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Best Welding Helmet 2021- Top 12 Picks, Reviews and Buyer Guide

Welcome Folks, Here you will find the list of  Best Welding Helmet – 2021

Whether you are farming, fixing appliances, as an experienced and professional welder or a hobbyist, when you work with metal, sooner or later you need to weld something. If you’re welding, then safety gear is of paramount important. One of the things that you NEED is a welding helmet to protect your eyes from the arc. The UV rays that are emitted from the arc can cause serious problems with your eyesight.

Be sure “No one needs a welder with bad eyesight!” and “Safety always comes first“.

 

Table of Contents

  • Our Top Picks
  • Best Welding helmet 2021
  • List of Top 12 Best Welding helmets of 2021:
    • Lincoln 3350 Series: (Best Welding helmet)
    • 3M Speedglas 9100:
    • Hobart 770756 – Impact Variable:
    • Miller 281000 Digital Elite:
    • Hobart Inventor:
    • Antra AH6-260-0000:
    • Lincoln Electric K3034-4 VIKING 3350:
    • Jackson Safety 46131:
    • Miller 251292 Welding Helmet: 
    • ASAB’s Sentinel A50:
    • The Instapark ADF Series GX990T:
    • YesWelder M800HP:
    • How to Choose the “Best Welding Helmets – 2021”
    • Frequently Asked Questions:
    • Editors Pick: “Final Verdict”:
    • 60

Our Top Picks

 

High-End
Lincoln 3350

Check Latest Price
Budget Friendly
 Antra AH6-260-0000

Check Latest Price

 

Best Welding helmet 2021

Best Welding helmet 2020

 

It’s critical to invest in your safety but you should understand the risks of the job, and to do your job safely and effectively, protecting your eyes in the best way possible is not a waste of money!

What follows is our list of “Best welding helmets – 2021” available on the markets that will last for years, giving you the maximum utility and value.

Modern welding helmets are light, offer high tech features, and can even make you look great. The right welding helmet not only makes the job safer, but it also makes a tough job easier.

These are the “Best Welding helmets – 2021” for those who do MIG, TIG and arc or stick welding.

 

List of Top 12 Best Welding helmets of 2021:

Welding HelmetsViewing AreaLens RangeRatingPrice
 Pro Category 
Lincoln 3350
95 mm x 85 mmDIN 5-135.0/5.0 Check Latest Price
 Pro Category 
3M Speed glass 9100
73 x 107mm + Side WindowsDIN 9-134.9/5.0 Check Latest Price
 Pro Category 
Hobart 770756
7.05 sq. inDIN 8-134.8/5.0 Check Latest Price
 Pro Category 
Miller 281000 Digital Elite
9.22 sq. inWeld:8 –13 Cut:5 – 84.8/5.0 Check Latest Price
 Value for money 
Hobart Inventor
9.3 sq. inDIN 8-134.9/5.0 Check Latest Price
 Value for money 
Antra AH6-260-0000
6.68 sq. inDIN 9 - 134.7/5.0 Check Latest Price
 Value for money 
Lincoln Electric K3034-4 VIKING 3350
12.5 Sq. inDIN 9 - 134.7/5.0 Check Latest Price
 Value for money 
JACKSON SAFETY 46131
9.27 sq. inDIN 9-134.6/5.0 Check Latest Price
 Budget Picks 
Miller 251292 Welding Helmet
5.16 sq. inDIN 8-134.5/5.0 Check Latest Price
 Budget Picks 
Asab’s SENTINEL A50
9.27 sq. inDIN 5-8/9-134.6/5.0 Check Latest Price
 Budget Picks 
Instapark ADF Series GX990T
15.21 sq. inDIN 5-134.5/5.0 Check Latest Price
 Budget Picks 
YesWelder M800HP
3.93"X3.66"DIN 5-134.4/5.0 Check Latest Price

Lincoln 3350 Series: (Best Welding helmet)

Lincoln says it designed these welding helmets to offer a blend of comfort, versatility and premium optics. The Viking 3350 series is Lincoln Electric’s top line auto-darkening hood with a 1/1/1/1 optical clarity rating and real-world colors. Most welders who Lincoln 3350buy this helmet are very happy with the optical quality as well as the variable shade levels from 5-13.

