Safety is the most important thing to consider during the welding process. Welding helmets are used to protect the eyes from the arc. The UV radiations, emitted during the welding, could be harmful to your eyes. You need the best auto dark welding helmet to completely secure you from the welding sparks and gases.
For this purpose, we have reviewed some top-quality auto darkening welding helmets. In auto-darkening mode, you can use the lens for various kinds of welding processes. The sensors automatically set the shade of the lens according to the requirement.
Keep reading this article to get the most relevant auto darkening welding helmet reviews.
1. YESWELDER True Color Solar Powered Auto Darkening Welding Helmet (versatile helmet)
Specifications
Dimensions: 8.5″ x 7.8″ x 12.8“
Viewing area: 3.64″ X 1.67″
Material of construction: PA/PP
Weight: 1.9 pounds
Color: bright black
Optical clarity: 1/1/1/2
Sensors: 2 premium
Battery: lithium ion
Switching time: 1/10000 S
Features
YESWELDER is one of the most prominent brands to get a high-quality auto darkening welding helmet. This helmet is best suited for TIG, MIG, and MMA. YESWELDER comes with a broader viewing area and two high-quality sensors. It functions at its best in extreme brightness. Even at extreme exposure to brightness, it gives you perfect clarity during work without any blind spot.
“The most striking feature of this helmet is its long life.”
YESWELDER helmets are also compatible with a magnifying lens, and you can replace it with the original lens. Thus, it gives more productivity as you can see your weld more closely due to magnification. It has an improved battery life and a highly comfortable headgear. Two separate auto-darkening sensors help attain fast response time.
It is powered by a lithium battery or solar-powered panel. Owing to its plastic body, it is a lightweight welding helmet. Its plastic shield becomes pitted badly by sparks. Even if your eyes don’t work properly, it can help you with its various color features. Moreover, it is also available in other colors and designs like Green ghost and skull design.
2. Jackson Safety Auto Darkening Welding Helmet, HSL100 (46129)
Specifications
Dimensions: 8″ x 7″ x 9″
Viewing area: 3.93″ x 2.36″
Material of construction: PC + ABS
Weight: 2.00 pounds
Color: black
Optical clarity: variable shade (9 to 13)
Sensors: 4 independent sensors
Battery: 2 Nonstandard Battery
Switching time: quick
Features
HSL100 model is an affordable best auto dark welding helmet of Jackson safety. It has a decent size viewing area. The slim shell of the helmet makes it an ideal choice for welding in tight spaces. The availability of grind mode and digital controls makes it easier to switch between sensitivity and delay.
“Auto darkening filter(ADF) makes it suitable for various kinds of environments by controlling the shades of the lens and adjustment of sensitivity.”
As compared to other normal helmets, it is a little bit heavier. Nevertheless, its affordability and other best qualities downplay this minor negative point. Other than this, it comes with four arc sensors to pick up the arc even in highly obstructive areas.
Moreover, it has a large viewing area to allow the welder to see clearly and do the right job. This mask is an ideal choice for industrial workers and serious hobbyists. Overall, it has been the best-rated auto darkening welding helmet of Jackson safety.
3. Antra AH7-860-0000 Solar Power Auto Darkening Welding Helmet
Specifications
Dimensions: 13″ x 8″ x 9″
Viewing Area: 3.78″ X 3.50″
Material of construction: plastic (polyamide nylon)
Weight: 1.15 pounds
Color: black
Optical clarity: Shade range 5-9/9-13
Sensors: 4 premium sensors
Battery: 2 CR2 batteries
Switching time: quick
Features
We have another top-rated hood. This time we have Antra-AH7-860 best auto darkening welding helmet. It has so many striking features as compared to other welding helmets. First of all, it has a double-layered LCD shutter for the purpose of auto-dimming. It provides enough range of shade for various kinds of welding jobs.
In addition, the hood cover protects the face and neck from harmful sparks of radiation. It is a solar-powered helmet with an extremely large and clear viewing area. Moreover, its four arc sensors make it quite suitable for various kinds of applications. Other than this, the auto-darkening feature of the helmet makes it quite suitable for any kind of environment.
