The welding field looks quite simple and easy to some people. However, it’s not that simple. Welding is a job that requires optimum focus as well as safety. So, for the best safety of different workers, we have different types of the best welding helmets available.
For instance, these welding helmets make the welding tasks so much more convenient along with top-notch safety features. So, in this article, we will look at different types of the best auto-darkening welding helmets. Let us dive in.
Best Welding Helmets – Reviews and Ratings
- Yeswelder 900B Best Welding Helmet
- ESAB Sentinel Auto Darkening Helmet
- Panoramaxx CLT Welding Helmet
- Miller Digital Infinity Welding Helmet
- Lincoln Viking 3350 Welding Helmet
1: Yeswelder 900B – Best Welding Helmet
If we talk about the Yeswelder 900B, there is just so much to like about it. From its perfect blend of features to its overall looks, every aspect of this helmet is top-notch. In addition, it offers plenty of features that are equally useful for professionals and beginners.
Budget-Friendly Top Choice
The best aspect of this helmet is the fact that its price is pretty reasonable. Compared to some other top-rated welding helmets, it doesn’t come with a sky-high price tag. Now, that’s not easy to find elsewhere. That’s why we rate this particular one as the top pick on our list.
Versatile Eye Protection
This is one of the top welding helmets on our list and is something you don’t necessarily need to be a professional welder. The best welding helmets can also protect you while you’re chipping or grinding. An auto-darkening filter (ADF), which automatically modifies the tint of the lens to shield your eyes from the bright flashes associated with welding, is another feature of a good helmet.
Any welder must use an auto-darkening welding helmet. This makes it possible for you to see what you’re doing without exposing your eyes to intense, harmful light. For welders, welding helmets are a crucial component of protective gear.
Pros
- Comes with a rechargeable battery
- Pretty good viewing area
- Relatively inexpensive
- Well-built and easy to use
Cons
- Accumulates dust easily
- A bit heavy
What Customers Say
I just got into welding...this week actually and I can’t imagine what more expensive hoods could possibly offer that this doesn’t have. This has adjustable sensitivity and delay for dimming, as well as a setting for welding vs. grinding. While I bought a welding hat to wear, this hood is so comfortable that I haven’t even needed it. It has adjustable tension for different-sized heads, but also adjustable tension for the hood flip hinge. You can tighten it so that the hood more easily stays all the way open. I think one of the biggest advantages of this one is how large the display is. It’s very easy to see your work and I’ve welded with confidence every time with this on.”
2: ESAB Sentinel Auto Darkening Helmet
The ESAB Sentinel Auto Darkening Helmet is one of the most popular helmets on the market. It is known for its comfort, durability, and safety features. It has a great build quality and also comes with a host of extra value-added features. This is the perfect helmet for those who claim to be welding enthusiasts. The helmet is made with a comfortable headband and an adjustable ratchet. The helmet also has a clear lens that is scratch resistant.
Wide-View Welding Helmet
The helmet has a 5.5 square inch viewing area, which is one of the largest on the market. The viewing area is easy to see through and does not get in the way of welding.
The helmet has an auto-darkening feature that is adjustable. The helmet will automatically darken the lens when it is necessary. The helmet also has a delay feature that allows the user to adjust how long it takes for the lens to darken.
Enhanced Helmet Features
Moreover, the helmet has a sensitivity adjustment that allows the user to adjust the lens’s sensitivity. The helmet also has a delay feature that allows the user to adjust how long it takes for the lens to darken.
It also comes with a one-year warranty. The ESAB Sentinel Auto Darkening Helmet is a great choice for welding enthusiasts. It is comfortable, durable, and has a large viewing area.
Pros
- Comfortable headgear
- Great design language
- Designed to last long
- Good color accuracy
Cons
- The touch screen display controls aren’t practical
What Customer’s Say
I wanna do 4 but it truly deserves 5 stars this hood is amazing I truly love the true color and the clarity it offers. It feels like god himself is palming your head like Jordan about to make a free throw dunk! My only downfall is the lease being somewhat of a fish eye lens it gets a little distorted when moving your head during a weld. It is very minimal you just have to adjust to it and understand what going on. All in all this hood is the tits!”
3: Panoramaxx CLT – Welding Helmet
On the third spot, we have the Panoramaxx CLT for review. Given the feature set and price, it seems like it won’t be wise not to recommend this particular welding helmet model. However, like the other top-rated models, it also comes with a beefy set of features.
Versatile Protective Gear
For instance, its Auto Darkening feature is one such feature to look. It helps you work in all kinds of environments without any hassle. Also, you don’t have to face any issues with its color accuracy.
Given the features and specifications of this helmet, one can confidently say that it’s best suited for TIG welders. But, on the other hand, MIG and MMA welders can also take benefit from it.
