Welding is a much demanding Job nowadays. It is not much easier as we think it is. It could have left indelible marks on our bodies. To save ourselves from these repercussions, we need to select the best welding helmet. However, it can also be a disaster if it is not applied correctly. It can damage our eyes as our eyes are continuously exposed to this process. Ultra-bright light of welding could have left harmful impacts on our eyes. We save ourselves from this damage by using a proper welding helmet.
A lot of welding helmets are available in the market. You need to select a welding helmet best for you. It is also true that not every welding helmet is reliable. For this purpose, we have prepared a list of welding helmet reviews that have been experienced by people. These are available at a reasonable price.
Keep reading this article to get to know about all the cool welding helmets available in the market.
Contents
Best Welding Helmet 2022 – Top Picks
Lincoln 3034-3
Miller 281000
Comparison Table of top welding helmets
Welding Helmet | View Area | Optical Clarity | price |
---|---|---|---|
Lincoln electric | 3.74"x 3.36" | 1/1/1/1 | |
Esab sentinel | 3. 93" x 2. 36" | 1/1/1/2 | |
Antra AH6-260 | 3.86" x1.73" | 1/1/1/2 | |
TACKLIFE Welding Helmet | 3.86" x1.69" | 1/1/1/1 | |
DEKOPRO flaming skull | 3.62’’ x 1.65’’ | 1/2/1/2 | |
Jackson Safety 46131 | 3.93" x 2.36" | Auto Dark Filter | |
Hobart Auto-Darkening | 9.3 sq-inch | Grind mode | |
3M Speed glass | 2.8" x 4.2" | grind & torch modes | |
Tanox Auto Darkening | 3.86" x 1.73" | 1/1/1/2 | |
Miller Digital Elite | 9.22 sq-inch | 1/1/1/2 | |
Yeswelder true color | 3.93"X3.66" | 1/1/1/2 | |
Antra AH7-360-0000 | 3.86X2.07 | 1/1/1/2 |
Top-rated Welding helmet Reviews
1. Lincoln Electric Black Welding Helmet (Best Valued)
Specifications
Features
The most important thing to consider in the welding helmet is your safety. This helmet is an ideal thing for the protection of your eyes. You can focus on your work. Although welding is a very tough process, this helmet has been designed in such a way that it makes you feel entirely comfortable.
Its large view area provides optimal visibility.
Lincoln Electric 3350’s large view area of 12.5 sq. inch allows you to do work faster and more efficiently because it gives you a great view field in every position. Due to the large view area, you can focus more on welding instead of trying to find the right position to see. In other words, you don’t need to move your head to keep track of the welding joint. This feature also helps to minimize your neck strain during long working hours.
Its Lens optical clarity rating (1∕1∕1∕1) is the highest.
Welder’s performance significantly depends on view area clarity during the precise welding process. So, its high visual clarity makes the welding process more convenient for you to attain the best results. Its crystal clear view not only protects your eyes but also allows your eyes to work longer without any eye strain.
There is also a 4C lens technology in this helmet.
4C lens technology uses a liquid crystal display that replaces the traditional green color spectrum with a real color view. 4C lens technology allows you to not only see well but also see more. This best visibility minimizes your eye strain and enhances your control over the welding area.
Best control over Sensitivity and delay setting.
There is a simple dial knob located inside the helmet to make very fine adjustments of sensitivity, delay setting, and shade control. By using the dial knob you can make adjustments a lot faster and easier than the push button of digital controls.
Sensitivity determines the amount of light required to activate the auto-dark filter of the helmet. This helmet is very responsive to light with 1/25,000sec sensitivity speed. But you can adjust the sensitivity according to your surrounding environment lighting condition. This feature makes this helmet suitable for indoor and outdoor welding.
You can also adjust dark to light shade shifting speed (delay time) between 0.1-1 sec. Slow delay time speed protects you from being flashed when blockage of light-detecting arc sensors occurs for a moment. So, by setting a slow delay time speed you can also use this helmet for welding in excessive obstructed area.
The outside grinding button is very handy.
Grinding is a necessary part of the welding process during pre & post-weld treatment. Grinding mode deactivates the auto-darkening filter and allows you to do grinding with standard light vision. In this way, the same welding helmet can ensure your safety during grinding.
The outside grinding button is easy to operate when you want, without taking off the helmet. You have to hold it down for a few seconds to activate. So, it isn’t likely to activate accidentally.
Wide shades range from 5-13 make it versatile.
For all types of welding and cutting applications shade range of 6-13 is required. So, Its wide shade range makes it versatile for all applications like TIG, MIG, stick & plasma welding, grinding, and plasma cutting.