It has been made from polyamide nylon. This makes it more resilient against dents. It also comes with a 1-year warranty to deal with any issues which arise at the later stage. The helmet is capable of handling a variety of tasks like TIG, MIG, MMA, etc.
There is enough room to wear a powered air-purifying respirator with this helmet. I have been using a 3M 6503 respirator having circular filters. It fits very finely under the hood. Being a spacious hood, you can easily utilize this opportunity.
4. INSTAPARK ADF SERIES GX-500S SOLAR-POWERED AUTO DARKENING WELDING HELMET (American Eagle)
Specifications
Dimensions: 9″ x 9″ x 12.8″
Viewing area: 3.63″ X 1.65″
Material of construction: Plastic
Weight: 1.6 pounds
Color: GX-500 (USA)
Optical clarity: 1/2/1/3
Sensors: 2
Battery: Lithium Manganese Dioxide, CR2032
Switching time: 1/25000 second
Features
This welding helmet is not used in big industries. It can be helpful if you are a student at a welding school. By choosing this, you can get a quality helmet at a low price. It has a small viewing area with 3.63” x 1.65″ dimensions. But as compared to other helmets in the market, it is still a good choice.
It gives a good clarity rating of 1/1/1/2 and provides a variety of shades. However, it has two arc sensors rather than four arc sensors, and that’s why it could not be used for big industrial type welding jobs. Despite having a lot of limitations, it has a super-fast reaction time of just 1/25,000 seconds.
Overall, the biggest pitfall of this helmet is its non-replaceable battery. Although it is solar-powered, once the battery is out, you can no longer use this helmet. But the lower price and one-year warranty makes it best autodarkening welding helmet.
5. Instapark ADF Series GX990T Solar Powered Auto Darkening Welding Helmet (bluish devil)
Specifications
Dimensions: 13″ x 9″ x 9.5″
Viewing area: 3.94″ x 3.86″
Material of construction: Composite
Weight: 1.5 pounds
Color: blue
Optical clarity: Light Shade: DIN4, Dark State: Variable, 5-9/9-13
Sensors: 4 arc sensors
Battery: Lithium Metal
Switching time: 1/30,000 second
Features
It is a modern welding helmet with its unique design and advanced technology. It is a user-friendly helmet with all the knobs outside of the helmet. Thus, it is quite easy to adjust this helmet from the outside without taking it off from your head. Its gloves have been made from such a material that you can do any kind of normal work without even putting them off.
It has a large viewing area of 3.94” x 3.86” with four modern arc sensors and auto-darkening features. It is best auto dark welding helmet in terms of its visibility. The helmet has a lightweight of just 1.5 lbs. This makes it comfortable to wear this helmet for an extended period of time. Moreover, it has a plush interior design to make it more comfortable for wearing.
Most amazingly, it has one of the fastest switching time of 1/30,000 seconds from light to dark. This helmet is quite suitable for a lot of applications like a stick (arc welding), MIG(inert metal gas), and TIG(inert tungsten gas).
Pros
Easily adjustable with all the knobs outside the helmet.
6. Jackson Safety Insight Variable Auto Darkening Welding Helmet (46101)
Specifications
Dimensions: 7″ x 8″ x 9″
Viewing area: 3.93″ x 2.36″
Material of construction: nylon
Weight: 2 pounds
Color: stars
Optical clarity: Variable shade 9 to13
Sensors: 4 independent sensors
Battery: Lithium
Switching time: Sensitivity and delayed adjustments for different tasks
Features
This is best auto dark welding helmet of prominent brand Jackson safety. It is a top-rated five-star helmet. This helmet comes with a variable shades range from 9 to 13. Moreover, it has a wide viewing area of 3.93 x 2.36 inches. It provides a clear viewing area during all stages of welding.
Other than this, it is quite comfortable to wear and use this helmet. That’s why it is also called a user-friendly helmet. You can use it throughout the welding process without even lifting the hood. It has a digital control, which is easy to use and understand.
One of the striking features of this helmet is its sensitivity and delayed adjustment system for different tasks and durations. It has four independent arc sensors. In addition, it is a nylon-made lightweight helmet of just 2 pounds. It has a lithium cell battery.
