Want to try out the Helmet to protect the eyes during welding, which is one of the most dangerous jobs in the world?
Use a welding helmet to protect the eyes while welding to make them safer and more protective.
Get a Welding Helmet with unique features at an affordable price range.
Now there is no need to worry more, as this article provides top picks can buy in 2021. So, without further ado, let’s have a look at the entire options that can purchase within an affordable price range.
3M Speedglas 9100 comes in at the top because it can use for any type of welding to do daily or on the job.
It includes a unique design and Speedglas, and it is made explicitly for almost any type of welding. So now do welding safely with the help of this.
Some of the essential features of this welding helmet provide are as follows:
Key Feature of 3M Speedglas 9100
Auto-darkening Filter
The auto-darkening filter reacts in just 0.1 milliseconds and automatically finds out a welding arc and makes the model darken, which keeps the eyes protected and also makes the work secure and more efficient because it doesn’t need any customisation.
3M Designed
The 3 M-designed feature allows protecting against ultraviolet rays and infrared radiation too.
Window placement on each side of the helmet improves peripheral vision, but each of those windows has specific filters that can adjust in five different ways to lighten or darken each side.
Mimic the Natural Shape
The helmet design to copy the original shape of the human head, 3M Speedglas 9100, provides an ergonomic design that improves comfort for extended wear and use.
Other Features
Other features include shade selection, suitable for MIG, Stick, and TIG, more giant knobs for making changes while wearing gloves, and full straps inside.
Why Should Buy It?
The Speedglas comes with various model numbers from 3M. However, it is highly suggested the 9100 for those who want to buy a comfortable helmet that is also easy to use. The padded headband and many other features let welding for as long as want without any distress. The 3M Speedglas 9100 is one of our top pick helmets.
Some of the Specifications, pros, and cons are mention below:
3M Speedglas 9100Specification
Viewing area 2.8 inches high x 4.2 inches wide
Size: Extra-Large Lens
Shades 8-13
Dark shades 5, 8, 9 through 13 and light shade of 3
Lens switches from light to dark shade: approximately 0.1 milliseconds
Battery life is approximately 2,000 hours
Two Cr2030 3V lithium batteries
Delay control: 40-800 ms
It fits head sizes 6.25 to 8, approximately
Three-year warranty
Pros
TIG capabilities
Side windows with level five shade
Multiple shades on the filter
Reduces the risk of eye damage
Adjustable design
Lightweight Expensive
An ergonomic design
Comfortable headgear
Extra-large filter window
Help reduce humidity, heat, and fogging
Equipped with exhaust vents
Enhances the field of vision
Responds quickly to all arcs and flashes
Cons
No solar power
Bottom Line
The 3M Speedglas 9100 allows getting an excellent helmet for less than imagined would spend. It has multiple shade levels, which will help to adjust the protection receive in various applications. It includes the locked-in feature, which works for locking down the shade. Moreover, ADF technology appends to its overall security.
2.Lincoln Electric VIKING 3350 – Auto-Darkening Welding Helmets
Lincoln Electric VIKING 3350 is specifically made for those people who want to buy Auto-Darkening Helmets. It keeps the eye-safe and offers many advanced features. This Lincoln Electric VIKING 3350 Black with 4C Lens Technology still begins with many specifications that achieved the number two spot.
It features 4C lens technology, which allows seeing clearly whether using it in an active or inactive state and a work setting that works well on some projects.
Well, let’s discuss some of the key features that come with it.
Key Feature of Lincoln Electric VIKING 3350
4C Lens Technology
It has 4C lens technology with all required lenses and a bandana, which can carry under the model and comes with its carrying bag.
Pivoting Welding Helmet
The VIKING 3350 has got some excellent components as a pivoting welding helmet; it can quickly move while wearing this comfortably, that it won’t go in the way, and it moves as the user move.
Lightweight
It weighs less than four pounds, reducing the tension and pressure on the head. This welding headgear consists of an adjustable design; it comes with padded belts and bands that help to adjust to fit the crown.
Why Should Buy Auto-Darkening Welding Helmets
The best Auto-darkening helmets offer so many unique features in an excellent price range. Auto-darkening masks give greater ease of use and comfort, particularly for operators who frequently build and drop their helmets. Moreover, the sensors will automatically darken the lens when they detect the arc.
