If you are looking for the answer to the question, how do I choose a welding helmet? This article is for you.

Helmets are one of the most crucial elements in worker safety in order to ensure that the user has complete protection in welding and grinding applications. A good thing for most users is that there are now a variety of options available on the market and each kind has their own wide ranging functions. However since a helmet can be all there is between life and death in certain situations, this decision on what to buy should be taken far more seriously.

It’s critical to recognize cutting-edge and utility with regards to the kind of surroundings you will be working in when deciding on a welding helmet. There are a lot of important features that one should look into and surprisingly enough they don’t have anything to do with comfort or price. While it is true that just because a product is expensive won’t make it the best option, it is also true for something as technical as a welding helmet to be of top notch quality.

Most helmets available today are composed of a nonflammable exterior which is a given due to the nature of the job and there is some sort of a basic strap that can be adjusted firmly on the head to ensure it doesn’t slide off or annoy the user. That’s the basic design of almost any product in the market today however there are other things you seriously need to consider as well such as the kind of lens which it is lined with.

Not to mention that the first thing that you should look up in any helmet you pick must be the fact whether or not it meets the criteria of the ANSI Z87.1 – 2003 standards, which ensure that helmets and lenses have passed through accurate and unbiased testing to show they offer complete ultraviolet and infrared filtering regardless of coloration setting, that they could survive the pressure of high velocity projectiles from flying objects,  and of course must be products that can switch speeds and darkness shades in all kinds of conditions.

These are the more basic things; now let’s get into the real nitty gritties of this important guide to ensuring the safety of the user.

Types of lens

One of the most important functions of a welding helmet has to be the sort of lens that it comes with. There are two main types which include the first one called, the auto-darkening lenses which change shades to darker tones in order to protect the welder’s eyes and this happens with the aid of clever sensors in place. Gone are the days when welder’s helmets were just a static block of steel, now they are quite high tech and this auto darkening feature definitely proves this. The interesting thing is that the allure of auto darkening lens does not end there as when the welder wishes to look at their work, sensors inside the hood lighten the shade of the lens to increase the visibility thus allowing the welder to do both things at once without ever having to lift a finger. These smart sensors can sense when the welder strikes the arc and darken the lens to a better one depending on the process.

Within this category there is also the idea of either fixed or variable Shades. When a fixed colour auto darkening helmet senses an arc, it darkens to a fixed shade.  On the other hand, a variable colour lens allows you to properly and comfortably defend your eyes at the same time as attaining the right kind of visibility so there can be accuracy in the work.

While there are far more benefits to an auto darkening lens, there is no doubt that they are also far more expensive and thus cannot be a feasible option for all users so that’s where the idea of passive lens comes in. Passive lenses are available to the user in just one colour. They are way more low-tech and require way more manual adjustment as compared to the first category. Right before hanging the arc, the welder will need to adjust his or her neck to turn the helmet into the right position to protect the face and eyes.

What else to search for while making your purchase?

While Passive lenses had been providing enough safety to welders for years, and they generally tend to cost less than auto darkening lenses, they are definitely not the most ergonomically designed option especially if the user has to keep working continuously for hours as there is a need to adjust passive based helmets into place constantly, thus they are way more likely to cause neck pain and other issues.

Alternatively an advantage to using auto darkening lenses is that welders don’t have to manually flip the helmet into place as soon as the arc is struck. This makes using such helmets way more user friendly, easier and since there isn’t a lot of manual fixing involved, the user gets to focus on their work thus increasing the quality of work that they produce.  Perhaps the only real flaw with this model is that they are generally more expensive and thus need a lot of investment.

Number of sensors

The next thing we felt is an absolutely important feature especially if you have an auto darkening lens is the amount of sensors and options that the brand or design offers. This applies to all kinds of helmets from an entry level helmet to a professional grade helmet. More sensors equate to far more control over the product and also relate to a higher coverage. Most normal models have around 3 sensors which are great for hobbyists and casual welders but around 4 or 5 is the preferred amount for heavy duty professionals and welders.  Tekware Ultra Large Viewing Helmet is one of the ebst in this category.

