With technological advancement, lots of new safety regulations have been formulated. To safeguard your eyes, forehead, skin, and above all, to get the job done well precisely and comfortably, you need the best auto darkening welding helmet. MIG, TIG, arc, or other plasma applications, I have reviewed only those that are capable of everything. Sometimes, you need to use the cheater lens technology. As I said, I have reviewed them all.
Best Auto Darkening Welding Helmet Comparison Table
From the wide varieties of the brand, only Jackson Safety, 3M and Antra are trusted and popular brands. From a cheap one to highly expensive auto darkening welding helmets, I have reviewed them all. But first, take a look at the following most popular models from trusted brands to have a quick idea.
[table id=1 /]Top Welding Helmet For TIG And MIG Reviews 2020
Very first, I am gonna review my recommended 3. Then you will get an additional 13 reviews. This is the one single article, where you will get reviews on all popular and high-performing auto darkening welding helmets.
BH3 By Jackson Safety
This is an industrial-grade model. BH3 with Balder Technology is always of higher quality. In fact, people call it the top of the class. it features Balder technology.
Besides, because of its superior quality and versatile performances, this one is REALLY expensive. The clearest lens technology, adjustment variability, the awesome dark blue color filter has made it the greatest so far. For high-impact protection and diversity, it meets ANSI/idea Z87.1+2010 standards. For the highest optical clarity, it has earned the 1/1/1/1 rating.
Recommended by professionals when you need to get the job done safely and effectively. The headgear has 3 adjustments. As you can see it is highly configurable and suitable for varieties of welding tasks like MIG, TIG welding, arc welding, etc.
As you can see, whatever task you do, the high-density plastic shell will protect your face, forehead and other body parts. Variable 9 – 13 shade will protect your eyes from harmful radiant energy.
It is pretty lightweight and has a rounded smooth perimeter, so you can use it for a long time comfortably. Even if you want to use a cheater glass, you can do so. You need to buy it separately though.
More Features & Pros of BH3
- Available in 2 sizes like 2 sizes: 9-5/8 inches x 9-3/4 inches x 12-1/4 inches.
- Even though you need to buy them separately, BH3 is compatible with hard hats and magnification filters.
- No fogging or heat build-up. The aerodynamic curved front cover plate will take care of it.
- Top and bottom sensors. So even any one of these is blocked, the rest one will trigger the auto-darkening.
- Incomparable quality. It will be so unfair to compare it with others.
- Clearest lens and adjustable sensitivity with opening time delays.
- The delay setting is great when you need to work in a different environment.
- Even perfect for work outside in the dark.
- Solar-powered and it lasts really long.
- Even though you may find the color a little bit strange first, but your eyes will get used to it. You will like it than any other of your ADF lenses.
- Suitable for everyone. Whether you are an independent welder or you need auto darkening welding helmets for your business, get this one and you won’t regret!
- Really caring for customer care. You are paying a good amount of money, so you deserve better. There customer care understands that. Just inform them about your problem, they will take care of it.
Cons of Pros of BH3
- Not for mass people having a limited budget.
- To some, the headgear seems cheap.
3M™Speedglas – 9100
It’s like the master ring to dominate all the seven kingdoms. No matter which industry you work or whether you are TIG or MIG welder – this is one fo a perfect welding helmets for you. It’s lightweight (I really mean it!) & has the fastest auto darkening feature (only 0.1 milliseconds).
Extra-large visibility area with side windows and it will turn your experience into a pleasant one. You will really love the super-fast auto-darkening response of the 3M Speedglas welding helmet.
It is somewhat an expensive one. However, once you have the first-hand experience – you will say it worths every penny. Plenty of room for the head to adjust with a great ventilation system. Even after hours of work, you won’t feel a thing!
What do you expect from an expensive model with great optical clarity?
This one will meet your expectations just like it did for lots of welders already. Your eyes not only protected against radiation from ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR), it will give you a comfortable and much precise welding experience.
From expert to novice – it is perfect for everyone. To make it easier operating it for everyone, the settings for the shade and sensitivity are so easy. You can weld like a pro no matter what’s your expertise level is. Every other control is easy as well.
