Top 7 Best Welding Helmets To Consider in 2022

Last Updated on October 7, 2021 by Luis Ferency

As professional welders, we put ourselves in a lot of potential danger. Working with a heat source, hot metal, and lighting sources can cause severe irreversible damage to your health if you aren’t careful. It is, therefore, necessary to take all appropriate measures to protect yourself from these dangers.

A welding helmet is a crucial part of your welding safety attire, which will protect your bare skin and eyes from harmful light rays, debris, and molten metal. In this post, I share with you my top seven protection helmets for welders that provide you with ample protection and won’t hamper your ability to do your work.

Comparison Table for Best Welding Helmets

Reviews of The 7 Best Welding Helmets

1. Antra Welding Helmet AH6-260-0000

I have used the Antra Welding Helmet AH6-260-0000 for years, and I can confidently say that Antra AH6 is one of my top favorite welding helmets as it offers top-notch protection without straining your head and neck.

Antra Welding Helmet AH6-260-0000 has enough space to fix a respirator in it, so it is also popularly known as the best welding respirator helmet. The auto-darkening lens also has reliable performance. So you do not have to flip the hood up and down while working.

Antra Welding Helmet AH6-260-0000 is also famous as the best TIG welding helmet as it makes it possible for you to carry out a wide range of applications and associated tasks. The tasks include plasma cutting, flux core, MMA, MIG, MAG, TIG, and more.

Antra welding helmet features a double-layered auto-dimming LCD shutter and a permanent shade 13 to UV/IP passive filter. The Antra AH6-260 is amongst the very few best budget welding helmets with solar power technology, and adjustable delay and sensitivity controls.

Pros

• Lightweight and comfortable
• Solar battery charging technology with auto-shutoff
• Pocket-friendly option
• Includes a remarkable helmet tightening system
• Excellent for both cutting and welding tasks
• Makes secure and clear welding processes easier

Cons

• Complains about delays in the dimming system
• No battery backup option
• Not suitable for industrial use

 

2. YESWELDER 3.94″X3.66″ 

The wide-screen of the Yeswelder 3.94″X3.66″ Welding Helmet is designed for those who need to see the true colors of the material while working. The clear view provided by this helmet sets it apart from most other offerings out there. Unfortunately, not every other helmet may guarantee you this. That is why you have to choose this one, which is designed with that in mind.

The vast field of view ensures that your view is not obstructed or compromised while you work, which is extremely important in some cases, especially if your task is detail orientated. Yeswelder has given this helmet the true-color technology, which further improves the vision capabilities of the helmet allowing you to see precise colors of the material you are working with

Another strong aspect of this helmet, in my view, is that it’s comfortable thanks to the oversized comfort cushions and high adjustability, which improves the fit.

Pros

• Suitable for different welding applications
• Extra-large viewing area or space
• Improved clarity
• Great battery life
• Exceptionally comfortable pivot style helmet

Cons

• Large and weighty dimensions
• Requires extra effort to use
• Not the best choice for long-term use

 

3. DEKOPRO Solar Powered

If you are in search of the best welding helmet for beginners, I would highly recommend the DEKOPRO Solar Powered Welding Helmet. DEKOPRO is known for its range of best welding helmets because they are packed with a fantastic range of features, and they are also aesthetically pleasing.

The most impressive feature that makes DEKOPRO 10 the best welding helmet is an ultra-fast auto-darkening feature that performs in merely 0.00004 seconds. This welding helmet also has a remarkable 7inch viewing area, so that you can comfortably work with a maximum vision of the work at hand.

I was also impressed with the DEKOPRO welding helmet’s impressive sensitivity and delay settings, and solar panel technology-powered battery. All-in-all, DEKOPRO has never disappointed me with its performance, and it is the best welding hood for beginners.

Pros

• Offers advanced visibility and color recognition
• Excellent eye protection
• Lightweight and comfortable
• Provides remarkable response time
• Equipped with Solar Technology for a longer lifespan
• Provides some clean and comfortable views

Cons

• The construction is not sturdy
• Complains about unimpressive auto darkening system
• Costly to repair

 

4. Honeywell Fibre-Metal Pipeliner Fiberglass

Eye, head, and neck protection should always be your top priority, no matter in which field you are performing your welding task. When it comes to selecting the best welding helmet that offers an exceptional level of protection – the Honeywell Fibre-Metal Pipeliner Fiberglass Welding Helmet is always been my first choice.

