Best Welding Helmets For 2024 Reviews & Buyer’s Guide [Top Auto-Darkening Welding Hoods & Their Money Alternatives] 

Why you should invest in a quality welding helmet!

You must wear a welding helmet to protect yourself against radiation, sparks, and other fiery particles, which can cause great damage to your face and neck if you are not protected. We’ve compiled reviews of the best welding helmets on the market right now to make sure you don’t suffer the consequences of purchasing the wrong helmet. 

Welding helmets are widely used in every working industry due to their importance. Welders wear these helmets for several hours, so they need to buy a comfortable helmets for them. There are also several other factors that you need to consider while buying a welding helmet.  

Types of Welding Helmets

You need to protect your eyes while you work to stay safe and do your job well. It’s important to wear the right type of safety glasses or goggles for the job you’re doing. Wearing protection for your eyes is not a waste of money – it can help you stay safe and healthy.

In this post, we’ll try to figure out what the finest welding helmet on the market is. We’ve compiled a list of top auto-darkening welding helmets as well as budget options that are just as good.

The Bell Super 3.0 Goggle helmet is the safest and most well-ventilated option available. It comes in three different shell sizes to fit different head shapes and sizes, has a rear flip-up shield for ventilation, an auto-darkening visor to reduce light reflection, and moisture-wicking sweatbands.

We also produced a lengthy buyer’s guide that explains all of the features of today’s welding helmets and what to look for when purchasing one for your work.

Quick Comparison of Best Auto Darkening Welding Helmets

To meet the ANSI Z87.1 – 2003 (also known as ANSI Z87+) requirements, which ensure that viewing lenses and helmets can withstand high-velocity impact, all welding helmets examined here have been tested to comply with those standards (and are referred to as ANSI Z87+).

Best Welding Helmet Reviews for 2023: Experts’ Choice

Finally, here are our selections for the finest welding helmet. (All of these eight hoods are wonderful, but the list’s order is based on my personal preference and expertise)

• Lincoln Electric Viking 3350 Welding Helmet (Recommended)
• YesWelder M800HP
• Optrel Crystal 2.0 Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet (Recommended)
• Digital Elite – Miller Welding Helmet
• 3M Speedglass 9100xxi Welding Helmet
• Esab Sentinel A50 Welding Helmet
• Optrel Panoramaxx Welding Helmet
• Optrel VegaView 2.5 Welding Helmet

The first helmet I looked at was the absolute best helmet money can buy. The remaining seven helmets on the list are all top of the line. They’re all subjected to rigorous testing and meet national safety requirements. They’re all designed to be comfortable and can fit a wide range of head sizes.

Best Welding Helmet Overall – Lincoln Electric Viking 3350

Even though there are several cheaper welding helmets on the market, the best professional-level welding helmet for the money is Lincoln Electric 3350. With a 3.94 X 3.86 viewport, you’ll get crystal clear vision for the price paid, which is among the biggest in the welding business.

The Lincoln Electric 3350 has 4C lens technology which gives you superior, true color visibility. This will not cause any eye strain. Plus, the viewing lens is unusually large and this can be used for cutting and all types of welding.

The Lincoln Electric auto-darkening welding helmet is a great choice for welding workers. It ensures that your eye is protected through one of the best helmets. Additionally, the premium quality helmet from Lincoln helmets offers a wide range of viewing areas. This ensures you have the largest viewing area and it is easy to complete your task. Even small amounts of welding current will be detected by four high-quality arc sensors. Some welders, nevertheless, give benefits to the ESAB Sentinel A50 when it comes to low amp TIG. Regardless, Viking 3350 holds a throne when it comes to longevity.

You’ll be able to see your work with perfect clarity using Lincoln 3350. With a balanced design that reduces pressure, the auto-darkening helmet ensures safety and comfort.  

Lincoln Electric upgraded the Viking 3350 to improve performance and address complaints. The manufacturer kept all of the good elements while attempting to remedy the problems. Some people still think that headgear ergonomics are difficult and unpleasant.

