Best Welding Helmet 2021: Auto Darkening and Top Rated

Last Updated: January 18, 2022 by Louis Sham

The welding profession is one of the most dangerous because it involves working with different types of lights which can cause serious health problems to your eyes. According to the occupational safety and health administration (OSHA), you must wear protective gear such as gloves and helmets while welding to stay safe.

When you are welding, your head requires protection. Because every part of your head is in great danger if it is not adequately protected. It is not only the eyes that need protection while welding but rather the whole face. Wearing the Best Welding Helmet will protect not only your eyes but also your face against spatters and sparks that might injure your face. And most importantly, the helmet will protect your eyes from the bright welding light from the welding arc which can be dangerous to your eyes.

Thanks to the advancement in technology, there are numerous types of welding helmets that you can choose from. But we have tested 43 welding helmets and found YESWELDER welding helmet is the best among all. And there are a few more that you can see are the best products. However, it is paramount to make the right selection for the sake of the safety of your eyes.

25 Auto Darkening Welding Helmets Review

1. YESWLEDER Q800D – Best Welding Helmet 2021

Yeswelder welding helmet comes with a low-end price tag and is ideal for welding beginners. It is equipped with four sensors that adjust the light accordingly to allow you to work without much trouble. Besides that, it has a big viewing area which allows you to see what you are working on. It comes with a true color that allows you to see all the colors through the lens. Also, it has two premium arc sensors which are highly effective in detecting light.

Q800D Helmet is lightweight and so even if you wear it for long you will not feel the weight. Most importantly, this helmet is powered by solar and comes with a lithium battery that could be charged by the solar. Lithium battery has an average life span of 3 hours.

Yeswelder Welding helmet is ideal for MIG welding, plasma arc cutting, and MMA welding. The lens of this helmet is designed with a cheater and a magnifying lens. Most importantly, it comes with the auto-darkening ability which has the ability to protect against bright arc light. It has two auto-darkening sensors that have a quick response. Also, it is comfortable and has a wide range of visibility.

It is designed to fit well and is easy to adjust. Moreover, it has a digital control which allows you to know how to control the helmet for effective use and protection. Yeswelder welding helmet is one of the best safety helmets for welding & Grinding purposes, and their core aim is user safety. We have tested and found that shell is made up of plastic which needs to be improved and rest of things are more than expectations on this price.

2. Speedglas 9100xxi – 3M Welding Helmet

9100xxi is one of the best welding helmets from the house of 3M. This is an auto-darkening welding helmet and it can be used for all kinds of welding. It has a good rating & Auto-darkening has a quick response of less than 1 millisecond when the welding arc is activated, indeed it proved right while testing the 9100xxi. It helps to give protection against harmful light rays such the infrared radiation and UV rays. Besides that, the 9100xxi helmet is designed to fit with a snug and comfortably.

3M Speedglas 9100xxi comes with two sets of side windows which allows you to have a big viewing area. Moreover, it is made of high quality material which ensures that lasts for a long time. Viewing windows are fitted with 5 different shades which help to increase the light filtering and increase the clarity of the view. The range of the shades ranges from 8 to 13 and it has a viewing area of up to 12.11 square inches.

It is designed with different features that help to delay the auto darkening ability. It comes with three different arc sensors which are very accurate in detecting light. Also, Sensors detect the light quickly and react swiftly. It comes with a ground model however you need to activate it manually. The viewing lens is big offering a wide viewing space to see what is before you. It has a lighted setting which helps the filters to switch back to the normal viewing once the welding arc is switched off within a flash of a second so that you can see well without taking off the helmet.

Speedglass 9100xxi Welding helmet allows you to choose the shade that is suitable for a particular welding job. For instance, if you are grinding, you can select the grinding option from the settings and the shade for grinding will be activated. And whenever you are grinding, that setting will come up.

9100xxi Helmet has vents that allow you proper ventilation while working. Also, it has a lithium battery which can last up to 2000 hours. The battery is replaceable. You can use this helmet for different welding types such as TIG, MIG, and arc welding. Also, the helmet is durable. It is designed to fit with a snug and it is comfortable. It comes with two adjustable straps that are made of very soft material. Also, it is padded for comfort and has a headband that you can customize for your user’s needs.

3. ESAB Sentinel A50 – Auto Darkening Welding Helmet

ESAB is a premium welding helmet that is worth every penny you pay. It comes with a large viewing window that allows you to see what you are working on. It has an amber reflective color optical lens. This allows you to see all the colors well. It comes with an ADF shade with a range of between 5 and 13. A50 welding helmet has 9 different variable shades. Also, it comes with a grind mode and you can easily switch it to welding mode.

A50 has an auto darkening ability which detects and switches within a split of a second. It also has a control panel is a backlit display which is a touchscreen. This allows you to operate the helmet easily and see clearly even in a place with a low amount of light. It comes with 8 different memory settings which you can save for the different settings that you have made.

Apart from that, ESAB comes with external button controls and shade ranges. It also comes with a lithium battery that has a good life span. A50 Welding Helmet is lightweight and you can wear it for a long time and you will not feel the weight on your head. Also, it fits comfortably with a snug which allows you to concentrate on your work. Most importantly, it has a warranty of three years. Within this period, you can get free repair and or replacement.

4. Lincoln 3350 – Professional Welding Helmet

Lincoln Company has carved a name for itself for its best welding helmets in the industry. Lincoln helmet is made with the most recent technology. It comes with auto-darkening technology. Apart from that, it comes with an optical lens with a shade of between 5 and 13 levels. Also, it has four different arc sensors that are responsible for its quick response to detecting light.

