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Eyes are precious, aren’t they? While handling welding projects, you have to protect them from debris and sparks of light. You need to cover your eyes while performing such risky tasks. But the question is, how to protect them? If you are also wondering about the same thing, there is no need to worry. We have a simple yet effective solution to this problem.
Welding helmets are here to rescue you. A welding helmet is a type of headgear used to protect the eyes, head, and face against flashing, ultraviolet light, debris, infrared light, and heat. These helmets are most often used in processes of arc welding such as protective metal arc welding, gas arc welding and arc welding of metal gas. They are necessary for the avoidance of arc eye, a painful condition that occurs when the cornea is inflamed.
Best Welding Helmets Reviewed
Our team have gathered the best welding helmet brands reviewed to pick the right mask to protect your eyes and face from the harmful effects of fumes & gases:
1.Lincoln Viking 3350
Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. is a multinational American and a global manufacturer of soldering, arc welding, welding, plasma, and oxy-fuel robotic welding systems. They urge you to provide you the best protective gear you can ever dream of having. With the Lincoln Viking 3350 , the company has successfully expanded its line-up of extraordinary equipment.
One of the famous Lincoln welding helmets is the Lincoln Viking 3350. For newbies, professionals, and hobbyists, it is a right choice at a price of quality. It is designed for people who take safety and utility very seriously. The durability it offers is something that makes it even more appealing. Using this helmet, the auto-darkening characteristic allows you to continue your work without distractions. Lincoln Electric is a famous brand in welding industry and well known to produce a high quality MIG welders since more than 100 years ( founded 1895 ).
The most important characteristics of a welding helmet are transparency and consistency. The Lincoln 3350 offers 4C engineering, which is superior to other helmet systems. It’s one of the better welding gears with the 4C engineering. The lightweight of this product makes it even more convenient to use. 4 ARC sensors characterize the helmet. It means that the gear gets darkened, even in tight spaces, regardless of the situation.
All in all, the helmet by Lincoln Viking offers remarkable characteristics. The ventilation system is another brilliant function of this helmet. It serves you as an all-rounder. You will surely love having this one.
Pros |
---|
Electromagnetic sensor |
Auto-darkening feature |
4C lens technology |
Light sensitivity |
Available in different colors and designs |
Cons |
---|
A bit heavy |
The glossy back finish can be easily scratched |
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2.3M Speedglas 9100
The newest addition to the 3 M range of welding helmets is the 3 M speed glass 9100 series. Speedglas is a reliable brand upon which you can trust. When you want reliability coupled with utmost protection and comfort, you should know that this company holds the potential to serve you amazingly. It is ideal for professionals who need comfort and high-end protection.
The fantastic features of this product still manage to retain a position for it in the market. You will get several services from one single piece of equipment. The auto-darkening feature of this helmet makes the use even more convenient. You don’t have to adjust the positions manually. In this way, the risk of exposure to harmful light also eliminates.
Speedglas 9100 by 3M features three different sensors for the ultimate protection and reliability. You can adjust the helmet with the help of adjustable crown straps. It also helps you breathe more comfortable with the perfect ventilation system. With this helmet, the protection from UV and IR radiations is guaranteed. The windows at the side of this gear help in providing you an increased peripheral field of view.
In a nutshell, this ensemble by the great 3M company is a combination of both good and downsides. Knowing your own requirements is hence, an important thing to consider before buying the actual product. Considering all the advantages, we can confidently say that this is one of the best helmets to use professionally.
Pros |
---|
Auto-darkening Filter (ADF) transitions |
Ergonomically designed |
Ventilation |
Three sensors |
Protection from ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) radiation |
Increased peripheral field of view |
Cons |
---|
Expensive |
Inconsistent quality |
Nylon (may cause allergy to some people) |
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3.Optrel Crystal 2.0
Optrel AG, based in Wattwil, Switzerland, is a leading manufacturer of active eye protection products, primarily used in applications such as welding, grinding, and healthcare with a focus on safety, health, and user efficiency. The internationally active company was founded in 1986, and since then, it is known as a technology leader for welders in the market. Optrel continually raises the standard with its world-leading technologies and delivers enormous benefits to consumers and users worldwide.
