Top Welding Helmet Recommendations
It isn’t easy choosing the best welding helmet, let this buying guide make your next purchase easier! It doesn’t matter if you are welding for a professional reason for your job or you just need to weld around the house for maintenance or as a hobby, there is one essential item that you need, a welding helmet.
Choosing the best welding helmet for you is a hard decision. There are a lot of different welding helmets available on the market, and all of them have many different features, some of which are exclusive to them, benefits, pros, and cons.
Everyone has different needs. A professional welder will need a helmet that they can weld with comfortably for a minimum of eight hours per day, and it will need to be tough. Someone that just needs to one or two welding jobs around their house may not need their welding helmet to have as many features or be as comfortable to wear for long periods of time.
There is one undeniable fact about welding, though, to do it properly you are going to need a welding helmet. You can’t weld without one so getting one that suits all of your personal requirements is vital to getting the job done. By looking through the following buyer’s guide to choosing the best welding helmet of 2017, you will have a much better idea of where to start.
Top 5 Welding Helmets
As you read through the buying guide, we are going to present to you five different welding helmets and give you a short, detailed review of each of them. This will allow you to get a feeling for the different benefits and unique features that different models and brands of welding helmets has.
We have chosen a variety of different brands of welding helmets so that you get a good general idea of how they function and also a different price perspective. There isn’t much point in only showing you the very expensive welding helmets or the cheap welding helmets, a good mixture of each will give you a much better perspective of each, its benefits and its disadvantages.
Even if you don’t decide to purchase one of the five welding helmets that we have decided to review in detail, you will have a much better idea of what you are looking for in your new welding helmet. Pay attention to each welding helmet’s pros and cons before you decide to buy, what you need it for and how long you plan on using it.
The Benefits of Choosing the Right Welding Helmet
There is an extremely large amount of different reasons why you as a customer can benefit from choosing the best welding helmet available to suit your needs. There is simply no safe way to weld or arc cut and gouge without an adequate welding helmet. Your welding helmet is what prevents you from some serious injuries.
If you aren’t using a welding helmet that is up to the rigors challenges that you may face, then you may be affected by:
- Arc flash or welding flash
- Radiation burns
- Hot metal slag burns.
- Eye injuries from grinding sparks or metal
If you haven’t ever suffered from radiation burns to your skin or eyes, then you just need to read some of the horrific stories online or view many of the horrible pictures of injured people. Getting seriously hurt, permanently or temporarily blinded and injured from welding with incorrect welding helmets could seriously impact your way of life.
The next thing that you need to consider is how choosing the best welding helmet for you could vastly improve your welding abilities. If you have ever welded with a cheap or ineffective welding helmet and compared it to a model with better features, the benefits will be instantly apparent to you.
Some of the benefits you will experience by choosing the best welding helmet for your particular situation is:
- Choosing the best welding helmet will enable you to weld in harder positions easily
- Allow you to accomplish a much higher standard of welding
- Help you achieve better results at work or home
- Protect you from harmful situations such as; radiation burns, hot metal burns, and eye injuries
- A good welding helmet is an investment and should last you a long time while repaying you in higher earning and a better quality of welding
Our Top Five Choices for Best Welding Helmet
1. Antra AH6-260-0000 Solar Power Auto Darkening Welding Helmet
This welding helmet is designed for a variety of different welding purposes. It can be used for either welding or cutting and several different welding processes such as; MIG, MAG, TIG, SMAW and Plasma Arc cutting.
The Antra AH6-260-0000 is an auto darkening helmet. This means that when you strike an arc with the helmet, it will automatically adjust the shade of the lenses without having to do anything. The AH6-260-0000 is also capable of running and charging itself with solar power. Simply leave the welding helmet in the sun for a little while to recharge its battery.
Antra AH6-260-0000 Solar Power Auto Darkening Welding Helmet
Editors rating: 4 out 5
Things We Liked
- Solar charging means less use or changing of batteries
- Affordable price makes it an ideal helmet for the hobbyist or part-time welder
- It has a very light weight, only 435 grams
- Complete Automatic operation of the power on and power off
Things We Didn’t Like
- The face of the AH6-260-000 doesn’t lift up or down it is in a fixed position
- May not be ideal for use in extended hours of operation
- Some customers noted that the auto darkening function was unreliable
Where to buy: Buy on Amazon
2. Miller 251292 Classic Series 8-12 Variable-Shade Auto-Darkening
This welding helmet by Miller has been designed for a variety of different welding purposes.
You can use the Miller 251292 Classic Series for either welding or cutting and several different welding processes such as; MIG, MAG, TIG, SMAW and Plasma Arc cutting.
The Miller 251292 Classic Series has a convenient auto on/off power setting. This means that when you strike an arc or begin cutting, the welding helmet will switch on and begin functioning, even when it is switched off.
