If you are a welding pro or a DIY-enthusiast who loves working with metals, you will understand the need to protect your eyes, skin, or face from flash burns. The welding process produces sparks, infrared, and ultra-violet light as well as heat, all of which can burn if you are not careful. You should do everything possible to prevent an arc eye while welding, which is a painful condition that inflames the cornea hence affecting your eyesight.
The best welding helmets help you to enhance your safety while working, and you will, therefore, weld like the professional you are, with no stress. Since there are several brands and types of welding helmets, it is of paramount importance to choose the best. It may not be easy to do this unless you have all the time and resources for trial and error. You will thus need a guide like this one to help you pick the ideal one. Read on to know what to look for and select the best from our list of the most sought-after tools:
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Welding Helmet
Understanding the factors to consider when purchasing the best welding helmets saves you a great deal both on your safety and on your money. The following list of factors will help you make the right decision:
- Safety Standards
According to the ANSI standards, welding helmets need to provide the user with full and maximum protection. The headgear, therefore, needs to pass through rigorous testing that includes protection from ultraviolet and infrared light. They should also protect you from impact and high temperatures. It is, therefore, necessary to find out from the supplier if the gadget complies with these standards before buying.
- Weight and Comfort
Heavy helmets can be quite uncomfortable and even painful when you wear them for more extended periods. It is vital to choose a light one that is comfortable on you and one that does not strain your neck when working. It is also advisable to choose a welding helmet that has a pad to add on to the comfort as well as protect you from injuries. The size of this gear also plays a vital role when it comes to you enjoying what you do. Look for that which fits safely around your head and one which does not rotate on your head as this may distract you and cause injuries.
- The size of the viewing area
The size of the viewing area depends on the project you are handling and also the working space. If you require welding out of position or need to have visibility over a wide area, you will need a headgear with a large viewing area. You should select a viewing space that does not require you to keep adjusting your body to have a clear view.
- The Arc Sensors
When selecting an auto-darkening welding helmet, it is crucial to consider the number of arc sensors. The sensors can detect flashes when you are welding and darken the mask very fast hence protecting your eyes from injuries. It is advisable to buy the headgear that has three or four sensors as this will effectively catch the flash, therefore safe for you even when working out of position.
- The power source of the helmet
The power source of the welding helmet is either lithium batteries, solar, or both. The best choice would be one that uses both sources as this guarantees extended battery life. It also assures you of continued use even when one source fails. If, however, you choose a gear that uses batteries as its source of power, it is vital to pick one that has a replaceable battery. A solar-powered helmet may be ideal since you don’t need to replace the battery hence ensuring that you can continue welding without any interruptions.
- Sensitivity regulation
You should choose an auto-darkening helmet that can set the minimum level of brightness. This feature helps when you are operating at low amperage, requiring more sensitivity. The control is also necessary if you are working in an area with a lot of arcs or other welders.
- The type of lens shade
The auto-darkening welding helmets have lenses that provide a variety of shades. You should, therefore, choose the one with various shades as this will enable you to be flexible with your applications.
- The Cost
The cost of welding helmets depends on their quality. You should, therefore, look around to get the right gear that suits your budget. It is also advisable to bear in mind that if you purchase very cheap helmets that may not serve you for long and you may need to keep replacing.