The newest model includes an external grind mode button that is simple to press even with welding gloves on. The indicator that you are in grind mode is also a nice touch. Overall, Lincoln Electric Viking is a good welder. It has been on the market for a while. Some people think the price is too high for hobbyists, but professional welders think it is worth it.

Specifications 

1. True color View – crystal clear view of the arc and puddle to enhance your control and increase weld quality while reducing eye strain with 3350 series 4C lens, which has a 1/1/1/1 optical clarity rating
2. Large Viewing Size – 3.74″ x 3.34″ viewing range with 4C Premium Sensors offers a great viewing range for any welder
3. Switch time – This helmet has an efficient lens s
4. TIG amperage rating:  less than four amps.
5. Adjustable Shade Level 5-13 – You can use stainless steel for almost everything, including delicate things and welding processes.
6. Sunlight Differentiation – The helmet’s tinting system can tell the difference between a weld arc and direct sunlight, therefore it doesn’t change tones automatically.
7. Analog controls – Inside the helmet, analog controls allow you to alter your welding settings while wearing gloves.
8. External Grind Button – to help you switch quickly and easily between the weld and grind mode using external controls
9. X6 Comfortable Headgear –establish 6 contact points that distribute weight, eliminate pressure and provide a personalized fit for maximum comfort
10. Package features: The package includes 5 replacement lenses for the outside of your helmet, 2 replacement lenses for the inside of your helmet, a helmet bag, and a sticker sheet to customize your helmet.

TIG Welder

Essential Features to Look For in A Welding Helmet

There’s no denying that welding helmets are essential personal protective equipment. When dealing with metals, you can’t be careful enough to work without a good helmet on. Besides offering protection against burning sparks and molten metal, welding helmets help you feel at ease and comfortable working. And, with greater comfort comes more focus and top-tier welding performance. 

To buy the best welding helmet for you, there are some factors you should consider. This will help you to choose a suitable helmet for your use.  

With the endless list of welding helmets available today, choosing the best one might seem like a daunting task. However, choosing the best welding helmet will be a breeze when you know what features to look for. 

Welders Comfort

Almost every workday is spent under your hood, so why be uncomfortable? Multiple adjustment points, a tailored fit, and an even distribution of weight are some of the features of an adjustable head harness. So before buying a welding helmet make sure the product is comfortable enough for you. 

Welding Helmet Weight 

When it comes to welding helmets, the lighter, the better. You don’t want your helmet feeling like an extra pound on your neck, as that can lead to huge discomfort during work. The best welding helmet for beginners and even experts should be light and efficient. 

Welders Viewing Area

There are welding helmets that automatically darken at every level of the industry.

You should choose a welding helmet with a wide field of view and high-quality optics to help you see contours and edges both when welding and setting up. By seeing your weld pool in greater detail, you can place electrodes more precisely, resulting in higher quality welds and higher efficiency. 

Different helmets have different viewing areas, which can impact your welding ability. Typically, the best welding helmet for you will be one that offers just the right viewing area to help you achieve optimal performance. Helmets with a wide viewing area will enable you to get a broader sight, while the ones with smaller viewing areas help you focus more by eliminating distractions.  

Welding Helmet Lens Performance

It does not matter how many photo-sensors are in an auto-darkening welding helmet as long as they consistently detect welding arcs. Instead of asking how many sensors the helmet has, the better question is how powerful the lens is. So you should check out the lens’s performance before buying a welding helmet for your use.  

Welding Helmet Safety 

A welding helmet must provide full and adequate protection to its wearer as required by ANSI standards. A welding helmet must pass rigorous tests to meet ANSI national safety standards, including UV, infrared, impact, and temperature protection. You should ensure safety measures before buying a welding helmet.  

What’s the point of using a helmet if it can’t guarantee your safety? The fundamental reason for wearing a helmet is safety and protection. So the best helmet will be the one offering the most protection. 