Lincoln 3350 takes the shortest time to switch to the darkening mode in the helmet industry. Just 1/25,000 of a second to change to the darkening mode when it detects any amount of light. Apart from that, the 3350 series helmet is powered by solar. Also, it has external knobs for controlling the settings. The viewing window is 12 square inches which give you a wide viewing area to see clearly what you are working on. Most importantly, it has optical clarity and polycarbonate material which is available in different color shades to choose from.

3350 series welding helmets come with a replaceable lithium battery which can save adequate power for use. However, this helmet is very expensive as compared to other helmets but it is suitable for professional use. Lincoln welding helmet is lightweight so you can wear it for a long time and you will not feel the weight. And, the lightweight means that you will not get uncomfortable from wearing it.

Apart from that, it comes with a touchscreen for control of the different settings. Lincoln 3350 welding helmet comes with a warranty of 3 years which is more than enough. This period is ideal with the price tag of this helmet and also for its professional use. It has ventilation which helps to expel your air from the helmet hence keeping the helmet clean. Also, when the air is removed it helps to keep the lens clear because no mist is accumulated inside the helmet.

Also Read: Welding Helmet Black Friday Deals 2021

5. AH6-260 – Antra Welding Helmet Review

This is one of the best welding helmets from the house of Antra Welding Helmets. Although it’s an entry-level helmet, & comes with salient features which make it stand out from the crowd. AH6-260-0000 is appropriately priced and is lightweight. Antra AH6-260-0000 comes with a shade range of 5 to 13 but the hood is made of a thin plastic which makes it not ideal for industrial use.

AH6 has a solar panel that helps it to charge. It also has a lithium battery which is charged by the solar. With the help of auto darkening ability, it will protect your eyes against infrared and UV rays. Antra AH6-260-0000 can protect you against these rays whether is powered or not. It can be used during plasma welding, arc welding, TIG, and MIG welding. AH6 also comes with an adjustable delay on the sensitivity which is way better for this price range.

Besides that, this helmet has a sensitive control panel. Also, it has an adjustable lower limit which ensures that the hood rests on the same spot every time you put it on. Antra AH6 welding Helmet is lightweight and you can put it on for a long period without feeling any weight. You can also wear this helmet with glasses comfortably.

AH6 helmet has four sensors that are placed in a different position to help identify the type of work you are doing and turn on the auto-darkening to protect your eyes accordingly.

Also, it has a large viewing area which allows you to comfortably see your working area. In addition to that, it comes with an external knob that allows you to adjust the amount of shade that you want. It is also compatible with different lens types including the cheater and magnifying lenses to help you view your objects better. There is also a knob that you can help to adjust the sensitivity of the helmet. Also, you can adjust the delay as well.

Guide: How to change Battery in Welding helmets 2021

6. Hobart 770890 – Welding Helmets

Hobart is renowned for its exceptional welding helmets due to the utilization of technology. This helmet comes with outstanding features but at a reasonable price. The helmet is lightweight and so you can wear it for a long time without feeling any weight. Hobart 770890 is made of polyamide which is not only tough but lightweight on your neck and back.

770890 comes with a large view area that allows you to see all the working areas comfortably. Hobart has a viewing area of 7.1 square inches. With this area, you can look horizontally or vertically without moving your head. This helmet is equipped with sensors that enhance the general sensitivity of the helmet. Also, the sensors help in quick response to the light reaction. Auto-darkening takes only1/25,000 split seconds to react to an arc light. Hobart serves as the controller for the light. Besides that, the sensors regulate the amount of light that enters through the lens.

Hobart helmet is very comfortable. The area for the forehead is cushioned to ensure that you are comfortable. Also, it has a knob for you can adjust its fitting. Most importantly, Hobart fits with a snug which ensures that it rests on your head and neck comfortably and stably. It comes with a lens shade that has a range of between 8 and 13 shades. When the helmet is in light mode, the shade automatically adjusts itself to the shade of 3. You can adjust the shade accordingly to suit your working mode.

Related: How to Weld Cast Iron 2021

7. Jackson 46131  – Welding Hoods

Are you looking for a budget-friendly helmet to use in your professional welding? Well, look no further because this helmet comes with a variety of salient features which makes it ideal for professional welding. Jackson 46131 Welding Hood comes with an auto-darkening ability which helps to control the amount of light that enters via the lens. ADF helps your eyes to adjust to the shades. The viewing area of this helmet is large. As a matter of fact, the Jackson 46131 welding helmet is considered the largest in the helmet industry. A wide view area gives you a clear and high-quality view of what you are working on.

46131 helmet is versatile in its use. You can use the helmet in the welding or grinding mode & can also opt to use it for tig welding, arc welding, and MIG welding. Jackson helmet comes with a sleek and compact design and you can wear it even in a small space. Apart from that, it has an extended collar area which goes a long way to protect you from any fumes and smoke while welding. Also, the collar offers your neck protection while you are grinding or welding.

Jackson 46131 Helmet comes with a wide variety of shades with vacillating lenses. Shades range between 9 and 13. Besides that, this helmet comes with four different kinds of sensors. Sensors help to detect the light and quickly adjust the auto darkening to protect your eyes from too much bright light. The sensitivity of the sensors is very good which makes this helmet one of the best welding helmets.

Jackson comes with a digital control panel that helps you to know your shade level. Also, the price of this helmet is very reasonable. However, Helmet is heavy which can cause some pain on your neck if you wear it for a long time. It cannot fit a respirator inside due to its close-fitting.