Some of the specifications, pros, and cons are as follows.
VIKING 3350 Series Specification
Auto Darkening Lens Classification: 1/1/1/1 optical clarity rating
Delay control: 0.1 – 1.0 Fully Adjustable
Switching time: 1/25,000 (Sec)
Viewing area: 3.74 In. x 3.34 in (95 mm x 85 mm)
Lens Shade 5 to 13
Number of Arc Sensors 4
TIG AMP Rating 2A
Battery life: 2000 hours
1 CR2450 Replaceable Battery
Warranty: 3 Years
Pros
Perfect optical clarity in all four categories
4C lens technology
Comfortable and balanced design
Wide Viewing Window
It comes with all necessary lenses
ADF Controls Knobs and pivot style headgear
Largest viewing area in class
Adjustable sensitivity settings
Cons
Electromagnetic Sensor: No
Bottom Line
Weld without getting eye or face damage with the help of this as it is an auto-darkening helmet. In the section of auto-darkening helmets, there establish shade or inconstant shade options. More and more welders have got to realise adequate safety and productivity advantages using auto-darkening helmets.
3.Miller Electric – Best Welding Helmet Under $100
Well, it comes at a low price. This new model produced by Miller Electric has a unique design with a solid black background with grey knobs on each side of it.
The main reason is weighing just two pounds. It is such a cheap and lightweight unit that I will not remember even have it on. Another reason is, its viewing area gives a more accurate view than other models do. Well, let’s have a look at the key features.
Key Features of Miller Electric Helmet
Three Advanced Lens Shade
Miller Electric comes with three advanced lens shades, which will help work at a more prominent setting that enhances the shade range within eight and 13.
Standard AAA Battery
A solar cell battery inside the helmet is the latest technology that can provide sunlight for power. Moreover, there is a standard AAA battery, which will run more than up to 2,000 hours while clouds are out or the welder can’t go outside.
Ratchet
Well, the chair is equipped with ratchet features as well. It helps to fit and adjust the helmet based on the size of the head. That ensures that it is effortless to use and a comfortable welding mask.
Why Should Buy It?
The most notable thing is its design & production by professionals who surely know what type of welding helmet needs professional and daily use. But, on the other hand, this one is under the $100 price.
Some of the specifications, pros, and cons are as follows.
Miller Electric Specification
Nylon Features: 1/10, 000 sec
Delay Control and Sensitivity 0.10 to 1.0 sec
TIG Rating 20A
Includes: (2) AAA Batteries
Battery Life: 2000 hr.
Black Lens Shade: 3, 8-12 Plate with 3-3/4 Width
Switching Speed: 1/10, 000 sec
Viewing Area: 5-1/5 sq. in
Plate Height: 1-2/5
Pros
Great Lens Speed
Auto-On/Auto-Off Power Control
Magnifying Lens Holder
2 Inside Cover Lenses
ADF Controls
CSA Power Source
Classic Battery Type: AAA Item
Auto Darkening Feature
Electromagnetic Sensor
No Number of Arc Sensors
Cheap priced
Analog Graphics
High-quality Viewing Area
Cons
Not available
Bottom Line
Miller Electric is not in everybody’s choice as it is a cheaply priced unit, but it will never go to find another helmet that comes with three advanced lens shade once get it. Go for it.
4.Esab SENTINEL A50 – Welding Helmet with Largest Viewing Area
It has introduced as the Largest Viewing Area helmet. This welding helmet boasts unbelievable clearness, and in some matters, it looks like there is no helmet at all while giving all the safety need.
The Esab Sentinel A50 comes with an Optical Class Rating of 1/1/1/2, doing best for vision accuracy, ƒ/0.08, and framing and dispersion. While equipped with the 7″ Vickers Waterproof Fresnel & Dustproof lens, the Sentinel A50 will stand up to virtually anything that can be thrown at it, from fog to dust.
Key Features of Esab SENTINEL A50
Largest Viewing Area
This is equipped with the Largest Viewing Area. The primary function of the Sentinel is to give a wide view screen (3.93″ x 2.36″, or approximately 9.27 square inches), reduce the worry, and provide the view area in the full range at the same time.