Pros & Features of 3M Speedglas welding helmet 9100
- Pretty lightweight. Weighs only 2.09 pounds. Even after a day-long task, you won’t feel any trouble.
- Extra-large size for perfect experience with comfort. Enough ventilation space inside.
- Intelligent and ergonomic design for the head sizes 50 to 64 cm so that it does not create any pressure for the pressure points of your head.
- If you have to use your prescription glass while welding, you can use your glass too with the cheater lenses feature.
- No fogging issue at all even after several hours of work.
- Equally applied for grinding as well. The sensitivity adjustment feature will let you use any stick including torch cutting modes.
- 72 mm x 107 mm viewing area is definitely one of the largest viewing areas for any welding helmets.
- lens technology with 3 sensors. Whenever you strike the arc, it will activate the auto-darkening filter within a blink of your eye.
- Replaceable Cr2030 3V lithium batteries. These batteries last for almost 2000 hours. You can replace the battery, so you can use this with the auto-darkening feature years after year.
- Comes with magnifier lens clips and a bag for it. A great one that you can use even for your small welder.
Cons of 3M Speedglas welding helmet 9100
- May not be suitable for new welder considering its high price. If you are just learning, go for cheap welding helmets.
Antra Model [AH6-260-0000]
With some ‘Not So Serious’ limitations, this is so far the cheapest one with great optical clarity. For works like TIG, MIG, MMA, etc, it is highly recommended by experienced users having 10+ years of experience. Do you love flux core welding? Yep, you can do it as well.
Super quick response to arc and adjustable delay setting is its positive sides that people love most. With 1/25000 sec switching speed, I must say it’s really fast! Large viewing area having a dimension of 3.86″ x1.73″ with 4 premium sensors. The design itself is compatible with a cheater lens technology.
You will find the shade adjustment really easy. 5-9 and 10-13 variable shade is not that common in others. Great visibility indeed! Because of the clear arc, you will clearly see what you are welding.
It comes with 6 exteriors and 1 interior lens covers as well. The dimension of the exterior lens is 4.67” X 5.41″ and the interior lens dimension is 3.91” x 1.79″. It comes with lots of versatile features and you can use it on various applications like grinding, cutting, and welding.
When you drop it, it will fall at the same place always because of the adjustable lower limit. It’s a great feature and you will feel it only if you have experience working with old models. Whereas most of these models have fixed sensitivity, you can adjust it with this one.
And you can get it without breaking your bank account. It’s so affordable but as I said above, the quality is really awesome. Huge recommendations from experienced users.
More Features & Pros of Antra
- Meets all the modern standards like ANSI Z87.1 / EN379 CE / CSA Z94.3
- It’s very much lightweight. Since it is made from high-quality Polyamide-Nylon, it’s really lightweight.
- Protection from harmful UV rays.
- You can wear glasses along with this comfortably.
- Better tightening mechanism because of the o-ring it uses.
- Battery indicator to know the status of the battery charge. Press the button, if the LED turns on, the battery charge is OK.
- Comes with a magnifying glass holder.
- High-quality solar features. 5 amps are the minimum current limit is required for the lens technology to kick in. Yes, the battery is replaceable as well.
- Unbeatable price. For the price, it’s second to none. It’s really hard to find such good quality auto darkening welding helmets for such a cheap price. Great investment!
- Really caring customer care. Should you face any trouble, don’t hesitate to contact them.
Cons of Pros of Antra
- Not capable of overhead welding.
- Not industrial grade because of the thin plastic material.
Antra Solar Power [Model AH6-660-6217]
Safety is crucial hence the need to use a reliable and efficient model. One of the most recommended auto darkening welding helmets on the market is the Antra Ah6-660-6217 model. This is because it works flawlessly and at the same time protecting your face area from the sparks of the welded metals.
This is due to equipped fur sensors on the tool hence ensuring that it immediately keep off any flashes or lighting from coming into contact with your facial area. They also quickly become alert even when one comes near a light source.