Superior Visibility
That’s because it’s the light transmission is excellent. Also, the field of view you get is something to brag about. Finally, because of its versatility, one has to appreciate how the company has utilized the ADF lens.
As it makes it a multipurpose welding helmet. However, if you are a true professional and weld under extreme conditions, you may have to look at some other model.
Now let’s talk about the headgear. It’s quite large, so it can easily fit large people. Overall, with its features and specifications, the Panoramaxx CLT seems like a good option for a wide range of professional welding experts.
Pros
- Very lightweight
- Offers an excellent view
- Suitable for the majority of welders
- Great color and light transmission
Cons
- Not suited for working under extreme conditions
What Customer’s Say
“I got it for a Father’s day gift for my Son and he Loved it. It has so many features and light weight, I highly recommend it.”
4: Miller Digital Infinity – Welding Helmet
The DIYers may not know much about this brand. However, Miller manufactures some of the very best quality helmets out there. For instance, their Miller digital infinity welding helmet is no exception in this regard. That’s because it comes with an auto-darkening feature. Moreover, it also comes with a quality lens that helps you view easily. The viewing angle it provides is excellent.
Enhanced Upgradability
Moreover, you can always choose any replacement lens if you want to upgrade it. The replacement lenses aren’t that cost, so that’s a good upgrading option. On top of all these features, there is also a built-in X mode. What this mode does is that it detects electromagnetic arch and automatically runs the ADF. So, this auto darkening feature is quite rare to find among even some of the top-rated welding helmets.
Personalized Design Choices
The Miler digital infinity welding helmet also comes in various designs. You can choose from a wide range of designs available. In our review, we find Digital Elite’s design to be one of the best. Of course, you may opt for any other design option. After all, the design option totally depends on your personal preference.
Pros
- Excellent quality headgear
- Automatic arch detection
- Available in a wide range of designs
- Perfect for starters
Cons
- A bit on the heavier side
What Customer’s Say
“The best hood in the game! Sleek design. Doesn’t look like a cheap, boxy hockey helmet. Doesn’t look like a sport bike helmet. Perfectly designed in the ‘looks department”.
Sensors never failed on me and the headgear is the most comfortable I’ve ever tried.”
5: Lincoln Viking 3350 – Welding Helmet
Want a professional-grade welding helmet? If yes, the Lincoln Viking 3350 has got your back covered. It is one quality and well-made welding helmet. The main highlight of this helmet is the 4c lens technology. This premium quality optics helps it stand on top compared to some other welding helmets. These optics come with 1/1/1/1 optical clarity. Furthermore, their enhanced vision and premium quality put less burden on human eyes.
Expanded Visibility and Comfort
Things don’t end here, as the lens it comes with also offers a large field of view for safer and more convenient welding. Thanks to its 12.5 inches size, you can see a wide field of view without any hassle. Let’s talk about its head gear now. The headgear it comes with won’t disappoint you. This is because; it has been designed to aid maximum comfort and reduce stress. It fits well and distributes its weight equally to ensure good comfort.
With conveniently placed grind buttons and premium quality lenses, we really liked the Lincoln Viking 3350 welding helmet.
Pros
- Best-in-class lens
- Great field of view
- Quality headgear
- Rugged and durable build
- Lightweight compared to its optic size
Cons
- A bit expensive
What Customer’s Say
“It’s all good in the hood, great clarity, great functionality. Headgear is pretty cool but takes a little getting used to.
There’s an external grind button so you can stay as productive as possible for your company. Contrary to what others have posted.”
How to Buy The Best Welding Helmet? Buying Guide
So, now you know some of the top picks of the welding helmets and Gloves. Undoubtedly, all the top-rated welding helmets have their own pros and cons. However, as a buyer, you should know some aspects to look for in such helmets. So, for your ease, we have listed down some of those aspects.
i): The Weight Factor
There is no doubt about the fact that you should look for quality headgear design and viewport in a welding helmet. However, you also have to consider the weight factor with features like these. Especially if you are a person who welds casually, experienced welders may want a helmet with add-ons which can also lead to an increase. In such cases, an increased weight makes sense. However, in general, it is best to go with lightweight welding helmets.
ii): The Size of the ViewPort
The size of the viewport is another factor to consider while buying any welding helmet. That’s because the viewport is the one important factor that can’t be overlooked here. A bigger and wider view port lets you see your workspace with ease. You don’t have to compromise on the comfort and safety aspects.
Also, a bigger viewport lets more light in. All of these small factors contribute to a safe and convenient welding experience. Contrary to it, a smaller viewport would let less pass through the lens. This could disturb your work routine. Therefore, you should always buy a welding helmet that has a wide viewport.
iii): Higher Color Accuracy
The purpose of wearing a top-rated welding helmet is to perform welding tasks with better accuracy and efficiency. That’s where a quality welding helmet really shines. So, you have to ensure that it has better color accuracy.
