Welding helmets are essential safety gear for welders. They protect the wearer's eyes and face from the intense light and heat generated by the welding process. Welding helmets prevent welders from going towards the 'dark side', if you know what we mean.
But did you know that welding helmets bear a strong resemblance to the hoods worn by stormtroopers in the Star Wars movies? This similarity has not gone unnoticed by fans of both welding and Star Wars, who have affectionately dubbed welding helmets "stormtrooper helmets."
So whether you're a welder who's a fan of Star Wars or a Star Wars fan who's interested in welding, rest assured that there's a helmet out there that will please both your practical side and your inner geek. Check out our selection below.
Koverflame Auto Darkening Solar Powered Welding Helmet
This star wars-inspired welding helmet is perfect for any fan of the cult-favorite movie series. The helmet features a realistic design that includes all of the iconic details of a stormtrooper's helmet, from the white color scheme to the dark eye area.
Product Specifications
Product Name: Koverflame Auto Darkening Welding Helmet
Dimensions: 13 x 9.55 x 9 inches
Price: $125.99
Features:
- 1/25,000-second switch time
- Solar-Powered Auto-Darkening
- Perfect for TIG, MIG, and MMA
- Clearer views with a more accurate representation of color: 1/1/1/2 Optical Clarity
- Wide Shade Range DIN4/5~8 /9~13
- Operates at temperatures -5 degrees Celsius to 55 degrees Celsius
What We Like
The majority of welding applications are compatible with the Solar-Powered Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet. The lens of this helmet automatically darkens when you start welding, thanks to its 1/25,000-second switch time.
It's made for industrial use that can handle a variety of welding processes, including:
- MMA/Stick welding
- DC TIG
- AC TIG
- MIG/MAG
- and numerous plasma cutting and grinding operations
Its extremely light weight lessens strain on the head and neck. Additionally, its automatic auto-darkening lens eliminates the need to flip the hood up and down.
What We Don't Like
After some time, the auto-darkening feature may exhaust itself. It would be a waste to purchase another $125 welding helmet to garner the same benefits as this one. It's a bit hefty on the wallet, so this may not be everyone's preference.
However, other than those complaints, other people seem to love this Stormtrooper-looking helmet. Trust us. The force is strong with this one.
PROWELD Auto Darkening Lightweight Welding Helmet
Product Specifications
Product Name: PROWELD Auto Darkening Lightweight Welding Helmet
Dimensions: 13 x 9.55 x 9 inches
Price: $45.99
Features:
- 1/25,000-second switch time
- Made of high-impact resistance nylon material
- 3.86 by 3.54-inch large viewing screen for a wider viewing angle
- Has true color auto darkening feature
- Great for TIG MIG Arc, plasma applications with grinding feature
- DIN5～9/DIN9-13 for welding, cutting, and grind area
What We Like
This auto-darkening and lightweight Star Wars welding helmet from PROWELD has a shell made of high-impact resistance nylon. Even -5°C to 55°C (20°F to 131°F) is no match for it. Talk about being durable for a low cost!
Additionally, this helmet sports an LCD with a 3.86 by 3.54-inch viewing surface. Its auto-darkening filter shields the welder's eyes from hazardous radiation by changing from light to dark in 1/25000 of a second.
This solar-powered welding helmet includes four excellent sensors in addition to a very sensitive probe. This grinding capability is ideal for TIG MIG Arc and plasma applications.
What We Don't Like
After a few weeks, the lens fails. The problem continues to exist even with a new battery. According to the testimony of one customer, the faulty product even caused them to suffer from a flash burn.
It is possible that the problem lies with ProWeld; nonetheless, if you are going to spend money on a product you want to use frequently, it is probably not a good idea to purchase a problematic model.
Miller Electric Auto-Darkening T94 Welding Helmet
Product Specifications
Product Name: Miller Electric Auto-Darkening T94 Welding Helmet
Dimensions: 12 x 12 x 10 inches
Price: $457.99
Features:
- 3.81 x 2.62-inch viewing area
- Switching Speed 1/20,000 sec.
- 4 Arc Sensors
- ClearLight™ Lens Technology
What We Like
With less neck torque and less pressure on the user, the lightweight, balanced design increases both short-term comfort and long-term health advantages. Four-point flexible headgear with an ergonomic design ensures a snug fit and minimizes pressure spots on the head for all-day wear.
With seamless tilt, distance, and tightness changes, the fit may be customized. It has Shade 5.0 Side Windows, improving peripheral vision and heightening environmental awareness.
An external grind control is also included. Push a button to enter the grind mode. In terms of appearance, it has a matte silver coating meant to reflect heat from the environment and keep the user cooler.
What We Don't Like
Considering this product came from an esteemed welding brand, it is expected to be a high-quality product. Miller is a big name in the welding industry, so it came as a surprise to a few customers that they have encountered low-quality helmets.
One comment wrote, “After taking the helmet out of its packaging, I found that the headpiece was fixed in place and would not budge. In addition to that, there was a scratch in the center of the inner lens cover, as well as scratches on the side panes.”
3M Speedglas Welding Helmet
This one might not be the most economical choice compared to the other options on this list. However, it still serves its purpose.
Product Specifications
Product Name: 3M Speedglas Welding Helmet
Dimensions: 12 x 12 x 10 inches
Price: $482.45
Features:
- 3.81 x 2.62-inch viewing area
- Switching Speed 1/20,000 sec.
- 4 Arc Sensors
- 2500 hours of battery life
- Auto-Darkening Filter feature
- 2.1x4.2 inches viewing area
- Stick, MIG, and TIG welding sensitivity adjustment
- SideWindows double peripheral vision
What We Like
Along with its side panes, which significantly improve peripheral vision, it offers a 2.1 by 4.2-inch viewing area. So yes, this helmet eliminates the need for you to check behind you constantly.
Additionally, this headgear is cozy and includes a sensitivity adjustment, making it suitable for use with all Stick, MIG, and TIG welding procedures. It is compatible even with the grinding and torch modes!
What We Don't Like
According to some consumers, the adjustment knobs position does not work, and the speedglass lens was fractured. For its price, it's a shame to receive a defective product.
May the Welds Be With You
Welding helmets are not as different from stormtrooper hoods as one might think. In fact, they share a lot of similarities. Both have the ability to protect wearers from debris and sparks while still being stylish and cool-looking.
Although the stormtrooper welding helmets on this list are limited, you can always opt for a custom Star Wars welding helmet. Some Star Wars welding helmets for sale include a Mandalorian welding helmet and even a Boba Fett welding helmet!
If you're interested to know more about welding helmets, be sure to browse our website. We reviewed plenty of helmets and other welding tools, so you can find one that works for you!
August 8, 2022