You never know when the need for welding will arise, whether it’s a car restoration, minor house repair, or some machinery overhaul. It doesn’t matter whether you are an amateur or an expert; when it comes to welding, you’ll want to invest in your safety. Hence, a high-quality welding helmet. A welding helmet is designed to shield your eyes, face, and neck from ultraviolet rays, flash burns, sparks, and other similar harsh elements when welding. No one should be allowed to weld without safety measures and gear in place.
Professional and experienced welders are willing to invest more money into a welding helmet than any other accessories for protection, comfort, and improved welding ability. Our team has chosen and carefully reviewed the best welding helmets in stores today.
This article will also help you identify the several factors that you should consider when shopping for a welding helmet—this includes optical clarity, auto-darkening capabilities, switching speeds, and whether they meet the standard safety requirements.
Best 8 Welding Helmets in 2022
1. Antra Welding Helmet (AH6-260-0000)
At the top of our list, we have a top-notch quality welding helmet you can purchase at an economical price. This welding helmet is an Amazon favorite for its solar-powered, auto-darkening feature, which offers an adequate shade range within ⅘-9/9-13 to visible lights and features a passive filter with lasting shade 13 to UV/IR. Interference suppression technology aids in decreasing false triggers—these are often the result of photo-interference, such as fluorescent lights and sunlight.
The helmet features a total of premium, highly responsive sensors that can detect and control units to provide rapid switching time (1/25000 second) and fast auto shading. This can minimize the risk of radiant bypass, reduce eye stress, and offer full face and neck coverage. This helmet also passed the ANSI Z87.1 standards, while optical clarity rates at 1/1/1/2.
Another reason why the Antra is the best welding helmet is because of its weight. It only weighs roughly 1 pound when fully assembled. Also, adjusting delay time and sensitivity controls for this helmet is very easy. The package includes an inner lens cover plate and six bonus outer lens cover plates.
Since it is a solar-powered welding helmet, you will need a couple of replaceable CR2032 batteries. You do not have to worry about saving on power usage because the helmet features a fully automatic on/off functionality along with a battery indicator and a convenient self-darkening test button. In dark environments, the delay function will allow the filter to run for ten more minutes before it shuts down.
You can safely use this helmet on different welding processes, including TIG, MIG, MAG, flux core, plasma cutting, MMA, Stick, and more.
Product Specifications:
- It is solar-powered.
- It has an auto-darkening feature.
- It features an adequate shade range within ⅘ - 9/9 -13 to visible lights.
- It features a passive filter with a lasting shade of 13 to UV/IR.
- It features interference suppression technology.
- It has four premium redundant arc sensors.
- It has full face and neck coverage.
- It passed the ANSI Z87.1 standards.
- It features adjustable sensitivity and delay time control.
- It is compatible with almost all welding and grinding process durations.
- It features a quick grind switch when you need to shift from grind to weld.
- It has an optical clarity of 1/1/1/2.
- It has a reaction time of 1/25000 of a second.
- It only weighs 1 pound.
2. Lincoln Electric Viking 3350 Series Welding Helmet
Lincoln Electric is one of the most reputable brands when it comes to welding tools and equipment. As one of the best welding brands in the market today, the company is expected to offer high-quality welding helmets. The Viking 3350 series is a popular option from Lincoln Electric. The clarity rating for the lens is at 1/1/1/1, which highlights peak definition without signs of common imperfections, including blurriness and distortion of any kind.
This helmet features a 3.74” by 3.34” auto-darkening lens that delivers a large field of view, providing enhanced application versatility, increased productivity, and added safety benefits. It has an X6 headgear ergonomically designed to contour to the user’s head with six contact points that carry the weight in perfect equilibrium. According to Lincoln Electric, this feature helps eliminate pressure points, improve balance, and provides a contoured fit to achieve utmost comfort.
Another excellent feature that Lincoln takes pride in is the ingenious low-profile external grind button which lets you switch fast between the grind and weld functions without taking off the helmet or your gloves. This helmet is also solar-powered through a CR 2450 battery, and it is compatible with a cheater lens. A great option among beginners and experts alike, the helmet meets CSA Z94.3, EN 379, and ANSI, CSA Z94.3 standards, ensuring maximum safety.