Welding Helmets: Different Types 

Helmets come in various types and sizes, and the ideal one for you will depend on your workflow, welding requirements, and personal preferences. The types of welding helmets available today include; 

• Auto-darkening welding helmets 
• The solar-powered lens helmet
• Passive welding helmets  
• The fixed-shade lens welding helmet 
• The battery-powered helmet 
• The variable-shade lens welding helmet 

Single or fixed shade Auto Darkening Welding Helmet 

Welders who mainly deal with one kind of material with the same thickness and follow an identical welding process will find a fixed shade helmet more relevant and a wiser investment. The main downside of fixed shades is that you don’t have control over their shade, even though they offer the same auto-darkening feature as variable shade helmets. 

You can wear one of these helmets while protecting yourself from harmful emissions and darkening in just a few milliseconds. LCD technology enables auto-darkening cartridges to achieve this. Auto-darkening will help you be more productive since you won’t have to take time off to adjust your helmet on the job. 

Variable Shade Auto Darkening Welding Helmet 

Due to its flexibility and adaptability, more dynamic welders may require a variable shade lens. Like fixed shades, variable shade helmets come with auto-darkening filters (ADF) and an electronic filter lens. They offer great freedom as you can choose the shade level based on your project demands and welding torch power. It’s safer to set your shade darker than needed and adjust down from there to prevent overexposure to brightness. 

Plus, beginners may find working with fixed lenses daunting, making variable shade their best option.

Passive Welding Helmets

Being a traditional version, passive welding helmets are highly durable and offer great protection for the face. However, they lack modernized features, which makes them highly affordable. 

Solar Powered Welding Helmets 

As the name implies, solar-powered helmets depend on solar energy to charge the battery. Most designs feature irreplaceable battery packs that primarily function to start the helmet. This is why forgetting to charge the helmet in the sun can be huge time water as their batteries can’t be replaced when low. In all, they prove to be economical as the energy required for work is derived from the sun. 

Battery-Powered Welding Helmets

Battery-powered helmets use rechargeable yet replaceable batteries, unlike solar-powered ones. Highly engaged welders often do not have the time to wait for solar helmets to charge before using them. That’s why the best helmet for welders who need ready-to-use designs will be battery-powered ones. 

That said, below are the best welding helmet 2022 based reviews from professional welders. 

Welders wear their helmets during work as if they were extensions of themselves. It is of the utmost importance to be comfortable with your helmet since it never comes off while working. According to their features and design, the number of different types of welding helmets.  

True Color Auto Darkening Solar Powered Welding Helmet

With the Yeswelder True Color welding helmet, you get a large viewing area along with a solar shade lens. This helmet is one of the best welding helmets for beginners.  

You will probably never own a lighter helmet than this one. The power is automatically turned on/off for grinding. It has world-class sensors that automatically adjust dark to light levels. 

With this welding helmet, you get more than gloves; you also get lens covers. Tanox can be used for various projects ranging from the automotive to the transportation industry. You must assemble the parts of Tanox before you can use it. 

Jackson Safety BH3 Auto Dark Welding Helmet

Jackson Safety BH3 will provide you with a perfect view of your work with its perfect visibility rating. Its high-density plastic shell provides you with maximum protection. 

The headgear is easily adjustable and comfortable to your head. Despite its price range, it weighs almost two pounds and provides total protection for your head. Only nine shade options are available, making it less adjustable than the previous suggestions. 

Miller 281000 Digital Elite Black Welding Helmet

Miller Digital Elite is an advanced and modern helmet for the welder. Your work is visible thanks to the Clear light lens technology in the product. It’s easy to use the digital controls as well. The lens technology provides a higher visible light spectrum, making it easier to see and promoting more extraordinary detail work. There are four arc sensors. X-Mode also prevents natural light from darkening the lens before you start welding. 