Aside from ensuring that you are safe from the lighting, the Antra also features an extension built which is essential for providing enough space for viewing. Although it has an auto-darkening power, it still offers ample viewing through the lenses something that is not found in other brands.
For those who are not able to weld without the use of glasses for improved optical clarity, this is the right type to consider buying. This is because it has an inbuilt 2.5 glasses wear which are essential for covering the eye parts from the bright lights.
Another feature that a lot of people love about this model is the presence of the 2.5 magnifying lens which allows you to have a clear view even on the smallest parts of the metal being worked on.
Antra will enable you to work as long as you want without feeling any bulkiness on the head. It features a lightweight structure that allows the user to work for long without getting tired.
Features and pros. of Antra AH6-660-6217.
- It has a cheater magnifying lens technology of around 2.5 which enables the user to have a comprehensive and clear viewing.
- Has four adjustable sensors that allow it to immediately darken in case there is lighting around and still provide ample display.
- It has lightweight built which enables one to work for long.
- There are inbuilt protective glasses that keep your eyes protected even without the need of using extra welding glasses.
- It consists of shades covering of 5-9 and 9-13.
Cons.
- Although it works well, it does not stay in an upright position well. Hence you need to keep on tightening it.
- The Antra is powered by the battery which may require you to keep on changing it since it does not run for long.
Antra Solar Power [Model AH7-360-0000]
Another great invention from Antra that helps in keeping your welding time flawless and fun. It is equipped with an auto-darkening power that works even when you look directly at the sun. I would recommend IT to a beginner since it has easy to use features that are reliable to use too.
Although it may be a bit too heavy on your head, it ensures that all the covered parts are safe from the welding fire sparks. It can still be used by the people who have poor eyesight because the views are adjustable according to your preference.
The same goes for people who want to shield their eyes from the bright lights. In other words, it allows you to adjust the brightness depending on your preference. It will enable you to set it in either plasma or cutting options.
It has four sensing options which ensure that your eye area is protected from bright lights even from the sun. Therefore if you want to watch a solar eclipse, you can efficiently use this one.
Features and pros.
- Available in multiple colors like black, carbon fiber, flag & eagle, etc.
- Large viewing size having a dimension of 3.86″ x 2.09″. It comes with 4 premium class lenses as well.
- 0.00004(1/25,000) Seconds quick response time.
- Safely & comfortably you can use it for TIG, MIG, MMA, Plasma cutter applications. Has a grind option as well.
- It has an adjustable sensitivity knob which is useful for providing ample protection to the eyes when working on the metals.
- The shades available on it include 5-9/9-13 which is helpful in covering most of the standard welding. It is powered by a battery that is rechargeable.
- Cheater lens compatible for better optical clarity.
- It also features plasma application which also has grinding features.
- It also consists of a knob for easy adjustability.
- Hard hat adaptable. But you need to buy the adapter separately.
- Meets ANSI Z87.1 / EN379 CE / CSA Z94.3 standards.
Cons
- Some customers have complained about this type of Antra being a bit heavy as compared to other brands.
RHINO For Large View
What attracts a lot of customers to it is it’s great built which features the carbon fiber materials. The lens technology is made of large viewing size which is essential for providing ample views for the user.
With just a weight of around 1.2 pounds, you are guaranteed to work for long with this. Also, the vast window screen is essential for offering more than 10 inches of vision something a lot of welders have found useful and efficient.
The structure of it is quite stiff which ensures that it is safe and does not break even after dropping it countless times on the ground. Other excellent features that will make your work to be fun and easy is the presence of the inbuilt glasses.
So you don’t have to wear different glasses to protect your eyes all the time. It also has an adjustable knob on the outside which would help you get a good fit for it.
Features and pros.
- The auto-darkening sensor works correctly when you look at any surface with too much lighting yet great optical clarity.
- It is quite sturdy regarding vision provision since it provides illumination of about 10 square feet inches.
- The light built allows you to work for long without their heads getting tired. It also features a headgear that is created in the form of a ratchet-style.
- Ratchet style headgear with the headband.