The design is optimized to distribute weight across the helmet to improve balance and make it feel lighter. Some users complain that the knob to tighten the headgear won’t stay tight, meaning it slips off sometimes when bending over.  This auto-darkening helmet has an adapter to fit onto a hard hat.

The 3350 series comes in colorful styles ranging from racing stripes to robot heads and skull designs. The 1.2-pound weight isn’t the lightest helmet on the market, but the big viewing area means more glass and that adds weight. Everything comes with a cost. Lincoln Electric is one of the most highly-regarded welding equipment companies in the business, favorite of professional.

Lens Technology:

This welding helmet comes with 4C lens technology. How does it work? It will let you view clearly and more especially When trying to use the active/inactive state or the grind setting.

Lenses and better movement:

This model includes all the lenses along with a bandana, which is wearable under it if you desire so. I also noticed that it is a pivoting helmet, allowing you to move freely when wearing it, moving as you do.

Lightweight and easy to use:

If you’re working, the last thing you would want is a heavy helmet. It will not just be a bother to wear and move around but it can also be frustrating to focus on the job with it. You don’t have to worry about that by wearing the welding helmet that gives you more freedom to move without any hassles. More so, it has straps and padded areas, adding to the ease of use it has to offer you with all the time you’re working.

Specs:

  • Viewing area: 95 mm x 85 mm
  • Lens Classification: 1/1/1/1 optical clarity rating
  • Switching time: 1/25,000 (Sec)
  • Delay control: 0.1 – 1.0 Fully Adjustable
  • Power supply: 1 CR2450 Replaceable Battery
  • Battery life: 2000 hours
  • Warranty: 3 Years.

 

Pros
  • 4C lens technology.
  • Highest 1/1/1/1 optical clarity in all four categories.
  • Wide Viewing Window.
  • Adjustable sensitivity settings.
  • Superior comfort with the pivot style headgear.
  • It comes with all necessary lenses, helmet bag and bandana, Pivoting style
  • Wide viewing window
  • Lightweight and easy to use
  • 4C lens technology
  • Modifiable sensitivity settings
Cons
  • Moderately Expensive.
  • A bit expensive
  • Might take a little getting used to

Check Latest Price

 

3M Speedglas 9100:

There’s no doubt 3M Speedglas 9100 is one of the best welding helmets on the market, It’s comfortable, clear, and stylish and has a large viewing area. The side windows in this helmet are probably the best feature and will give you amazing visibility of your3M Speed glass 9100 surroundings which can make welding much more enjoyable. It’s been designed for comfort, too.

It’s pretty lightweight and has two adjustable head straps to keep it secure, along with a padded headband and a swivel-mounted smooth ratchet system. The helmet fits head size of 50 to 64cm, and the carefully thought out design helps to ensure it’s comfortable for long periods of time.

Lens Technology:

The Speedglas 9100XX is a good choice for Stick, MIG, for TIG and also has exhaust vents to help reduce heat and steaming up.

When welding, it’s usually best to have the windows closed, as open ones will cause weld burn with high amperage.

If you’re cutting, grinding, or wanting to look around with your helmet on, the windows are an excellent feature unique to this helmet.

 A particular highlight is that this helmet can be used for TIG anything as low as one amp, giving it a broader range than most helmets. 

 

Lightweight and easy to use:

Overall this a great helmet that offers excellent comfort and clarity. The 3M Speedglas Welding Helmet 9100 has comfy headgear, with side windows to keep open or closed for extra vision. It does a good job easing the pain of weld-neck during a full week under the hood with its ergonomic shape, Although not everyone agrees it relieves their pain. There isn’t any solar power option. The price is on the higher end of the scale, but you can downsize the lens for a lower price.