Optimal sensitivity and delay control enable you to weld precisely. Professional welders prefer this model for performing their tasks smoothly. The Miller Digital Elite Welding Helmets are also equipped with additional adjustable settings for ultimate comfort. You can adjust the headband to make sure you get the most comfortable and secure fit. 

Miller 281000 Digital Elite Black Welding Helmet

This is a top-notch quality welding helmet that comes at an affordable price. Although the viewing area is not as large as some other sets of comparable prices, this one has a large viewing area. In addition to its backlit color touchscreen interface which makes it an advanced and modern welding helmet. You can save eight different memory settings that can be retrieved at any time. Although it is not necessary to this helmet’s function, it does look pretty darn cool.  

Optrel VegaView 2.5 Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet

The Optrel Crystal 2.0 is a great helmet for overhead welding. It is very light and comfortable to wear for long periods of time. It also has a state-of-the-art arc sensors array that ensures you have a great welding experience.

The grind mechanism and settings for both shade and sensitivity are similar to those on the DGM-VG900. For the user’s protection, Arc brightness detection is completely automated. When grinding or cutting with light shade 2.5, visibility is four times better.

The Infinite Shade Level Adjustment includes external controls that allow welders to adjust the shade range. If you are welding at high amps regularly, then you may need to use a higher shade level, such as 12.

Optrel’s patented Sensor Slide prevents the ADF from reacting to the arcs of nearby welders. This is helpful because it means you can use the controls with gloves on. However, some people feel that the control buttons are somewhat flimsy and difficult to use.

Despite being lightweight and compact, you can fit a respirator under Optrel VegaView 2.5. On the other hand, this helmet is a bit cheaper than some of the hoods we reviewed, but it offers a smaller viewing area than Lincoln Viking or YesWelder M800HP and a somewhat shorter shade range.

With a world record automatic darkening filter (ADF), the Optrel VegaView 2.5 Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet sets new standards for welding safety. With its excellent visibility, this helmet is perfect for plasma cutting and any other projects you may be planning. 

A perfect view is possible in grinding mode by adjusting the opacity level from a range of 8 to 12. VegaView has a greater view in low-light conditions, resulting in greater visibility. Due to its lightweight design, the neck and head will not be strained. 

Yeswelder 302C Auto Darkening Welding Helmet

With its panoramic view, the Yeswelder 302C is one of the best welding helmets with a better view. A large viewport faces forward, and two others face outward on either side. Almost 180 degrees of view angle is provided with nothing blocking the view. Helmets with this headgear are comfortable but not durable, according to users. Many owners recommend Lincoln or Jackson replacement headgear with this modification, while others say the Yeswelder 302C Auto Darkening Welding Helmet is perfect. Even with this additional expense, it remains cost-effective. 

Antra AH6-260 Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet

A welding helmet that offers some unusual features for its class, the Antra AH6-260 is the perfect welding helmet for workers who are new to the job.  

It comes with a solar charger that can charge the helmet quickly. It can automatically darken and save you from TIG, MIG, plasma, or arc. It’s designed to filter UV and IR rays regardless of whether it’s powered on or not. 

The helmet is popular among welding workers. These helmets are frequently purchased as a replacement for the headgear in more expensive helmets. Both solar panels and batteries are built into the AH6-260. The ability to adjust sensitivity and delay is unusual at this price point. It is possible to adjust the lower limit so that it sits at the same position each time the hood is lowered. This welding helmet auto darkening is among the best on the market.  

3M Speedglass 9100 Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet

The 3M Speedglas 9100 Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet is a high-quality welding helmet that provides superior visibility and eye and skin protection. As a result of the dimmer filter, you can see colors more clearly, which appear less green. 

With the touch of a button, you can toggle between the welding mode and the grinding mode. You avoid interrupting your workflow when changing settings by not removing the helmet. In addition, the welding helmet saves power when left idle for a short time. Sometimes, it shuts off too soon and your helmet is left in the dark. It has a large viewing area and minimal obstructions. The lens is also less likely to fog up due to the boosted exhaust vents. 

