A few decades ago someone had the genius idea to create welding helmets that shielded the user’s eyes from the bright and somewhat harmful flares of light, and slag that appears during most types of welding activities. The initial welding mask featured an LCD shutter that would immediately darken when it detected the bright light of the welding arc. The introduction of this filter into the design of the mask reduced both welding time and the level of risk that the welder takes on when they decide that it’s time to begin welding. The great thing about the introduction of this auto-darkening welding helmet technology is that it gave others something to build upon. Innovative geniuses (much like the one who developed this helmet) decided that it would be a great idea to build upon the initial design of the auto-darkening helmet and create designs of their own.
This is where we come in. Great designs for auto-darkening helmets are being put out everyday. In our effort to make sure that you are aware of the best (and sometimes worse) designs we have decided to put together a holistic review based entirely on auto darkening welding helmets. This review does more than simple go over the features that make up a good auto darkening welding helmet; it talks about the history of the helmet design, features included, and the way to use the helmet. Read on to find the reviews.
Below are the welders we review
| Product Name | Customer Reviews | Editor Rating | Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
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4.7 /5 Stars | MIG, Stick, ARC, low amp TIG | |
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4.6 / 5 Stars | MIG, Stick, ARC | |
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4.6 /5 Stars | Stick, MIG, TIG, ARC | |
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4.6 / 5 Stars | Stick, ARC, MIG, TIG | |
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4.5 /5 Stars | Stick, MIG, TIG, ARC | |
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4.4 / 5 Stars | MIG, MAG, TIG, SMAW and Plasma Arc |
What criteria do we use to rate welding helmets?
Switching time
Since the helmets are auto-darkening I’m sure that you would like to know how quickly the material in the helmet can switch between being light and dark. (I’m sure you wouldn’t want to wait for hours for the material to lighten back up after going dark initially.) What does switching time mean? It’s simply the time a helmet takes to transition from natural light to the darkened shade used when the torch is lit up. A fast switching speed should be desired over a slow one. A fast switching welding helmet will provide you with the least amount of exposure to the UV and infrared rays that result from your welding arc. Professional helmet lenses can darken at the speed of 1 / 16,000 of a second, while entry-level helmets typically have a switching speed of 1 / 3,600 of a second and up. As you get to a fast switching speed you generally see the price go up alongside it.
Heaviness of helmet
Light helmet = less body stress = more efficient work. You want to reduce stress and reduce pressure. A light helmet will reduce head, neck, and body stress thus reducing fatigue allowing you to work more efficiently and for a longer duration. Stress on the body can cause frequent breaks, dehydration, muscle tightening, etc. Aim for a goal of purchasing an auto darkening helmet with a weight of at most 10 pounds. Most of our recommended helmets are below that, so you should be okay.
Viewing size
Viewing size refers to the helmet viewing area that you look through when conducting welding jobs. Typically you will find a welding helmet view size of 5 square inches up to 10 square inches. It is typically recommended for professional welders to get a larger view port, while hobbyists get smaller ones simply to keep their budget in mind. Your view port will determine how easy it is for you to see while working, smaller viewing size helmets tend to be more difficult (I know, stating the obvious right?).
ANSI approval
National safety standards exist for welders and there are certain codes your equipment should be equal with. Don’t be a cheapskate and purchase a piece of equipment that introduces you to more long-term health risk. ANSI Z87.1 – 2003 is the newest safety standard for welders. Follow it, know it, and respect it. It has set a mandate that auto-darkening lens manufacturers will need to confirm their claimed specs (transition speed, dark shade settings, etc) with lab tests that are available to the consumer.
Number of sensors
Absolutely invest in a helmet that has a good number of sensors. Why? You ask? The number of sensors is directly related to the speed and amount of protection you have in case of spark or flame. You want to aim for 4 sensors to have on your welder helmet, but two will work (although not preferred). To reduce potential exposure, if you are a welder that frequently works on your back or side, go with the 4 sensors. If you traditionally work in a normal position you are exposed to less risk and can thus explore going with 2 sensor helmets.