Specs:

  • Viewing area: 73 x 107mm + Side Windows
  • Lens Classification: 1/1/1 & True View
  • Switching time: 0.1 MS Delay control: 40-800 MS
  • Delay control: 40-800 MS
  • Battery life: 2,500 hours
  • Power supply: Two replaceable Cr2030 3V lithium batteries
  • Warranty: 3 Years.
Pros
  • Side windows
  • Comfortable headgear
  • Lightweight Expensive
  • Three-year warranty
  • For TIG capabilities
Cons
  • Open windows cause weld burn
  • No solar power

Check Latest Price

 

Hobart 770756 – Impact Variable:

With this Hobart 770756 Impact Variable welding helmet, you can weld for hours without worrying about your eyes. Because it will react and darken the model in just 1/25,000 per second after detecting an arch or flash. The shell used on the outside of the Hobart 770756model is resistant to impacts to help further protect your head and face.

It comes with both a grind mode and a shut-off mode that lets you turn it off almost instantly, though it comes with a number three light shade, the Hobart Impact Variable is another mid-range welding helmet that’s good value and is great if you’re welding for long periods of time

Lens Technology:

Due to being lightweight and fast lens reaction time of 1/25,000 of a second. Despite its low weight, it’s a durable helmet as it’s made from polyamide.

The shade ranges from #8 to #13 so it’s flexible for a range of applications. It’s also really comfortable and there are lots of adjustments points

To help fit the shape of your head so it doesn’t slip about. The main downside is that the viewing area isn’t that big and it’s only powered by one battery.

View Area:

The viewing area measures 7.05 square inches to ensure that you can see the total area in front of you in both an active and inactive mode. It has knobs for adjusting the sensitivity and delay as well as for lifting it off your face and adjustable straps that increase your comfort.

The Hobart Impact Variable is another mid-range welding helmet that’s good value and is great if you’re welding for long periods of time To help fit the shape of your head so it doesn’t slip about. The main downside is that the viewing area isn’t that big and it’s only powered by one battery.

 There are some best Hobert Plasma Cutters.  

Specs:

  • Viewing Area: 7.05 sq. inch
  • Switching time: 1/25,000 sec
  • Delay control: 0.1-1.0 sec
  • Power supply: 1 replaceable lithium-ion battery
  • Weight: 1.27 lbs.
  • Warranty: 2 Years.
Pros
  • The variable shade range of 8 to 13.
  • 3 Arc Sensors.
  • Large view welding helmet.
  • Both Weld & Grind Mode
  • Adjustable settings.
Cons
  • Lens cover frame is not easy to pop off and on.

Check Latest Price

 

Miller 281000 Digital Elite:

Miller Digital Elite Welding Helmets feature four modes and four arc sensors for intense welding applications. Choose from the weld, cut, grind, and x-mode depending on the application. Miller 281000 Digital Elite helmet has a 5 amps TIG rating for Miller 281000 Digital Elitesuperior flame resistance. Use the excellent sensitivity and delay controls for your most precise welding jobs.

Professional welders love this line for starter welding and arcs. The Miller Digital Elite Welding Helmets also offer additional adjustable settings for the ultimate comfort. Use an extra adjustable headband to get your most secure and comfortable fit. Like the rest of Miller’s Classic Series, this helmet is very spacious inside–so spacious you can wear prescription glasses if you need to.

It features a rigid construction with full coverage to protect against UV burns.

Lens technology:

Clear Light Lens Technology allows more colors of the visible light spectrum to come through the lens for natural, accurate tones. Four arc sensors and four modes: weld, cut, grind, and X-Mode. X-Mode prevents sunlight from darkening the lens before welding starts and low-amperage lens opening from obstructed sensors. Digital controls easily allow the welder to adjust shade, delay, and sensitivity. Auto-on/off power control triggers lens at the strike of an arc.

Adjustments and Reliability:

The Miller 281000 Digital Elite is a great all-around lightweight TIG, MIG, and grinding helmet, except for its fragility and poor headgear design. Headgear provides extensive adjustability settings and a pivoting top for better fit and comfort. It offers 1-1-1-2 optical clarity. It has a lens called clear light, which removes the green tint most lenses show to clear up visibility and bring in natural light that’s typically hidden.