Top 6 welding helmets In 2020 (Best Picks)
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Summary of the 6 best welding helmets
Getting the ideal welding helmet for your job may be an uphill task since there are several brands in the market. You will need a lot of time and resources to try various gears until you get the most suitable. However, it may not be straightforward for you to do all this. But you need not worry since we have done the research, tried a number of these tools, and compile a list of the best six. This list consists of devices that meet the safety standards and other requirements of the welding helmet. The price ranges are also affordable as well as match the quality. READ on and pick the perfect for you:
Welding Helmets | Features/Benefits |
Welding helmet AH6-260-0000 by Antra | Reliable solar power Passive UV/IR filter that works consistency and independent performance Lightweight when fully assembled Easily adjustable delay time and sensitivity regulation Separately-sold hard hat adapter Unmatched versatility |
True color Solar Powered Auto-darkening Welding helmet by YESWELDER. | Ideal for TIG MMA MIG Excellent clarity, accurate color view Magnifying lens/cheater lens compatibility design Long-lasting battery Superior comfort with pivot style headgear |
Solar-powered welding helmet by DEKOPRO | Optimal eye protection Clean, comfortable view Practical, intelligent and cost-effective Battery powered with solar panel technology for durability Suitable for multiple working environments |
Considerable Viewing Solar power Auto Darkening Welding Helmet by YESWELDER | LYG – M800H-B extensive viewing Perfect for TIG, MIG, MMA and plasma applications Large viewing size with four premium sensors Superior clarity, accurate color view Durable battery Excellent comfort with a pivot style headgear |
Solar-powered auto-darkening hood by DEKOPRO | Ultimate eye protection Auto-darkening filter that shifts from light to dark in 1/2500 seconds Manual adjustments for various demands Clean and comfortable view Practical, intelligent and cost-effective Suitable for several working environments |
Anti-Fog up True Color Solar-powered Welding Helmet by YESWELDER. | Ideal for TIG MIG MMA Large viewing size with side view Non-auto darkening Superior clarity, right color view – 1/1/1/2 optical clarity Long-lasting battery Excellent comfort with pivot style headgear |
a)Welding Helmet AH6-260-260-0000 by Antra
This auto-darkening helmet by Antra is suitable for both TIG and MIG welding. It has a solar power cell and two-replaceable CR2032 batteries, which ensure that you use it continuously for several hours with no power outage. It goes on/off automatically on/off, and you, therefore, do not need to worry about switching it. The power-off delay ensures that the filter stays on for about ten minutes in the dark before it goes on a sleep mode. You will, therefore, conclude on what you are doing in case of a power outage.
The helmet is lightweight, weighing only 455g when completely assembled. You will, therefore, use it for long without getting fatigued. The gear has a flexible delay time and sensitivity control that makes it sense any flashlight hence making it safe to use. It responds fast to electric arc from the TIG, MMA, plasma applications, or MIG that protecting your eyes. Its versatility makes it suitable for use in cutting, grinding, and welding tasks.
Features
- Reliable solar power
- Battery indicator and suitable self-darkening test button
- In-built passive filter that provides permanent UV/IR protection
- Low DC TIG amperage rating
- Quick grind switch for cutting before welding
Specifications
- Color: black
- Height: 12.0 inches
- Brand: Antra
- Viewing area: 98mm x 44mm/ 3.86-inches x 1.73-inches
- Cartridge size: 110mm x 90mm x 9mm
- Optical class:1/1/2
Perfect for all MIG, TIG, MMA, and plasma applications!
b). True Color Solar Powered Auto Darkening Welding Helmet by YESWELDER
This auto-darkening helmet has a real color technology that helps to improve visibility and to prevent your eyes from straining. It can minimize the ordinary lime green coloring in the view screen. The true-color technology also helps to preserve the existing 1-1-1-2 optical clarity rating. The headgear is lightweight and hence comfortable, and you will use it for long without any fatigue.
You will quickly adjust the size of the headgear since it has a comfort cushion that provides excellent adjustability settings. It also has improved support for excellent fitting and comfort. You will, therefore, work without the discomfort of the gear rotating on your head. Hence it is safe to use.