It has amazing and most comfortable X6 headgear
This helmet has become the ideal choice for them who need to wear the helmet for a long time because of its X6 comfortable headgear. X6 headgear establishes 6 contact points with your head to distribute weight, eliminate pressure, and maximize comfort.
X6 headgear also helps you to adjust the distance of the shield from your face. In this way, you can ensure maximum visibility, proper ventilation, and room for glasses.
You can also put a magnifying lens in this helmet
By using the cheater lens, you can focus accurately on the welding area. Magnify lens also helps you to continue better workflow by saving the time needed for double-checking and inspection.
Its shell is also adaptable by hard safety hat
Sometimes your workplace has some hazard of the falling object. In such a situation, you can integrate this shell with a hard safety hat. This feature is very supportive when you have to do a welding job on the construction site.
- comfortable and easy to wear
- There is a solar-powered battery available with this helmet.
- It has auto-darkening features.
- It has a 3-year warranty
- The backpack is available.
- Comes in 15 different graphics design.
- Simple dial knob to make fine adjustments a lot faster and easier.
- Excellent lens shade range of 5 to 13.
- Magnifying lens.
- 4C lens technology.
- Outside grinding button is quite handy.
- Fits great.
- It is quite lightweight.
- Function flawlessly.
- Shell shape does not have extended throat protection.
- You cannot use this helmet during rain.
2. Esab SENTINEL A50 Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet (Good quality)
Specifications
Features
Sentinel A50 is manufactured by the oldest and most trusted Swedish company ESAB. ESAB is well known for its high-quality products. Sentinel A50 is ESAB high-end product that was built for those who care about their safety and comfort
There is a touchscreen LED available with this helmet.
Its LED touch screen panel is similar to a smartphone screen. You can easily control auto darkening filter settings by using touch screen technology. One of the most important benefits of an LED touch screen is that you can easily make adjustments of sensitivity, delay time, and shade number even in the low light environment.
You can save 8 different adjustment settings of ADF.
Some welders frustrate when they have to adjust the ADF settings again and again. But the user of sentinel A50 does not face such an issue due to its memory feature. With sentinel A50 you need to make a correct adjustment only once and then save this setting. In this way you can program your helmet for different welding processes like TIG, MIG, stick welding, cutting, and grinding. Just select the memory number from 1 to 8 on the control penal screen to switch to your preferred setting.
It has a large window for viewing things properly.
Its large view area (3. 93 in x 2.36 in) has a true color display. The true color display gives you a natural color display of welding spark instead of lime green coloring. Large view area in natural coloring makes it seem like you are not seeing through the auto-dark filter. Moreover, its large view area enables you to cover more areas during the welding process and makes your work easy.
Its optical clarity rating is (1∕1∕1∕2).
Lens clarity helps a lot during the welding process. Along with clarity, it also provides excellent protection for your eyes. A50 lens got a clarity rating (1∕1∕1 ∕2) after tested in four categories, which are optical clarity, distortion elimination, shade uniformity, and shade consistency in all angle. Sentinel A50 got top marks in every category except shade consistency in all angles. It means you might feel occasionally a little change of shade coloring when you see weld out of a normal straight angle. But it is not to an unacceptable level.
Its ADF has wide shades range 5-13.
For all types of welding and cutting applications, the required shade range is from DIN 6-13. So, its wide shade range makes it suitable for all welding applications like TIG, MIG, stick & plasma welding, grinding, and plasma cutting.
The sentinel welding helmet comes with a comfortable headgear.
Its highly adjustable HALO headgear has Five-points-contact to your head which distributes helmet weight and maximizes comfort. The comfort level of the HALO headgear is more than fascinating. If we come to adjustability then HALO headgear has 5 adjustable head strips. So, you can make countless combinations of adjustments in this headgear to fit properly on your head.
The pivot point of this headgear also helps to maximize head clearance by balancing the helmet in up position.
Outside grinding button, easy to operate with a gloved hand.
A button is available on the outside of the helmet for a smooth transition between welding and grinding. Grinding is required during pre & post-weld treatment. Grind mode deactivates ADF. So, grinding mode allows you to do work with standard light shade 3. In this way, the same welding helmet can ensure your safety during grinding.
Moreover, the internal LED light flashes briefly every few seconds to remind you that grinding mode is activated. These LED flash does not divert your attention but just right to maintain your awareness.
Flexible and durable shell material.