Despite the drawbacks this helmet possesses, there are several fantastic features in this product, as well. The crystal lens technology will grasp your attention at an instance. Optrel Crystal 2.0 is the best welding mask that will provide you the highest level of protection from harmful radiations such as UV and IR. This ensemble by Optrel will effectively reduce eye fatigue.
The autopilot feature of the Optrel Crystal 2.0 enables to automatically adjust according to the current light situation during the whole welding process. With the addition of twilight feature, the lens lightens slowly by changing from dark to light phase. As a result, eye exhaustion will be relieved. With the grind feature, switch between mode and shade two quickly and easily. No external controls grind modes are needed. Hence, you don’t have to remove your helmet.
To conclude, we have to say that this welding helmet offers amazing specs to facilitate you completely. However, the expensive nature and a slight drawback may push you a little back. Still, the qualities manage to cover up for the disadvantages, and you will not regret your decision to have this one.
Pros |
---|
Crystal lens technology |
Autopilot |
Sensitivity adjustment |
Twilight feature |
Grind mode |
Cons |
---|
Distortion view of the curved lens |
Expensive |
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4.Esab SENTINEL A50
ESAB is a global leader in welding and cutting tools and consumables manufacturing. The creative, world-renowned equipment and technologies are designed according to customer requirements. The quality manufacturing by this company is based on a global manufacturing leader’s experience and heritage. ESAB is committed to protecting and improving people’s health and safety. With more than 8,700 staff, the scope of ESAB extends to almost every nation in the world.
The qualities that this product possesses are the main crop of the cream. So, let’s put a light on them too. The optical class rating featured in this helmet allows you to control and adjust the shade of this equipment fully. Wouldn’t it be hard to take off your helmet every time you want to switch the mode? That is why the company has introduced three grind mode. With the help of this spec, you can switch between the modes without taking off your helmet.
The backlit display control panel makes it easy for you to read in low-light environments. The simple design of Sentinel allows the operator to use the helmet easily without the need for manual consultation. With the additional facility of color touch screen, this helmet can serve you perfectly. There are eight separate memory settings available for you to opt for.
The ESAB, with its innovational approach, succeeds yet again in providing us with an advanced product. Despite some flaws, this helmet has still retained a notable position in the market. Considering the extraordinary specs, it is worth giving a try.
Pros |
---|
Optical Class Rating |
3 Grind Mode |
Backlit display |
Color touch screen control panel |
Eight separate memory settings |
Cons |
---|
Inconsistent quality |
Easily breakable |
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5.Miller Digital Elite
Miller’s about making things that count. They lead the welding industry in the development of advanced, solution-focused products and meet critical safety and health welding needs. The products of the company were designed by taking into account user needs for automotive, manufacturing, infrastructure, aviation, motorsports, education, agriculture, and marine applications. Through setting the standard for efficiency, performance, and responsiveness, the organization retains its market leadership.
Contradictory to all these flaws, the long list of brilliant specs paves the way for this helmet. This elegant welding hood has all the basic functions in a helmet you need. The high-definition optics are available for you to have full precision. It offers four different digital versatility modes, making it perfect for a wide range of uses. Depending on the project you are dealing with, you can choose between the cut, weld, grind, and x-mode. Also, the x-mode eliminates interference from the sun automatically and enhances your vision.
Miller Electric also enables users to make adjustments without removing their helmet and to choose the preferred settings easily. The automatic on and off turning of the lens on the strike of an arc adds to the overall convenience that this product provides. The shock-absorption and aluminum heat shield features grant you a more protective feel.
The Miller Electric Digital Elite 257213 Welding Helmet is an excellent investment. You are provided with a highly durable auto-darkening helmet with a large view, four modes of operation, four arc sensors, and all of the adjustment settings.
Pros |
---|
High-definition optics for precision |
Four independent arc sensors |
Four Operating Modes |
Shock-Absorption |
Aluminum Heat Shield |
X-Mode |
Cons |
---|
Poor headgear design |
Fragile lens technology |
Expensive replacement lens |
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6.TGR Panoramic
The TGR Panoramic has been in the business for long. The company has gained immense respect and appreciation in this field. You will be mesmerized to see the astonishing products made by this brand. The team of this company aims to provide you the best and the most secure experience. With its equipment, you can easily do your work and never get bored.