Weight

Weight is actually super important and directly correlates to your comfort. It is true that a lighter weight helmet will automatically reduce the amount of stress on the user’s neck which of course in turn will decrease the fatigue that any heavy professional welder will be accustomed to. While many products are quite heavy and therefore require a skilled hand to be used properly, once you find a helmet that is lighter you will feel the difference.  Jackson Safety W10 HFX is our recommendation!

Adjustable Delay Controls

A postpone delay control is another extremely useful feature that not all welders helmets have. This feature basically enables the user to set a time frame as to how long the lens should stay dark after the welding arc stops. This is especially useful to all users when committing to a very detailed and delicate job where a quick delay enables them to get the job done quicker as you reposition for the job.

When a delay time is longer, this is especially helpful when welding at job sites where you have to deal with extremely high temperatures especially since this will offer protection against the harmful exposure to molten magma or even light streaks.
The most important aspect of this delay is how it correlates to the lens reaction time as this is what lets the user know the speed at which the lens will change from showing natural light  as opposed to the a darker colour to block out harmful light.

We recommend the Jackson safety 46129 for the best delay control experience.

In conclusion, while there are quite a few tips and suggestions mentioned in this article, we hope it has been enough to help you choose the best product for yourself.  Now ask yourself, how do I choose a welding helmet.

Choosing a great welding helmet is challenging when you have plenty of options to pick from. This article talk about top welding helmet reviews to make the selection easier for you.

A welding helmet is one of the most important sets of gear that any working professional in the welding industry relies on heavily as it is the main form of headgear that provides protection to the user’s eyes, face and even their neck from extreme temperatures, ultraviolet light, sparks, flash burns and infrared light. Welding helmets are most generally used with arc welding tactics which includes heavy duty welding techniques that can be potentially dangerous to the wellbeing of the user.

A good and sturdy welding helmet will not only save your eyes and skin from issues such as retina burns, which can result in a loss of vision but will also enable you to take your welding skills to the next level as you will be able to work for hours without any issues. The dangers of working without protection from exposure to the exceedingly concentrated ultraviolet and infrared rays emitted through the welding arc are well known in the welding community but for any new comer, this is a guide to the 4 best welding helmets that offer the best protection and clarity of vision.

In today’s review we will list out 4 products but for those readers who want the best all rounded product we definitely recommend the Jackson safety Insight Variable helmet which not only offers amazing features such as auto darkening, a larger viewing area and clearer lens but is also quite affordable so most users can purchase it. If that has yet to convince you, we recommend that your stick around for more details and products in the coming paragraphs and then make your decision.

Welding Helmet Reviews

Before diving deep into the welding helmet reviews , take a look at the comparison chart to quickly decide which one can be the ideal one for you.

Sr. No.	Welding helmets	Viewing Area	Price
1	Jackson Safety TrueSight II	3.25″ x 4”	Check Price
2	3M Speedglas 100	1.73” x 3.66”	Check Price
3	Miller Electric Welding Helmet	1.73” x 3.66”	Check Price
4	Jackson Safety 46131	3.94″ x 2.36″	Check Price

Now, without further ado let’s dig into the welding helmet reviews to pick the right model!

1. Jackson Safety TrueSight II

The Jackson Safety True Sight II Auto Darkening Digital Welding Helmet is our first pick of the day and it is a unique product as it comes with its own patented Balder Technology which definitely sets it apart from the competition as its Balder Technology allows it to be equipped with and provide the best Optical Clarity with an unbelievable 1/1/1/1 rating.

That is definitely not all as this Jackson Safety True Sight welding helmet offers users with both sensitivity adjustment settings and a delay mode feature which means that you will get additional assistance and guidance when working. This helmet also comes with auto darkening features which can be adjusted via a virtual keypad that has been engineered keeping the welder’s ease in mind so that they can be protected from harmful UV and infrared light but also to ensure that the quick response rate means you will not lose any precious time while welding.

One extra and useful feature that you will get in this welding helmet is that it has a shade range from two sets of 5 to 8 and 9 to 13. One flaw however is that this device is quite expensive and therefore is a premium product that not all can attain.

2. 3M Speedglas 100

Next up we have the Speedglas 100 Aces High Helmet which is known for its Auto Darkening Filter 100V which is a great feature for those users who work with MIG, TIG and Stick welding processes. This device offers the user with adjustable colour shades starting from 8 through 12 and a pretty wide viewing range so that you can be sure you will get the complete view of your work without any obstruction. It also is equipped with 3 easily adjustable sensitivity tiers for reliable arc detection and is fitted with the most high quality optical quality.