Optrel Panoramaxx Welding Helmet

The Optrel Panoramaxx hood gives you a great view of your work. It uses the same technology as other Optrel helmets, but it also has a panoramic view. This makes it easier to see what you are doing. It is also very bright, so you can see everything clearly. This helmet has a patented Optrel auto-pilot function. Once you turn it on, an advanced sensor will detect the brightness of the arc flashes. Then it will automatically adjust to the correct darkness value.

To ensure the best protection, Optrel Panoramaxx is powered by a rechargeable lithium battery that can be charged using a USB cable.

When looking at the helmet, you may have noticed nose cutouts positioned precisely over the user’s nose for optimum placement of the ADF closer to the welder’s eyes. However, until you become accustomed to it, particularly if this is your first helmet with nose support, you might feel uncomfortable.

I have to complement the advanced design with high-quality parts. Panorammax does not feel cheap at all, but you will have to be ready to pay more than quite a few bucks. In addition, it is best used in shop or indoor conditions, while it might break due to heavy industrial use on the field.

Specifications

• Viewport Panorama: The helmet is distinguished by its approach. The viewport is small and resembles sunglasses, letting you see what you’re welding with ease. You can see things 6 times better than normal with this helmet. Even the Lincoln Viking 2250 has a smaller viewing area than this welding helmet.
• ADF: Again top-notch UV/IR filter allows the realistic True color view.
• Autopilot: Adjust automatically to the changing light conditions of the current welding method.
• If you want, you can adjust the Autopilot so it is more accurate. You can do this by calibrating it yourself. The Autopilot can also be turned off so that you can choose the shade range yourself.
• Multi-Sensor Detection: The redesigned controls on the 5-sensor array make sure that the ADF works perfectly. Depending on the headband setting, you can have a vision field of up to 6.3x the size of a 3.93 x 2.36 in standard industry ADF.
• Power technology: This solar cell charges using a USB cable and can be used for 300 to 500 charging cycles.
• Material: This is a cone-shaped object made of a type of nylon called PA6.6. It is very light and bendable, resistant to welding heat, braking, and scratching.
• Light weight: 1.16 pound (530 gram)

Quick Comparison Of Budget Welding Helmets

Reviews For The Best Budget Welding Helmets

If you are a beginner welder, or someone who just does light welding, you will find many good helmets that don’t cost a lot of money. These helmets can be used in many professional environments. The following are the top auto-darkening welding helmets on the market today:

• Antra AH6 260 0000
• DELKOPRO Welding Helmet
• Instapark Series mask GX99OT
• Tanox ADF-2O65
• Jackson Safety 46131
• Tacklife PAH04D

They are not thought to be as good as their high-quality professional counterparts, but they are a good choice for new welders and casual welders. They’re also a good choice for high school or college metal workshops.

Antra AH6 260 0000

The Antra AH6-260 Classic Series welding helmet (or helmet ah6 ) has a smart chip-controlled four arc sensors auto-darkening lens. This helmet is just under a pound and is lightweight, making it versatile enough to be used for a variety of operations such as grinding, cutting, and welding (MIG TIG).

This is one of the most popular auto-darkening helmets on a budget. It may also be an excellent alternative to the mask for a fraction of the price of more complicated helmets, and it’s one of the best welding helmets in its price range, making it an excellent choice. You may modify the delay time and sensitivity of the arc sensors with this helmet.

This microscope also has a magnifying lens and it comes with a hard hat adapter. You can tell how much battery power is left, and there is a delay before it turns off.

This welding helmet is not as good as an industrial-grade one. It is made of thin plastic and the headgear might break quickly. Molten metal can burn through cheap construction easily, so I don’t recommend it for overhead welding.