This helmet has a durable body and ability to withstand any kind of damage. Nylon made resistance is being used in this helmet for protection against the worst damage. The front lens of the helmet is really attractive. It is easy to replace the front lens, but it is a little bit expensive. The front protective lens gives a spherical shape to the helmet. So, the helmet is able to deflect welding spatter which makes it suitable for overhead welding.
- This helmet has quite a wide lens.
- Provides excellent clarity.
- It has a comfortable headgear on the hood.
- It has a led screen.
- Memory can be visualized through setting.
- A bag is provided along with the helmet.
- Easily adaptable by safety hat.
- It can also adopt the magnifying lens.
- It is also compatible to use with respirators.
- 100 days money-back guarantee.
- comfortable even with its slightly heavier weight.
- Nice, strong and stiff shell.
- It has an expensive lens.
- The sensor has not been placed properly.
- Touch/LCD screen penal can break.
- Battery drainage issue due to the touch screen control panel.
3. Antra AH6-260 Welding Helmet (Amazon’s choice)
Specifications
Features
It is quite difficult to get a super cheap welding helmet. But the presence of ANTR-AH6 has made it easier to get the best welding helmet at a low price. It is not an ideal item regarding welding, but it is the best welding helmet for sale.
It has an auto-darkening lens
Very few welding helmets have auto-darkening features in less than 50$ budget. If you have a tight budget but still want to enjoy the auto-darkening feature then this helmet is an ideal choice for you. 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.
It has the right viewing area
This helmet has a relatively small View area of 6.67 sq. in but it offers value for the money you spent on it. You will get a better view field of your work just after finding the right position to see.
Its optical clarity rating is (1∕1∕1∕2)
It is the best possible optical clarity that you can enjoy in this budget. Antra AH6-260 gets top marks in every category except shade consistency in all angles. It means you might feel occasionally a little change of shade coloring when you see weld out of a normal straight angle. But it is not to an unacceptable level.
It has four arc detecting sensors of high quality
Mostly helmets in this budget have 2 arc sensors but it has 4. Four arc sensors pick up the spark light more efficiently and then trigger the darkening process. Moreover, 4 arc sensors make it suitable for welding in the highly obstructive area. Because, if one or more sensors are blocked from spark light due to obstructions then others are there to the response.
Moreover, these sensors have highly responsive controlling units that provide a super-fast switching speed of 1/25,000 seconds and minimizing harmful radiant effect to your eyes.
Good control over Sensitivity and delay setting
There are 2 simple dial knobs located inside the helmet to make very fine adjustments of sensitivity and delay setting. Moreover, there is an interference suppression technology available in this helmet to reduce the false triggering phenomenon due to sunlight or workshop light.
Wide shade range of 4-13 makes it versatile
It has been designed for industrial use as it can handle plasma cutting, grinding, TIG, MIG, and MMA. These things are quite popular in the fabrication industry, welding schools, and auto-industry.
The shade range for various types of welding is given below
Welding type | Protection shade number require |
Plasma welding | 6-10 |
MIG welding | 10-13 |
TIG welding | 7-13 |
Stick welding | 9-13 |
Plasma cutting | 11-13 |
As you see, the required shade range for all types of welding is 6-13, and shade # 4 offers a standard light vision for grinding mode.
There is a simple button inside the helmet to switch between, shade 9-13 for welding applications and shade 5-9 for non-welding applications.
Outside grinding button easy to switching from Welding and Grinding
Grinding is required during pre & post-weld treatment. Grind mode deactivates ADF. So, grinding mode allows you to do work with standard light shade 3. In this way, the same welding helmet can ensure your safety during grinding.
You can also put a magnifying lens in this helmet
By using the cheater lens you can focus accurately on the welding area. The magnifying lens also helps you to continue better workflow by saving the time needed for double-checking and inspection.
Lightweight and durable shell material
It is a lightweight helmet, and you can wear it comfortably for an extended period. It has full-face neck protection from harmful sparks.
This helmet is also adaptable by hard safety hat
Sometimes your workplace has some hazard of the falling object. In such a situation, you can integrate this shell with a hard safety hat.
- Cheap welding helmet.
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Flexible headgear mechanism
- Replaceable batteries along with Solar-power.
- Auto-off after 10 minutes when not in use.
- It has an auto-darkening lens.
- There are 8 shade levels.
- Stable performance even on low amperage DC TIG.
- The lifespan is short.
- View area is relatively small.
- You may get flash occasionally.
4. TACKLIFE Solar Power Auto Darkening (Top optical clarity)
Specifications
Features
It is a cheap budget and the best helmet for welding. It is the best quality helmet with a lot of features which you can only find in expensive helmets. A reasonable duration of the warranty is provided with this helmet. This much warranty doesn’t come with the helmet at such a low price.