Specs:

  • Easy-adjust mode and settings
  • NEW 3 Year Warranty
  • 9.22 sq. in. viewing area
  • Four Arc Sensors for superior lens response
  • Four Operating Modes – Weld, Cut, Grind and X-Mode
  • Auto-On/Off power control triggers lens at the strike of an arc
  • Viewing Area – 9.22 sq. in. 3.85 x 2.38 sq. in (97 x 60 mm)
  • Four Arc Sensors – 1/ 20,000 sec. lens speed
  • Sensitivity and Delay Control – .10 – 1.0 sec
  • TIG Rating – 5 amps and below
  • Lithium batteries (2) – with a solar assist; up to 3,000 hours
  • Weight- 18 oz. (482g)
  • Meets ANSI Z87.-2003 (High Impact) standard
  • Includes 5 outside cover lenses, 2 inside cover lenses, and helmet bag

Note: Check out Miller Plasma Cutters here

 

Pros
  • Lightweight
  • X-mode
  • Three-year warranty
  • 1-1-1-2 optical clarity
  • Clear light lens technology
Cons
  • Poor headgear design
  • Fragile lens technology
  • Expensive replacement lens

Check Latest Price

 

Hobart Inventor:

Hobart has long been a major player in the welding industry. Products like the Inventor welding helmet have a lot to do with that. The controls for the auto-dark feature use dials, which are easier to use than buttons when wearing gloves. The helmet shell, whileHobart Inventor somewhat thin, is made of polyamide nylon. This material offers lightweight for its degree of protection from the collision, debris, slag, and sparks. The headgear offers adjustments on the top as well as the rear. That’s another feature that adds some weight but improves comfort and balance.

The Hobart Inventor does weigh slightly more than other helmets in its class. That’s a result of the big 9.3-inch viewport and the magnifying “cheater lens” inside the hood. However, the weight really isn’t a big factor because it’s well-balanced. Hobart and Jackson are probably the most-used auto-darkening welding helmets in professional shops. Comfort is the biggest reason for that.

Hobart’s sales volume and the fact the Inventor only comes in black account for great value at a price suitable for hobbyists. Hobart inventor actually packs some nice features. It is a decent mid-premium level welding helmet suitable for beginner hobby welders and professionals alike. If you are a beginner welder, investing in that particular model, you probably do not have to upgrade to a fancier helmet in the near future if you know how to take care of your things.

Lens technology:

It has a regular lens, not a true color one and I think that is why the price is so reasonable. For those of you who are wondering if 770890 features a grinding mode, of course, it does. That is one of the main things you can expect from helmets at this price range. Nice little neat thing added to this helmet is a flashing led inside of the hood which blinks when the grinding mode is on. It is a really good feature to remind you if you have grind mode on to help avoid flashing yourself.

Specs:

  • 4 arc sensors
  • Grinding mode
  • Should not worry about getting the arc eye because of blocking the sensor.
  • Magnifying cheater lens.
  • Includes 4 external covers

 

Pros
  • Sensitivity & Delay Controls
  • Turns on and shuts off automatically
  • Low battery indicator
  • Users love its great balance & optical clarity
  • Headgear offers size and top adjustment
Cons
  • Slightly heavy at 1.25 pounds
  • May darken in shop lighting

Check Latest Price

 

Antra AH6-260-0000:

The Antra Welding Helmet must be the most popular welding helmet on the market and is definitely the best welding helmet for the money. It ticks a lot of boxes in terms of quality, with a good optical glass, lens reaction time, and shade range. It also now hasAntra AH6-260-0000 a grind mode and adjustable sensitivity options. It’s so lightweight that it’s great for welding for long periods of time, but not the best choice for durability so I wouldn’t use this for heavy welding applications or overhead welding.