Professional welders popularly recommend Honeywell Welding Helmet for its superior Superglass Plus sturdy and stable construction and makeup that prevents breakage and cracks.

Honeywell Fibre-Metal Pipeliner Fiberglass Welding Helmet is usually used as a pipe welding helmet, and its efficient compact design makes it the best choice for performing welding jobs in small, cramped spaces. The presence of the overhead band allows multiple adjustments, and you will not experience any lack of balance and stability.

Pros

• Excellently stable and sturdy construction
• Great value for money
• A good option for industrial work
• The lens provides optimum clear vision and protection
• Easy to wear, lightweight, and comfortable
• Fits securely on the head

Cons

• The hood is a bit too long
• Low optical class rating

 

5. Lincoln Electric 3350 Series

If you talk about the best welding helmet that is lightweight and comfortable to wear for long hours, you will not be disappointed by the Lincoln Electric 3350 Series Welding Helmet.

Lincoln Electric 3350 is the best auto-darkening welding helmet has an efficient auto-darkening lens that provides a reasonable shade range of 5 to 13, it also has impressively precise viewing angles, and the 4C lens technology allows you to have a remarkably clear and widescreen view.

This welding helmet is also equipped with four arc sensors and an impressive switching speed of 1/25,000 seconds. If that is not it, this best cheap welding helmet also includes a stellar grinding mode and an electromagnetic sensor.

Pros

• Outstanding color variation clarity and precision
• Lightweight and comfortable to wear
• Excellent value for money
• ADF control knobs allow easy adjustability
• Solar power battery-type
• Widescreen view for excellent visibility

Cons

• The hood may not fit a wide range of individuals
• Too small design for a welding respirator

 

6. Jackson Safety 46131

Jackson Safety 46131 Welding Helmet is famous for its low price and versatility. This is the best MIG welding helmet as you carry out a full range of applications and associated tasks, including MIG and TIG welding tasks. Jackson Safety 46131’s lens is equipped with some multi-function and digital controls, all for handling just about any other welding task.

The slight issue that I have personally faced while I was using this welding helmet was the performance delay! It usually requires more time to perform functions like auto-darkening and other functions, so I wouldn’t recommend you to opt for this welding helmet if you work in a fast-paced environment.

Jackson Safety 46131 Welding Helmet ticks all the boxes no matter if you talk about its overall functionality or its exceptional design and construction! Thus, it most definitely deserves to be in my seven best welding helmet review lists.

Pros

• A good option for both MIG and TIG welding tasks
• Good value for money
• Incredibly versatile
• Excellent Auto Darkening Filter (ADF)
• Easy to use digital controls

Cons

• Require regular updates and maintenance
• Slightly slow performance

7. Hobart 770286 Flip-Front

Another budget-friendly option that will serve you well if you are short on cash, the Hobart 770286 combines some great welding helmet features for an affordable price. The convenient flip-front and cover on the lens allow you to transform the helmet into an ordinary hat and spectacle.

Thanks to its large view area that measures 4-1/2- by 2-inch, I was able to benefit from a functional viewing area, so I did not miss out on essential details while testing out this helmet. You can rely on the Hobart 770286 to provide the right level of protection because it complies with ANSI safety standards as well as many others, which assures you that you are getting the best welding helmet from a small budget.

Pros

• A decently large viewing area
• Adjustable fit for comfort
• Includes display case
• Suitable for a variety of welding applications
• Come in 10 shades options

Cons

• Sensitivity not adjustable
• No auto-darkening

Choosing the Best Welding Helmet

When buying a new welding helmet, the goal is to strike the right balance of features, materials, and affordability. One way to ensure success in finding the best helmet is to pay attention to details that directly impact the performance and effectiveness rather than focusing on the superficial aspects such as the shape and decorations, which can be added later through an easy paint job or decals.

Following are a few essential questions you should have answers to when comparing welding helmets:

Why Is A Welding Helmet Necessary?

To under why a welding helmet is necessary, you must understand threats. Three wavelengths of light are created when you are welding:

• Bright visible light can harm retinas and vision.
• An Invisible Infrared light (IR) can cause burns upon contact.
• An invisible ultraviolet light or UV can cause skin damage and damage to the cornea of the eyes.