Features
- Better clarity, real color view
- True color technology for enhanced visibility
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Oversized comfort cushion for extensive adjustability
- Cheater lens/magnifying lens compatible design
Specifications
- Color: bright black
- Viewing size: 3.64 x 1,67-inches
- Item weight: 2 pounds
- Style: LYG-L500A bight black
- Material: PA/PP
- Battery cell type: Lithium-ion
Ideal for TIG MIG and MMA!
c). Solar Powered Welding Helmet by DEKOPRO
This welding helmet by DEKOPRO has an auto-darkening filter that switches from light to dark in a short time. It thus enhances optimal eye protection even when there is an electric failure. The gear ensures that you remain protected from UV and IR radiations when there is power failure according to shade 16. 1/1/1/2 rating. It is safe to use as it meets the ANSI standards.
You will be able to adjust the delay settings to meet the demands of different environments and task duration. The headgear also gives you enhanced visibility and color recognition since it can filter light level, switching from dark to bright within 0.1 seconds to 1.0 seconds. It also gives you a clean and comfortable view that can diffuse light, vary luminous transmittance, and angular dependence. It allows you to see clearly at different angles, hence making your work easy and enjoyable.
Features
- Lightweight and perfect for a long time working
- Adjustable and fatigue-free comfortable headgear
- Helps the user to adapt to several working environments
- Sensitivity adjustments from ambient lighting sources
- Battery powered with solar technology
Specifications
- Color: blue
- Item weight: 2.05 pounds
- Style: MMA, MIG, MAG, CO2, TIG, plasma, arc
- Material: PP, plastic
- Viewing Area: 3.2 x 3.9 inches
Ideal for all welding tasks!
d). Large Viewing Solar Power Auto Darkening Welding Helmet by YESWELDER
The large viewing solar power welding helmet by YESWELDER is a suitable headgear for TIG MMA MIG and plasma applications. It has a large viewing area measuring 3.93 x 3.66-inches with four premium sensors that makes it useful in protecting your eyes. The gear also provides you with superior clarity, the right color view, which makes it easy for you to perform your tasks.
With better clarity, real color view, you can improve your viewing hence perform better. The actual color technology also preserves the 1-1-1-2 optical clarity rating. It also enhances visibility by reducing the tint that is lime green. The full screen enables you to see both better and more.
Features
- Real color view and better clarity
- True color technology that preserves the existing optical clarity rating of 1-1-1-2
- Large viewing area that provides a complete range of vision that enhances operator control
- Oversized comfort cushion that gives extensive flexibility settings and improved support
Specifications
- Item weight: 2.2 pounds
- Product dimensions: 12.5 x 7.9 x 9.8 inches
- Viewing size: 3.94-inches by 3.66-inches
- Color: black
- Style: LYG-M800H super large viewing
Don’t be left behind!
e). Solar Powered Auto Darkening Hood by DEKOPRO
This welding helmet by DEKOPRPO is a sturdy protective headgear that gives your eyes ultimate protection. It has an auto-darkening filter that can switch from light to dark in a flash. If electric power fails, you remain protected against IR and UV radiations according to shade 16.1/2/1/2 rating. The gear is safe to use as it meets the safety standards of ANSI87.1-2010 and EN3794/9-13. The device also gives you enhanced visibility and color recognition when working in different environments.
The device is equipped with 3.62-inches by 1.65 -inches clear visor viewing area that allows the welder to see clearly at different angles. It also has a diffusion of light, angular dependence, and variation of luminous transmittance. You will also work with it for long since it is lightweight and balanced with a flexible and fatigue-free comfortable headgear. It is also suitable for various working environments such as construction, automotive, and all types of repairs.
Features
- Equipped with sensitivity and delay settings for flexibility
- Adaptable to different environments and task durations
- Superior visibility and color recognition
- Sensitivity regulations from ambient lighting sources
- Battery powered with solar panel technology for durability
- Ideal for all working environments
Specifications
- Item weight: 1.6 pounds
- Product dimensions: 12.6 x 9.3 x 7.7 inches
- Style: flaming skull
- Color: flaming skull
- Material: plastic, glass, metal
- Battery cell type: lithium-ion
Perfect for all environments and welding tasks!
f). Anti-Fog Up True Color Solar Powered Welding Helmet by YESWELDER
The anti-fog up welding helmet by YESWELDER is another robust protective headgear with real color technology that enables the welder to see better and more. It helps to improve visibility and reduce eye-straining by minimizing the standard lime green coloring in the gear’s view screen. It also provides you with better clarity, real color view since the accurate color technology can preserve the existing 1-1-1-2 optical clarity rating.