The welding helmet itself has a very light weight which means that you will be able to wear it for extended periods of time if you choose to. The Miller 251292 Classic Series also has a solar charging ability and convenient Hard Hat Adapter.
Miller 251292 Classic Series 8-12 Variable Shade Auto-Darkening
Editors rating: 4.3 out of 5
Things We Liked
- Solar charging capability means you can charge in the sun between use
- Auto on/off from power position
- Lightweight at only 454 grams for longer more comfortable use
Things We Didn’t Like
- Only two sensors to detect arc strikes
- No separate front face for use during non-welding period
- Some customers have complained about using the welding helmet in the sun. The auto darkening function may be too sensitive to little adjustment
Where to buy: Buy on Amazon
3. Hobart 770753 Pro Variable Auto-Dark Helmet
This welding helmet the Hobart 770753 Pro Variable Auto-Dark Helmet is considered to be a much higher caliber than some of the cheaper helmets which are available on the market.
The Hobart 770753 Pro welding helmet has a larger viewing area compared to some of the others offered by this manufacturer.
This welding helmet is an excellent choice for a professional welder that needs to weld for extended periods of time. It is good for both cutting and welding and many welding processes such as MIG, MAG, TIG, SMAW and Plasma Arc cutting.
You have a much larger viewing area giving you a much-improved field of vision while using it. There are also several different colors to choose from instead of the traditional black color available with cheaper welding helmets.
Hobart 770753 Pro Variable Auto-Dark Helmet
Editors rating: 5 out of 5
Things We Liked
- Larger viewing area provides a better field of vision
- New improved headgear provides a more comfortable fit for extended use
- The Hobart Pro Seriesis manufactured with a lightweight and tough polyamide
- Four sensors give the user better arc sensing capabilities
Things We Didn’t Like
- One-piece construction, no liftable front viewing window for general cutting or grinding
- The helmet is quite a bit heavier than other models
- The helmet doesn’t stay in the vertical position when not welding due to its weight. The knobs can’t be tightened enough to prevent this
Where to buy: Buy on Amazon
4. Jackson Safety BH3 Auto Darkening with Balder Technology (37191):
The Jackson Safety BH3 has one of the best EN379 ratings available for its Auto Darkening Filter Lens. It achieved this rating because of its optical clarity, a variation of luminous transmittance, diffusion of light and its angular dependence.
This ensures that the welder will be able to see what they are welding even in a variety of different welding positions.
The Jackson Safety BH3 is an ideal welding helmet for a professional welder that is required to weld or cut for an extended period.
It is ideal for cutting or welding and great for processes such as MIG, MAG, TIG, SMAW and Plasma Arc cutting.
Jackson Safety BH3 Auto Darkening Welding Helmet with Balder Technology (37191)
Editors rating: 4.4 out of 5
Things We Liked
- High EN379 ratings available for its Auto Darkening Filter Lens
- Better for welding in a variety of different angles and positions
- Variable shade range from 9 through 13 gives users a wide variety of choice
Things We Didn’t Like
- No separate or liftable front face piece for simple cutting or grinding
- Limited to only two sensors may affect its ability
- Doesn’t function as well without a dedicated grinding function
Where to buy: Buy on Amazon
5. Lincoln Electric Viking 3350 Black Welding Helmet – K3034-2:
Lincoln describe this helmet as a new gold standard in a welding helmet.
It is considered one of the very best of their welding helmets.
The Lincoln Electric Viking 3350 is a welding helmet for the welder that takes his welding very seriously and has to be able to weld for hours on end.
The Lincoln Electric Viking 3350 is a multipurpose welding helmet that is good for both welding and cutting and many different processes such as MIG, MAG, TIG, SMAW and Plasma Arc cutting.
It has four separate sensors located on the welding helmet which mean that even in tight angles or difficult positions it will function extremely well.
Lincoln Electric Viking 3350 Black Welding Helmet – K3034-2
Editors rating: 5 out of 5
Things We Liked
- Lightweight compared to many of the other welding helmets available online
- Four sensors for multiage welding in difficult positions
- Available in a variety of different color choices instead of the standard black welding helmet color that most welding helmets come in
Things We Didn’t Like
- Single unit with no liftable front section means you can’t use without welding lens
- Some users have complained that the headgear on this welding helmet isn’t as strong as other welding helmets available at a similar price
Where to buy: Buy on Amazon
How to Choose the Best Welding Helmet for Your Situation
It is never going to be an easy job to choose for yourself the best welding helmet available. There are hundreds of different choices available and often the people trying to sell them to you are only interested in one thing, making money from getting your business. If you haven’t experienced much welding, then you will be at a disadvantage trying to determine which features are best for you.
By following the information contained in this buyers guide and the following tips, you will be in a much better position to make an educated and informed decision. Follow these steps through and at the end, you will have a better idea of exactly what welding helmet you need to choose.