Auto-Darkening Shades
This helmet has an auto-darkening shade from 5 to 13 (8 picture settings and an outside button for screens 3, 4 for grinding). Esab Sentinel A50 is providing with the best welding mask experience with auto-darkening shade.
Lightweight Helmet
It has got a remarkably lightweight about (1.4 lbs). This type of helmet makes feeling relax as this one is lightweight. The pain will not feel in the neck by using this welding mask.
Other Feature
As an added reward, the amber colouring at the view screen keeps outside shades normalised. This indicates the arc will still look blue rather than some other wonky colour. It just looks like the Optrel Panoramaxx Helmet
Why Should Buy it?
A Good Welding Helmet has got a lot of characteristics. The Auto-Darkening Shades and Largest Viewing Area will provide the best welding experience ever. It won’t damage any face or eye during the welding task with the help of this.
Some of the specifications, pros, and cons are as follows.
Esab SENTINEL A50 offers numerous features at a reasonable price. However, for those who want to weld by themselves with no damage to their eyes, don’t overthink.
5.Tigerhood Classic Thermoplastic 906GY- Old School Welding Helmet
The Tigerhood Classic Helmet is designed for people who have high heat and eye sensitivity issues.
This Tigerhood Classic Thermoplastic comes with all the features standard in today’s modern welding situations. Moulded from Noryl toward high heat protection, the seamless, smooth shell specially produces to shed spatter and sparks that might give a burn-through risk.
Key Features of Tigerhood Classic Thermoplastic 906GY
Spark & Heat-Resistant
The thermoplastic Noryl system delivers the shell very defiant to high heat. The device is bent to deflect spatter & sparks and seamlessly restrict them from getting and burning through.
Clear Vision
The moulded-in glass holder comes with a 2 x 4 1/4″ aperture size for optimal viewing while doing welding. Moreover, the Shade 10 welding lens gives safe UV/IR protection and clear vision.
Optimal Positioning
The deeply balanced, pliable 3-C headgear quality overhead band with various adjustments to set the glass holder to get the weld’s best view.
Extended Protection
The latest design increases downwards to support block gas and fumes and defend the neck’s front. The case also bends backwards to keep the neck protective from both sides of the neck.
Roomy Interior
The Tigerhood helmet’s lining is roomy to better air circulation and improves clear any fumes &smoke that leak in. The interior is also big enough to adjust glasses & respirators.
Why Should Buy It?
This allows a perfect welding experience without any damage with extreme protection. Spark & Heat-Resistant, Extended Protection, Clear Vision, and Easy Work Checking are some of the reasons to go for it. But, first, look at its pros and cons, which will give a more precise idea about why to choose it.
The pros and cons are as follows.
Pros
Aperture for optimal viewing: 2 x 4 1/4
High heat resistance
Seamless, smooth shell deflects spatter& sparks
Excellent protection
Clear vision
Moulded-in glass holder
Easy work checking
Telescoping lid
Long-lasting durability
Shade 10 welding lens
Accommodates glasses & respirators
Ratchet-style 3-C headgear
Fit and comfortable
Optimal glass holder positioning
Free-floating arms balance
Cons
The headband doesn’t work
Bottom line
Tigerhood Classic Thermoplastic 906GY is one of the best available in a reasonable price range. It comes with Optimal Positioning, Roomy Interior, and many latest features, and I couldn’t see such qualities in an old-school welding helmet of other brands in this price range.
6.Miller 281000 – Digital Elite Black Welding Helmet
The Miller 281000 is the brand new and updated Best Digital Elite Black Helmet, which has got the attention of many welders who have issues regarding eye damage and other damage in their faces.
The Miller 281000 Digital Elite is a fabulous all-around lightweight MIG, TIG, and grinding welding helmet, except for its delicacy and easy headgear design. Let’s have a detailed look at its key features.
Key Features of Miller 281000 Digital Elite
Four modes
This Digital Elite comes with four advanced modes: cut mode, weld mode, X-mode, and grind mode. Each has its shade variations.
The X-mode holds direct sunlight from intervening with vision while welding, which is an excellent and latest feature.