Also Read: 5 Best Welding Helmets with Respirators of 2021

8. DEKOPRO – Best Welding Helmet for MIG

This is an auto darkening helmet that is perfect for MIG welding and it a common among most welders. Auto-darkening filter switches very quickly when it senses changes in light. It takes 1/25,000 spilled seconds to switch to the auto darkness mode. While testing I found its viewing area is wide and allows you to see your working area without turning your head. Also, even if there is an electric blackout, the lens will protect you against infrared and UV rays. The optical clarity is good.

This helmet is lightweight and you can wear it for long while working without experiencing any weight. You can manually adjust the helmet to suit your head size. DEKO Welding Helmet comes with a balanced and fatigue-free adjustment and you can adjust the headgear for your comfort. Apart from that, you can adjust the sensitivity to suit your working conditions. Most importantly, it comes with a color recognition ability which allows you to see all the colors while working. It also has a light level filter which helps to filter the light that enters the lens. With a split of a second, it switches the light accordingly.

DEKOPRO welding helmet is powered by a solar panel & also has a lithium battery that is charged by the solar and it can last up to 5000 hours. This is the best battery lifespan in the market today.

You can use it for various welding types such as MIG, TIG, MMA, plasma cutting, arc welding among others. Most importantly, DEKOPRO Welding Helmet is lightweight and the hood meets international standards such as the ANSI Z87.1 and EN379 safety standards. DEKOPRO Welding Helmet is very comfortable and it comes with a user manual making it easy to use the helmet.

Related: Top Fixed shade welding helmets of 2021

9. Miller 280045 – Best Auto Darkening Welding Helmet

Are you looking for an exceptional welding helmet at pocket-friendly prices? Look no further. This helmet comes with a lens shade which allows you to adjust the shade of the lens according to your welding needs. It comes with a shade range of between 8 and 13 for welding and shades -3 and -5 for grinding works.

By adjusting the lens shade, you reduce the pressure of the light on your eyes while working thus protecting your eyes accordingly. Miller 280045 helmet has a big viewing area which is 9 square inches. Miller Digital Welding Helmet allows you to view the area you are working on well & the large viewing area allows you to look even sides ways without moving your head.

Most importantly, this helmet comes with different light sensors which help to detect all the welding arcs. Sensors play a role in regulating the amount of light that enters the lens thus protecting your eyes against very bright light. Miller helmet uses the x-mode sensors which detect welding arcs even if the other sensors are not working well.

You can use this helmet for various welding activities. For instance, you can use it for grinding, cutting, and welding without taking off the mask. Thanks to the x-mode, the helmet is very versatile in its use. Also, the x-mode makes the helmet easy to use because you do not have to remove it to adjust to different welding styles.

10. Sellstrom S26200 – Best Helmet for Stick Welding

This is an ergonomic self-dimming helmet that is designed to offer your neck and head the much-needed protection as you work. Sellstrom Self Darkening Helmet is a lightweight ad so you can wear it for a long time without getting any discomfort. Besides that, Sellstrom Self-Darkening Helmet is made with the auto darkening filter which switches from light to dark within a split second to protect your eyes from bright light.

Sellstrom Helmet has a lens shade that adjusts the light. The range of the shade is between 9 and 13 and when the helmet is not on the shade rests at 4. In addition to that, Sellstrom S26200 Welding Helmet has adjustable sensitivity which also can delay suiting your welding needs. There are sensors that help to detect the light and activate the self-dimming filters to switch from light to darkness.

ADF has exceptional optical clarity which allows you to see the area you are working on clearly. This helps to prevent lifting the helmet hence increasing productivity and prevent time wastage. Sellstrom Self Darkening Helmet can be used in a wide array of welding applications such as TIG, MMA, STICK, GAS, flux-cored, and shield metal. Moreover, this Sellstrom Self Darkening Helmet is powered by the solar and it has a lithium battery that is charged by the battery.

Sellstrom helmet comes with an external control which you can use to control the lens shade to suit your welding needs. Also, there are premium internal controls that make it easy for you to control the settings of the helmet. This is lightweight and has an ergonomic design that has protection both to your neck and head. Also, it is highly comfortable and reliable hence enhancing your performance.

Its viewing area is large which allows you to see your working area without turning your head. Lens shade ranges from 9 to 13 and when it’s not on, the shade rests at 4. Most importantly, this helmet meets the OSHA safety standards and it has a high impact on CE and CSA.

11. TACKLIFE PAH04D – Best Welding Helmet for the Money

The PAH04D welding helmet is powered by solar and has a lithium battery that can be charged by the solar. Most importantly, it has auto-darkening filters which help to switch from light to darkness immediately they sense light. TACKLIFE Solar Power Welding Helmet has the highest optical clarity which allows you to see clearly what you are working on. This helps to increase your productivity and the quality of your work.

Also, TACKLIFE Welding Helmet offers the best eye protection against bright light. It comes with a lens shade of between 3 and 13. Also, it protects the eyes against UV and infrared rays. The protection ability of this helmet meets international safety standards.

TACKLIFE PAH04D Welding Helmet comes with four arc sensors that have a quick response to light detection. The response time of this helmet is 1/25,000 seconds. The quick response of these sensors helps to protect your eyes against the bright arc lights. This Welding Helmet has a lens shade of 9 to 13 and it has adjustable sensitivity and delays control knobs which allows you to adjust the shade to suit your welding needs.