Top class optical rating 1/1/1/1 of lens
As you know, the quality of welding relies entirely on clarity, and this helmet gives you ideal clarity.
This welding helmet’s rating for clarity is 1/1/1/1. Lens got this rating after tested in four categories, which are optical clarity, distortion elimination, shade uniformity, and shade consistency in all angles of view.
Versatile for all welding applications
It has a lot of welding applications like TIG, MIG, MAG, and MMA. Full shade range 3/3-8/9-13 makes it useable for any type of welding and non-welding applications. Its light shade DIN 3 allows 14% light transmittance which is 3 times more than usual light shade DIN 4. All the control settings of this helmet are on the outer edge.
There is a shade adjustment knob on the right side of the shell. You can fix any shade from 4-13 by using the knob. Moreover, there is a 3 point adjustment button on the upper side of the shade knob to switch between grinding and welding.
Excellent control over Sensitivity and delay settings
There is an outside adjustable knob on the left side of the shell to control sensitivity. You can make sensitivity adjustment even with your gloved hand without taking off your helmet. Sensitivity determines the amount of light required to the active auto-dark filter of the helmet. So, different sensitivity settings are required in different lighting environments. This helmet facilitates you to make quick sensitivity adjustment.
For the delay setting, there is a 3 point adjustment button on the upper side of the sensitivity knob. You can set long, medium, and short delay time. Long delay time prevents you from being flashed when blockage of sensors occurs for a moment.
Fast and consistent responsive lens
There are 4 arc sensors that provide a super-fast response time of 1/25,000 seconds and minimizing harmful radiant effect to your eyes. It is a flimsy helmet, but it is still good at this price.
Highest protection level
It has been made from PA material, which makes it more durable, lightweight, and fire-resistant. It can protect your face from the impact of a flying object during welding and grinding.
Usually, a small size lens is fit in this helmet. It protects your eyes from harmful lights. DIN 16 shade offers great protection from UV/IR radiations. It allows just 0.00002% transmittance of UV and less than 0.03% transmittance of IR radiation.
Good comfort level
It is also lightweight, which makes it more comfortable. With adjustable headgear and low weight, we can wear it for a more extended time.
Gaskets are available for absorbing shocks. Adjustment joints of the helmet ensure that it fits your head perfectly.
- Budget helmet.
- Comfortable headgear.
- Covers both the face and neck.
- All the controls are at the outside.
- It has 4 sensors.
- Long-lasting batteries.
- Small viewing area.
- Not suitable for a challenging work environment.
5. DEKOPRO Flaming Skull Welding Helmet (Top Rated)
Specifications
Features
If you want a welding helmet with a broader view, then the DEKOPRO welding helmet is a good choice. It is the best-rated welding helmet on the market.
Versatile Auto-dark Filter
The most unique feature of this helmet is that you get a good performing auto dark filter in this budget. Its auto-darkening features make it suitable to work in every kind of environment. It is used in construction, food manufacturing, repairing, fabrication, military maintenance, mining, oil, and gas transportation industry. It is an environment-friendly helmet.
Right view area of 7 square inches
Its viewing size is comparable with an expensive top welding helmet of the market.
Manual control system
A knob on the side is available to adjust this helmet manually. By using this knob you can switch between grind and welding mode. With this knob, you can also fix one shade between 9 to13 according to your work requirement.
It has been equipped with sensitivity and delayed setting. There are 2 adjustment knobs inside the helmet to adjust sensitivity and delay setting.
Excellent protection level
Its auto-dark lens protects your eyes from being flashed by switching in 0.00004 sec to dark shade. It also protects eyes from UV and IR radiations. Adjustable sensitivity and delay control also ensure your eye protection in different light environments.
It has been made from PP material, which makes it more durable, lightweight, and fire-resistant. It can also protect your face from the impact of a flying object during welding and grinding.
High comfort level
It can comfortably fit on your head and is a lightweight helmet because it is made of plastic. It also has a comfortable headgear to adjust it with welder’s head. Lightweight makes it suitable to work for a long time.
It has enhanced visibility and color recognition. Through this helmet, you can see in all the directions. This welding hood has earned a 1/2/1/2 rating and meets the safety and technical standard of EN379 and ANSI Z87.1
Solar power battery
It has a solar-powered battery and suitable for working up to 5000 hours.
Unique design
It has a funky skull and flames design, which makes it a stylish welding helmet. It is also available in various designs like silver, plain black, and Skull design.
- Best budget helmet.
- Manual adjustments control.
- Available in various designs.
- Lightweight
- Suitable for working long hours
- Large viewing area.