Pros
Digitally controlled helmet.
No need to lift the helmet during welding.
Lightweight nylon made helmet.
It has sensitivity and delayed adjustment system.
Provides clear viewing area.
Variable shades range from 9 to 13.
Cons
Not much resilient as it has been made from nylon.
7. Coocheer Solar Arc Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet (best value)
Specifications
Dimensions: 10.6″ x 10.6″ x 9.4″
Viewing area: 3.74″ x 1.87″
Material of construction: pp
Weight: 1.54 pounds
Color: blue
Optical clarity: Light State: DIN4, Dark State: DIN9~13
Sensors: 2
Battery: Lithium Battery + Solar Cells
Switching time: 0.1s to 1.0s
Features
If you are thinking about welding at home, then you have no better choice than this best auto dark welding helmet. By using this helmet, you can do welding in the safest way, and safety is the utmost requirement at places like home.
“Owing to its good battery life, it is a best-valued welding helmet.”
This helmet has decent graphics, and variable shades range from 9 to 13. The optical clarity is also good at this price. Besides, it has one of the fastest response time of 1/15,000.
The sensitivity and delayed adjustment are also appreciable. It has a large viewing area. Most importantly, it automatically transforms into shade#16 in case of electric failure to keep you safe from welding sparks and flash.
8. Jackson Safety WH70 BH3 Auto Darkening Welding Helmet (37191)
Specifications
Dimensions: 12.3″ x 9.8″ x 9.7″
Viewing area: standard
Material of construction: plastic
Weight: 2.1 pounds
Color: black/orange
Optical clarity: 1/1/1/1
Sensors: 4
Battery: lithium ion
Switching time: quick
Features
If you are looking for a high quality best auto dark welding helmet, then you are at the right place. In this scenario, Jackson safety WH70 BH3 is the best option available for you. This helmet has been built with the latest technology. It has good durability and adjustable parts.
In terms of its clarity, it is an excellent choice. As it has a crystal clear lens, you can do welding in high definition. It provides you a clear and wider view. The lens has a shade range from 9 to 13.
“The most striking feature of this helmet is its 5-year warranty. It is also replaceable in case of any defect.”
Moreover, you will feel fully protected by wearing this helmet. It will cover both your face and eyes. For various kinds of tasks and environments, it also comes with sensitivity and delayed adjustment settings. You can also replace the original lens with other lenses.
Jackson safety has one of the best headgear on the market. You can easily adjust the lens according to your eye’s position. Moreover, with the side knobs, the size of the headgear can be modified quite easily to make it fit on your head.
Pros
Built in protection.
Adjustable
Easy usage.
Lightweight.
User Friendly knobs.
No battery required.
High standard helmet approved by ANSI and ISEA safety standards.
Cons
Little bit expensive but adjustable if we look at its quality.
Doesn’t provide grind or torch mode but it is not a big minus as you can try grinding without turning the shade on.
9. 3M Speedglas Welding Helmet with ADF 9100XXi (Model 30iSW)
Specifications
Dimensions: 11″ x 11″ x 10″
Viewing area: 2.8″ x 4.2″
Material of construction: silver front panel
Weight: 2.59 pounds
Color: black
Optical clarity: dark shades of 5, 8, 9 through 13, and a light shade of 3
Sensors: 4
Battery: 2 Lithium Metal
Switching time: 1/10,000
Features
There are only a few expensive auto dark welding helmets in the market. This 3M speedglas is one of these helmets under the 500-dollar category. Indeed, it is an expensive helmet, but in terms of its quality, you will never regret purchasing this helmet. It is a fully assembled ADF helmet.
“The helmet is remarkable in term of its 3 levels of sensitivity as it can detect arc in nick of second.”
You can deal with any kind of welding with this helmet in a highly comfortable environment. It is also pricey due to its silver front panel. This panel houses external controls and enables easy access to grinding mode.
It has the same viewing area as other 3M speedglas helmets, but its improved optics enable you to recognize colors more readily. This makes it easier for you to focus on the welding set-up, inspection, grinding, and welding techniques. Moreover, its auto-darkening feature allows the welders to work quickly. This best auto dark welding helmet with an improved user interface is quite easy to understand.