In terms of protection, welding helmets are most important in protecting the eyes and face from harmful radiation and sparks. This helmet has all of that figured out as it blocks the sparks and UV light that welding processes create so they do not reach the eyes and face. This is of course achieved via a cool auto darkening sensor technology that ensures the switch from light to dark is made super-fast and the user doesn’t have to take their helmet off at any point in time.

Eyes additionally have difficulties when adjusting to flashes of brightness and some helmets are not sensitive to this issue but the SpeedGlas 100 is one step ahead of the game.

The Speedglas 100V lens additionally comes with 5 user-selectable and adjustable lens which comes in darker shades ranging from 8 to 12, and also has light shades of three. The auto darkening filter quickly darkens when it senses an arc or a bright flash to ensure protection and clarity of view. The auto darkening filter also reduces the need to turn the viewing lid, which may be stressful on the neck and a serious distraction while on the job.

3. Miller Electric Welding Helmet

The Miller Electric Digital Elite welding helmet is considered one of the most light-weight models available as it weights a mere 1.13 pounds which is one of the most compact weights we have seen in any welding helmets. This allows the model to be work for tough and time consuming jobs without feeling an intense strain of the neck and shoulders thus also ensuring quality of work to be unaffected.

It offers users a 9×9 inch wide viewing area that gives you a better view of your working location, and its digital enabled design saves on electricity and helps you see clear as day almost as if you were not wearing a mask at all. The lithium batteries are what powers this device and keeps it running for a long time.

As it comes with an auto darkening feature, this welding helmet is able to detect arc welds using its smart sensors which automatically darken the lens to protect the eyes from harm. It also comes with 5 lens covers that allow you to work in both an indoor and outdoor setting and the magnifying lens holder plus travel bag makes it a super portable and easy to carry around device.

4. Jackson Safety 46131

The 46131 Insight Variable is our last welding helmet for the day and it is one of the most popular ones from the entire Jackson Safety range. This is due to the fact that it offers an incredible combination of clarity of vision, an all-around protective range and the ultimate comfort. The outside shell is also quite visually pleasing as it is glossy and black in color which makes it look as good as it works.

The fact that it is super affordable is one reason why it is so popular and the features it offers make it a very good value offer among its competition. Since it is such a comfortable and light-weight product, it can be sued for extended periods of time so you can focus on your work instead of having to deal with a sore neck. Its lightness also means that it is super easy to carry around on different job sites and won’t hinder you from that.

One thing we really appreciate is that the clarity of vision that it offers is definitely way better than a lot of its contenders which offer quite a low optical quality. The viewing area is also quite wide so that your view is unobstructed.

Although the fact that this device is so lightweight and compact is what allows you to move your head around with ease as you work, its super thin shell has been associated with a lack of sturdiness by some users who say it is far too thin.

Buying Guide

To make things even easier here are a few additional features that you should take into consideration when buying any welding helmet.

Sensors

One of the main advantages of technology is that it comes with sensors. To distinguish a good welding helmet from an average one, be sure to check that it has at least 4 sensors as these will sense and protect from arcs and flashes.

Padding

Do not settle for a less comfortable device just because it works better. Always buy a welding helmet that has some kind of padding on the inside as this makes your task easier.

Kind of battery

When you select a welding helmet be sure to take into consideration what your needs are. There are electrical, solar powered and battery powered devices in the market.

Today’s article has looked at 4 distinct products and their main features along with their pros and cons as we have done our best to honestly explain the welding helmet reviews in an unbiased way. However it is still up to you as the user to pick one out of these 4 contenders as the one best suited to your needs.

So, what is a good welding helmet? Well, this article is the answer to this question.

By definition, in keeping with the official Merriam Webster definition, a welding helmet is “a helmet utilized in arc welding that shields the front of the head, has a shielding lens for the eyes, and is outfitted with a headgear on which it could commonly be tilted up out of the way.”
For a welder, the most important tool to maintaining their safety concerns especially with regards to the face area is the welding helmet.

Luckily for us, in this time and age there are many different styles of welding helmets to be had on the market, each one designed with its own specs and features, with the sole aim of offering a more convenient welding experience to the welder.