With four independent ARC sensors, a regulation of variable sensitivity, and lag, the TGR Panoramic serves you quite amazingly. You don’t have to think about light harming the eyes because in 1/10,000th of a second, these design lenses auto-darken. It is one of the best times in the industry that any helmet could offer. The grind will provide you ultimate protection from the flying particles.
As the name implies, TGR Panoramic 180 has an extremely wide viewing area to provide with a good picture of your work. The template also has True Color Technology (TCT), which allows you to see a true sense of color when you are welding. It’s lightweight, so when you work, you won’t even feel it. The front strap can be adjusted to suit any form or head shape. There is a sweatband also for long welds to hold you clean.
Concluding all the facts about this sophisticated helmet by the TRG Panoramic, our final thoughts are quite positive. The product does hold some flaws, but the amazing specs still make up for that.
Pros |
---|
4 Independent ARC sensors |
Lens auto-darkens |
Grind Protection |
Extra-large viewing area |
True Color Technology |
Cons |
---|
Inconsistent durability |
The lens is not very clear |
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7.Jackson Safety HSL 100
SureWerx is a leading provider of security products, tools, and equipment for professional markets, including safety, industrial, construction, heavy-duty, and automotive postal services. Its co-headquarters are located in Elgin, Illinois, USA, and Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. SureWerx is one of the biggest brands in the market. Quality and durability are the core features it offers.
As far as head and eye protection are concerned, during the welding cycle, W10 is the perfect helmet for you to weld. It provides a narrow design that makes it compatible with work in small, confined rooms. The Jackson Security W10 HSL 100 has a robust face cover. The product is equipped with a reinforced head belt and a large viewing area.
Auto Darkening Filter (ADF) allows welders to adapt to a range of working environments by controlling lens shade with ambient light source sensitivity adjustments. The fact that the welding helmet comes with a robust shield is another major feature. Ten layers of various shades are installed on the helmet, which provides ultimate protection against sparks, light, and severe damage.
All in all, the product serves you in every way possible. We consider it one of the top choices when it comes to welding helmets. The reason is the commendable features it offers. If you are looking for an option that can serve you equally in every domain, go for this one.
Pros |
---|
Lens Features variable shade |
Independent auto-dimming sensors |
Auto Darkening Filter |
Grind and weld modes |
Cons |
---|
Fragile |
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8.Sellstrom S26400
Sellstrom, established in Elgin, IL, in 1923, is one of the oldest safety companies in America. Sellstrom has driven safety technology in the welding sector over 100 years ago. Today Sellstrom offers a wide range of coverage for health and welding protection. Through maintaining an in-house, fully accredited, and approved research laboratory that thoroughly checks and tracks all products that are flowing through the customers, they guarantee the quality and safety of their products.
The grind mode is also available in this welding helmet. It is extremely beneficial. When grind mode is activated, the lens is adjusted to make your welding work more productive. This eliminates the need to remove the helmet while you work, which reduces unscheduled downtime when a transition is created. Independent auto-dimming sensors detect the arc, which filters and the shades and customizes it according to your requirement.
With nor possible drawbacks, this is simply one of the best welding helmets one can ever have. You cannot expect to have such amazing features that too at an affordable price range. This one will accompany you with your work for a long period.
Pros |
---|
ADF Technology |
Grind mode setting |
Independent auto-dimming sensors |
Blue lens technology |
Lightweight design |
Cons |
---|
None |
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9.Weldcote Metals
The main goal of this business is to consider and attract consumers with a variety of products characterized by their quality and reliability. The brand is determined to use its know-how for fulfilling its goals and achieving perfection. The company continues to be in charge of trying to meet its goals to safeguard the environment and protect biodiversity.