Specifications

• Viewport: viewing size dimensions: 3.86″ x 1.73″ , Area: 6.68 square inches
• Lens shade range level: DIN 9 – 13 with DIN 4 at light mode shading that lets you see clearly.
• Grinding button: External button for grind mode
• Weight: 1lb (lightweight)
• What is Unique about it: It’s one of the most popular and best-selling budget choices. The build quality of this helmet is excellent, as it is composed of polyamide nylon and supports the magnifying lens for enhanced lens clarity. It’s light, comes with replaceable lithium batteries, and is the greatest hood on this price range.
• 4 arc sensors

DEKOPRO Welding Helmet

The solar-powered welding helmet with an auto-darkening, solar-powered mode and a quick switching speed. It’s lightweight and has a smooth, curved surface to make wearing it more pleasant.

It’s quite adaptable, and it can be quickly modified to meet your own preferences and comfort levels.

The Welding Helmet 7.0 has a viewing area of seven square inches. It includes five thousand hours of battery life, four sensors, and an adjustable headband. Shade changes, on the other hand, are expected. Furthermore, the grind mode button is positioned inside the helmet, which is inconvenient.

Specifications

• Viewport: Dimensions: 3.85’’ x 3.15’’, Area: 12.13 sq in
• Variable shade range: DIN 9 – 13 with DIN 4 at light mode shading
• Grinding mode button: Internal grinding setting button
• Weight: 1lb (lightweight)
• What is Unique about it: The battery life is 5,000 hours and the viewing angle is excellent.

Instapark Series GX99OT

This welding helmet has a large viewing area and a small user interface. It is powered by a built-in solar panel cell and a replaceable CR2450 battery. The ADF eliminates the need to flip the welding helmet up and down in between torch placements.

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, but some had troubles keeping it from falling apart.

This is a fairly basic helmet with minimal features. It should provide you with a clear view of your whole welding area and an excellent optical clarity rating, 4 arc sensors, and good UV/IR protection. However, for professional usage, it is not recommended since prolonged daily usage might harm your eyes. Furthermore, the ADF function may fail at low amp TIG welding.

Specifications

• 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

Jackson Safety 46131

For the money, the Jacksonsafe 46131 Variable Power Welding Helmet delivers outstanding performance. With 4 sensors to minimize blockage, this welding helmet has been completely updated with industry-leading 1/1/1/1 optical clarity and True Color. The digital controls, delay, shade, and sensitivity settings, as well as user-friendly digital controls, are all included with the Jackson Safety auto-darkening feature.

This electric helmet is ideal for amateurs and novice welders working with a variety of welding techniques. Keep in mind that replacing the lens is not simple.

However, the Jackson Safety 46131 price might be somewhat higher than other budget helmets on our list, but it is cheaper than high-end options. In addition, the headgear doesn’t justify the price as it feels flimsy and it might rip your hair. Meanwhile, you can lock the helmet into one position, and after periodic use, it might fall down.

Specifications

• Viewport: Dimensions: 3.93″ x 2.36″, Area: 9.27 sq in
• Shade level: DIN 9 – 13 with DIN 4 at light mode shading
• Grinding button: Internal grinding setting
• Weight: 2lb
• What is Unique about it:The helmet displays a digital readout, and the shell is composed of flexible plastic.

How To Choose The Best Auto-Darkening Helmet

The first thing to consider is that you do not need auto-darkening technology to accomplish the work, but the gap between manual and automatic dark is vast. When looking for the finest auto-darkening welding helmet, make sure to:

• Auto-darkening Filters. The time it takes to go from light to dark mode (reaction time) is one of the most important characteristics. When returning to light mode, does it have an adjustable delay? You don’t want to look at the shining metal while welding, because your eyes will strain more quickly.
• Viewport size. The bigger viewing screen is ideal for novices because you won’t have to move your head much; you’ll be able to follow the arc better. Some people, on the other hand, prefer a smaller viewing screen on auto-darkening welding helmets, but a more ergonomically designed mask. In addition, a small port implies a lighter mask, which means no neck discomfort.
• Welding Helmet Weight This is something that a lot of people overlook, but it is critical. Neck discomfort isn’t something to joke about; take care of your body.
• Comfortable Welding Helmets Features such as a sturdy headgear system, a soft cushion on your forehead, and several headgear adjustments are all things that come standard in an adult bike helmet.
• Welding Helmet Warranty, In a nutshell, the American Welding Society provides an excellent checklist of whether or not a welding helmet meets their criteria. It comprises wide range of factors that influence the suitability of safety gear for workers from all types and levels of experience. The following are some examples:

What Shading Level You Should Use?