Product Specifications:
- It is from a well-known manufacturer.
- It has an optical lens clarity rating of 1/1/1/1.
- It features a 4-arc sensor.
- It has a shade range of 5-13.
- It features a 3.74” by 3.34” (12.5 square inches) viewing area.
- It has a 1/25 0000-second switching speed.
- It utilizes solar power.
- It uses a CR 2450 battery.
- It is cheater lens-suitable.
- It meets CS 794.3, EN 379, and ANSI Z87.1 standards.
- It includes a 3-year warranty.
3. Yeswelder Welding Helmets
YESWELDER offers a collection of affordable welding helmets, each with its own unique features. Their helmets are compatible with MIG, TIG, and MMA, while certain models can do plasma welds with grinding features. The YESWELDER LYG-S400S and LYG-M800H-A have a great viewing area measuring 4.33” by 2.37” with a non-auto-darkening side view. If you want a larger viewing area that measures up to 3.93” by 3.66” with four premium sensors, you can choose the LYG-M800H, LYG-M800H-A, and LYG-M800H-B. The LYG-Q800D and LYG-Q800D-A models have a viewing area of 3.94” by 3.23’ with both a non-auto-darkening side view and four premium sensors.
All of their welding helmets feature a 1/1/1/2 optical clarity with a true-color view. With the lime green tint at the very minimum, these helmets boast improved visibility. They are all capable of harnessing solar power, auto-darkening, and offering added adjustability and comfort through a pivot-style headgear. You don't have to worry about safety since all of their helmets meet the ANSI Z87.1 and EN 379 safety standards.
Product features:
- The brand itself has a wide lineup of affordable offerings.
- These helmets offer unique styles to pick from.
- It is compatible with MIG, TIG, MMA, and plasma.
- They have different viewing sizes that include 3.93” by 3.66”, 3,94” by 3.23”, and 4.33” by 2.37”.
- They have an optical clarity of 1/1/1/2
- They deliver a true color view.
- They feature a reduced lime green tint that improves visibility.
- These helmets are solar-powered.
- They have auto-darkening capabilities.
- They feature a pivot-style headgear that enhances comfort and adjustability.
- They meet the EN 379 and ANSI Z87.1 safety requirements.
4. DEKOPRO Welding Helmet
The DEKOPRO solar-powered welding helmet is a cheaper option for non-frequent welders. This helmet comes in two color options: black and blue eagle, which showcases American pride. It also features a 1/2/1/2 optical rating and meets EN 379 and ANSI Z87.1 safety standards. However, the viewing area of this helmet is only 3.62” by 1.65” or 6 square inches, which is smaller than most welding helmets.
The helmet features an auto-darkening filter that switches your view from light to dark in record 1/15000 of a second and an adjustable headband that provides a snug fit. This helmet is solar-powered but also uses a CR2032 lithium battery for longer life that could last up to 5,000 hours. The Dekopro helmets are compatible with TIG, MIG, MMA, and plasma applications with grinding features. If you are searching for the best budget welding helmet, Dekopro’s line is a great place to start.
Product Specifications:
- It is more affordable compared to other brands on this list.
- It is available in black or Blue Eagle.
- It has an optical rating of 1/2/1/2.
- It proudly meets EN 379 and ANSI ZS87.1 safety standards.
- It has a viewing area of 3.62” by 1.65” or 6 square inches.
- It features an auto-darkening filter that goes light to dark in 1/15000 seconds.
- It has an adjustable headband.
- It is solar-powered and has a CR2032 lithium battery (up to 5,000 hours of life).
- It is compatible with MIG, TIG, MMA, and plasma.
- It features a shade range of DIN 4, Variable 9-13.
- It has a UV/IR protection of DIN 16.
5. Miller Electric Classic Series Welding Helmet
Miller Electric is a very reputable brand in the world of welding. They offer a wide collection of welding helmets, but the model that’s well worth your money? Miller’s Classic Series welding helmet comes with two independent arc sensors offering great arc sensing power and variable shade that allow lens customization. It also has an adjustable lens sensitivity to accommodate different lighting conditions as well as weld amperage. It also has an auto on/off feature, which instantly turns the lens on once the arc is struck.