[thrive_text_block color=”red” headline=”Things to keep in mind when choosing your welding helmet”] [/thrive_text_block]
Firstly, you need to realize that every individual has a different preference towards the specifications of their helmet such as weight, sensitivity, etc. Ultimately, you want the perfect balance between safety, comfort, and results. Once you understand that not every individual wears the same type of helmet, you’ll be well on your way to finding the best welding helmet for you.
- When deciding on what welding helmet is best for you, one absolutely crucial part is the amount of protection being provided to your face. You certainly need your full face covered no questions asked, and you need a helmet made out of material that is capable of shedding any molten fragment material.
- A well-dimensioned viewing area through your welding mask is extremely important. Generally, welders look for semi-long periods of time, so a small viewing port will be difficult to work with. A small viewing area may result in having to position your head or back in poor ways resulting in posture issues, unnecessary body strain, or flipping up the helmet frequently which slows down the speed of your work.
- Location of helmet controls is also another important thing that is often overlooked. Why’s this important? Well, let’s consider that if the controls are internal controls, you’re going to need to likely remove your helmet in order to make adjustments. This slows down your work and can become annoying quite quickly. External controls are nice, but they too have their flaws in that they can be damaged by airborne debris.
Welding Helmet Reviews
Antra AH6-260-0000
At the time of writing this review, the Antra AH6-260 is rated over 4.5 stars by our editor. It comes with an auto shut off/on functionality that is fully automatic. A unique feature to this helmet is the fact that it comes with an adjustable darkness setting that you can tailor to your own needs.
Not only does the Antra AH6-260 work for welding, but it’s also versatile enough to withstand plasma cutting work. Measuring 9 x 8 x 12 with a weight of approximately 16 ounces (1 pound), it’s batteries included and capable of functioning with Plasma, Grinding, TIG, MIG, and ARC welding. Viewing specs of 3.86 x 1.78 inches and a variable shade inclusion of 4/5 – 9/9 – 13. While the price of the Antra AH6 may be somewhat low, it is by no means a “cheap welding helmet”.
Rhino RH01
Weighing in at roughly 1 lbs 2 ounces the Rhino RH01 works great for SMAW, GMAW, PAC, FCAW, GTAW, and PAW welding. It features a switching speed of 1/25,000 of a second and is made of lightweight nylon shell. The RH01 is also known as the Rhino Large View + Grind Auto Darkening Helmet and features a massive 10 square inch viewing area. The headband has been known to loosen up at times, however, it also comes with a ratchet style headgear to aid in support. Replacement parts are extremely easy to find making this a popular addition to any welders equipment stock. Ah, one last thing – it’s also solar powered and features 2 arc sensors!
Jackson Safety W70 BH3
The W70 BH3 is among the most expensive helmet you’ll find on our list today, but it stands out amongst the competition in terms of clarity and light diffusion. Essentially, you get what you pay for with this particular product. Featuring an auto-on filter designed for auto darkening, it weighs in at roughly 2.1 lbs and provides superb protection for MIG, TIG, and ARC welding scenarios. A switching speed of 0.15 microseconds makes it extremely fast! Dimensions measure at 12 and a quarter inch x 9 and five-eighths x 9 and three-quarters inches with an EN379 rating of 1/1/1/1. That is fantastic, I am particularly fond of the viewing port on this helmet which helps aid in preparation ease and speed.
3M Speedglas 9100
If you’re looking to step your game up and weld like the pros the 3M Speedglas 9100 is probably the best bet for you. This welding helmet comes with a bundle of features such as the 3 sensors, Auto shut off capabilities, dual lenses, side shields. The switch speed of the Speedglas 9100 ranges from 40 to 800 ms, making it a decent choice by all welders standards. Another plus of this helmet is that it weighs in at only 20.2 oz, which reduces the fatigue you feel after a long day of using it. The feature I found to be the most useful is the solar-assisted sensor. This aspect basically saves both the battery life (reducing the effect on your pockets) and aids in switching speed.