Apart from that, this has versatile welding applications and you can use it in plasma cutting, MMA welding, MIG, and TIG welding. Also, it has a grinding feature.

Tacklife PAH04D is one best welding helmets for Flux core due to its wide range of specs and features. And it is one of the best welding helmets for money on our list. Quite lightweight and comfortable so you will not experience any discomfort even if you wear it for a long time as you work. This helmet is made of polyamide material which is not only tough but also durable and lightweight. It also has a gasket for absorbing any shocks in case of an accident while working. Numerous adjustable joints ensure that the helmet fits comfortably on your head.

Must Read: Top 3 Best Welding Helmets for Women in 2021

12. YESWLEDER L500A – Best Helmet for Arc Welding

This is the most popular true color welding helmet. As the name suggests, YESWLEDER True Color Welding Helmet allows you to see all the colors as you work. Also, it is powered by the solar and has a battery that is being charged by the solar. And it is recommended for arc welding especially.

YESWLEDER L500A Welding Helmet has a large viewing area that allows you to see all the areas you are working on without turning your head. Apart from that, this helmet comes with two arc sensors which help to detect the light and switch to darkening accordingly. Very much lightweight which means you can wear it for long while working without getting tired or feeling the weight of the helmet.

While using we found that the lithium battery of this helmet can last up to 3000 hours. Also, you can use this helmet for different welding activities such as MMA welding, TIG welding, plasma arc cutting, and MIG welding. The lens of this helmet is compatible with magnifying glasses as well as cheater glasses. Most importantly, it has an auto darkening filter that switches within a split of a second to protect your eyes against the welding arc light.

L500A helmet is comfortable and it has a wide range of visibility. YESWLEDER True Color Welding Helmet has a design, you can easily adjust to fit your head size. Moreover, the Yeswlder helmet has a digital control panel that is not only easy to understand but also user-friendly. Also, this helmet is pocket-friendly.

13. Instapark GX-500S – Welding Mask

Are you looking for a welding helmet that switches from light to dark within 1/25,000 seconds to protect your eyes? Then look no further. This helmet is powered by solar and has a replaceable battery that is charged by the solar.

Besides that, this helmet is equipped with two arc sensors that detect light very fast to activate the auto-dimming filter to switch from light to darkness. This feature helps to remove the need to flip the helmet up and down whenever you want to start welding. This goes a long way to reduce time wastage and thus increase your productivity.

Instapark Auto Dimming Welding Helmet also has shade lenses that help to reduce the need for rework and grinding thereby increasing your accuracy. The dark shade is adjustable between 9 and 13 and when the helmet is in its resting phase the shade rests at 4. Instapark GX-500S welding helmet can be used in several welding needs such as MIG, TIG, and MMA applications.

Design is ergonomic and the material used in its construction is lightweight. Therefore, you can wear this helmet for a long without feeling any weight. Apart from that, this helmet is designed to fit with a snug and it has ratcheting headbands and Instapark Auto Dimming Welding Helmet has a cushion on the inside for your comfort. Besides that, it comes with a low voltage indicator that will alert you when the battery is running low.

Moreover, Instapark Auto Dimming Welding Helmet has a large viewing area that allows you to see what you are working on clearly. Also, the lens is capable of protecting your eyes from UV and infrared rays. In addition to that, it has a sensitivity control that ranges from low to high which you can adjust according to your welding needs. Most importantly, this helmet comes with a warranty of 1 year.

14. Tekware WH009 – Top Rated Welding Helmets

As the name suggests, this is the helmet with the largest viewing screen in the market today and it is the reason it is one of the Top Rated Welding Helmets. The large viewing area allows you to see what you are working on in a clear ad without turning your head. Besides that, it has windows on the sides for sideway viewing.

Tekware Ultra Large Viewing Screen has auto darkening filters that switch from light to darkness immediately they sense the arc light. It is equipped with 4 sensors that help to detect the light and activate the ADF. Apart from that, Tekware WH009 Ultra Large Viewing Screen has lens shades that range from 9 to 13 and when the helmet is not in use, the shade adjusts itself to level 4.

Tekware WH009 welding helmet in its welding application since you can use it for plasma cutting, MIG, TIG, and MMA welding. Also, it has a grinding feature. Most importantly, Tekware Ultra Large Viewing Screen comes with true color viewing which allows you to see every color of what you are working on. Also, it has good optical clarity which gives you a better view of the area you are working on.

WH009 helmet is powered by solar and it has a lithium battery which has an increased life span. Tekware has a pivot design which makes it stand out from the crowd but also it has superior comfort when you are wearing it. Most importantly, this helmet is lightweight and you can wear it for a long time without experiencing any discomfort while wearing it.

15. 3M Speedglas 9100V – Auto Dimming Welding Helmets

3M speedglass 9100V welding helmet is among the best welding helmets in the market today. This Helmet is extra large which makes it suitable for almost any head size. It comes with an auto darkening filter which has a fast response from light to darkness and when we test it, we are amazed to see its fast response to light. Filter darkness within 0.1 milliseconds whenever there is an arc light. Apart from that, the helmet comes with a large viewing window which allows the user to work without adjusting the helmet. And you can concentrate on your work hence increasing your productivity.

Lens shade can protect against harmful rays such as UV and infrared rays. This helps to protect your eyes from such radiations. Besides that, there are windows on the sides which help you to have a peripheral view without necessarily moving your head. Most importantly, these windows have filters that help to switch from light to darkness depending on the amount of light available.