Regardless of the size, features, shape, viewing area and additional controls, every welding helmet should first and foremost be in accordance with the National Safety Standards, which have been created to ensure that users are capable of getting their work done with the utmost ease along with the most safety.

This may additionally imply whether or not the tool meets the criteria of the ANSI Z87.1 – 2003 standards, which make certain that helmets and lenses have passed through accurate and independent testing to reveal that they will that they are capable and sturdy enough to bear the strain of high velocity projectiles from flying objects, provide complete protection from the exposure to harmful ultraviolet and infrared light with the aid of special filtering systems that work regardless of color setting, and of course ought to be products that are able to switch speeds and colour shades in all kinds of conditions.

A precise and strong welding helmet will not only be responsible for the protection of your eyes and skin from problems which may even include more serious issues such as retina burns, which can bring about a lack of vision but will also permit you to take your welding skills to the next level as you will be able focus on your work without having to pause and this will enhance your quality of work as well..

While this guide will eventually make sure you are aware of the important features that go into the creation of a good welding helmet, it is also important to be sure of what you as a user requires. This is why it is important to ask yourself a few important questions before you actually make your purchase.

What type of work are you doing?

The first question has to be on the scope and nature of your work as this will make it abundantly clear what kind of tools you require. Many welders find that their job includes working on a material that has a uniform thickness and viscosity and therefore they can invest in a more affordable and less high tech version. You may additionally find that in case you are working mostly indoors, then you cannot possibly work well with a helmet that is solar powered and might want to look at a battery or electric powered device instead.

Do you need specialized grinding and welding options?

There is a reason why not all welding helmets will come with a built in grinding or purely welding mode. This is because for most welding operators, grinding takes a lot of time in the welding process. Some helmets do provide a grind mode which is important as the consequent dust and debris that pops up can cause quite the obstruction in your view. With an outside grind adjustment option, the push of a button puts the helmet into grind mode and automatically readjusts the lens, which helps enhance productiveness and protection since there may be no need for the operator to take away the helmet to make any more adjustments.

What type of environment are you running in?

The next logical question that pops up is what kind of an environment you are going to be functioning in. It’s important to understand the kind of surroundings you’ll be operating in when selecting a welding helmet because if you are constantly being exposed to really high temperatures or have dangerous debris flying at you, this requires a more heavy duty device. There are plenty of vital functions that one need to check out and a better quality device does not always have to be pricier. While it is definitely true that whatever product you purchase shouldn’t have to be a high end one it is also true that because this device needs amazing specs and features it should be a welding helmet of awesome quality.

What sort of layout are you looking for?

Another important question to ask has to do with the kind of design and build of the product. Most helmets available these days are composed of a nonflammable body that is a given due to the nature of the job at hand and there has to be some kind of a strap that may be adjusted firmly on the top to make certain it doesn’t slide off or annoy the user. In terms of the build, another important aspect has to be the amount of comfort and ease the helmet offers as many will not be too comfortable as they focus more on the technical aspects and this can be harmful in the long term.

Now that we have gotten the basics out of the way, it is time to set our sights onto the more detailed specifics of what actually constitutes as a good welding helmet. These are a few of the additional and crucial elements that we feel should always be taken into consideration before a purchase.

Lens Switching

This is an important feature because not only is it the time required for the lens to replace from light to dark, it is also a feature that will equate how safe this helmet is to use. The switching speed has to be super-fast in order to keep away from being flashed. The most common and most sought after speeds in the business usually range from 1/10,000 to 1/25,000 and these are the two fastest ones most commercial helmets have to offer. While it is true that a fraction of a second may not exactly register easily to the naked eye, to any user who has to actually work in those dangerous conditions even the different of a second may protect them from irreversible damage.  In the short term your eyes might experience fatigue and may feel dry scratchy but in the longer term this may translate into permanent damage. A good example of this is the Bullard Welding SparxLift Helmet.

Built in Respirator

Now this is a feature that most devices do not have because it might not be as important, however in some jobs welding tactics can regularly expose welders to dangerous gases and particulate matter which can harm the lungs and even your skin. Exposure to such gases, smoke, and fumes may be extremely risky to welders who do not have the tools to protect them with ventilation.