- Pretty lightweight, weighs only 1.2 pounds.
- Battery indicator so that you will know when you should replace the batteries.
- In conformity with ANSI Z87.1 / CE / CSA / AS/NZS / EN379 / ISO9001-2008 safety standards.
Cons
- Some customers have complained about it fogging after prolonged usage.
- It gets hot too quickly which may cause some people to not to work flawlessly.
Miller Electric
This is an excellent invention for both skilled and beginner welders. It is powered by triple A batteries which can run up to 2000 hrs. The lens is quite fast to sense any brightness which makes it useful for all welding and grinding works.
All people can use it due to its lightweight structure, and plastic design essential for ensuring your head does not easily tire. It has no magnifying color that gives it excellent viewing and grinding results.
You can use it with other PPE gears since it easily attaches to a standard welding hat. It is designed to allow you to control the amount of light you want it to display to ensure optimum optical clarity.
So if you have poor eyesight, you can quickly adjust the lens at the minimum darkness for compelling viewing and at the same time keep your eye-safe.
It has an electromagnetic sensor that is essential for viewing even in the case where you are welding at an arc.
Features and pros.
- It features an auto-darkening feature that allows it to immediately turn off when you get close to the welded object.
- The knob equipped on the tool will enable you to control the amount of darkness you want on the window for a better working view.
- It is powered by a triple-A battery that is essential for ensuring it is working and providing ample viewing at any time.
- It has electric, magnetic sensor which also consists of 2 arc sensors for better results.
Cons.
- The batteries do not run for long especially if you are using the tool for long hours.
Jackson Safety (Model 46131)
Another top-rated auto darkening model from the trusted brand Jackson Safety. When you need to adapt to various working environments, you need an ADF (Auto-Darkening Filter) featured welding helmets. Only then you can get the job done controlling the shades of the lens, with other useful adjustments for the sensitivity.
Superior quality lens lets you have 9 – 13 variable shade range. The wide viewing area with the dimension of 3.93 X 2.36 inches lets you do many tasks like MIG, TIG, arc welding more comfortably & precisely.
It’s a reasonably priced one featuring everything you need like sensitivity & delay adjustment, digital controls, and 4 independent auto dimming sensors. The mask has grind & weld modes that are also compatible with HLX100 & HSL-100 shells.
The clarity is simply awesome & it’s a verified fact by lots of experienced welders. Based on the amp settings, obviously the clarity will vary but the clarity is great. Want to put a cheater lens in it? You can! Did I say it is hardhat adaptable as well?
For the utmost adherence to compliance, safety, and accountability, it meets ANSIZ87.1-2010 and CSA standards. Digital interface where you can control everything. For continuous long hours tasks, this is really a good alternative you should consider.
More Features & Pros of Jackson Safety (Model 46131)
- The dimension is 13.6 X 9.6 X 8.1 inches.
- Very lightweight having a weight of only 2 pounds.
- Durable even though it is lightweight. Many have been using it for so many years without any trouble.
- 1/1,000,000 switching speed.
- Thoughtful headgear design. Use the adjusters on the top to determine how high/low it should sit. Ratcheting back is very stable. The hood of the headgear won’t drop suddenly because of the up detent.
- All the lens and controls are really impressive.
- Very much comfortable to use for long hours.
Cons of Jackson Safety
- Feels like flimsy plastic made.
- Short space for a respirator or jaw-line.
Coocheer
This is one of the most recommended auto darkening welding helmets for a professional welder since it has all features that are essential for working on different objects, it allows you to work even under the sun since it has a solar sensor that will enable it to dim immediately you get near the sunlight.
The window is designed with an opening mechanism that allows one to quickly open and close it to catch a breather in between the work. Although a battery powers the working tool, it also has a power indicator that notifies you when it is about run out of battery for safety purposes.
It can fit any size and shape of the head since it consists of an adjustable headband for efficient fitting on the head. The lens view is flexible which can be done without even removing it from the head.