9100V Helmet has an ergonomic design that offers support and comfort to the head and neck. Also, it comes with two crown straps that increase stability and distribute the weight of the helmet evenly. 3M speedglass 9100V welding helmet has different welding modes such as grinding, cutting, and welding modes.

16. Arcone T240-10 – The Best Welding Helmet

Are you looking for the lightest welding helmet for your welding activities? Look no further. This is one of the lightest helmets in the market today. So even if you wear this helmet for long, you will not experience any discomfort on your neck or head. ArcOne T240-10 helmet is designed to offer protection to your head, neck, and ears. The mask is user-friendly and you can quickly and easily change the cover from the front of the helmet without much effort.

Arcone Black Hawk Welding Helmet is very comfortable and you can wear it for a long time without experiencing any weight from the mask. Also, you can use it in a wide range of welding applications. It has a viewing area of 5.25 square inches. Though this viewing space is not too big it is enough to offer you a clear view of your working area.

Arcone Black Hawk Welding Helmet comes with an auto-darkening filter that switches from light to dark within a split second when arc light is detected. Most importantly, it comes with parma-locratches which acts as the sweat absorbers to ensure that the helmet does not get dump when you are working during a hot day. Besides that, this helmet can be fitted with electric filters of up to 3/8 inches. However, this helmet does not have a battery.

17. Lincoln K3034-4 – Good Welding Helmet

K3034-4 is a premium welding helmet that comes with 4 C lens technology which allows you to have an optically clear view of what you are working on. Lincoln K3034-4 Welding Helmet also has a true color ability which allows you to see the true colors of what you are doing. This clarity helps to avoid straining your eyes to see the surface you are working on. In addition to that, it has optical clarity with no blurred vision but the vision is clear and the brightness is consistent.

Lincoln K3034-4 Welding Helmet comes with an extra-large viewing lens which offers enhanced versatility without tilting your head as you work. This helps to increase your productivity. Also, this increases safety because you can clearly see your hands and fingers and the surface you are working on. This helmet is very comfortable because it has contours that help to distribute the weight of the helmet evenly. The design also helps to eliminate any pressure on any part of your head and it fits comfortably.

Lincoln K3034-4 Welding Helmet 2021 comes with an external button that you can use to switch between the different welding applications such as grinding and welding. You can do this without taking off the helmet. This saves you time and increases your productivity. Luckily, the helmet comes with a warranty of three years which assures you that within this period in case of anything you can get a free repair or even a replacement.

18. Hobart 770756 – Best Welding Helmet for Tig

770756 helmet comes with a sleek design which makes it stand out from the crowd. It is made of polyamide material which is not only long-lasting but also lightweight. Hobart 770756 Impact Variable Auto-Dark Helmet comes with 3 arc sensors that help to activate the auto darkening filter to switch from light to darkness. Apart from that, it has adjustable sensitivity levels which you can adjust according to your welding needs.

Hobart welding helmet is very comfortable and comes with straps to hold the helmet in place. On the inside, the helmet has a gel pad that makes the helmet comfortable when you are wearing it. 770756 welding helmet has a replaceable lithium battery which helps the auto-darkening filter to work. The life span of the battery is not very impressive so you will have it changed once it runs out.

It is made with an impact-resistant shell that will protect the head and the face against any impact during work.

Hobart has lens shades that range from 8 to 11. This makes it possible for use for different welding applications. The helmet has auto darkening filters that switch from light to darkness and help protect your eyes against bright arc light. Another salient feature of this helmet is its auto shut-off ability. The helmet shuts off immediately after you stop using it. Also, it has adjustable settings which allow you to select the one that suits your different welding needs. However, the viewing lens of the helmet is small. This forces you to turn your head around to see the working area.

19. Jackson HSL100 – Best Welding Hood

HSL100 welding helmet features a lens shade range of between 9 and 13. Moreover, it has a big viewing area which allows you to see your working area well. Apart from that, it comes with 4 arc sensors which help it to activate the auto-dimming filters to switch from light to darkness which makes it the best welding hood on the list.

Jackson HSL100 Variable Auto Darkening Helmet also has adjustable sensitivity and delay which help to detect the light. Moreover, the helmet comes with digital controls that you can use to control the features. It is versatile in its use and you can select between welding and grinding modes. The welding applications include TIG, MIG, and arc welding. It comes with an auto-darkening filter which helps to switch from light to darkness whenever there is an arc light.

Jackson Helmet has a sleek and compact design which makes it usable even in narrow spaces. Moreover, this helmet meets international safety standards and can be used for professional welding. Adjustable sensitivity allows you to work in a different welding environment. Besides that, the Jackson helmet has a wide viewing area that allows you to see what you are working on clearly.

This helmet is designed for use for both industrial and personal welding needs. Also, it is adequately priced so you do not have to break a bank for you to own this helmet. Jackson HSL100 Variable Auto Darkening Helmet comes with multiple control functions which allow you to adjust to your welding needs. Also, there is a digital control panel for various setups. The variable helmet is lightweight and you can wear it for long without experiencing any weight. Besides that, it comes with batteries that power the helmet.

20. Tanox ADF-206S – Best Auto Darkening Helmet

Tanox welding helmet is ideal for both professional and personal welding applications. It is of high quality and it is appropriately priced. Auto-darkening filter which acts very fast to switch from light to darkness. It switches within 1/25,000 seconds which acts to protect your eyes from bright light. Apart from that, it has adjustable sensitivity and the shades range from 9 to 13.