- Long battery life.
- It has weak shade variability.
- Only 2 arc sensors.
- Lack of shade uniformity in different angles.
6. Jackson Safety 46131 Insight Variable Auto Darkening Welding Helmet (Amazon’s choice)
Specifications
Features
Prominent features of Jackon safety 46131 are descrbied in details below.
Excellent optical clarity
The most striking feature of this helmet is its optical clarity. It has high-quality lenses and arc sensors. You can experience a clear large view area by wearing this helmet.
Large view area provides optimal visibility
Its large view area of 3.94″ x 2.36″ allows you to focus more on welding instead of trying to find the right position to see. Optimal visibility minimizes the need for head movement to keep track of the welding joint. This feature also helps to minimize your neck strain during long working hours.
Easy to control settings
It has a user-friendly design. It has a digital control system to adjust sensitivity and delay settings. You can also choose between the grinding and welding modes. You just have to go through its manual book to get the complete information about its usage.
Magnifying lens adoptable
You have to purchase a cheater lens separately from the Jackson safety website for this helmet. By using the cheater lens you can focus accurately on the welding area. Magnify lens also helps you to continue better workflow by saving the time needed for double-checking and inspection.
Adoptable by hard safety hat
Sometimes your workplace has some hazard of falling objects. In such a situation, you can integrate this shell with a hard safety hat.
Unique shell design
The shell is of bright black color. Its shell is compatible with other Jackson helmet. It means if you don’t like the plain black color then you can change it with another color. You can easily buy a replacement shell after any damage.
Suitable for confined space welding
It has a very responsive 4 arc sensors which make it suitable for welding in the highly obstructive area. Each sensor that is equipped to this welding helmet works independently. If one or more sensors are blocked due to obstruction then others are there to the response.
Lightweight and comfortable
Jackson Safety is the top-rated best welding helmet brand. This helmet has been placed among the lightest helmets of the market. It is a lightweight helmet with just a weight of 2 pounds that makes it suitable to work for an extended period of time. It is quite comfortable to wear this helmet.
2-year warranty
It comes with a 2-year warranty which shows Jackson’s confidence in this model.
- large viewing area.
- Cheap mask.
- lightweight.
- Useable for professional work.
- Comfortable to wear.
- It has good quality headband.
- All the controls are inside this helmet.
7. Hobart Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet (5-star helmet)
Specifications
Features
Hobart helmets are among the best professional welding helmetsin the market. It is also the most prominent company in terms of its helmets quality. Hobart 770890 has the following unique qualities and striking features.
Lightweight and durable material
It is a highly rated 5-star lightweight helmet with just a weight of 1.25 pounds. It has been made from polyamide nylon which makes it more durable to impacts.
Wide view area
A wide viewscreen of 9.3 square inches provides good visibility to weld in complicated positions easily.
Excellent face protection
The extended shape of the hood provides good protection to your neck and ears. Bended lower edge helps to deflect welding spatter and fumes. This feature makes it suitable for overhead welding
Good optical clarity
The actual rating of lens clarity is not defined by the manufacturer but it is good. You can see the welding puddle clearly. If you have used a true color lens before then you might feel the typical greenish color.
Magnify lens adoptable
You can use a magnifying cheater lens in this helmet. A magnifying lens also helps you to continue better workflow by saving the time needed for double-checking and inspection.
Adjustment knobs and grinding control button
There are 3 inside knobs to adjust sensitivity, shade, and delay setting. These knobs are easy to operate with a gloved hand. There is also an inside control button to switch between grinding and welding modes.
Suitable for welding in the obstructive area
It is an independent 4 senor welding helmet which makes it suitable for welding in the highly obstructive area.
It has a CR2 lithium battery
The long-lasting battery is suitable to work up to 6000 hours. There is also a low battery indication.
Protective lens kit comes in accessories
This helmet also comes with a protective lens kit. It only includes 4 external covers and three regular inside replacement covers.
Safety standards
It meets all the necessary safety standards. So without any worries, you should be able to wear it in any condition.
- Good sensitivity and delayed settings.
- Turns on and off automatically.
- Good optical clarity.
- Comfortable headgear.
- Fit to wear.
- Don’t have an outside adjustable knob.
- It is not compatible with a respirator.
8. 3M Speedglass Welding Helmet (Best professional)
Specifications
Features
This extra-large size auto-darkening helmet is one of the best welding helmets available in the market. It is the most suitable choice for professionals.
Self-functioning Auto-dark Lens
The most striking feature of this helmet is its auto-darkening lens. The auto-darkening lens is the self-functioning lens. They dark or lighten according to the prevailing surrounding.