Clear light lens technology
The 281000 series helmet from Miller has the best feature set but needs reliability. Clearlight technology allows seeing work. A digital control option makes it easy to read and manage.
Other Features
Other features include Great visibility, perfect warranty service, digital versatility, excellent customer care, accessory kit, a complete user manual, etc.
Why Should Buy It?
This Miller 281000 is probably one of the most highly advanced options available on the market. In addition, it will provide the best eye and face protection ever. So, these are the main reasons to go for it.
Miller 281000 Specification
1-1-1-2 optical clarity
Weld mode (Shades 8-13)
Cut mode (Shades 5-8)
Grind mode (Shade 3)
Three-year warranty
Pros
Digital Elite Series
Four different modes with X-mode
Clear light lens technology
Easy-to-read digital controls
Great visibility
Lightweight
Low-amperage lens
Hidden/cavity welds
Larger window, and 4 sensors
Cons
Headgear needs constant adjustment
Bottom Line
The Digital Elite Series features the latest helmet with four modes of digital versatility for the greatest welding and cutting purposes. Well, the price is a little bit high because of the characteristics.
7.Lincoln Electric K4034-3 VIKING 3350 – Best Welding Hood
Lincoln Electric K4034-3 also in the race of the list for being one of the best of 2021 in a middle-budget range. The Best Welding Hoods offers some great features that protect the eye, face, neck from all types of injuries and damage.
There are some of the key features listed below it comes with.
Key Features of Lincoln Electric K4034-3 VIKING 3350
4C Lens Technology
Ir increases the colour range & shades to view in both dark and light states. This reduces defects and colour saturation to produce the most transparent look of the base material, puddle & arc.
Perfect 1/1/1/1 Optical Clarity
This 1/1/1/1 Optical Clarity rating defines by measuring blurriness, shade consistency, distortion, and angle regularity of the auto-darkening welding lens.
Extra Large Viewing Area
The 12.5 square inch auto-darkening lens produces an extra-large viewing area to enhance operator control and versatility.
Why Should Buy It?
The welding hood offers some beautiful features in a shallow budget range. It keeps the eye-protective from all types of damage and burns and produces soothing heat protection during the welding task with the help of 4C Lens Technology.
Lincoln Electric K4034-3 VIKING 3350 Specification
Lens switching speed (sec) 1/25,000
Light sensitivity control continuous
Storage: -20°c – +70°c (-4°f – 158°f)
Tig amp rating: dc 2 amp, ac 2 amp
Magnifying “cheater” capable lens yes
Variable shade/control 5-13 internal
Battery replacement type 1 cr2450 replaceable battery
Grind mode shade control 3.5 internal & external
Delay control dark to light: 0.1 – 1.0 sec fully adjustable
Arc sensors 4
View size 3.74 in x 3.34 in (95 mm x 85 mm)
Temperature range operating: -10°c – +55°c (14°f – 131°f)
Cartridge size is 4.5 in x 5.25 in (114 mm x 133 mm)
Warranty 3 years
Pros
Auto-Darkening
Lens Shade 5 to 13
Grind Mode Yes
Electromagnetic Sensor No
Number of Arc Sensors 4
Switching Speed 1/25,000 sec
Graphics None
TIG AMP Rating 2A
Power Source Solar
Headgear Ratchet
ADF Controls Knobs
Battery Type Solar Cells
4C Lens Technology
Optical Clarity
Wide Screen View
Cons
Hard to see during structural welds
Bottom Line
The new VIKING 3350 is our top-of-the-line welding hood series, the latest blend of optics, versatility & comfort. The welding helmet has got a great design, and it is capable of providing a good welding experience with Top Tig Welder in a low price range. Also, get good eye protection in a reasonable price range.
8.Antra AH6-260-0000 Solar Power – Top Rated Welding Helmet
The next helmet on our list is from Antra, which is a well-renowned brand name in the market. It preceded many features to offer to people who want to have a comfortable and safe welding experience. The structure is solid, along with an average price range.
Some of the essential features that must know about the Antra AH6-260-0000 Solar Power are as follows.
Key Features
Auto-Darkening Helmet
Antra Welding’s auto-darkening helmet is one of the Top rated welding headcovers, mostly known as an auto-darkening helmet. The solar-powered quality of this helmet indicates it won’t let to worry about battery timing before going to work continually.