Tanox Best Auto Darkening Helmet is charged by a solar and it has a lithium battery that is charged by the solar. It can be used both for welding and grinding modes. The welding application that this helmet can be used is MIG, TIG and arc welding. ADF-206S welding helmet has a good optical rating which gives this helmet the best clarity. This allows you to see clearly what you are working on.

Tanox Best Auto Darkening Helmet is versatile in its application and it can be used on a wide range of welding applications including grinding, plasma cutting, and gouging. This helmet is lightweight and comfortable and you can wear it for long without experiencing any weight. Besides that, it is cushioned on the inside which makes it comfortable while wearing it.

It has a large viewing area that allows you to see what you are working on clearly. In addition to that, it is compatible with a cheater and magnifying lenses. 206S has an auto turn on and off which is powered by the lithium battery. When you buy this helmet, you will get free gloves, an internal lens cover, extra external, and a carry bag.

21. SavePhace 3012503 – Auto Tint Welding Helmets

Save Phace welding helmet stands out for its salient features which allow you to use it for long hours without experiencing any discomfort. This was the first welding helmet to have auto darkening filters. The filters help the lenses to switch to darkness from light wherever they sense an arc light. The lenses are designed with 180 different meshes.

It has the second-largest viewing area in the helmet industry. Save Phace Iron Man Auto Darkening has a viewing lens of 23 square inches. This large lens allows the welder to view the area he is working on without necessarily turning his head.

Save Phace comes with a knob on the outside of the helmet which allows you to switch from one mode to another. You can switch from the welding to the grinding mode with a push of a button. This helps to prevent removing the helmet thus avoiding wasting time thus increasing your productivity. Also, the lens of this helmet is automatically adjusted to make the application you are using more secure and productive.

As the name suggests, this helmet is designed to protect the face. Save Phace Iron Man Auto Darkening is designed to fit into your face and it has a compact design that can fit into any narrow space. Moreover, this helmet is equipped with a halo headgear which allows you to adjust the distance from your face to suit your welding needs. When you buy this helmet, you will get a carry bag for free.

22. Antra AH7 – Best Rated Auto Darkening Welding Helmets

Are you looking for a welding helmet with a huge viewing area? This is the right one for you. Antra AH7 Large Viewing Size comes with passive filters that are combined with ADF technology to protect your eyes against bright light and UV and infrared radiations. Also, it has a lens shade that ranges from 9 to 13 which will protect your eyes and face from welding spatters and harmful rays. It meets international safety standards.

AH7-860-001X has a huge viewing area that allows you to see your working area without moving your head. And Antra AH7 is very comfortable to enable you to concentrate on the welding project. Antra AH7 is lightweight so it will not strain your neck or shoulders. Moreover, it has 4 arc sensors that help to activate the ADF to switch from light to darkness to protect your eyes.

Antra uses interference suppression technology which helps to avoid false triggers such as light from the sun. But very sensitive to arc light to ensure that your eyes are appropriately protected. Most importantly, it is versatile in its use because it can be used on various welding applications such as MIG, MAG, DC, TIG, arc cutting and stick welding. Moreover, it is ideal for use for both professional and personal welding.

23. Lincoln 1840 – New Welding Helmet

This is one of the most innovative and new welding helmets not only because of its high quality but also its solid performance. Lincoln1840 welding helmet comes with the 4C lens technology. Such a lens allows you to have a clear view of what you are working on. A clear view is sure when the helmet is either active or inactive or in the grinding mode.

Besides that, the lenses of this helmet come with a bandana which if you wish you can wear with the helmet. Better still, when you are wearing this helmet you are comfortable and you can freely move your head without any restrictions. Lincoln helmet is user-friendly and lightweight. You can wear it for long hours while working without getting uncomfortable or feeling any weight.

What’s more, the Lincoln 1840 Black Welding Helmet is padded on the inside to give your head a comfortable feel. It also has straps that you can use to fasten it on your head to avoid falling as you bend to work. It comes with a pivoting design that makes it fit with a snug and you can use it in a narrow space.

24. Jackson 46130 – Best Budget Welding Helmet

Are you looking for a helmet with a true color sight and budgeted welding helmet? Look no further. Jackson’s safety helmet comes with a true sight which allows you to see the colors as you are working. This helps you to be precise and more productive.

Jackson’s Best Digital Welding Helmet has one of the best optical clarity which allows you to see clearly what you are working on. Besides that, it has auto-dimming filters which shift from light to darkness within a split second to protect your eyes from bright light. Also, Jackson has lens shades that range from 9 to 13 for welding works. While for grinding it has a lens shade of between 5 to 8. In addition to that, it comes with a halo x technology which makes the viewing clear.

The viewing area is big enough to allow you to see the working area clearly without moving your head. Most importantly, the helmet meets international safety standards. Jackson helmet comes with digital controls. These controls were designed by a welder and they are meant for a welder. So you can be sure the controls work well to suit various welding needs. This is a 3 in 1 welding helmet which can be used for various touch modes, grinding, and welding.

25. DEKOPRO-10 – Auto Dark Welding Helmets

DEKOPRO-10 helmet is designed for the ultimate protection of your eyes as you work. It comes with auto darkening filters that shift from light to darkness within 1/25,000 seconds. In addition to that, in case there is a power blackout, your eyes will remain protected against UV and infrared radiation. It meets international safety standards and is certified with the ANSIZ87.1-2010. Apart from that, it comes with a manual control system which you can use to adjust the lens according to your welding needs.