If you need more information on what shade helmets can be used for, what the amperage they require is, and the welding process, you can consult the Lincoln-made standard table.

The rules for welding are not set in stone. If you need to, you can adjust them. For example, if your eyesight isn’t perfect, you can reduce the auto-darkening setting on your welding helmet. Or if your eyes start hurting, you can raise the level of the auto-darkening filter. You’ll have a conventional 11 DIN shade helmet on a manual welders’ helmet with no electric-powered auto-darkening welding filter that is standard and suited for most people’s needs.

However, you can purchase a different auto-darkening welding helmet glass. It’s quite cheap to purchase and may be found in any store.

Make sure to do your research, look up welding helmet reviews, and remember that you get what you pay for if you want the auto-dark lens to operate properly.

Caution

Most welding helmets protect your eyes by automatically adjusting the shade level. The range usually goes from 9 DIN to 13 DIN, but there are some helmets that go from 8 DIN to 13 DIN.

Auto-darkening lenses have two modes: on and off. When it’s not working, it should be turned off so you’re safe. It can then be used for grinding. Some more expensive auto-darkening lens filters go up to a level of 14 DIN, which can be used for finer things and different welding applications (you don’t need this if you don’t plan to go pro in this sport).

Size of the view-port

Many low-cost helmets have a small viewport that is 3.62” x 1.65”. This helps to save money and reduce manufacturing expenses. The largest viewports are 3.94” x 3.86”, which is found on the Viking Lincoln 3350 helmet. Larger viewports are better because you won’t have to shift your head as much when welding lengthy bits, and it is also more comfortable when working in an uncomfortable welding posture.

The average size is 3.93” x 2.36” and it can handle several tasks. The hoods of Opel and Miller are in this range. Every auto-darkening welding helmet on our list has a variety of electronic redundancy and safety sensors built in.

The best helmets come with at least three sensors for maximum eye protection. Your eyes are vital instruments in your mission. Don’t gamble with your vision by cutting corners on eye safety.

Material The Mask Is Made Of 

There are many different types of welding helmets that can be used to make a mask. Some are made of cardboard, some are made of leather, and others are made of plastic alloys. I do not recommend using simple and inexpensive cardboard face shields, because you can now find low-cost quality face guards. Hoods made of leather are for specific jobs and hard to reach tiny places. 

They do not offer the best protection. What you need is a face shield made of polycarbonate or nylon. This material is much better because it is light, has high shock absorbance and does not heat up as quickly. 

Polycarbonate Welding Helmets 

Polycarbonate is a unique, durable material with high impact resistance. It’s heat-resistant and has flame-retardant properties that also act as a good electrical insulator. Polycarbonate can undergo large plastic deformations without cracking or breaking and is shock-absorbent as well. 

The major benefit of this composite is that it has good heat resistance, which you should bear in mind if attempting to paint it. The material is deemed safe to use and is backed by a number of international studies that refute the early findings about the substance. 

ABS Plastic

ABS is a thermoplastic polymer that is common. It has a glass transition temperature of about 105 degrees Celsius. This means that the plastic will become harder until it breaks at this temperature. ABS is also resistant to breaking and is very durable. This type of plastic is useful between -20 and 80 degrees Celsius because it does not melt and can resist shocks well.

Cons: ABS is stable under normal use, but it can decompose at higher temperatures. When it decomposes, it releases harmful chemicals like butadiene, acrylonitrile, and styrene. If you see “made of ABS” on something, that means it was made with this material.

