What’s a Welding Helmet for?
Physical safety is crucial to the operator in the welding process. You need to note that the technology and machines used in welding pose risks; some that the naked eye can see and others are invisible. Like in any other industry, you need to uphold standard safety precautions.
For the welding process to be successful, you need to need to gear up with the best welding helmets. These protective gadgets keep the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays from affecting the eyes and eventually causing permanent blindness. If you are in long-term contact with UV rays, they can affect your cornea, retina, and cause what is known as the arc eye.
Shopping for the best welding helmet isn’t a walk in the park. You are bound to come across many brands, and models in the markets need close evaluation. It’s important that you read the best welding helmet reviews that make the buying process easy and accurate.
Welding helmets shouldn’t be worn shield the eyes only. You should look for a model that will protect the exposed skin on the neck and face too. No two helmets are made the same. You will get the best welding helmet if you make quality the primary factor when purchasing.
Buying quality helmets come with a high price; which is the better option. You should avoid selecting cheap helmets. Low-quality helmets can mean safety risks, uncomfortable operations, and low productivity. You need to avoid heavy helmets since they can cause neck strain.
If the sensors are inadequate, it could mean damage to your eyes. You should ensure that he helmet has a viewing pane with the lens that can keep out the intensity of the flare. Otherwise, you will have a difficult time keeping track of the arc. The best welding helmet reviews will guide you to the best buy anytime.
Different kind of helmets (Passive, Auto-darkening)
Welding Helmets come in various varieties, specs, and features. The best welding helmet will help keep off harmful UV rays. You will notice that helmets have lens numbers that denote the lens’ capacity to protect against the harmful welding flare. If you confer with the best welding helmet reviews, you will easily pick the best lens category and application.
Usually, these lens numbers are classified between 8, for the lens that matches low amperage to 13, for applications that have a high-amp shade requirement. Higher lens’ number means better protection. You should, however, check your welding needs first before you purchase a given type of a helmet with a particular lens number. It’s important to blend visibility and safety as your primary consideration when buying a helmet.
When you research these helmets, you will notice that they are categorized into passive or standard, auto-darkening, and there are intermediate versions. They can also be classified according to how they are powered.
Standard or Passive Helmets
For these types of helmets, they are best handled by seasoned welding experts. If you are a novice in the industry, you are likely to have a difficult time keeping track of arcs or general artistry standards. Passive helmets are not expensive, and they can last long. Also, you may be forced to keep moving the helmet to assess progress, and it results into short, messy welding tasks.
Auto darkening helmets
Technology has changed the welding game with the advent of auto-darkening helmets some years back. The helmet is ideal for beginners and professionals alike. The lenses are designed in a way that they start to darken once they detect the arc.
If you are using these helmets, the risk of UV exposure to the eyes is nonexistent. There is guaranteed protection even before the welding torch lights up. You get to benefit from several advantages. There is a consistent quality all through the welding process. You no longer have to keep lifting the helmet the way it happens with the passive or standard helmet.
With auto darkening helmets, you will enjoy adjustable electronic filters and light sensors. These help to adjust the lens according to the brightness of the arc. You will handle tasks with convenience and ease.
The auto-darkening helmet category can further be divided into fixed or variable lens options. Fixed shades will get dark according to a determined shade. This is ideal for welding tasks with the same requirements. With the variable option, they adjust to a variety of shades. This works well in a situation where you have to execute different types of welds.
Time of lens reaction
With auto darkening helmet lens, the time of lens reaction is crucial. Reaction time refers to the time it takes for the shade to adjust from inactive to the active protective form. You need to note that the faster the switch, the safer the lens and the helmet. Some lens have a slower rate of reaction, and you can be exposed to risks in the long run. Shades that drag can cause your eyes to feel exhausted or dry. If you pay more for helmets with lens that switches fast, you enjoy comfort and increased productivity. Slower reaction time makes your eyes feel scorched or what is otherwise known as arc flash.
Sensors
Welding helmets come fitted with sensors. These can be two of them for simple welding task helmets or four for intense industrial welding. If your helmet has more sensors, you get better coverage and accuracy. Some tasks can be out of position when the sensor is obstructed. Extreme welding requires more sensors compared to DIY jobs.
Delay control
Delay control in a welding helmet is a crucial feature. This means having control over the time it takes for the lens to remain darkened after you stop the process. Short delays are okay for short welding blasts in a huge project. If you have a project where high amperage is expected, longer delays keep you protected since the weld zone could still be emitting harmful rays after you torch off.
Battery or solar powered
Some welding helmets have different power options. Whether solar or battery operated, you should know the pros and cons of each version. Cells require regular charging, and they can push up your power bills. Nowadays, there are solar powered helmets with inbuilt solar panels. You need to ensure that they are powered to avoid unnecessary hitches.
Table of Contents
Welding Helmets Reviews
Antra AH7-860-0000 Solar Power Auto Darkening Welding Helmet AntFi X60-8 series
The Antra AH7-860-0000 Solar Power Auto Darkening Welding Helmet AntFi X60-8 series is one of a kind welding helmet. His most notable features are:
- Auto darkening filter
- Solar power cell design, with replaceable batteries
- Spacious Ergonomic build
This helmet keeps you safe from harmful UV rays even before the torch goes on. The automatic darkening mechanism makes sure there is no sudden glare before and after the task.