Exposure to these fumes produced by means of welding in extreme cases may even lead to irreversible harm to the lungs, liver or even your central nervous system. However some of the latest in welding technology comes with respirators within which deflect the smoke and fumes but the drawback is that not a lot of brands are working to incorporate this tool. We recommend the Adflo Powered Air Purifying Respiratory Helmet.

Number of sensors

Next up we have equally important technological advancement in helmet based technology and that is the number of sensors a device may have. This applies to all kinds of helmets from an entry degree helmet to a professional grade helmet since the more the sensors the more opportunity to adjust and control the product and also increase the safety measures. Most good helmets have around three sensors which are excellent for users welding as a past time but for serious and heavy duty operators, 4 or 5 is the preferred quantity. YesWelder 4 Arc Sensor is out top pick in this category.

Weight

Weight is another equally important and vital feature in the mix for the perfect welding helmet as and it directly correlates to your comfort. If the device you are using is lighter in weight it will automatically translate to a reduced amount of pressure on the user’s neck which will help the user’s quality of work to be better as well since the fatigue will be limited and they will be able to focus on the work. While many products are quite heavy and consequently require a professional hand for use properly, once you discover a helmet that is lighter you may experience the difference. Jackson safety W10 HLX helmet is one of the most lightweight ones in the market.

Adjustable Delay Controls

Adjustable delay controls are another extremely useful feature that most helmets usually do not have. This function essentially allows the consumer to set a time frame as to how long the lens should become darker or lighter after the welding arc stops. We like the Instapark ADF Series in this category.

Verdict

In conclusion, while the user may read this buying guide and figure out the kind of product best suited to their needs, it is still vital to keep looking into their preference and then making a decision. I am sure, after reading this article, you won’t ask anyone else what is a good welding helmet.

Curious to know what is the best welding helmet to buy? Keep reading…

A best welding helmet to buy is the one that successfully fits best with the general field requirements. We will let you go through the general specifications and features which will add on marks to a helmet making it best suited.

The right answer to the question of what is the best welding helmet to buy starts with the breakdown of all the features that makes the selection easier for you.

The Very First and crucial element to consider is Auto-Darkening because the main and foremost function of a helmet is to provide you with ultimate eye and face protection from the bright sparks.

All the helmets reviewed in this article come with an auto-darkening technology that senses and immediately turn on auto-darkening mode. The screen gets dark automatically and immediately when the arc sensors send the sparks and once the bright spark is no more sensed, the screen automatically goes back to lightning so you don’t have to flip up and down your helmet or it’s hood again and again.

The helmet equipped with best Auto-darkening feature according to the reviewers is Lincoln Welding Helmet, Black, 3350 Series which comes with rare 1-1-1-1 optical clarity rating, but what makes this helmet even more worthy is the 4C technology, which shows natural color rather than the typical green like haze. This increase visibility and enhances the weld pool sight, so you know exactly what’s happening during your weld and also, your hands are more safe during the welding process. Lincoln also has shown the best in headgear game. It offers the most comfortable and easily adjustable headgear that take care of your comfort while you are working.

The second most important feature you must need to consider in a helmet is its Size Of The Helmet, there are a lot of options available in the market which offer different size variability so that you can choose one best for you.

Mostly helmets come in a mid-size range and adjustable headgear which you can easily adjust according to your head size.

A large helmet will cause you problems like it will not let you in to the tight spaces, moreover it will wobble a lot which will cause high discomfort and you will need to adjust it again and again.

On the other hand, a small helmet will never fit and will cause pain and restlessness within minutes of wearing so need to choose one that fits best with your head size.

There are many helmets that are best according to size but Jackson Safety BH3 Auto Darkening Welding Helmet is the one that suits best with your face and head shape and come with a 12.8 inches length to efficiently cover your face and head from front and sides. It also offers 3 headgears to support and balance the weight for your comfort.

If you are doing a welding which require minor detailing, you surely need to consider a helmet with 4C Lens Technology which will let you view the welding spot with perfection and you’ll be able to view even minor details with perfection. It produces natural colors in auto-darkening mode instead of hued green or bluish images and enhances visibility to perfection.

The helmet that possesses a blend of best 4C Lens along with other features and provides best possible viewing is Lincoln Electric K3034-4 VIKING 3350 Welding Helmet which let you clearly see even little and most minor detailing of the welding spot.