The specific welding helmet has a display surface that is almost 50% larger than most welding helmets at the same cost. This encourages the welder to operate on his works reliably. The Ultraview Plus Weldcote Metals helmet provides very easy-to-read electronic modifications to sensitivity and lag. For welders who work under harsh conditions, this is especially convenient as they need not spend too much time adjusting the helmet controls.
It has four arc sensors, with a shade range of 9 to 13, for faster response time. For long welding tasks, the battery life of the product is adequate as both solar, and battery power supplies are used. You will love the lightweight feel of this helmet and get hooked to it. The three-year warranty tag makes it easy for you to choose whether to buy this one or not.
With the overall impressive specs, this welding helmet leaves a lasting impression on us. The additional benefit of a warranty tag makes it even more appealing. The company seems confident about its products. This is undoubtedly worth giving a try.
Pros |
---|
True color technology |
Grinding shade |
Four arc sensors |
Three-year warranty |
Lightweight |
Wide viewing area |
Cons |
---|
The headband may break early |
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10.Hobart 770753 Pro
Hobart Welding Products developed, checked, and manufactured a wide range of products for welding and slicing, professional performance, and ease of use for decades. It all started in 1917. They have a product that is ideal for your requirements, whether you are in development, farming, servicing, car repairs, or a hobbyist. A strong commitment to customer service makes this brand exceptionally famous and appreciated.
The design of the headgear is the most enjoyable thing with this great welding helmet. The changes are easy to make so that you get a stable and safe fit. There are adjustments around the front and back, so you get a superior fit that doesn’t stick or squeeze into the skull. The product is extremely light in weight, you can use it comfortably, but at the same time, this point also makes it easily breakable.
The four independent arc sensors adjust the shade of your helmet according to the current situation and your needs. In this way, you can continue your work with ease. The large viewing area is yet another nice spec of this helmet. With the expanded area, you can have a precise view of your work. The 2-year warranty adds to the overall impression this product leaves. The company has provided this facility for you just in case you face any problem.
The only bad thing about this helmet is the extremely lightweight design. However, if you handle it with care, it contains every single thing one would want to have in their equipment. With a quick reaction time, this helmet urges you to give it a try.
Pros |
---|
Grind mode |
1/30,000 second reaction time |
Large viewing area |
Lightweight |
Lightweight |
Four independent arc sensors |
2-year warranty |
Cons |
---|
High battery consumption |
Flimsy shell |
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Welding Helmets Buyer’s Guide
When it comes to your professional work, you can’t afford to compromise, right? Considering this fact, you need to opt for the best possible gear for yourself. Here, for your ease, we have created an ultimate buying guide. It will help you in choosing the best brand.
Shade
• Fixed shade:
Some lower-cost auto-darkening helmets are equipped with fixed shad. The helmet lens will automatically darken to a fixed shade ten if the sensor senses the arc start. Fixed shade: Some lower-cost auto-darkening helmets are equipped with fixed shad. The helmet lens will automatically darken to a fixed shade ten if the sensor senses the arc start. This form of self-darkening welding helmet has the advantages of auto-darkening engineering and the economics of fixed shadow.
• Shade adjustable:
A variable shade lens welding helmet has a variety of shade choices, which differ mostly from shade 8 to shade 9. Such a welding mask is suitable for welders who use various welding techniques, tools, and thickness.f auto-darkening engineering and the economics of fixed shadow.
Reaction time
Lens reaction time is the period that the lens takes to change the shade to the effective shade eight or more from the usual shade of 3 and 4. The shorter the time the lens takes to shade, the faster the welder’s eyes are shaded by high-intensity light, the better the protection. Usually, 1/3600 of a second is the input welding helmet lenses. The industrial welding helmet lenses were rated at 1/20000 of one second. It is safer to have the helmets of 1/20000 lens reaction time at several quick welding sessions.
Size of view
The vision width is one of the most important things if you buy an auto-dimmed welding mask. The typical width of the welding helmet varies from 6 square inches to 9 square inches for light-duty welding for commercial and industrial use. The viewing size has to be determined depending on your personal convenience and preferences, and the amount of outstanding welding you probably do must be taken into account.