Also unlike other brands that are equipped with a darkening feature, this kind of auto-darkening helmet has a clear view which is essential for better working and efficient viewing. The user can use it in different zones since the brightness is adjustable plus the sensor ensures that the sparks are kept off the face even when grinding the metal.
Features and pros.
- It has a UV sensor that protects you from the sunlight rays when working.
- The headband features an adjustable mechanism that allows it to fit on different heads.
- The window automatically darkens when the lights are on to secure your eyes from the sparks and strong lighting from the welding machine.
- It is powered by a triple-A battery.
- It has a power indicator that notifies you when the battery is about to die.
Cons.
- The battery does not run for a long especially when used for an extended period.
Tacklife PAH01D Solar Power
If you need a model that you can use in different areas, then Track life is the right choice for you. It is designed with an adjustable shade range which is essential for use in different regions.
Also, this allows one to control the amount of dim they want to be portrayed on it for better working. It is correctly made in a lightweight structure that enables you to work for long without your head getting tired.
The mask works great and fits well on the head since one can easily and quickly adjust the headband for better results with better optical clarity.
Working with it is pretty easy including for beginner since all you require is improving the right features such as the headband and the lens. It is really great and perfect for professional work since it covers all the head area including the neck.
This effectively protects and prevents the sparks from reaching the neck area. It is easy to use and control the working depending on the work and the density work.
It features plastic construction that is light in weight hence allowing you to work for long without getting tired. The viewing area is adjustable to different sizes for ample display of the welded gadgets.
To ensure that the welder is adequately protected from the light, it is made with a fast time response which is ideal for preserving the welder when working.
Features and pros.
- It has four sensors that allow one to adjust it to different working options.
- It is crafted with lightweight material that enables one to work long hours without quickly getting tired.
- The material consists of corrosion and flame retardant as well. It also covers all the way to the neck area to for proper protection.
Cons.
- Some customers have complained about it being too slow in switching to different working modes.
TMR Mask Welding Helmet
This is another ADF model that can be used by all people whether you want to practice it as a hobby or profession. It automatically dims when you get to an area that has to light hence allowing you to work swiftly.
It is light in weight and covers most of the parts of the head including the neck. The lens adjusts according to the work and the density of the arc to give clear viewing and at the same time ensure there is ample protection of the eyes.
Also, it is powered by the solar where it automatically becomes dark when it is used in the outdoors. The shell is made of a durable and robust material that does not readily break when you accidentally drop it on the ground.
Because it is inexpensive, lots of people had very low expectations for it. But after using it for some days, it has exceeded their expectations. Many are using it for several hours. For the price, it is simply unbeatable. It will be so unfair if you compare it just based on its price. Without breaking your bank account, you can get the best auto darkening welding helmet under $100.
Features and pros of TMR Welding Helmet
- When you need a cheap but good quality because of your budget, it’s a good option to think about it. Great for personal or work.
- Weighs only 1 pound. Comfortable solar-powered model.
- It automatically becomes dark when you get lace with too much light.
- It has four adjustable sensors that allow you to work from different environments.
- The auto-darkening really works. The confirmed fact from experienced users.
- Highly recommended for MIG.
- Use the switch to enable grinding mode.
- Fastest response and recovery time.
- UV/IR protection.
- It features a lightweight built which will enable one to work long hours.
- Meets CE and ANSI Z87 standards.
- It is durable since the material doesn’t crack easily.
Cons TMR Mask Welding Helmet
- One is expected to keep on adjusting the headband to prevent it from dropping.
- You can’t use any cheater lens.
Jackson Safety ( Model 46101)
This is one of many excellent auto darkening welding helmets for both professional and home use. It has 9-13 variable shade range and very easy to use and has digital controls for easy usage. With the dimension of 3.93″ x 2.36″, you will have a larger viewing area without lifting the hood.
It allows you to work for long without feeling dizzy, unlike other brands since it is made of lightweight materials. The headgear is adjustable to enable the mask to fit comfortably on your head for efficient use.
The automatic dimming on the window ensures that your eyes are adequately protected from any lighting. So this allows you to work efficiently without having to worry about light adjustment.