Moreover, The lens comes with 1/1/1/1 optical clarity which ensures there is no blurriness and distortion in the visibility.

Another most considerable feature in a welding helmet is its Headgear because it is the one which is going to provide you with all of the support throughout the work even when you are actively welding or not.

Headgears are a set of straps and sometimes other materials that you tighten around your head to make the helmet wobble free for comfortable welding experience.

Different helmets comes with different types and efficiency of headgears, Some have 3x headgears, others may have 5x or 6x headgears to support you in a best possible way.

As we reviewed many helmets, For us, the model equipped with most best headgear is Esab Sentinel Automatic Welding A50 Helmet which offers quite ergonomic and amazingly adjustable 5-points headgear. This is probably the most comfortable and most adjustable headgear which provides extreme comfort and balance. The low profile design and central pivoting point allow for maximum head clearance when the helmet is in the upright position.

Moreover, it is equipped with front and rear sweat bands which ensures you are comfortable and doesn’t require sweeping sweat again and gain.

After the headgear, the next most promising feature is Grind Mode. This mode comes to function when you are working but not actively welding and there are no bright sparks which require helmet modification or transitions.

Or when you are grinding and dealing with a lot of spills of micro and macro particles in the air which can hit you or can put you in trouble by entering your eyes or nasal passage.

We found the most compatible Grind Mode in Lincoln Electric K3034-4 VIKING 3350 Welding Helmet which has an external easy button which let you to Grind Mode very easily. With the Grind Mode on, screen is more towards lightning mode and you can see clearly when there are no bright sparks and provides good picture clarity so you don’t have to pull up and down the helmet again and again to switch between welding and non-welding working. This smooth and easy to operate rotating button can be operated even with gloves on and facilitate you with easy transition between welding and grinding modes.

Another most important and crucial necessity of a welding helmet is Large Viewing Screen. It probably is the important factor after Auto-darkening because this viewing screen is directly related to your visibility and comfort of viewing what you are welding.

There are so many helmets out there and all come with a different pick of viewing screen. The smaller the viewing screen, greater the irritation and discomfort related to visibility.

But there are many helmets which offer medium to large sized viewing screens with better modifications to provide you with the best. One of these helmets is Antra Welding Helmet Auto Darkening AH7-860-001X which offers a huge Mega-sized Viewing screen measuring 3.86X3.5″inches wide. Wider the screen, better the visibility.

It not only offers big screen but also offers 4 Premium Arc sensors which sense the bright sparks in no time and adjust the viewing shade accordingly. This is one of the best viewing screen because along with being wide-sized, it also offers 3 layered structure including 2 layers of Auto-dimming LCD’s and as front facing layer of Passive UV/IR Filter which blocks the damaging rays and keep your eyes safe from both the sparks and dangerous rays.

Last but not the least, you should keep in mind the Shade Range of your helmet before purchasing. Some people work indoor and some have to work outdoor but the requirements of auto-darkening of the screen and viewing shade range is different which varies from location to location and from work to work depending upon which kind of welding you are offering in which environment.

Shade range means the ability to control darkening and lightning in a range that best suits you. While welding indoor, you require another range and on the hand when working outside in sunny summer noon, your demand another shading range. Shade range allows you to adopt any kind of welding phenomenon without any effort.

Most of the helmets offer 9-13 viewing shade variability to give you the perfect visibility of the spot with not too much darkening and not too much lightning like Jackson Safety Insight Variable Welding Helmet (46101) which like many other helmets offer 9-13 viewing shade adjustments and with the aid of sensors, quickly adjust the shades in a matter of nanoseconds so that you can feel an immersive welding experience with better visibility and comfort.

And here while ending the article, there is one more thing to tell you, some Welding Helmets also offer Memory Adjustments which is the ability to store pre-selected preferences regarding your adjustment controls, so that you can activate them immediately every time you begin a welding process. This memory functionality applies for all three main controls of the helmet including light sensitivity, delay time and shade adjustments.

Memory adjustments best suit to those who work in a fix environment with fix materials and fixed welding requirements. Esab Sentinel Automatic Welding A50 Helmet is the one which offers up to 8 memory settings which are more than enough and reduce the stress of daily-base adjustments for the ease of work.

Hope this was helpful for you in every regard of Best Welding Helmet for the Price.