 Lens Technology And viewing Area:

The viewing area is still ok but it’s about half the size of the Lincoln 3350. Overall the AH6-260 is an excellent welding helmet for the price and a perfect choice for beginner welders of hobbyists looking for a bargain. We found the Antra AH6-260-0000 to be one of the best welding helmets for the money due to its lightweight, clear vision, extensive 4/5-9/9-13 shade settings, and all-around performance. It does exactly what a basic hood needs to in protecting your face and eyes, without breaking the bank.

 Durability:

It’s not the most flexible helmet, so it won’t bend out of the way if you hit your head on something, but it can withstand a beating. The headgear has 1-1-1-2 optical clarity equal to the Esab SENTINEL. This Antra model pales compared to the Esab SENTINEL and the Lincoln 3350, but for a simple helmet at a low cost, it’s an excellent option. Note that it has a short one-year warranty and is not meant for industrial use.

Pros
  • 1-1-1-2 optical clarity
  • Good price
  • Lightweight
  • 4/5-9/9-13 shade settings
  • Durable
Cons
  • Not for industrial use
  • One-year warranty

Check Latest Price

 

Lincoln Electric K3034-4 VIKING 3350:

Lincoln Electric Viking 3050 model has been on the welding market for over 7 years and has great customer reviews. Large view-port, true color tech, good fit, and great sensor quality and reaction time make it the top welding helmet for the money and you Lincoln Electric K3034-4 VIKING 3350will not make a mistake getting one. The Lincoln Electric Viking 3350 auto-darkening welding helmet (generation 4) is the ultimate blend of comfort, productivity, and optics.

Lens technology:

VIKING welding helmets have a 1/1/1/1 optical clarity rating which showcases the absence of common lens imperfections such as blurriness and distortion while also providing consistent brightness and performance at an angle. While the quality of the auto-darkening lens is critical, the size is also an important attribute to consider.

The 3350 series features an extra-large 12.5 square inch viewing area. The 4th generation of VIKING 3350 Series welding helmets is here and is available in over 15 different styles to provide professional performance and appeal which stands out from the crowd. What’s included: Comes with helmet bag, bandana, 5 outside cover lenses, 2 inside cover lenses and sticker sheet.

4C lens technology for superior, true color visibility and minimal eye strain.

Honestly, certain newer helmets may be superior in some ways, but they have not seen the same amount of use and abuse that these models have endured.

Specs:

  • Optical Clarity: 1/1/1/1
  • Shade Range: 5-13
  • Viewing Area: 3.74″ x 3.34″ (12.5 Square Inches)
  • Switching Speed: 1/25,000 Sec.
  • Number of Arc Sensors: 4
  • Outside Cover Lens: 4.5 x 5.25
Pros
  • Four arc sensors for superior lens response
  • Ergonomic X6 Headgear™
  • DC TIG rated to 2 amps
  • External grind control
  • Enhanced outdoor performanc
Cons
  • A bit heavy

Check Latest Price

 

Jackson Safety 46131:

The Jackson Safety 46131 is another top pick not to miss when comparing your options for the top welding helmets to last longer than other options on the market are. It has a superb performance that makes it a perfect choice for welders who want to get theirJACKSON SAFETY 46131 job done fast.

Lens technology:

The Jackson Safety 46131 features a wide array of comfort and protection features to increase your productivity and eliminate the risk of injury. It has a lens shade range of 9-13 as well as a wide viewing area of 3.93″ x 2.36″. You also get four independent auto-darkening sensors and sensitivity and delay adjustments that are easy to control.

The smart auto-darkening filters allow you to complete your metal fabrication tasks with maximum efficiency. Add to this the fact that you can easily choose between different weld process modes and grind. According to some reviews, the construction appears to be somewhat flimsy. However, you will find that this helmet is adjustable, comfortable, and lightweight.