The fitting is fantastic and it also has an excellent interior which keeps your head fully protected. You will love the sensitivity and delay adjustments for your various needs with improved optical clarity.
It consists of different use options which include grinding and welding modes. The four auto sensor dimming modes are easy to use and control with the provided knob.
The structure is made of plastic which is essential for protecting it from breaking in case you accidentally drop it. Another feature that a lot of users find useful is the presence of the auto-darkening filter (ADF) which enables the user to work on different areas and also control the shade on the lens.
Features and pros
- It has 4 independent sensors for easy usage on different surfaces.
- Universal size and weighs only 2 pounds.
- The auto dark filter enables the user to work in different environments.
- It has two working options which include the grind and weld option for useful results according to the users’ preference.
- It automatically turns on the moment you start working thus keeping your face safe from the sparks and lighting on the welded items.
Cons.
- Customers have complained about it not being able to maintain an upright position.
Lincoln Electric (Series3 – 350)
Many lead welders from TIG and MIG have recommended this auto darkening welding helmet. Every function of it is just perfect as per their view. The price is also very reasonable (but not some cheap welding helmets), so suitable for both the pro and new welders.
Many welders having experience for more than 30+ years have verified that it lets them see clearly into the puddle as they have never experienced before.
Unmatched clarity and pixel-perfect color variation have made it stand alone. To weld better, you need to see better. That’s exactly what you can do with this one. If you feel like you are not seeing clearly with your existing one, try this one.
Instant response time for the auto dark feature will change your experience of welding. With 4 arc sensors, it can respond faster than what you used to use before.
If you run a workshop or work where you need a lot of them, consider having this for all of your coworkers. They will love it and it’s economical.
Very simple controls and it has all the functions to make necessary adjustments. Meet everyone’s expectations.
It’s really lightweight (weighs only 3.2 pounds), so you can weld for a very long time. With the great headband, added stability (holding up is really great) and comfort is not a dream – it’s a reality.
Tips: I should have mentioned it earlier. However, if you weld in a confined space, you should get a respirator.
Features & Pros
It’s gonna cost you more than $200 (it varies), but it worth every penny. Just check the following features.
- Comes in black color.
- 74” x 3.34” wide viewing area.
- 1/25,000 switching speed.
- Comes with necessary bandana & bag with extra lenses.
- 5 to 13 adjustable lens shade range.
- Cheater glass usage option available.
- True color clear view with 4c tech lens.
- Very light grind setting.
- Safety ensured from harmful UV rays and spark.
- Long-lasting solar power battery (battery included). Very easy to remove it when the time comes to change it.
- Made from high-quality plastic. It’s really durable, so your investment in this one will pay off!
- Perfect for TIG, MIG, and arc welding.
- It’s new in the market from Lincoln Electric, but a lot of pro and experienced welders have recommended it.
Cons of Lincoln Electric Welding Helmet
Whereas everything seems fine with this auto darkening welding helmet and despite there are so many high appreciations from the pro welders, someone mentioned the following problem. I think you should have a look.
- The hood is not large enough, it might be problematic for welder having a large head size.
Hobart Impact
Being a welder, you are familiar with Hobart tools, right? They got lots of fans. Well, now you have their welding helmets too & I am pretty sure, you will love it as well.
This is somewhat one of a cheap welding helmets where you need to have all the cool features of a high-end model, but do not want to have pressure on your budget.
Having said that, I must tell you something about the auto-darkening feature of this one.
If you remember from the 3M helmet reviews given above, that one has a response time of only 1/10,000 seconds whereas this auto darkening welding helmet has a reaction time of 1/25,000 seconds. As you can see, in spite of being cheap, it has a blazing fast reaction time (3 arc sensors) when you strike an arc.
In addition to having more sensors and extra lenses, there are countless head adjustments as well. Once you figure it out (it will take some time at first), you can weld comfortably hours after hours.
Most people like it because of its great reaction time for the auto-dark feature. Also, the lens clarity is awesome, perfect for precise work. And for the price, this is second to none like all other Hobart products.
But is it safe?