Nylon 66 (PA66)

My Optel 690 face shield is made of this. Nylon 66 is a synthetic polymer called polyamide. It has high mechanical strength, stiffness, hardness, and toughness and good resistance to high energy radiation (gamma & x-ray). It has good electrical insulating properties and higher heat deflection temperature plus high chemical resistance to acids. I highly recommend it.

Respirator systems

I have seen my colleagues sticking their heads inside the space with welding fumes many times. It’s hazardous, especially if you weld stainless steel, aluminum, or any kind of coated steel. Truth is that built-in respirators with their own power supply are expensive for a beginner welder.

However, it’s best if you buy a helmet with space for one inside, even the ordinary one. In the end, even a simple dust shield might help you because sometimes you will be stuck in cramped places with very little room to move where you can’t evade the fumes.

Frequently Asked Questions [FAQ]

How Long Do Welding Helmets Last?

Batteries in welding helmets typically last about seven years, with replaceable batteries lasting approximately three. In theory, after three years, changeable batteries should be replaced. After a month or two on a cheap welding helmet, the battery may begin to flash and fail. A solar-powered helmet with replaceable batteries is the ideal option for people who weld frequently. When not welding, do not expose a helmet with a solar battery to light; it will shorten its life span.

Batteries on welding helmets are generally expected to last around 7 years in total, although replaceable batteries can last up to 3 years in theory. In reality, after a month or two on a budget welding helmet, the battery may begin to flash and malfunction. A solar-powered helmet with replaceable batteries is the greatest option as it will complement each other. When not welding, do not expose a helmet with a solar battery to light; it will decrease its longevity.

What is a Good Cheap Welding Helmet?

The Antra AH6 is the finest budget welding helmet if you only intend on using it a few times. However, it is not suggested for extended welding operations. In my opinion, the Lincon Viking 3350 is the best-value welding helmet.

Why do Welders Wear Hoods?

The long answer is that they may see what they’re doing and not burn their eyes out or lose their vision. Welding arc radiation can result in a variety of health issues, including severe burns and skin cancer, as well as significant damage to the eyes.

How Bad Is Welding For Your Eyes?

Welding is extremely harmful to your eyes if you are not adequately protected. IF, UV radiation and extreme heat are all hazardous for humans and can induce serious health issues as well as irreversible damage.

Do Welders Go Blind Over Time?

It is undoubtedly true that some people have had issues with lead poisoning, but the evidence suggests that this occurs less frequently when employees use welding helmets. This is due to long working hours and unnecessary exposure to arc radiation.

Resources:

• VIKING® Lincoln 3350 at Lincoln Electric
• SENTINEL A50 at Esab
• Optrel VegaView at Optrel.com
• Optrel Panoramaxx at Optrel.com
• Digital Elite at millerwelds.com

How Much Should I Spend on a Welding Helmet? 

Depending on the features, welding helmets cost anywhere from $100 for a basic standard helmet to over $300 for an industry icon. The helmets that have advanced features like auto-darkening cost more. You should choose a helmet that is suitable for your tasks and has the right features you need.  

Are Auto Darkening Welding Helmets Any Good?

Yes. There’s no reason you should still be using those old model helmets. Today the best helmets to use are those with modern and advanced technologies, such as auto-darkening.  

You will get better welds and a much easier life with an auto-darkening helmet, no matter what you’re doing. A helmet like this will shield you from harmful emissions while darkening in milliseconds. 

How Long Do Auto-darkening Helmets Last? 

An auto-darkening helmet should last about seven to ten years if you take proper care. Most of the sensors and lenses in some helmets are replaceable, and the battery is good for longevity. 

Final Thoughts 

You should now choose which welding helmet is right for you. A welder’s safety is paramount while performing the job. You must wear a welding helmet to prevent your eyes from being burned by the arc. 

Hopefully, you now know what to look for when purchasing a welding helmet. With our reviews, you know what factors to consider and how to compare with other helmets. We have compiled a list of the best welding helmets that have all the features a welder needs.