How does a welding Helmet Protect You?

Infrared lights can cause sunburns like burns to your skin, which is why you need to protect your face, ears, scalp, and neck. Therefore, welding helmets need to provide full coverage protection from harmful visible light, infrared light, ultraviolet light, hot sparks, and metal.

UV rays emitted from welding can also cause burns like ultraviolet rays, but can also produce deeper damage by killing cells by destroying their DNA. Long-term exposure to UV rays can lead to skin cancer besides protecting your skin; welding helmets provide much-needed protection for your eyes, through the specially darkened glass that filters out harmful light.

The glass filters have numbers to indicate their shade level. Shades with a higher number are darker and provide more significant protection.

Helmets come in a variety of different shade levels, and the most affordable options tend to have a single-digit number. While they might provide an acceptable level of protection, over level 10 shading, can compromise your ability to see clearly, when you’re not welding. Lifting the hood to see isn’t the best solution either because it leaves your skin and eyes open and unprotected from flashes if the arc is struck accidentally.

Auto-darkening filters solve this issue significantly because their screens are designed to react to bright flares of light emitted when you strike an arc.

What Else Should You Look For In A Welding Helmet?

The most crucial deciding factor of a welding helmet is the coverage and filtering it provides following are some other important helmet feature considerations you should be mindful of:

• Coverage: a good welding helmet will cover your face, eyes, ears, scalp, and neck
• Glass filter: the shading level should at least be ten or higher
• Auto-darkening: the best welding helmets and adjustable shade levels.
• Weight: helmets that weigh a lot can cause discomfort.
• Comfort: good helmets are designed with features like pads and are lightweight.
• Viewport size: you need to be able to see from your helmet comfortably.
• Protection: a welding helmet should protect you from debris, sparks, and molten metal.
• Compliant: Your helmet needs to meet the ANSI Z87.1 safety standard.

Verdict

Without a doubt, there is a massive range of welding helmets currently available in the market ranging from different features and prices. So, if you want to make sure that you do not make any mistakes in selecting the best welding helmet! You would have to know your requirements and prioritize the features that are important according to your level of welding work.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why are welding helmets necessary?

Welding helmets are necessarily headgears that are worn by welders while performing any welding task. These helmets are primarily designed to protect the face, eyes, and neck from heat, spark, and flash burn.

Auto-darkening helmets welding helmets also protect from infrared and ultraviolet lights. So without a doubt, welding helmets are an essential part of the protective welding gear.

2. Should my welding helmet be lightweight or heavy weighted?

Most welders do not consider the weight of the welding helmet before purchasing it. A lightweight helmet will significantly reduce any head and neck strain that a heavily weighted welding helmet may cause. Especially if welding is your profession and you weld for long hours each day.

Hence the weight of a welding helmet is a vital feature that you should most definitely take into consideration before buying your welding helmet.

3. Pro-tip for taking care of my welding helmet?

Different helmets require different maintenance and care tips. So, the best advice for taking care of your welding helmet is to read the manual and make sure that you are following the exact cleaning and maintenance guidelines that are mentioned in the manual.

4. How should I store my welding helmet?

As important as it is to take proper care of your welding helmet, it is also vital to store it properly if you won’t enjoy its full lifespan. Avoid storing your welding helmet in hot or moist places.

Ensure that your welding helmet is safely stored and does not fall, which may can cracks and bruises. It is always a smart idea to store your welding helmet in its original box.

5. How important is it to regularly carry out inspection checks of your welding helmet?

No matter how busy your schedule is, you have to ensure that you do not skip regular inspection checks. Make sure that your helmet does not have any bruises, dents, and/or cracks.

It is also a good idea to get your welding helmet professionally inspected. Maintain a home and professional inspection routine and strictly stick to it.

6. How important is it to repair and replace a worn out or broken helmet?

Most people assume that once they have bought a welding helmet, they wouldn’t have to replace it, or its repair is an unessential cost that they can stint on.

However, if you suspect any crack, breakage, or bruise immediately, take your welding helmet to a professional for a closer inspection and repair. Any negligence can result in a severe injury! So, it is strictly advised to repair and replace your worn out or broken helmet.