It has large face coverage. It makes it perfect to protect against sparks and radiation. And that’s the reason they are CSA/CD standards certified.
Features & Pros of Hobart Welding Helmet
- Comes with a cheater lens slot, so if you are good to use your prescription glass. It’s perfect for every type of welder.
- A great one with so many adjustable features. Great comfort.
- Wide 7.05 square Inch viewing area.
- For MIG or TIG, you need great shade range and lens clarity. If you are not happy with your current welding helmets, try this! The shade setting ranges from 8 to 13.
- Features grind & weld mode.
- Locks perfectly with your head. Won’t drop even you move around a lot. It’s lightweight, so great comfort even for the longest time of welding.
- Replaceable lithium battery for the auto-dark feature.
- Meant to last for a very long time. Made from durable polyamide and so many happy welders are using it for so many years.
- Really helpful customer service. If you are familiar with other Hobart tools and have the experience to their support staff, you know what I mean.
Cons of Hobart Impact Welding Helmet
- I have no idea why… but they have put all the controls inside of it. It’s kind of hard to control them with the welding gloves on.
- The sensors interact with the sunlight, and it’s kind of irritating since you have to press the reset button.
Instapark Solar Powered (ADF Series GX990T)
If your search for the best welding helmet under $100 is still not to an end, consider having this. A cheap auto-darkening model with large viewing area and versatile adjustments.
For precise results, you really need a large viewing area to see everything clearly. Great for those who do not want to spend much but still want to upgrade from their existing cheap model.
When you need to weld for very long hours, you need to feel comfortable wearing it, right? Well, a lot of welders have confirmed that this one is really comfortable. Also, the padded interior design will ensure your maximum comfort.
So what the common welding problem of all the high-end models?
Definitely, locating all the controls inside. It is really irritating sometimes to adjust the controls with the gloves on. Well, guess what, with this model, you can have all those controls outside of it! You don’t need to take off it to adjust the controls.
With 1/30,000 seconds reaction time for the auto-dark features, this is really fast and you know how much it is helpful whenever you strike the arc.
If you are a newbie still learning how to weld, this is a great auto-darkening welding helmet to start. Take your skill level to the expert level then go for the best auto darkening welding helmets.
Features of Instapark
As I said, it’s cheap. Still, there are so many reasons you should have it. Also, if your budget is tight but doesn’t want to waste your money on garbage, check the following features why you should have it.
- Great for long-time wearing.
- With 3.94” x 3.86” viewing area, so far I know, it is the largest!
- Shade adjustment ranges from #5 – #13.
- Being a folding headband it is very easy to store.
- 4 arc sensors. Quickest switching time.
- Revolutionary battery technology. Both solar-run and you can use replaceable CR2450 battery.
- Ergonomically designed with ratcheting headband, fits every head size.
- Applicable for versatile applications like arc, TIG, and MIG welding.
- Looking for the grinding function? Yep, it features it as well.
- Just look at the image. Don’t you love the eagle pattern design? I think it looks cool.
Cons of Instapark Solar Powered Welding Helmet
Despite the manufacturer tried so hard to make this a cool one, you should be careful about the following facts before buying it.
- The detent to stay it up is not well-engineered. Some reported that it does not stay up well.
- Does not compatible with the magnifier lens.
Best Welding Helmet For Beginners Buying Guides
Unlike before where one was required to wear several protective gears such as the welding jacket, glasses, headgears and also neck cover, now there is better and more efficient gear for this purpose.
With the use of auto welding helmets, you will not have to wear all these accessories since it protects your face and the head area from the light and the spark.
Also, these elements are crafted with auto adjustability and start whereby it immediately goes on in the case where you start working.
Before you choose any welding helmets to work with, here are some guidelines to help you make the right choice.
The sensor features
Ensure the auto-darkening welding helmet that you purchase has all the required sensing features such that even when you use in a darker area, you will still have a clear view. Therefore, before you buy it, count the number of sensors available for practical purposes.
The display
These elements are designed with lenses that provide different viewing. Some have a clear viewing effect which is essential for people with reduced visibility while others offer a dark viewing effect.