Specs:

  • Grind and weld modes
  • Compatible with HLX100 and HSL 100 shells
  • Four independent auto dimming sensors
  • 3.93″ x 2.36″ viewing area
Pros
  • Automatic adjustments
  • Digital controls
  • Delay adjustments
  • 4 dimming sensors
  • CSA compliant
Cons
  • A bit heavy

Check Latest Price

 

Miller 251292 Welding Helmet: 

One of Our choice for the best budget welding helmet out there is the Miller 251292. It’s lightweight and very comfortable to wear for a long time. If you’re planning on doing welding work for a long time (or going to welding school/classes), this is a good fit forMiller 251292 Welding Helmet you. The lens of the helmet is clear, and if you want another one in the future, you can get one easily as they’re readily available

This helmet is sturdy, with an adjustable shade and fit. It only takes two AA batteries to get it up and running properly. For beginners or those who don’t want to spend a lot of money on a helmet, this is a great choice. The only downside is that its viewing window is somewhat small.

However, all in all, its still one of the best cheap welding helmets on the market.

 

 

Pros
  • Clear and Wide Lens
  • Cheaper Than Other Models
  • Fully Adjustable (including the shade and fit)
Cons
  • Small viewing window

Check Latest Price

 

ASAB’s Sentinel A50:

ASAB’s Sentinel A50 is an attempt to redefine the traditional welding helmet. The futuristic “space warrior” look actually serves a valid purpose. It’s streamlined to allow close work like welding inside cars, cabinets, and machinery. The curved shape is also Asab’s SENTINEL A50intended to improve head coverage. The curved lens is designed for good peripheral vision to avoid collisions.

However, many owners report that in-close welding can result in warping damage to the lens. As a piece that’s not standardized across the industry, replacements are costly. Some users complain of glare and “fisheye” effects through this viewport.

Highly Adjustable:

One place where ESAB seems to have hit a home run is with the 5-point headgear. This design features a basket shape that fits over the top of the head like many hard hats use. The 5-point headgear allows shifting the weight of the helmet in different directions for difficult welding situations like lying on your side.

The ESAB A50 isn’t all looks, either. One nice high-technology feature is a phone-like color touch screen for the shade and sensitivity settings.

Lens technology:

We include Esab Sentinel A50 Auto-Darkening in our welding helmet review because it boasts incredible clarity, and in some cases looks like you’re not even wearing a welding helmet at all, while providing all the protection you need. The Esab Sentinel A50 has an Optical Class Rating of 1/1/1/2 being best in class for vision accuracy (very low distortion), diffusion of light (no spots where light will block vision due to impurities), and luminous transmittance (even shading).

The last class is where it struggles a bit: angle dependence.

From some angles, you will get an uneven shading, but it’s within acceptable levels

Specs:

  • Streamlined nylon shell design
  • Halo 5-point headband
  • Centralized pivot provides good head clearance
  • 3.93-inch by 2.36-inch viewport
  • Color touch screen controls
Pros
  • 8 separate memories
  • Hard hat adapter option
  • Very light weight
  • Shape is good for welding in cars
Cons
  • Curved front lens is costly to replace
  • Lens suffers from glare issues
  • Nylon shell scratches easily

Check Latest Price

 

The Instapark ADF Series GX990T:

This is a very basic welding helmet model with a small user interface. It is powered by a built-in solar panel cell and a replaceable CR2450 battery as a power source. The ADF eliminates the need to flip the welding helmet up and down in between torch Instapark ADF Series GX990Tplacements. This boosts productivity with the less stop-and-start time required with passive lens welding helmets.

Among our economy picks, this helmet might be another great candidate for professional use depending on the type of welding. The ADF GX990T welding helmet is ergonomically designed and made with patent-protected lightweight composite materials. It offers a custom fit via a ratcheting headband system and a fully padded interior for comfort.

Lens Technology:

It should give you a full view of your entire welding area with excellent optical clarity rating and good UV/IR protection. This solar auto darkening mask also comes with a variable shade range that is adjustable from shade level five to shade level thirteen with a resting default shade of four.

The Instapark ADF Series GX990T should not be missed out when finding the best welding helmets. It has many great features that make it an excellent choice for many types of welders. So, whatever the welding job, you can rely on it. 