Sensors
One important consideration is the number of sensors that make up a welding mask. The number of sensors typically ranges from two to four for input level soldering helmets for industrial use. The more sensors, the better the coverage, especially for welding processes, which deal mostly with non-position welds where the sensors can be obscured. It is best to buy a helmet with four sensors for industrial welding purposes.
Sensitivity Control
Most of the self-darkening welding helmets are adjustable when it comes to controlling sensitivity. The best thing is to have a helmet with an adjustable sensitivity that enables the welder to adjust the brightness level that causes the lens to darken. When working with low amps and the arc isn’t so clear, sensitivity adjustment is very useful.
Battery
Helmets powered by the battery may require a lot of charging, adding to the electricity bill and often changing the battery. Solar welding helmets have now been fitted with a solar panel built into the frame and with an unused lithium battery. The solar-powered welding masks are good, but sometimes they can cause a nuisance if the battery is not charged, and welding immediately becomes essential.
Weight
The weight of the welding helmet must also be taken into account because heavyweight welding masks can strain the welder’s shoulder for a long. Light Helmets are a lot better for welding. You should always use a multiband welding helmet rather than a single band, for if the helmet has a single band, the entire weight of the helmet will be concentrated in a band that allows the user to feel heavier.
Welding Helmets Features & Benefits
All your facial features, especially eyes, are valuable, isn’t it right? You will have to shield them from debris and light sparks when performing welding tasks. In carrying out such risky functions, it is crucial for all of you to cover your face adequately. But the issue is how you can safeguard them? There’s no need to fear if you’re also thinking about the same stuff. There is a solution to this problem that is easy and efficient, mentioned below.
Welding helmets:
A welding helmet is a form of headgear used against lighting, ultraviolet radiations, heat, infrared rays, and debris to shield the face and head. As this equipment is widely used as a protective gear for arc welding, it plays a vital role in stopping arc eye, a painful condition that happens when the cornea becomes inflamed.
Importance of welding helmets:
Health is the most significant thing whatever the case is, right?
As welding requires operating with welding machines, you can predict some risks. Such risks include metal debris, skin burn, and harmful radiation. All these factors make it necessary to wear a welding helmet for the operator.
Welding masks offer you multiple benefits. If you are deciding whether to have one or not, these benefits are vital for you to know.
Benefits of welding helmets:
Following are the key benefits of welding masks:
Safety:
As mentioned earlier, safety is the most important measure when it comes to such operations. Who would want to hurt themselves? Undoubtedly, no one will ever want that to happen.
As welding activities come with severe risks of harmful and dangerous effects on eyes, face, skin, and head, it is compulsory to wear helmets. Helmets for welding provide numerous benefits, and on top of the list is safety from vision loss, skin bruises, shock, and many more.
Convenience:
While doing some job, we often tend to look for convenient ways. Easiness attracts human nature. So, we often think about what could be better than doing a difficult task in a convenient and comfortable way.
Welding helmets provide convenience at work. By using such equipment, you will not get your eyes stressed or teary. Hence, you will be able to work much more efficiently without any hindrance or hurdles.
Visibility:
As the welding masks come with a high-tech and innovational glass at the front, they are a practical choice to increase your visibility while you are doing your work. Many companies produce helmets featuring anti-fog and larger lenses for you to view clearly.
Visibility is an undeniable advantage that these helmets offer us. No one would ever want to mess up their work due to the visibility issue as the lighting radiations are too high while welding.
Sensors:
Welding masks come with different sensors. These sensors are capable of sensing the lighting conditions and adjust the helmet’s features according to so that you can use the helmet in a much convenient and protected way.
Auto-darkening feature:
Sensors of the helmet enable auto-darkening functionality in the advanced and innovational helmets. With this feature, the shade of your lens get darkened and lightened depending on the type of welding, rays, and light. In this way, you don’t have to adjust the helmet manually by stopping your work. The auto-darkening feature plays a vital role in protecting your eyes from harmful rays.
The Conclusion
We hope that our take on this has helped you in understanding all the needs and advantages. The welding helmets are essential; the only requirement for a welding mask is to guard against damaging radiation, brushes, heat, and sparks. So that the best welding mask available on your budget is recommended.
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