The reaction time on this Classic Series welding helmet is at 1/12000 while featuring a shade range of #8-12. The viewing area of the helmet is 5.15 square inches. The best thing about this Miller welding helmet is that it comes with a 2-year Miller’s True Blue Warranty.
Product Features:
- It comes from a reputable brand in the welding industry.
- It features two independent arc sensors.
- It has a variable shade.
- It has an adjustable lens sensitivity.
- It has an auto on/off feature.
- It has a reaction time of 1/12000.
- It has a shade range of #8-12.
- It has a viewing field of 5.14 square inches.
- It comes with a 2-year Miller’s True Blue Warranty.
6. TACKLIFE Welding Helmet
TACKLIFE is a great brand if we’re talking about welding equipment. They offer a feature-rich helmet that delivers a perfect 1/1/1/1 optical clarity rating. It provides a full and sufficient shade range within 3/3-8/9-13 and meets several safety requirements, including ANSI/ISEA Z87.1, EN 379 CE, AS/NZS 1338.1, and CSA Z94.3. It also takes pride in its large viewing area of 3.94” by 2.87”.
The trustworthy helmet is also equipped with four premium arc sensors, allowing it to switch from light to dark in 1/25000 of a second. Made from PA material, the company claims its welding helmet is lighter, more durable, and provides better fire protection than common PP material. It also offers full face and neck protection from spatters.
Another good thing about this helmet is the comfort it offers due to its multiple adjustment joints to assure you that the helmet will fit your head perfectly. It is also very accessible with built-in switches that allow you to make adjustments to shade range or switching from welding to grinding without having to take off the helmet.
Product Features:
- It has a viewing area of 3.85x1.60 inches.
- It weighs 2 pounds.
- It has an optical clarity of 1/1/1/1.
- It has a reaction time of 1/25,000 second.
- It features four premium arc sensors.
- It is made from polyamide-nylon.
- It can be used for welding, cutting, and grinding.
- It can be adjusted according to sensitivity and delay control.
- It runs on either solar or battery.
- It is cheater lens/magnifying lens-suitable.
7. Optrel VegaView 2.5 Auto-Darkening Helmet
If you are looking for a welding helmet that can give you the best visual clarity, then the Optrel VegaView 2.5 is the one you need. This helmet comes with a shade level of 2.5 in the light state that guarantees the most visual clarity between welding and grinding modes. It is a lightweight gear that will make the user feel like they are not wearing anything on their head yet still ensures their safety while welding.
This welding helmet comes with an auto-shut grinding mode, which makes it very convenient for a welder to shift between welding and grinding functions. Users can adjust the viewing range to meet individual requirements. The helmet has a spectacular viewing area of 7.05 square inches and can provide the user with enough exposure and visibility. It also features adjustable straps to keep it secure around the head.
Welders looking for a wide-view angle with superior clarity need to check this auto-darkening welding helmet out.
Product features:
- It is a true color welding helmet.
- It has a shade range of 8-12.
- It has three arc sensors.
- It can be used in grind mode.
- It is compatible with a diopter and cheater lens.
- It features a viewing area of 100 x 50 mm.
- It comes with a 2-year warranty.
8. ESAB Sentinel A50 Welding Helmet
The ESAB’ Sentinel 150 is Swedish company Electric Welding Limited’s take on a futuristic version of their traditional welding helmet. This model was designed to offer maximum user protection when welding. It conforms to all the safety standard requirements and provides more than adequate protection from common welding dangers, such as spatter and toxic radiation. This futuristic helmet takes pride in its large viewing area with great visibility and features a blueish arc color.
This welding helmet features an external grind mode button that can be useful for switching between processes. There is also a good internal touchscreen display to shift between various delay, shades, sensitivity, and save settings for specific processes.
Product Features :
- It features a viewing area of 3.93 x 2.36 inches.
- It has four arc sensors.
- It weighs 640 grams.
- It has an optical clarity of 1/1/1/2.
- It has a shade range of 5-13.
- It has a 1/25,000 lens reaction time.
- It is powered by both solar & two replaceable lithium batteries.