You can also adjust three sensitivity levels of ADF for MIG, TIG, or stick welding. It has 3 independent sensors of high quality. These sensors can switch ADF into dark shade within 1/10,000 sec. The filter automatically returns to light shade 3 within approximately 40-250 milliseconds. This feature saves time by allowing immediate inspection of the weld pool and preparation for the next weld.
Wide view area increase welder performance
The extra-large window of 12.11 sq. inches expands your view field. You can see your welding place, welding tool, and even other people close to you. It allows you to do work faster because you get a great view field in every position. Due to the large view area, you can focus more on welding instead of trying to find the right position to see. This feature also helps to minimize your neck strain during long working hours.
Its main view area with two side views of permanent shade DIN 5 gives a full range of vision during welding.
Versatile for all welding application
This helmet serves you well no matter what welding process you undertake. User-selectable dark shades 5, 8, 9 through 13 make this helmet useable for any type of welding and non-welding applications.
- Shade 3 for the light state.
- 5 for torch cutting, brazing, and burning.
- 5 or 8 for plasma cutting
- 8-13 for all arc welding processes.
Battery performance
It has a resilient and durable lithium battery. Batteries are also provided along with the helmet. It doesn’t have a solar-powered battery. It has been designed in such a way that it can function 2000 hours until you have to replace the battery.
Unique anti-fogging design
There is a three-channel exhaust vent to get breath direct outside of the shell. This feature reduces the built up of fogginess on the view area. You can also use this helmet with the respirator.
Excellent comfort level
Highly adjustable and ergonomically designed head suspension system distributes weight, eliminates pressure, and maximizes the comfort level. Moreover, balancing of the helmet in the up position is excellent. You don’t need to tight headband as much to balance the helmet in up position.
Protection
This helmet protects your eyes from UV (Ultraviolet) and IR (Infrared) radiation, as well as sparks, spatter, and heat.
As far as face protection is concerned this hood can protect your face from the impact of flying objects during welding and grinding. Moreover, It is made of nylon material that can stand against high-temperature working conditions.
Last but not least a special bag, along with the helmet, is also provided to keep it safe when you are not using it.
- A large viewing area with two side view
- Self-functioning lens.
- Resilient and durable.
- Storage bag is provided.
- Auto-darkening lens.
- Comfortable headband.
- Suitable for low amperage TIG weld < 2 amp.
- easy to control sensitivity.
- Doesn’t have a solar-powered battery.
- Expensive.
- A bit heavier.
9. Tanox Auto Darkening Solar Powered Welding Helmet with Welding Gloves
Specifications
Features
It is an auto-darkening helmet with welding gloves. It comes with a pair of welding gloves. The most striking features of this best welding helmet are its good clarity and price.
Right view area of 6.7 sq. in.
The welder can see at different angles from this helmet. It offers value for the money you spent on it. You will get a better view field. This viewing size is comparable with other expensive top welding helmets of the market.
Excellent visibility
Tanox ADF-206S got EN379 clarity rating (1∕1∕1 ∕2) after being tested in four categories, which are optical clarity, distortion elimination, shade uniformity, and shade consistency in all angle. It got top marks in every category except shade consistency in all angles. It means you might feel occasionally a little change of shade coloring when you see weld out of a normal straight angle. But it is not to an unacceptable level.
Easy to control
This helmet doesn’t need a lot of professional skills to operate. There are 2 inside manual knobs to adjust sensitivity and delay settings and one outside knob to adjust shade number. You can operate these knobs with a gloved hand. There is also an inside button to switch between grind and welding modes.
Comfortable headband
Its headgear allows the helmet to sit properly on your head with stability. Headband size adjustment is easy to operate with a gloved hand. Moreover, It is a lightweight helmet of just 1-pound weight. Helmet lightweight with comfortable headgear makes it suitable to work for a long time.
Solar power battery
This helmet is solar-powered and also comes with a lithium battery of a 2-years lifespan.
Excellent eye and face protection
It is able to transform from light to dark quickly in 1/25000 second. This fast response time with adjustable range makes sure that your eyes can never be exposed to intense lighting. It also provides full protection to welder from UV and IR radiations.
Tanox helmet is very strong and built well. It can also save your face from the worst damage or the impact of a flying object during welding and grinding.
Versatile for all welding processes
It has applications like TIG, MIG, MMA, and plasma cutting. An extra lens covered is provided in this helmet. It has an automatic on/off power for grinding.