Lightweight
This is a lightweight helmet that makes this helmet very comfortable while wearing it for a long time. Among variable colour levels from 5-13, provide to work in any light states, with each type of welding.
Interference Suppression Technology
It comes with interference suppression technology that operates to stop false triggering produced by light sources other than welding.
Why Should Buy It?
After purchasing the best welder and now want to buy a helmet for a welding task? Antra Welding’s auto-darkening helmet is the best option for quality protection on a low budget, as it is the best welding helmet on the market today.
Antra AH6-260-0000 Solar Power Specification
Two replaceable CR2032 batteries
Filter stays on for 10 minutes in the dark
Cheater lens (4-1/4 x 2 x 5/32″)
98mm x 44mm / 3.86″ x1.73 Viewing Area
Optical Class: 1/1/1/2
110mm x 90mm x 9mm / 4.33″ x 3.54″ x 0.35 Cartridge Size
Reaction Time: 0.00004(1/25,000) Seconds
Dark to Light: 0.1-1 Second
Light State: Shade DIN 4
Dark State: Shade DIN 5-9/9-13
DC TIG Amperage Rating: >2 Amps
Pros
Professional-Grade Performance
Consistent Protection
Antra Helmet Highlights
Unmatched Versatility
Low DC TIG amperage rating
Very light design
Solar Cell batteries
Fully Automatic ON/OFF
Built-in passive filter
Providing permanent UV/IR protection
Battery indicator
Convenient self-darkening test button
Easily adjustable delay time
Sensitivity control
Magnifying lens sold separately
Hard hat adapter
Six bonus exterior lens cover plates
Cons
A bit flimsy though
Final Views
These are many unique features that make this mask from the number-one position top-rated helmet. Antra AH6-260-0000 Solar Power comes with so many advanced features that are ready to protect in the best possible manner.
The Jackson Safety BH3 is an Auto Darkening unit, which comes with Balder Technology at an affordable price range. The W70 Series sets with high standard performance. This welding mask has made a 1/1/1/1 rating, so don’t worry about getting the best.
Some of the key features are as follows.
Features that Need to Know
Auto-darkening ADF filter lens
Jackson Safety BH3 has an Auto-darkening filter lens and the top EN379 ranks (1/1/1/1) for optical clarity, a variety of bright transmittance, diffusion of light, and angular connection.
Perfect Protection
The Jackson Safety has a versatile shade range, starting from 9 to 13, to protect and shield the eyes from radiant heat and provides sensitivity and delay settings for versatility.
High-Density Plastic Shell
This welding helmet is lightweight, and the high-density plastic cover protects the forehead, face, ears, and neck from weld spatters and sparks; aerodynamic bent front cover plate decreases heat built-up, fogging & reflections.
Why Should Buy It?
As mentioned above, the best budget welding helmet comes with exceptional performance and some of the other best features. For example, the Jackson Safety BH3 produced an Auto-Darkening filter lens and Balder Technology; it gets the task done perfectly.
Pros
Auto-darkening filter lens
Jackson BH3 Helmet Shell
Jackson 370 Headgear
Designed for maximum comfort
Line high-density hood
See clearly at many different angles
A quick adjustment and refocus time
Superior optical quality
Balder Technology
Reduced heat build-up
Better reflections
Better fume deflection
High Impact standard
DIN Plus certified and CE certified
Five-year warranty
Cons
No chin strap
Final Views
The helmet is the perfect choice for hobbyist welder, especially with eye sensitivity issues. Moreover, it allows having a safe welding experience as its already been filled with many unique features such as an Auto-Darkening filter lens and Balder Technology. So, thoroughly check it out.
While talking about the mask visibility while not welding, the Optrel VegaView 2.5 protects the pack. Sadly, that looks to be the only point where it makes so. It allows seeing between in grind mode and welds with a 2.5 colour level in the light state.
Key Features
Extra Bright View
This welding mask produced many different and latest features like the extra-bright view. This is known as a fully automatic with the extra-bright view in the light state near about shade level2.5.
New Sensor Technology
As the lens has the brightest shade available, it reduces the darkness to go there. In addition, the new sensor technology allows perceiving shade like never before.