You will be able to get a full range of vision concerning the welding area since the gear has the main viewing with side viewing. The DIN5, non-auto-darkening also enhance operator control. The special anti-fog up design also increases the display and keeps you working for long without any fog building up on the inner filter.
Features
- Perfect for MIG TIG MMA
- 2-premier arc sensors, response time 1/10000sec
- Superior comfort with pivot style headgear
- Wide shade range DIN4/DIN9-13
- Special anti-fog design
- Wide field of vision
Specifications
- Item weight: 2.2 pounds
- Product dimensions: 8.5 x 7.8 x 12.8 inches
- Style: LYG-S400S-A anti-fog with side view
- Material: PP/PA
- Battery cell type: lithium-ion
Comfortable and unique headgear for welders!
Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Welding Helmets
There are several FAQs about the best welding headgears. Below is a list of those that we feel are crucial for you when picking the right helmets:
Q. How can one choose the right welding helmet?
One should look for the welding helmet that provides essential protection and whose price range is low. It should also be capable of giving the user sufficient face and head protection. The viewing lens should be a dark, tinted glass that has typically #10 shade and UV and IR coating.
Q. What is the right shade for a welding headgear?
The best lens should have a shade range of #10 to #13, as this protects you from getting flash burns on your eyes. A higher number of shades makes the lens darker. However, if you are using higher amperage, then you require a more colored glass.
Q. What is the effect of welding on the eyes?
Welding produces ultraviolet, infrared, and visible spectrum radiations. If the lights are reflected in the eyes, they can cause an arc eye, which is a painful condition that affects the cornea. The fallout could come from an individual’s work or even from other welders. The exposure may also lead to the eyes becoming yellow, and it is, therefore, advisable to protect yourself.
Q. What is a welder’s eye?
A welder’s eye is also known as a flash burn. It is a painful inflammation of the cornea (the clear tissue that covers the eye). It occurs when you expose the eyes to bright UV or IR light. The condition is sometimes called the arc eye or welder’s flash.
Q. Can welding cause blindness?
If you weld for long without proper protection, you expose your eyes to intense ultraviolet radiation. This exposure may lead to getting the welder’s flash or photokeratitis, which could result in temporary blindness. It is, therefore, crucial that you take proper precaution not to damage your eyesight, which could, in effect, lead to permanent blindness.
Welding Helmets Tips and Tricks
Final Word
Welding can be fun but also dangerous if not correctly handled. It can cause a lot of harm or injuries because of burning from sparks. It is therefore wise that before you engage in it, you acquire the suitable protective gear for your safety. There is a lot of technology that is designed to protect your face and skin from sparks. Different designs of welding helmets have come up with auto-darkening features, solar power, and brightness options. The styles aim at protecting your eyes from UV light that can burn your cornea hence causing arc eye, also known as welders’ flash.
It is advisable that when picking the welding helmets, you look for one that is lightweight and comfortable on your head so as not to strain or get fatigued. The viewing area should also be large enough to enhance your vision and give you a comprehensive view of your work environment. It is also advisable to choose a gear that has adjustable delay time as well as a sensitivity control.
A protective gear that has both solar power and battery cell is also ideal as this will enhance durability as well as long working time. Always choose wisely and let nothing stop you!
References
- https://www.pinterest.com/marvinlara202/welding-helmets
- https://www.pinterest.com/winterbells22/welding-helmets
- https://www.pinterest.com/mbeumer/welding-helmets
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Welding_helmet
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Welding_helmet
Last update on 2023-02-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