20 $ bonus in accessories
A set of the lens cover and a pair of fire-resistant leather gloves that fit most hands come in accessories. Long sleeves of gloves keep your arms and clothing safe, these gloves are comfortable to wear for long periods; weld safely with this complete set that protects your face, eyes, and your hands.
- Comes with leather welding gloves.
- Cheap helmet.
- Lightweight helmet.
- Good clarity.
- Full protected.
- 2-year Warranty.
- Extra lens cover.
- Weak headband.
- Not suitable for continuous usage.
10. Miller Digital Elite Black Welding Helmet
Specifications
Features
You probably will fall in love with the Miller 281000 Welding Helmet when you set your eyes on it. This welding hood comes with all the essential features that you might need in a helmet.
Clear light technology
It has excellent optical clarity. A clear light lens prevents the green tint from improving visibility and allows the natural light to bring in. 1/1/1/2 optical clarity rating with clear light technology increases welder’s performance as well as helps in precise welding.
4 different modes make it versatile
It has four modes; weld (Shades 8-13), cut (shade 5-8), grind (shade 3), and X-mode. Each of these modes have their own functions. X-mode doesn’t allow sunlight to interfere in your welding. This is an excellent and unique feature of this helmet.
4 arc sensors
It has a good sensor placement ability. It comes with a three-years warranty. The lens is fragile and needs to keep in proper care. It can easily damage. It is also quite expensive to replace the lens.
Digital control system
There are large push buttons to adjust sensitivity, shade, and delay settings. By using these buttons you make any adjustments according to your job requirement.
High Comfort level
It is a lightweight helmet. Its lightweight with improved headgear minimizes neck strain during long working hours. The headgear has some issues. It is comfortable but keeps the hood upright even when it is not being used.
Come with a magnifying lens holder
You can also put a magnifying lens on this helmet. By using the cheater lens you can focus accurately on the welding area. Magnify lens also helps you to continue better workflow by saving the time needed for double-checking and inspection.
- Various modes.
- Lightweight.
- Good optical clarity.
- 3-year warranty.
- Advanced clear light lens technology.
- Poor headgear.
- Expensive lens replacement.
- Fragile lens
11. Yeswelder Large Viewing Screen True Color Solar-Powered Helmet (Amazon’s choice)
Specifications
Features
Yeswelder is a famous brand in the field of welding helmets. This brand has one of the best welding helmets available. These are also the most viewed and well-rated helmet on the amazon.
Versatile for all applications
It is best suited for TIG, MIG, and MMA as it has plasma ability along with grinding. Plasma ability makes it durable and good for cutting purposes. It has an amazing color and 3 to 13 shades range.
Large view area
One of the most striking features of this helmet is its large viewing area.
Good quality sensors
There are four sensors available with this helmet, which are useful to quickly change the filter from light to dark.
Solar power battery
Yeswelder has improved the battery life of the helmet. It has one of the longest-serving battery life.
High comfort level
You will feel highly comfortable wearing this helmet. That’s why it is most suitable for working long hours. Personally, I will give five stars to this helmet. It has four lenses and mind-blowing in clarity which helps to minimize eye strain.
Outside adjustment knobs
There are three outside adjustment knobs to control sensitivity, shade, and delay settings. There is also an outside button to switch between grinding, cutting, and welding modes. Outside control is easy to manage with gloved hand without taking off this helmet.
- Large viewing area.
- Quickly change the filter from light to dark.
- Longest serving battery life.
- Comfortable.
- 4 lenses with good clarity.
- 3 to 13 shades are amazing.
- Little bit heavy.
- Not solar-powered.
12. Antra Welding Helmet Auto Darkening AH7-360-0000 (Top rated)
Specifications
Features
The Antra AH-7 series has a lot of good helmets but the AH7-360 has some prominent features.
Advanced technology lens
It has a lens with the shutter of LCD and it is also double-layered. The auto-darkening features of this helmet automatically set the intensity of light. It is an advanced technology lens, which is not usually available in other helmets.
Interference Suppression Technologies
This technology minimizes false triggering and the lens becomes less sensitive to sun lights and workshop lights. But remain very responsive to welding arc, even it can detect DC TIG: Rating < 2 Amp
Comfortable
It is a lightweight helmet and provides good protection to the eyes. It has just a weight of 1 pound and has been designed in such a way that it is comfortable to wear.
Its optical clarity rating is (1∕1∕1∕2)
This is the best possible optical clarity that you can enjoy in this budget.
Wide View area
The large view area of 3.86 x 2.09 inches provides a clearer view.
Good quality Arc sensor
It has four arc sensors and the response time of the helmet is just 1/25000 second and it quickly transforms from light to dark and vice versa.