You want to see and fix even the tiniest details during welding any material. A high accuracy color transmission lets you see all such details to ensure smooth and quality welds. Therefore, you should always buy a welding helmet that offers better, if not the best, color accuracy.
iv): The Quality of Lens
Optical clarity is another thing that play’s a major role in helping you deliver projects with ease. That’s why the quality of the lens also has to be taken into account before buying any such helmet. Usually, you will find welding helmets with 1/1/1/1 or 1/1/1/2 optical clarity.
It is suggested to go with welding helmets that offer 1/1/1/1 optical clarity. Now, this optical clarity.
Helps you see more of your workspace with better color accuracy. On the other hand, the 1/1/1/2 rating is also not that bad. Just make sure you don’t invest in a welding helmet that offers an inferior lens quality. Keep these optical ratings in mind when choosing any welding helmet next time.
v): It Should Meet the Latest Safety Standards
Welding helmets are designed to offer optimum safety to the welder. That’s why there are some specific safety standards set that every such helmet should meet. However, a simple ANSI (American National Standards Institute and Society of Safety Engineers) certification isn’t enough.
On the other hand, ANSI Z87.1-2003 is the latest standard that your chosen helmet should have. According to this safety standard, every manufacturer must demonstrate that their helmets perform according to their mentioned specs under laboratory conditions.
Therefore, such a safety standard makes it easier for professionals to choose the most appropriate helmet for their job. Then, all you have to do is to make sure that your chosen helmet is in incompliance with the latest safety standards.
vi): Choosing the Right Power Solution
Auto-darkening welding helmets are designed with multiple power solutions. Some of these helmets have replaceable batteries. At the same time, some of these helmets come with AAA replaceable batteries. Moreover, you will also find many welding helmets with replaceable batteries charged by solar plates. So, the choices here are many.
In this regard, you should go with a power solution that meets your work requirements. You can go with a AAA batteries helmet if you want a convenient on-the-go helmet. For better battery backup, you can always go with the battery-powered lithium helmets.
The solar battery-powered helmets are also good. However, they need some time to get charged under direct sunlight before you operate them. They can be a perfect pick if you can bear with this condition.
vii): Also, Give Some Room to Your Personal Preferences
You have to give some room to your personal preferences as well. In reality, there is no perfect welding helmet. All helmets have their own pros and cons. It’s the end user who determines which helmet he wants to buy.
You should make a list of your desired set of features. Then simply look for helmets with those features. You don’t necessarily have to follow anyone’s defined buying guide. So, you just have to ensure that your chosen helmet has the features you want.
viii): Have a Defined Budget
We cannot forget the budget factor. Now, like any product, welding helmets are also available at different prices. Some of them are expensive while some are cheap. So again, your preference has to decide which one to go with.
Anyhow, it is important to have a set budget to choose with ease. Then, you can search for a variety of helmets that fall within your budget range. So, once you have a budget in mind, it becomes easy for you to choose the right pick.
ix): Never Compromise On The Brand Name
If we talk about welding helmets, we will find out that there are many manufacturers out there. You will also discover some not-so-popular models. However, going with a way too cheap or an XYZ named brand name won’t be a good idea.
So, here is a list of brands that you should look out for while searching for the best welding helmets.
- ESAB
- Miller
- 3M
- Hobart
- Optrel
FAQ’s
Q1: What is the best welding helmet?
Ans: In our review and testing, we find the Yeswelder 900B to be the best welding helmet. From its perfect blend of features to its overall looks, every aspect of this helmet is top-notch. In addition, it offers plenty of features that are equally useful for professionals and beginners.
Q2: What is the most expensive welding helmet?
Ans: We find the Lincoln Viking 3350 to be on the expensive side. However, with its premium features and top-quality optics, it justifies its additional cost. The viewing angle it provides is excellent. Moreover, you can always choose any replacement lens if you want to upgrade it.
Q3: Which is the best auto darkening welding helmet?
Ans: The Miller Digital Infinity welding helmet is the best auto-darkening welding helmet. That’s because it comes with the built-in X mode. What this mode does is that it detects electromagnetic arch and automatically runs the ADF. So, this auto darkening feature is quite rare to find among even some of the top-rated welding helmets.
Final Thoughts!
So, now you know some of the best welding helmets. We have reviewed the top-rated models. All of these helmets have their own pros and cons. Some of them are heavy, while some are cheap but reliable. In the end, it’s the end user who has to decide which model to go with. Our detailed buying guide will surely help you get an idea of how to buy the best auto-darkening welding helmet. So, which one are you going to buy?