Specs:

  • Viewport: Dimensions: 3.94” x 3.86”, Area: 15.21 sq in
  • Shade range level: DIN 5 – 13 with DIN 4 at light mode shading
  • Grinding button: External button
  • Weight: 1.5lb
  • What is Unique about it: Exceptionally large view dimensions and the external controls

 

Pros
  • An extra-large viewing area
  • All outside controls
  • Great while learning to weld
Cons
  • Battery Power

Check Latest Price

YesWelder M800HP:

This helmet from YesWelder is easily the best welding helmet under 100$ which provide a variety of features in a low budget.YesWelder M800HP

 Lens Technology:

It offers the true-color view and the 1/1/1/2 Optical Clarity rating. The true color view is not something you can find at this price range and it is reserved for more expensive hoods. It allows you to see more clearly and you don’t have to deal with the green color which is a characteristic that will reduce your eye strain. This is the biggest plus to this helmet.

Highly Customizable:

The headgear is comfortable and does the job very well. The only downside is that it is of a bit lower quality so you may need to change the headgear in the future. The helmet has 4 arc sensors and it meets the safety and technical standard of EN379 and ANSI Z87.1. Another plus of this helmet is a huge viewing screen of 3.93 x 3.66 inches which when combined with the true color view and quality arc sensors easily makes it a top choice under 100$.

 

Pros
  • Clear and Wide Lens
  • Cheaper Than Other Models
  • Fully Adjustable (including the shade and fit)
Cons
  • Small viewing window
  • May Get scratches.

 

Check Latest Price

 

How to Choose the “Best Welding Helmets – 2021”

The best welding helmet is one of the most essential work equipment in welding for health and safety especially of the eyes and face. For this reason, choosing a welding helmet should not be taken lightly. Do not take shortcuts, but be sure to weigh your options well to find the right one to match your needs and help you perform your job easier and faster.

In the following, let us take a look at some of the most important features to check when comparing your options for the best results.

Sensors

Ideally, good helmets have four sensors that are enough to capture flashes while welding from different angles. On the other hand, you can find helmets with two sensors that can be enough if you are not working from a variety of angles or working only for regular positions.

However, they’re insufficient to catch all flashes when welding from another position. So at the very least, getting a welding helmet with four sensors can be an ideal choice if you’re a welder working at a wide range of positions, such as when working in a place where an obstruction or a pipe is blocking a sensor from capturing a flash. Without even saying, a four-sensor helmet is better for protection and safety.

Shade options

There is more to do with a welding helmet if it has more shade options. For example, welders cutting or grinding metal commonly use a shade between 9 and 13. But then, there are welding helmets coming with a 6-13 shade, allowing you to keep working without switching off the helmet

So without even saying, a range of 9-13 can be enough if you don’t do any welding works. However, you should go for one with a wider option range because it can let you get more jobs done. It is also more convenient to use, allowing you to accomplish more using only one helmet.

It is also important to note that the shade of the lens can protect your eyes from the bright flashes when working. For this reason, professional welders go for auto-darkening helmets offering a wider range of shades. These helmets are also perfect for protecting your eyes from the harmful effects of UV rays.

Weight

A lighter model should weigh about 20 ounces. Such can save your neck from fatigue and pain versus wearing a heavier welding helmet particularly if you work for many hours. If you’re working only for hobbies or side projects, then you might not have an issue choosing a slightly heavier welding helmet.

Power source

What is the power source of the helmet? Some helmets have an irreplaceable power source, which is why you need to take a look at it when selecting your welding helmet. When choosing a welding helmet, you should check that it could offer you with a power source you could replace.

A few common power sources for welding helmets include solar panels, batteries or both. As a tip, you might want to check out a model that can use a solar power source. It can extend the battery life especially if you’re using them together.

If choosing a model running on battery alone, you must take note that you might have to replace it often if using the welding helmet frequently.

 Many professional welders choose models having a combination of batteries and solar power. 