The displays are differentiated in shade range of darkness which vary depending on the type of them. Just test it while still at the shop to see if you will be able to comfortably have a clear view while still working wearing it.
The comfort
Keep in mind that you will be using this for a long time. i.e., if you are a professional welder. Therefore to ensure that you are comfortable all through the work, provide that it is comfortable and easy to use.
The inner side should contain fabric to keep your skin protected from the hard surfaces, and there should be gaps to allow free flow of air.
Also, ensure the headgear has a lightweight structure to enable you to work for long without your head feeling too heavy.
Another detail to focus on when choosing welding helmets regarding comfort is the fitting, a majority of the dark auto model are crafted with a headband which is adjustable to fit different heads.
Therefore ensure it has a headband for these purposes.
The price
The price or rather the budget that you have saved for buying it plays a considerable role in determining the kind of brand to get. This is because the quality and features decide the price. So, if it is of high quality and has magnificent features, you also be required to spend more money as compared to purchasing a simple one.
Your needs
Make sure that you keep your needs first when buying it. Ask yourself why you need it, the purpose of using it and also what you want to accomplish with its use. This guides you in choosing the right welding helmets that will make your work to be smooth and fast as well.
The power
Either battery or solar power the dark auto welding helmets. The solar-powered model functions immediately you wear it with a bright light area, unlike the battery which requires you to control its start and replace the batteries in case they run out of charge. So choose a model that you find comfortable and efficient to work with.
Choose Manual Sensitivity: There are two types of sensitivity: manual and automatic. The manual sensitivity setting is way better than the automatic setting. From the dark to light and vice versa setting, it’s convenient to set this setting manually.
Delay Settings: Important to notice when you go for the auto darkening welding helmets. When you strike the arc, it’s important to keep the response time at the minimum. Normally these delay time ranges from 0.1 milliseconds to 1 millisecond.
Check The Magnification Lens: Not all the brands give you this. Only some brands include it with their model. If this is a big deal for you, check it first before you make the order, or ask the seller directly about it.
Go For Lightweight: Lightweight is always preferable when you need to weld for a long time. A lightweight model ensures your comfort throughout the day. Some are having a weight of 2 pounds to 4 pounds or even more. Always go for the lightweight auto darkening welding helmet if you are a pro welder.
Check Hardhat Compatibility: Also, not all of them are hardhat compatible. So, if you like to wear the hard hat with it, check this compatibility as well.
Grind Mode: When this mode is set to on, it won’t go to the dark state. Almost all the welding helmets have this feature. However, there are models that don’t have it. Grinding mode is helpful, so you should really care about it.
Auto Test The ADF: Important to have to check whether the ADF is working or not. If there is no auto test feature, you can check the ADF manually. Here is how you can test your auto-darkening helmet.
Designs: You can find lots of designs to match your preferences. Only a few brands offer lots of designs in the same model.
Buy Online: Nowadays, it’s wise to buy almost everything online. You can check a lot of models in a very short time with real-life reviews from experienced users.
Warranty: They are expensive even you get the top-quality welding helmets under $100. Check the warranty to protect your investment and register it on their website.
FAQ: Good Welding Helmets
If you are new in this, it’s pretty normal that you have a lot of questions in your mind that need to be answered. Even the pro may have some questions before making up their mind. In these sections, I will try to answer such common questions related to welding briefly.
Last Words
If you are looking for durable and most reliable welding helmets for your work, the above are 16 great options to consider getting. They have different features that ensure that you are entirely protected from the sparks and light that comes from welding and grinding.
Make sure to buy these elements from a reliable dealer to avoid getting a nonfunctional model. Also, it is advisable that you drive to test its functionality while still at the shop to make sure that it is well and working correctly too. Follow the above guideline to help you determine the features to look for when buying the best auto darkening welding helmet. Now, watch the MIG welding tutorial if you are new to this.
References:
- ISHN: Welding safety
- OSHA: Welding, Cutting, and Brazing
- Work Safe: Metal welding safety: Practical advice for employers on controlling hazards when welding
