensors see that you have hit the minimum brightness, it will trigger darkening. Having a manual option is very useful. This is especially true when you’re working with low amperage and need increased sensitivity. Additionally, if there are a lot of welders working around you and a lot of arcs, having sensitivity control is advantageous. The manual adjustment will make sure that other welders arcs aren’t triggering your sensors.
Lens Reaction Time
When you’re dealing with an automatic darkening helmet, you will want to pay attention to the lens reaction time. This is the speed at which the lens goes from being light to dark when an arc is started. The lens will change in only a fraction of a second. The very best options are rated at 1/20,000 of a second. If you weld frequently, you need to pay attention to the lens reaction time.
If the lens does not react quickly enough, you’re likely going to expose your eyes to the ark, which can lead to some severe eye fatigue. Finding a lens with a quick-changing shade because of high-quality sensors will keep you as safe as you can be while welding.
Additional Features to Consider
When you’re picking out the best helmet for the job, you’ll want to consider whether or not you need it to function in Grind Mode. If you use your helmet while grinding, grind mode will be essential. A helmet that offers this will give you the best protection that you need, no matter the job you are doing.
Some consumers also like to buy helmets with side windows. Side windows can enhance your ability to see, no matter what type of project you’re working on. You need to be careful with side window options as they may not shave the same way that the lens does. Light may come through and cause harm to your eyes. The sensors don’t always attach to ensure that the side windows have shade, and this can be a major problem. It may help to do some research so you will know how much light may get in while you’re using a helmet with extra windows.
Safety Standards
When using equipment like this, there are a variety of different safety standards that you should pay attention to. NC is known for providing a great set of standards, and you will definitely want to purchase a helmet that meets ANSI safety standards. With rigorous testing, it will be ANSI rated, and that can set your mind at ease that you will be well protected while using your helmet.
The national Safety standards include protection from infrared and UltraViolet lights. Additionally, they are rated for impact and temperature. When you are trying to purchase a helmet with the proper safety standards, you should look for one that meets or exceeds ANSI Z87 .1 – 2003 standards.
Price
The price range when it comes to helmets for welders is pretty extreme. You may only spend around $35, but you can also end up spending more than $800. Setting a budget and keeping it in mind while shopping for a new helmet will help to decrease the number of options that you are looking at.
If you invest a bit more money, you’re going to end up with a higher quality helmet. However, some really great budget options won’t break the bank. Keep in mind if you buy a lower end helmet, you may find yourself replacing it more frequently, which can cost more money in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions About Welding Helmets
What do welding shade numbers mean?
When you start to look at welding shade numbers, you’ll quickly realize that they indicate the level of darkness or light of the lens. The higher the number, the more shade you will have. The rating of your helmet may impact variable shade range. The types of welding that you’re doing will help determine the shade that will be required.
They usually range between 8 and 13 for standard welding shade. If you’re cutting, you’ll want to use a shade between 5 and 8 and 4 grinding you usually use one that is pretty light and typically around 3. Automatic darkening helmets help many people because their sensors well impact variable light more quickly without you needing to take your helmet off. The better the shade range, the more versatile your helmet will be.
What can I use my welding helmet for?
More often than not, people will simply use their welding helmets while they are working on arc welding, TIG, or MIG welding. However, they really can be used at any time that you need help protecting your eyes, neck, and face in a situation where they may be burned. Additionally, a helmet will protect you from ultraviolet light, infrared light, heat, and sparks. So, if you work in any situation that involves these difficulties, a welding helmet may be the perfect fit to add to your safety gear.
Should I wear a welder’s helmet while plasma cutting?
If you’re working with a plasma cutter, you should absolutely invest in a solid welder’s helmet. It’s going to protect your face, eyes, and any exposed skin. Shielding your eyes and face with plasma cutting glasses or goggles will work, but many people prefer a helmet.
Additionally, if you’re working with a plasma cutter, you should be wearing gloves, a jacket, and other flame-resistant clothing to ensure you’re using all of the appropriate safety gear. Plasma cutting can be hazardous, and you should heed safety regulations to ensure you can complete the task at hand.
What type of light protection do I get with a welder’s helmet?
As long as your helmet is in good condition, it’s going to protect you from a variety of different light sources. You will be protected from ultraviolet light and infrared rays. While these helmets are made to protect your eyes from harmful brightness, they are also made to keep metal shards and sparks from causing damage to your skin. Wearing a welder’s helmet will provide you with a variety of different levels of protection.
Conclusion
Whether you like to weld as a hobby or you do it on a professional level, finding the correct safety gear will ensure that you can complete your task successfully. Getting to know the different components of welders helmets will ensure that you find the best-suited option for your welder’s tasks and jobs.
Safety should be the overall number one priority when doing this type of work. You can cause a large amount of damage to your eyes and skin if you don’t take the proper precautions while working on a weld job. Not only could you burn your skin, but with prolonged use, you could damage your eyes, making future weld projects impossible.
Once you have worn a welder’s mask that doesn’t fit appropriately or doesn’t provide you with the right level of darkness, you will quickly realize that making a larger investment may be necessary. Taking the time to pay attention to what customers have to say about the option you’re looking at can help give you clear guidance into whether or not you’re going to love it or be quickly moving on to another mask option.