DEKOPRO Solar Powered Welding Helmet is also equipped with adjustable sensitivity and delay settings for it to adapt to your welding needs. Besides that, it comes with color recognition to enhance your viewing so that you can see the colors while working. Also, it has a standard viewing area to give you a clear view of your working area and we have been a fan of its viewing area after using it for a test weld.

DEKOPRO Helmet also has a diffusion of light with an angular variation which allows you to see what you are working on from all angles. This prevents the movement of your head or removing the helmet to see your working area. The helmet is lightweight which makes it suitable for working for long hours without experiencing any discomfort on your neck or shoulders. This Welding Helmet is also comfortable.

DEKOPRO Solar Powered Welding Helmet has auto-dimming filters which allow you to work on any amount of light without any adverse effects on your eyes. This helmet also comes with lens shades that range from 9 to 13 and when it is inactive the shade rests at 4. It is powered by solar and it has lithium batteries. The batteries have a life span of 5000 hours.

Welding Helmet Buying Guide 2021

Auto-darkening technology utilizes three different kinds of filter lenses which are sandwiched into a compact lens. The first filter lens helps to remove the UV rays which plays a role in removing high doses of UV rays. Second filter lenses are the polarizing filters that help to darken the light. This lens is responsible for the dark lenses before it is turned on. The third and final lens is the liquid crystal cell (LCC lens) has photosensors that darken as soon as the arc is struck.

A welding helmet is a must-have in any welding workplace. The best welding helmet should be made of strong material that is not only long-lasting but also will not cave into the pressure of high temperature during the welding process. Besides that, a helmet should be adjustable so that you can comfortably wear it. Also, you should not profusely sweat after wearing the helmet for a long time as you work.

The best helmet should have clarity and a wide range of visibility. The lens should allow you to see well and have an auto-darkening ability that adjusts the light so that you can clearly see the objects before you. With welding, if you do not prioritize your safety, the combination of fire and metal can cause serious health problems. Therefore, having the best welding safety gear is the first line of defense against injuries and the welding helmet is number one on the list of protective gear against harmful emissions, heat, and dangerous light rays.

The best welding helmet comes with an adjustable shade level of between 9 and 13 shades. With such shades, you can use the helmet for a wide range of welding activities such as cutting, grinding, and welding. Auto-darkening lenses are classified into four different categories. The categories are based on the optical class rating and they are:

• Optical – is the view clear and sharp?
• Light variations – based on the consistency of auto-darkening function
• Clarity of angle – does the lens have blurred edges?
• Light diffusion – based on whether the lens is free of defects.

Features to Look for Buying Best Welding Helmet:

Viewing area:

The viewing area should be big enough such that you can be able to look at a wide-angle without necessarily turning your head. The recommended viewing area should be up to 23 squire inches. Also, a big viewing area makes it easier to see the details of the work you are doing thereby improving your welding quality. This also increases your productivity because when you can see clearly, you will be able to work efficiently and effectively.

Auto-darkening:

This is probably the most significant feature in the modern welding helmet. Auto-darkening is the ability of the helmet to automatically detect the light that is produced by the welding arc and then automatically adjust to block out the light. And as soon as you finish welding and the light and sparks stop flashing, the lens automatically adjusts to the lightest settings which allow you to see clearly without removing the helmet. All the helmets that we have featured on this post come with this function for the safety of your eyes.

Guide: How to Clean Auto Darkening Welding Helmet Lens 2021

Clarity of the lens:

Apart from the size of the viewing area, the clarity of the lens is a critical feature determining how you can see what you are welding. The lenses of the welding helmets are rated using four different areas. The lens with perfect clarity is rated as 1/1/1/1. There are a few welding helmets that can reach this level of clarity. Therefore, look for a helmet with a lens that is clear enough for you to see what you are working on.

Guide: Best Welding Schools in USA 2021

Variability of Shades:

This is based on the levels of darkness that a helmet has. The helmet should have the lightest state which allows you to clearly see when you are not welding. Also, it should be able to become dark enough when you are welding under high light amperage to protect your eyes from the bright light. Ensure that helmet you purchase has a high level of variability of shades combined with a clear lens. Such a combination will give you peace of mind knowing that your eyes are well protected no matter the level of brightness.

Guide: How to Test Auto Darkening Welding Helmets 2021

Reliability:

Despite all the other factors that we have highlighted here, it is paramount that the helmet you purchase is capable of protecting your eyes against the blinding light rays. Besides the bright light that your eyes are exposed to, your face is also exposed to the welding flashes which can make working an uphill task. A reliable helmet will help you to see your welding work as well as protecting your other body parts such as the hands and fingers while working.

Durability:

A welding helmet is a tool that you can use on many projects without the need of buying a new one soon. Choose a helmet that will not fail to offer you the much-needed protection in the middle of a project. Therefore, ensure that you choose a long-lasting helmet that will serve you for a long period.

Guide: How to adjust auto-darkening welding helmet 2021

Price:

Every person has a working budget whenever you want to buy not only the helmet but anything that has to be bought. However, do not look only at the cost of the helmet while foregoing all the other important features.

Look for the salient features which will help you to work well. Every helmet comes at a cost depending on the features that it has. There are many all-around welding helmets that has all the necessary features and that are reliable and yet at a reasonable price. Therefore, consider the most significant features and then compare the price with the service that you will get from the product.

Comfort:

You do not need a helmet which after wearing it for some time it will begin to feel like an extra weight around your neck. Such a helmet can result in pain and headache making your working experience not so pleasant. Ensure that the helmet that you settle for conforms to your head. Also, it should fit well without the need to readjust it from time to time. Therefore, purchase a helmet that will fit your head comfortably to allow you to work without any disturbances.