The solar batteries recharge automatically. The Antra AH7-860-0000 Solar Power Auto Darkening Welding Helmet AntFi X60-8 series has replaceable batteries. For ergonomics, the helmet has a wide view area that is 3.78X3.50″. There is enough space, and you can add a dust protection mask to keep the fumes away. The design is light and comfortable.
Even though solar power isn’t the best, your task will progress as long as you are proactive in charging or replacing the lithiums.
The Antra AH7-860-0000 Solar Power Auto Darkening Welding Helmet AntFi X60-8 series is dependable for applications ranging from Plasma, MIG, MAG, TIG applications; it’s a dependable investment.
Antra AH6-260-0000 Solar Power Auto Darkening Welding Helmet
If you are looking for versatility, convenience, and affordability, the Antra AH6-260-0000 Solar Power Auto Darkening Welding Helmet is the one for you. You get to capitalize on:
- Auto-darkening filter with shades 4-13
- Wide view range
- Easy adjustability
The helmet offers versatile Auto-darkening filter with shades 4-13. This means you will be safe as soon as the welding torch is on. It’s easy to weld comfortably without worrying about arc flash or the arc eye effect. With this helmet, you save the energy you spend removing and tilting the helmet. You enjoy comfort and efficiency with every task.
Welding efficiently comes from having a generous range of view when working. This helmet comes with a 3.86” X 1.78” viewing pane. As a professional or a novice operator, you can easily track your work and finish perfectly. With an extended area of view, you can easily maneuver harmful fumes, sparks, and any flying debris.
When welding, you want a helmet that is easy to adjust. The Antra AH6-260-0000 Solar Power Auto Darkening Welding Helmet gives you easy to adjust features. It’s form-fit and doesn’t keep tilting once you strap it in.
With this helmet, the cons are not limiting. Since it’s solar powered, you only have to make sure that the batteries are replaced and charged before starting a task.
The Antra AH6-260-0000 Solar Power Auto Darkening Welding Helmet is a good buy since it offers the best prices, sturdy, lightweight build, and promises to serve you longer.
Lincoln Viking 3350 Series
For unsurpassed optical clarity and a wide viewing area in a welding helmet, the Lincoln Viking 3350 Series is in a class of its own. It’s designed to offer you superior comfort and task efficiency.
- Lightening Fast Lens Speed
- 4C Lens Technology
- Reliable tilt and suspension
This helmet is an industry leader given the lens’ fast reaction speeds. The helmet will auto dim and switch lens between 5 and 13. You will get assurances for safety and comfort. The helmet also combines the 4C Lens Technology in its mechanism. You get to enjoy a clear field of view and little risk for eye problems. If you are looking to complete the task with top artistry, the 1/1/1/1 optical clarity technology makes it the best.
Whether the welding is GMAW, MWAW or plasma welding, the weight on your head can affect productivity and efficiency. This helmet comes with a tilt mechanism that makes the load on your neck and shoulders lighter. You can be sure that you are safe from the glare from any angle you are working from.
If you were to worry about the cons of buying this helmet, it would be the weight, but the versatile pivot mechanism keeps you going.
The Lincoln Viking 3350 Series Black Auto Darkening Welding Helmet (K3034-3) is a commendable helmet. It’s worth every penny you pay plus the technology in use makes you want to keep welding and welding!
Instapark ADF Series GX-350S Solar Powered Auto Darkening Welding Helmet
If you are looking for safety and comfort the Instapark ADF Series GX-350S Solar Powered Auto Darkening Welding Helmet with Adjustable Shade Range #9 – #13 is your welding partner.
- Fast lens switching speed
- Inbuilt solar powered batteries
- Ergonomic design
The Instapark ADF GX-350S offers accuracy that is guided by dual arc sensors. These trigger the super fast auto darkening mechanism that switches at a rate of 1/15000 at the strike of an arc. You don’t have to keep pushing the helmet up and down between the tasks. You amplify productivity, efficiency, and quality craftsmanship.
The torch placement is right where it’s needed. When it comes to power, the helmet is equipped with lithium batteries that are always being charged by inbuilt panels. You are assured of working without stopping to recharge.
The Instapark ADF Series GX-350S Solar Powered Auto Darkening Welding Helmet with Adjustable Shade Range #9 – #13 has an ergonomic design with a lightweight build. The interior is perfect for comfort on the job, and the viewing area makes welding fun and accurate.
This helmet is solar powered, but it shouldn’t be a bother since regular charging and battery replacement should do the trick
With guaranteed protection from harmful radiation, you should invest in this helmet since it’s handy for a variety of welding tasks including TIG, MIG, and Stick applications.
My Recommendation
The Antra AH7-860-0000 Solar Power Auto Darkening Welding Helmet is good value for money compared to other masks. Even though it’s lightweight in build, the robust construction can withstand impact from falls. Simply put, it’s easy to assemble, and you get guaranteed protection.