1. Select the type of welding helmet that you are looking for
If you aren’t going to be doing a lot of welding, then you won’t need to spend a fortune and buy the most expensive or advanced model available. Determine exactly how much welding you are expecting to do and then base your decision off of that.
2. Choose the size that suits your needs
Most welding helmets come with adjustable harnesses. This means that you can adjust them to suit the size of your head and take into account you may also be wearing a breathing apparatus or welding hood to protect the top of your head from hot metal and sparks.
3. Choose the weight
If you are of slight stature, or you have to work long hours in difficult positions, then you definitely need to make sure that your welding helmet isn’t too heavy. If your welding helmet is too heavy, then it could lead to neck or back strain and will make it harder for you to continue welding for extended periods of time.
4. What your welding helmet is made from?
If you buy a cheap helmet, then make sure that you know what materials your helmet is made from. Ensure that it is of a high-quality and will be able to stand up to the extreme heat and harsh conditions you often face when welding.
5. Ensure that the welding helmet that you choose has all the right certifications
If you are going to put your health and safety in the hands of this piece of welding equipment, then it needs to have all the correct certificates and safety certification. If you are using this in a work situation, you will need to have a safety certified welding helmet to ensure that it complies with occupational health and safety.
6. Establish what your budget is going to be
You need to establish just how much work you are going to do with your new welding helmet and how much you are willing to spend. Try and workout what your spend maximum amount is going to be before you decide to buy a new welding helmet and then stick to it!
The following tips are some quick pointers to help you make the right decision.
- Workout how much you want to spend on choosing your new helmet and have this figure in mind the entire time you shop.
- Go to a popular search engine and look up the most popular sites where welding helmets are sold.
- Start off by reading all of the expensive welding helmet’s features and what makes them worth so much more than the cheaper helmets.
- Familiarize yourself with the different brand named of the more popular welding helmets and then try to stick with these brands while you search.
- Now you have some good idea of features and brands start looking for models that are within your budget.
- Make a short list of the helmets you like that are within your budget and then start making a checklist of their features, compare them to each other.
- Now check which welding helmet has the most features on your short list of helmets and start to narrow your list down.
- Next you need to compare the safety features of your short list of welding helmets and check to see which welding helmet has the most safety features.
- Now your list is going to be much shorter you can do some customer feedback on the welding helmet you have chosen. Be sure to read as many reviews and as much feedback as you can, both the positive and the negative reviews.
- Before you commit to buy, read back through and make sure that you haven’t made any mistakes, double check that this welding helmet covers your needs and then make the decision to buy.
Great Tips for Using Your New Welding Helmet
There are some right ways to do things and there are some wrong ways to do things. Just because you have purchased the perfect welding helmet for you or you have the most expensive one, it doesn’t mean it will work perfectly if you use it incorrectly.
You can use your welding helmet for a wide variety of different welding or cutting situations. Most can be used for both welding and cutting and many different processes such as MIG, MAG, TIG, SMAW and Plasma Arc cutting.
Most welding helmets are made from heat and flame resistant materials, but if yours has enough heat applied or molten metal, then it will most likely melt or catch on fire if you use it incorrectly.
Make sure that after each use you do a visual check of your welding helmet to make sure that it doesn’t have any damage that may affect its use. If you look after your welding helmet correctly, then it will look after you!
- Don’t let your welding helmet get placed into water. If water gets on your welding helmet, then, wipe it dry.
- If your welding helmet is excessively damaged, warped or cracked by heat or molten metal be sure that you replace it before its continued use.
- Keep your welding helmet clean and in a bag when not in use. This will prevent dust and grime from getting into your automatic welding lens.
- Make sure that your welding helmet powers on and off before you start any cutting or welding. Double check your clear safety lenses are in place, and everything is functioning correctly.
Frequently asked question
How long will this welding helmet last?
The answer will vary depending on quality, but most welding helmets have replaceable parts which mean it could last a very long time!
Does this welding helmet come with a warranty?
Most welding helmets come with at least a limited warranty from the manufacturer. Some sellers will add a warranty, but this often depends on how much you choose to spend on your welding helmet.
How much will the shipping cost on my new welding helmet?
A good seller will not charge you anything for shipping. If they do charge you then, it will depend on the overall size and weight of the welding helmet you decide to buy.
Will this welding helmet do what I need it to do?
Depending on which model of welding helmet you choose they all have different features and benefits. It is important you do your research and choose a welding helmet that will accomplish what you need it to.
Conclusion
Now that you have read all the excellent information in this guide on choosing the best welding helmet you will have a much better chance of getting the helmet for your needs. Inside this guide, you will find some great advice, tips, hints and tricks on choosing the perfect welding helmet to get your welding or cutting job done!
Use this information to get the buying power that you need to make the perfect buying decision!