Good protection level
Its a well-designed shield and provides full neck head face protection from welding spatters and from the impact of flying objects. UV/IR radiantion is also blocked completely by the shield.
Versatile
Its wide shade range of 4/5-9/9-13 makes it the best welding helmet for applications like plasma cutting, welding, and grinding.
Solar powered battery
It has a CR2 lithium battery, which is replaceable. It also has a solar-power capacity.
- Large viewing area.
- Lightweight.
- Solar-powered with replaceable battery.
- Advanced technology lens.
- lens with a shutter of LCD.
- Headgear needs readjustment occasionally.
- Lens are also costly.
Buying guide for the best welding helmet in 2021
Indeed, we look at a lot of factors while choosing a welding helmet. But there are some specific factors, which must be taken into consideration while purchasing a welding helmet such as viewing area, sensitivity, optical clarity, eyes protection capability, weight etc. we have enlisted some of the most important things to look at while choosing welding hoods.
I. Weight
The weight of the helmet is a very significant factor regarding welding. The heavy helmet will put more strain on your neck and head and could also inflict some injury. It is also more stressful to work for an extended period of time with a heavy helmet. It is quite more comfortable to work with a lightweight padded helmet. Thus, you should look for lightweight and properly fit helmet for welding purposes.
II. viewing area
Viewing area is also another most essential factor in this scenario, especially if you have weaker eyesight. Some of the helmets have a wider, and some of them have a longer viewing area. We would give preference to the helmet having a viewing area taller than 2 inches. However, it depends upon the type of work.
III. Optical clarity
Usually, the quality of the helmet relies on its optical clarity. It is related to the clarity in vision from the glass of the helmet. It has been graded as 1,2,3, with one being the best. Thus, we can say the most optical clarity is 1/1/1/1. There is not much difference between 1/1/1/1 and 1/2/1/2, but for the professional worker, it is taken into consideration.
IV. Sensors
Sensors are usually used to detect flashes while working. They transform the helmet according to the availability of light to protect our eyes. The auto-darkening helmet is preferred for this. Helmets having two sensors are suitable for work, but these helmets could not catch flash. But helmets with sensors are completely secured from any type of risk.
V. The power source of the helmet
Helmets are usually powered by solar power, lithium batteries, or both. It is quite good to have both types of power sources. Helmet having batteries should be designed in such a way to replace these batteries when these are out of power. However, solar-powered helmets are cost-effective. The auto-darkening helmets are turned off automatically to save the batteries.
VI. Lens response time
It is the time of response to transform from light to dark after the start of the arc. Good quality lenses have a response time of 1/20,000 second. If you are working a lot, a slight increase in exposure could lead to eye damage. Thus, this response time is important to save your eyes.
VII. Safety standards
According to ANSI safety standards, it is necessary for any kind of welding helmet to provide full protection to the users. Helmets have to pass through rigorous testing to check it for the impact of radiations like UV and infrared. These are tested against the temperature. The most prominent safety standard in this regard is ANSI Z87.1-2003. This standard must be ensured before purchasing any helmet.
Welding mask is usually provided with the helmet. But these welding masks should not be enough. Welders mask, as well as welding shield should be reliable enough to keep you safe from any hazard.
VIII. Price
Helmets are usually available in the range from 40 $ to 800 $. Obviously, quality helmets are expensive. But you should keep a look at your requirements. You should purchase an average helmet for the routine homework. But professionals must choose carefully and spend some more money to get an excellent helmet.
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose a welding helmet?
I will consider all the best things like a lens, viewing area, lenses, lens response time, sensors, the power source of the helmet, safety standards, and price before choosing any welding helmet. All of these things have been properly explained before. So, have a look at these qualities before choosing any helmet for you.
What is the best welding helmet for the money?
The best welding helmet has been reviewed properly in the previous section of this article. Have a look at this review to get the best deal for you.
Are cheap welding helmets any good?
There are a lot of cheap welding helmets like ANTRA-AH6. These are good for you if you are just purchasing a welding helmet as a hobby. This before mentioned helmet is a durable, cheap, and overall good quality helmet.
How dark should my welding helmet be?
Normally, welding lens shade range from 10 to 13 is recommended. This helmet can prevent flash from damaging your eyes. Shade darkens according to the number of the helmet. However, you must carefully look at your requirements and the environment in which you have to work.
In this article, we have reviewed all the welding helmets available in the market. By going through this article, you can get your picture clear about every kind of helmet. You can also compare your requirements with all the helmets. There is no doubt that we cannot put all the best welding helmet in one article. Still, these are one of the best remarks about the helmet and I hope it will be helpful for you. Good luck.