Lincoln Electric 3350
Weighing in at 20 oz the Lincoln Electric 3350 is the best welding helmet for those who require something that’s both easy on the pockets and the neck. The Lincoln Electric 3350 features internal shade controls as well as 3 different sensitivity controls: variable shade, delay, light sensitivity. The viewing screen on this helmet measures at 3.74 in x 3.34 in. Considering the low price, the features included are kind of over-justified. For instance, I’ve rarely ever seen a model in this price range include 3 different sensitivity types nor this many sensors.
Of course, every decent product must have its downsides as well. The Lincoln Electric 3350’s lenses have a tendency to get scratched easily if cleaned with a rough material – make sure to clean it with a thin and porous nature such as linen.
Miller 251292
Considering that it’s one of the least expensive welding helmets on this guide, the Miller 251292 kind of surprised me. First off, it has 2 sensors, which isn’t really that outstanding considering that there are helmets on this guide with 3+ sensors. It has variable shade and light state sensitivity of #8-13 and light state #3. The view area on the Miller 251292 is 3.70 x 1.37 in and it weighs in at about 16 oz. While the viewing area may not be the largest you’ll see on a helmet, the associated weight more than makes up for it. In addition to it’s lightweight, the Miller 251292 meets high impact ANSI standards.
Hobart 770753
Last but not least we have the Hobart 770753. This helmet somehow manages to fall right in the middle when it comes to price and much like the previously mentioned helmet has features that make the low price stand out. This helmet features a Grind mode as well as an Auto shut off feature. It’s also approved by the ANSI which basically means that you will be receiving an item that has been tested for its ability to actually provide you with protection during a weld. The switch delay on the Hobart 770753 is between .1 and 1 seconds depending on the settings. The best thing about this particular helmet are it’s sensitivity controls and its ability to adjust to a multitude of light conditions.
How do you use a welding helmet
Video credits to MrAdkinsAuto. It discusses how to use a welding helmet.
Welding Helmet Common Questions
What is a passive style welding helmet?
Let’s start off by saying, that generally speaking a passive welding hood isn’t something we would suggest for a beginner welder. However, most experienced welders will generally have no problem using them. In general, we recommend not to use these for beginners because they will have trouble seeing the electrode part of the torch (yeah, you learn with experience).
About the only benefit to a passive welding mask is that they are cheap and affordable, however to us the risk of injuries and difficulty for a newbie just isn’t worth it.
What is a filter lens for a welding helmet?
A filter lens is the part of a welding helmet used to protect the welder’s eyes. They are a crucial part of a helmet because they’re responsible for protecting your eyes from the UV and infrared light exposure. We call these key non-impact dangers that a welder is susceptible to.
How long do most auto-darkening welding helmets last?
There is no exact length of time. However, factors that can influence helmet lifetime include, but are not limited to:
- The quality used for the helmet material
- How well you take care of the helmet
- How often you use the helmet
How much should I expect to spend on my welding helmet?
We suggest at least $100 USD (as it wouldn’t be the best thing to get a cheap welding helmet), but here’s a better perspective on the price tiers you can expect.
- $0 – $100 beginner helmets
- $100 – $200 decent helmets
- $200 -$300 good helmets
- $300 + exceptional helmets
Are mask, hood, and helmet all synonyms for welding helmets? Are there any other common synonyms?
Yes, when you see any of these referenced in regards to welding they are all referring to the same thing. It’s confusing, but it’s something you should just become used to.
What’s the purpose of a welding helmet?
Arc Eye & Retina Burn Protection
Welding helmets are headgear utilized to perform different types of welding and to protect eyes, neck, and face from flash burn, sparks, UV light, heat, and infrared light. Ultraviolet emissions produced from welding arc can cause damages to exposed skin as well as eyes; hence, workers use helmets with filters called lens shades. Radiation, splashes, and gasses are hazardous to skin and eyes hence helmets are designed to protect welders from exposure to these hazards.
They are used to prevent retina burns and arc eye which are caused by too much exposure to the sparks. They are usually used with arc welding processes such as gas tungsten welding, shielded metal welding, and gas metal welding. A decent welding helmet is crucial for welders and apart from the additional safety precautions, a helmet could help with overall welding performance. Welding helmets are available in a variety of optical densities particularly designed to filter the light intensity produced by the arc.