There you have some of the things to look into when shopping around for a welding helmet. Again, you should check for power source, weight, sensors and shade options. Be able to study and weigh your options so that you can make use of the right welding helmet to help you accomplish the job faster and easier.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Which are best Welding helmets?
  • Lincoln 3350 Series
  • 3M Speedglas 9100
  • Hobart 770756 – Impact Variable
  • Miller 281000 Digital Elite
  • Hobart Inventor
  • Antra AH6-260-0000
  • Lincoln Electric K3034-4 VIKING 3350
  • Jackson Safety 46131
  • Miller 251292 Welding Helmet
  • ASAB’s Sentinel A50
  • The Instapark ADF Series GX990T
  • YesWelder M800HP
How to Adjust a Welding Mask?

After making sure that the battery is securely in place, you can start adjusting your mask by setting the shield delay time. This is the time your shield takes to change from dark to light after you are finished welding. This is a personal preference, and you should do some experimenting to find a setting that feels comfortable.

The second adjustment is your shade setting. This is the level of darkness that your shield reaches when you are welding. This adjustment depends on the welding process and should be the darkest level recommended.

In some cases, you will be able to set the shield’s sensitivity. This setting also depends on your welding operations. You want it to go dark whenever there is an arc strike, but you may not want the shield to go dark for, say, a plasma cutter.

Lastly, adjust the headband to tightness to keep your helmet in place. It should fit comfortably, and you should be able to see through the lens without any obstructions.

How to Clean a Welding Helmet?

Cleaning your mask is incredibly important to ensure that you can see through it clearly and also to enhance its lifespan. The grime that forms from welding can have a detrimental effect on your equipment in the long-run. Before you start cleaning your mask, check your user manual for the correct procedure to remove your lens system.

For regular smoke and dust contamination, rinse your lens off with water and wipe it with a soft paper towel. If there is stubborn grit that sticks to the lens, you can remove it with a window cleaner and a soft brush.

The Best Place to Buy One?

Although you can buy a mask from your local hardware store, they will likely only have a limited number of models available. Buying online through Amazon will allow you to choose from hundreds of models. It will also be easier to compare prices and specifications.

An additional benefit of shopping for a hood on Amazon is that you can see exactly what buyers think of the products and the seller’s customer service.

If you don’t like what you see, you can click away and buy somewhere else. Amazon sellers often have free shipping and return options, which can save you a lot of money and effort.

How to Choose a Welding Mask?

To choose a shield, you need to know what your specific requirements are. Your welding processes largely determine the shade range and other things such as auto-darkening sensitivity.

After considering your welding processes and working environment, decide whether you want a passive or auto-darkening lens. When you choose a passive lens, the only decision you have left is what shade you want. In many cases, ten is the most versatile, as it is the most versatile darkness between 8 and 14.

If you decide to go with an auto-darkening lens, find a product with a wide dark range. You’ll also need to decide whether you want solar or battery power. Each one has its pros and cons; for example, you don’t have to remember to switch off a solar-powered unit. 

How to Test an Auto-darkening Model?

To test an auto-darkening model, strike an arc by tapping the rod. The goal here is to make a spark. Even a 1/3,600 arc should be enough to darken the shield without hurting your eyes. Alternatively, you can take a lighter and light it close to the exterior of the shield, which would also cause it to darken.

If the lens doesn’t go dark, there may be several reasons. First, check the on/off button inside the helmet. If the helmet is switched on, replace the batterie. with new ones. You can also check the troubleshooting section in your user manual to see if you can find the cause.

As a last resort, you can also take it to your local welding shop to see if the people there can help you find the reason your lens doesn’t go dark.

Can welding helmets be used for grinding?

Yes. However, this will depend on the type of helmet you buy. Some of the helmets in our review above can be used for grinding. 

Editors Pick: “Final Verdict”:

This is a diverse selection of helmets across every price range. We’re going with the Lincoln Viking 3350 as our pick for the best welding helmet based on excellent optics, outstanding construction and a huge viewport. The Hobart Inventor is a great choice in the lower price range, but this review is about the best helmet regardless of price.

That’s the Lincoln, in our book.

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  1. J. T Barbour says

    July 12, 2020 at 6:14 pm

    I have read this guide. Best guide ever for metal fabricators.

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