Guide: How to Charge Welding Helmets – step by step guide 2021

Warranty:

Be mindful of the warranty of the helmet that you buy. A helmet with a warranty is an indication that it is of good quality and that will give you peace of mind that in case of any inconvenience while the warranty is in effect, you can get a replacement. The warranty should be aligned with the price of the helmet. Therefore, do not buy a very expensive helmet with only a one-year warranty.

Design:

Welding helmets come in all forms of shapes, colors, and designs. Also, some come with different graphics, characters, and games. The best welding helmet that comes with great designs is Tekware Ultra Large Viewing Screen, TACKLIFE Solar Power Welding Helmet, Antra AH6 Auto Darkening Welding Helmet. Although the design of the helmet will not affect its effectiveness, it is crucial to buy a helmet that you will be comfortable working with.

Size:

Helmets are available in different sizes to suit all head sizes. Choose a helmet that fits your head well and that you operate well with. Also, if you are using a respirator, then you should buy a bigger helmet so that the respirator can fit inside. The size of the helmet that you choose will be greatly determined by the work specifications. But the good news is that there are all the options for you to choose from.

Welding Helmet FAQs:

What is the best welding helmet?

Finding the best welding helmet is not an easy task. The best helmet is one that has all the necessary safety features. It should be strong enough to withstand harsh welding conditions and has auto-darkening filters. Therefore, we recommend YESWELDER Q800D & ESAB welding helmet.

What is the best welding helmet for Money?

It is not a walk in the park in finding the best helmet that is both cheap and good. Helmets are available at different prices and the cost is usually determined by the features that it has. In this post. We have highlighted helmets with varied price tags to enable you to choose the one that meets your budget. But always remember that the cost f a product is not an indication of its quality and durability. Therefore, a cheap helmet is not necessarily a bad helmet neither is an expensive helmet the best helmet. So, the best welding helmet for your money depends on you. The ones that are best for its price are Save Phace Iron Man Auto-Darkening and Tanox Best Auto Darkening Helmet!

What is the best tig welding helmet?

If you practice TIG welding, it is advisable to go for a helmet with auto-darkening filters. This is because it will allow you to have free hands as you work. The ADF helmets have arc sensors that help to detect any wielding flashes and automatically swift from light to darkness. The advantage of using a helmet with ADF technology in TIF welding is that you can have the helmet on while working and you will not experience any discomfort on your neck or shoulders. This will allow you to focus on your work knowing your eyes are well-protected.

How long do welding helmets last?

There is no definite time for how long a helmet will last. This is because it depends on various factors such as how you care for your helmet, the kind of work that you use the helmet for among others. Therefore, if you want your welding helmet to last for a long time, take good care of it and it will serve you for a long time.

How dark should my welding helmet be?

The shade of your welding helmet helps to protect your eyes from the bright welding arc flashes. The lenses are coated with electronic shades that range from DIN 3 to 14. The best shade is one that you will be comfortable using and enjoy your work without worrying about your eyes. According to experts, a light shade of between 3 and 4 is dark enough to allow you to see what you are working on without lifting your helmet

What shade is safe for welding?

It is advisable to start with a shade that is too dark for you to see what you are working on. From there. Adjust the shade to a lighter mode which will allow you to see what you are working on. Once you find a shade that is convenient for you, do not go past that level. However, according to the OSHA requirements and depending on the current that you are using, for instance, if your current is between 60 to 500 amps. Then your lens shade should be at 10. But if you’re current is between 160 to 250 amps then use shade 12 and shade 14 for 250 to 500 amps of power.

What is a good cheap welding helmet?

It is not an easy task to find the best helmet that is both cheap and good. ESAB A50 welding helmet is the best and cheap of all. Helmets are available at different prices and the cost is usually determined by the features that it has. But always remember that the cost f a product is not an indication of its quality and performance. Therefore, a cheap helmet is not necessarily a bad helmet neither is an expensive helmet the best helmet.

Is auto-darkening welding helmet safe?

A simple answer is yes. An auto-dimming helmet is safe because the filters are swift from light to darkness when they detect any arc flash. The change from light to darkness is instant and this helps to protect your eyes against the bright arc flash. Besides that, some come with UV and infrared radiation protection. This goes a long way to protect your eyes from the harmful radiation as well as the bright light.

What is grind mode on the welding helmet?

This is a model that helps to identify the electromagnetic field that is produced from your welding work. Its main purpose is to offer you protection against welding arc flashes. When your helmet is on this mode, you can transition very easily from welding to grinding mode with seconds to protect yourself from the arc flashes.

Do auto-darkening welding helmets have batteries?

A simple answer is yes. Most ADF welding helmets use lithium batteries. These batteries are charged by the solar which is inbuilt in the helmet. Depending on the type of helmet, it might have either one or two batteries. Also, these batteries have various life span during which you can use it and then replace it.

Final Verdict:

We have made it easy with the guidelines to see which ones to buy for the perfect piece of the best welding helmets. The best welding helmet has been concluded in our way with the complete specification, pros, and cons to see what are your preference of choice and get the best one according to your needs.

According to our rigorous test and deep research we have finalized the best welding helmets of 2021;

• YESWLEDER
• Jackson HSL100
• 3M Speedglas 9100xxi
• Lincoln K3034-4
• ESAB SENTINEL A50

They are sun protected and lightweight helmets to use. Let us know if you have liked the above guideline if you want us to tell you anything about the welding helmets you can comment and email us anytime.