What’s the history of welding helmets?
The Evolution Of Welding Helmets
Welding can be traced back to the ancient times as early as the Bronze Age. During this age, small gold boxes were used and are estimated that these gold boxes were made more than 2000 years ago. The Egyptians and the eastern Mediterranean people learned the art of welding iron pieces together during the Iron Age. Further, the art of blacksmithing became popular during the middle ages and iron items were produced by hammering. Welding has been done since the Bronze Age, however, using of welding helmets came only in 1905.
Frederick M. Bowers was the man who invented the first welding helmets. He got the inspiration to make welding helmets when he saw that welders in his hometown needed improved protection while working in ships, pipelines, and railroads. He founded the Fibre-Metal Products Company and manufactured the first ever welding helmet in 1905. Later, the company pioneered in the production of face shields, fiber metal caps, and goggles. Industrial Revolution demanded more welders in the 1930s; therefore, welders used face masks and goggles to protect themselves. However, the proper use of welding helmets started only in the year 1937.
The early helmets were simple with a polarized lens or dark tinted glass without UV radiation filter. During the First World War, the high demand for weapons production pressured companies to manufacture electrodes and welding machines. This may have further influenced for the establishment of new welding helmet manufacturers. Later, welding helmets kept developing with better technologies and the first auto darkening helmet was introduced. In the 1940s the most recent type of welding helmet was introduced and since then it has evolved significantly.
In 1981, Swedish manufacturing company Hornell created the first auto darkening welding helmets under the brand name Speedglas.
In 2004, the company Hornell was taken over by another welding helmet company called 3M. In addition, Frederick M. Bower’s company Fibre-Metal Products Company was sold to North Safety Products in the year 2005. Today, both companies manufacture and sell standard helmets as well as auto-darkening helmets. 3M Company was previously known as the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company. Today, it operates in more than 67 countries across the globe. Some of the best-renowned welding helmet manufacturers today are the Miller Electric, Lincoln Electric, 3M, Jackson, and Hobart.
What are the types of welding hoods?
Standard or Passive Welding Helmets
This type of welding helmet is made of molded plastics and is coated with infrared lights. The shield is durable and its extended front protects users from physical hazards. One can clearly view various angles and is also provided with adjustable sensitivity. They are popular for being cheaper than auto-darkening welding helmets. Generally, they come with a 10 lens shade that does not change whether a welder is welding or not. They give effective protection and is easy to put and easy to take off as well.
Auto-darkening Welding Helmets
Auto-darkening welding helmets are lightweight and designed to minimize neck discomfort. When a welder strikes the arc, these helmets automatically darken and many injuries have been reduced by Auto-darkening helmets. They are proved to be especially useful for modern welders working under poor light conditions. It comes in three different types, the fixed lens shade, professional and intermediate, and battery and solar powered. These helmets are designed to have light sensors present near the lens that helps welders in viewing like sun-glass shade.
The sensors are utilized in order to get better coverage. This type of welding helmets is known to be the best ones which also provide clear vision. In the professional and intermediate helmet, the amount of brightness depends on the intensity of the lens. The brightness will be dimmer if the intensity is lower. Battery helmets are rechargeable as it is made of lithium and it can be charged in the sunlight because of the solar panels. The solar panel supplies backup power if the battery suffers low power. Solar power helmets are known to be most useful while working outside and battery-powered helmets for underground or inside large structures. Both utilize the sensors in order to identify when the light brightens, and when it is time to adjust the glass in the face shield to block only the right amount of light.
Auto-darkening helmets basic models develop darker shade with any contact to arc light no matter where the light comes from. Auto-darkening deluxe model helmets have special sensors that can detect the difference between a co-workers arc and operator’s arc. The advantage of an auto-darkening welding helmet is that it allows the welder to accurately see the area that needs to be welded.
The lenses are available in glass as well as plastic, and glass lenses are said to be better for not containing color distortions. It is known that a conventional welding helmet can blind a welder if the welder is too abruptly welding and killing the arc, leaving the welder in total darkness and vulnerable to fall or harm. This is why many construction companies at present require welders to use auto-darkening helmets.