Welding Safety
There are three wavelengths of light created when welding.
- Visible light - This produces sheer brightness that can harm your eye retinas.
- Infrared light (IR) - This is invisible but can heat anything it touches, including your eyes and skin.
- Ultraviolet light (UV) - This is another invisible light that can be dangerous with long-term exposure.
A good welding helmet should help you protect yourself from these light emissions.
How to Choose a Good Welding Helmet
When selecting the best auto-darkening welding helmet, you might get overwhelmed with a lot of different options. It may all look similar but know that they differ in specifications. It can also be difficult to figure out the differences in price. There are many different factors that you must put into consideration—this includes area size, sensors, and optical class. We’ve listed the important things you should consider when determining what is the best welding helmet for your desired purpose.
Weight & Comfort
If you are using your helmet for extended durations, you need to put weight into consideration. A heavy welding helmet will strain your neck and, in place of safety, can lead to serious injuries in the workshop. It is wise to opt for lighter helmets, especially if you are wearing them for very long periods of time. Your comfort while welding should be generally considered. Also, you should ensure that your chosen helmet fits securely around your head. An oversized helmet will move around, distract you, and will need careful adjustments. This is dangerous and might even put you at risk than actually protecting you.
Viewing Area
When you are regularly welding, getting the helmet with the right viewing area size is crucial. Some welding helmets have a long viewing area, while others have a wide one. Helmets with larger viewing areas are usually in 4” x 3” size, while those that have 3.5” x 1.75” would be considered a small viewing area. If you are working in an area with limited space, you’ll want the largest viewing area so that you can have a clear view of what you are working with.
Optical Clarity
Auto-darkening welding helmet lenses have been assessed for quality and assigned an optical class, which indicates the clarity of vision seen through the lens. There are four clarity categories, each scored from 1 to 3, with 1 being the highest. This means that you should choose the welding with the best optical rating of 1/1/1/1. Although there is no significant difference between a 1/1/1/1 and 1/2/1/2 optical rating, an experienced welding professional will easily notice the subtle change.
Arc Sensors
When picking out an auto-darkening welding helmet, it is also important to know how many arc sensors that unit has. These sensors are responsible for catching the harmful flashes as you’re working and instantly darkens the helmet to shield your eyes. Affordable helmets have 1 or 2 sensors, while the more expensive ones have more than 2. You want to have four sensors for increased protection, especially when flashes get obstructed by certain objects.
Power Source
The best welding helmets are solar-powered or lithium-ion battery-powered. Some have both options. A welding helmet that is powered by both solar energy and lithium batteries is a better option because this allows you to prolong its battery life. If one power source dies, you can easily rely on the other one.
Also, take note that you should check first if the battery is replaceable when buying a battery-powered welding helmet.
Sensitivity Control
A good welding helmet should be adjustable to brightness levels triggering the auto-darken feature. Having this manual option would allow you to work at low amperage and increased sensitivity. It is also ideal if you are working alongside other welders and lots of arcs. With a sensitivity control, you can manually adjust the sensitivity to your desired setting so that it won’t be affected by other arcs within the vicinity.
Lens Reaction Time
This indicates how fast the lens shifts from light to dark once the arc is formed. The lenses will easily switch in just a fraction of a second. The best ones are usually rated at 1/20,000 of a second. If you frequently weld, it is best to opt for a welder that features a fast lens reaction time.
Safety Standards
It is of utmost importance that you will only choose welding helmets that passed ANSI standards. This safety standard will require welding helmets to offer sufficient protection to its wearers. Rest assured that your helmet has undergone a rigorous inspection to pass to be able to achieve the ANSI national safety standards. It includes the standard protection from infrared, ultraviolet, impact, and temperature. The helmet you’ll purchase should at least pass the ANSI Z87.1-2003 to help ensure safety.
Key Takeaway
Our top pick, the best welding helmet, is none other than the Antra (AH6-260-0000), all things considered. Lincoln comes in at a close second. There is a wide array of options you can choose from when buying a welding helmet, depending on your budget range and intended use. We hope that we’ve provided you with helpful information to decide which of the best welding helmets is for you.
August 8, 2022