True Colour View
The most fantastic feature is the colour filter for a realistic colour view and Flexible arc identification angle by averages of sensor slider.
Why Should Buy It?
Optrel VegaView 2.5 is a perfect choice to buy Best Auto-Arc Welding Mask. The Best Auto-Arc Welding Mask 2021 comes with a long-lasting construction, advanced features, and a reasonable price at the same time. That means it also has the latest design and can weld without getting hurt.
After a detailed review, make the best decision about the welding helmet. Here are discussed every type of helmet-like best budget, top-rated and best for the money so it will be more convenient to buy the best one. For a better recommendation, have a look at it below.
Miller Electric for the low budget.
Jackson Safety BH3 for the medium budget.
Esab SENTINEL A50 for the largest viewing area
So, make up the selection and do welding tasks full of safety.
Welding Helmets – Complete Buyer’s Guide
Found the 10 Top helmet reviews on the market and the know-how they relate to each other. But the question is, what the essential things to consider are? What are the key features that you should know before purchase? In this part, we’ll provide all the information need to be sure to make the right choice of a welding hood.
What is Welding Helmet?
According to Wikipedia
A welding helmet is a type of headgear used when performing certain types of welding to protect the eyes, face, and neck from flash burn, ultraviolet light, sparks, infrared light, and heat.
It is most commonly used with arc welding processes such as shielded metal arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding, and gas metal arc welding. They are necessary to prevent an arc eye, a painful condition where the cornea is inflamed.
Why Need a Welding Helmet?
There are many reasons for using it. It will help in many ways, which are as follows.
The first thing is eye protection. With the help of the helmet, it can easily weld without getting damaged eyes or faces.
Welding Helmets provide excellent protection to the eye, neck, forehead, and face.
For those with sensitivity issues, welding helmets with auto-darkening lenses are ideal.
Welding masks help a lot in protecting the eyes with auto-darkening lenses.
This will make you feel more protected, secure, and more comfortable during welding tasks.
Types
There are many types of welding helmets available. To weld full of protection, should choose the best kind of helmets according to requirements and needs. So, let’s have a look at various types available in the market.
What to look for in a Welding Helmet before Buying?
Many factors must view before buying a welding helmet.
Let’s take a look
Auto-Darkening
Auto-Darkening is one of the essential features of today’s requirements. Auto-darkening is the strength of the helmet’s lens to automatically identify the light produced while welding and arrange to block it out. It helps to protect the eyes as protection should be on priority.
Shade Variability
Arc flash is a terrifying experience that can also produce lasting damage. However, buying a helmet with a high quality of colour variability on a high-level lens can relax, guaranteed that eyes are safe in even the brightest states.
Reliability
Reliability is a significant factor to view if it comes to choosing out a helmet for a welding task. It doesn’t matter how many nifty tricks it has or how good the helmet is. If a Welding mask can’t include keeping eyes protected, it’s not working its function.
Grind Mode
Suppose utilising a grinder and doing a great deal of flying debris and dust. You need to keep the hood in the lowest setting in such situations while there may be flashes of radiant sunlight. For this purpose, various helmets come designed with a grind mode.
Size of Viewing Area
This one is an essential feature because it helps to weld perfectly with this quality. By increasing the viewing window, get it probable to view work in a completely new way. This feature helps to enhance welding quality, as it’s simpler to make out the details. Moreover, this improves productivity by providing a clear view. As a result, it’s much comfortable to work efficiently.
Lens Clarity
Except for the viewing window size, the level of lens clarity is one of the significant factors in whereby correctly. Lenses are tried out in 4 areas and provided a rating of 1-3 in all, with 1/1/1/1 being an excellent score.
We hope this Bst welding helmet review and complete buyer guide helps in getting enough information about the welding helmets, their type, features, and their uses of these helmets. Then, after having sufficient awareness, make a perfect choice.
It’s been years since I got into welding as a side hustle. It’s been so long since Doing All kinds of welds for business and pleasure as this is my hobby. Being in this field I have learned from hands-on-experience also came to know what gears work and what doesn’t. The Tig Welder is my own platform where I use to share my experience.
Great content! Super high-quality! Keep it up! 🙂