10. Jackson Safety W10 HLX Passive plus auto dark Welding Helmet (20508)
Specifications
Dimensions: 5″ x 4″ x 7″
Viewing area: 3.93″ x 2.36″
Material of construction: metal
Weight: 6 ounces
Color:black
Optical clarity: variable shade
Sensors: 2
Battery: lithium ion
Switching time: quick
Features
When you are looking for a best auto dark welding helmet to protect your eyes and face, then this Jackson safety W10 HLX welding helmet is an ideal choice. This ultra-lightweight helmet of just six ounces can remarkably reduce the tension on your neck. It provides ultimate flexibility and durability.
“It is an ultra-lightweight helmet of just 6-ounce weight.”
Although, this helmet comes as passive welding helmet but it is also ADF adaptable. ADF adaptability means the helmet comes with liquid crystal display, solar batteries, sensors and UV/IR filters. These things automatically darken the helmet, when it is struck with a welding arc. It also comes with Jackson safety’s NexGen, true sight 2, and insight auto darkening filters.
The beauty of this helmet is that it is CSA complied helmet and duly meets the ANSI Z87.1- standards. Thus, it can provide you outright protection during welding. It is available in a variety of graphics like heavy metal. Overall, it would be a great choice for students, inspectors, professionals, and hobbyists.
The basic principle behind the working of all the auto darkening welding helmet is almost the same. Most importantly, its lens becomes dark at the exposure of bright light. It will also filter the light to keep your eyes safe. A set of lithium batteries are normally used to operate this helmet.
Moreover, it also comes with a solar-powered feature. Sensors have been incorporated into the helmet to detect the welding arc and to trigger the lens in case of any untoward incident.
The auto dark welding helmet stays intact at its position throughout the entire welding process, which makes it a good choice for safety. This helmet also automatically transforms from weld mode to grinding mode.
What are the things to look into before buying any welding helmet?
Here is the list of some of the most prominent features which you must check in the auto darkening welding helmet before buying it.
1. Filter or shade option
You can select a fixed or variable shade option in the helmet. Whichever you select, it must have good visibility.
2. Response time
Normal welding helmets give a response time of just 1/3,000 seconds. It is only suitable for nominal work. For the professional or industrial level activity, you need a minimum response time of 1/10,000 seconds to prevent the strain on your eyes.
3. Viewing area
To have a complete focus on your work, it is necessary to have a good viewing area. A viewing area of 9 square inches or more is usually recommended in good models and highly rated helmets.
4. Number of sensors
Sensors are inevitable to detect arc timely and keep you safe from any untoward incident. At the low level or student level helmets, two light sensors are enough to deal with the situation. However, for professional or industrial work, you need to have four premium level quality sensors.
In addition, other safety precautions like delay controls, sensitivity, lightweight, and comfort level must also be taken into consideration while choosing any dark auto helmet.
Frequently asked questions
Are auto darkening welding helmets good?
The most striking feature of the auto welding helmets is their automatic adjustment at the exposure of intense lighting. Moreover, it also provides extraordinary protection in case of any haphazard. All of these features make it a more prominent helmet.
How long do auto darkening helmets last?
Auto darkening helmet with a non-replaceable battery normally works for approximately seven years. However, an auto darkening helmet with a replaceable and solar-powered battery is more useful and it has a long lifespan.
How do you adjust auto darkening welding helmet?
The adjustment of this helmet is quite simple. It is initially set at a certain standard, and afterward, it automatically transforms itself according to the requirement of the work.
Conclusion
The best auto dark welding helmet will provide you excellent optics, cutting, and grinding capability. Nevertheless, you must ensure that you have chosen the helmet with good features, top rating, large viewing area, and comfortable to wear.
We have tried our best to give you the list of the best welding helmets available in the market. All of these helmets have been selected according to the various kinds of requirements of the work. You can choose your own, which best suits you.
We have also mentioned our top picks at the start of the article, which you can review first. Overall, all of these helmets have their own unique feature. I hope this auto darkening welding helmet review will help you a lot in your helmet selection.
