No one needs a welder with poor eyesight. So whether you are a professional welder or a hobbyist, you should understand the risks and damage of the profession.
A functional welding helmet is a prime necessity for welders. Its usability and productiveness are good enough to accommodate a welder’s specific needs and even offer some cool graphics. Welding is a tough and dangerous experience for both newbies and hobbyist welders. Therefore, every welder must have this protective equipment that offers whole head and eye protection. Also, welders need to ensure that this piece of defensive equipment is comfortable enough and does fit onto the head well.
A welding helmet is necessary to protect the eyes and face from sparks and UV rays around you that splash by using the welding machine. Also, adequate helmets protect the eyes from possibly vision-damaging infrared and electromagnetic rays released by the welding machine.
Besides its functionality and safety visibility, welding helmets offer welders an opportunity to enhance their welding skills and capability. It might seem like cover your whole head, but you will be amazed by knowing the fact that how much the helmet alone can enhance your welding process.
8 Best Welding Helmet Reviews For Beginners
For beginners, a helmet plays an important role and probably, the most important tool to survive on the job. Most of the time beginners prefer a comfortable and budget-friendly welding helmet. A suitable and comfy helmet help beginners to reduce the necessity of tinted goggles and face masks for burnishing, grinding, and cutting in the workplace. Here I tried to provide detail about the best welding helmet for beginners.
1. Tanox Auto Darkening Solar Powered Welding Helmet ADF-206S: Shade Lens
An auto-darkening solar-powered welding helmet is the most basic and secure helmet for beginners. Also, Tanox Auto Darkening Solar Powered Welding Helmet is the best option for a professional or a DIY Welding project. This powerful welding helmet is designed with a protective shield that protects the wearer’s face and eyes from infrared rays, UV, and other harmful lights.
The most amazing part is its auto-darkening features. With the help of these features, welders can adjust light within a second to ensure a calm and smooth work condition. Large viewing areas are solar shade lenses are also added to see the surroundings without facing any obstacles. Every piece of auto-darkening solar-powered welding helmet is made with a thick double-layer of leather. The leather is nonflammable and perfectly stitched.
It’s so lightweight that the welder can easily use it for extended hours. Also, Auto Darkening Solar Powered Welding Helmet is the most reliable protective equipment made with an automated filter welding lens. Its padded hard head adapter will help you to adjust its power and light symmetrically. It is available with 16-inch Welding Gloves.
- Whole face protection.
- Functional and steadfast.
- Made with flame-resistant leather.
- Adjustable sensitivity knobs.
- Replaceable Battery.
- Available with large Welding Gloves.
- Loose head knob.
- Eye irritation for longer use.
2. Jackson Safety BH3 Auto Darkening Filter Welding Helmet with Balder Technology
The next headgear I am suggesting probably is one of the best welding helmets in its class. In terms of safety and quality, Jackson products are at the top of the list. As a beginner surely you can have this one due to its budget-friendly price and wide looking area. Also, its premium helmet shell is designed in a way that reduces heat and fog significantly.
In construction and welding working site Jackson Safety BH3 Auto Darkening Filter Welding Helmet is one trusted name. Well-thought curved design and visible looking area help a wearer to see the welding process in every environment. Four independent sensors and lithium batteries are the most attractive perk of this adjustable welding helmet.
During all stages of welding, the process wearer can get an un-obstructive view. Adjustable settings and digital controls made these headgears easy to use and flexible. Furthermore, this helmet is tremendously lightweight, and the comfort level is up to mark which attracts a large margin of customers. Worldwide all the helmets of Jackson are known to be exceptionally reliable and useful. No doubt, Jackson Safety BH3 Auto Darkening Filter Welding Helmet is one beneficial option for beginners.
- Solar-powered.
- Multifunctional and comfortable.
- Four independent sensors.
- Variable shades feature.
- Delay adjustments feature.
- Long-lasting value.
- Hard rubber shells.
- Only works on solar battery.
3. Welding Helmet, Black, 3350 Series
In the welding helmet manufacturing industry Lincoln Electric is the most trusted name. Since the beginning they renowned for manufacturing the best welding helmet for beginners. If you are looking for a helmet that offers both eye protection and complete peace of mind then the Lincoln Electric welding helmet is an ideal option.
Exclusive 4C lens technology makes it one secured and protective welding helmet. With its unique and versatile feature, one can get a complete shield for eyes and face. All its features and designs are provided to enhance the clarity of view and color significantly. Also, it helps users to reduce eye strain and give the best input in work for great weld quality.
Above everything else, it comes with grind mode and a wide viewing area. These features help a beginner to work peacefully and accurately under a clearer view. Therefore, zero distraction will occurred during the welding sessions. Analog controls will help beginners to alter the welding settings while still wearing the gloves.
This hood is not only comfortable during the task but even diminishes the annoying pressure on your head. Sleek and impeccable balanced design makes it the most preferable headgear among customers. Instant and low-profile external grind button helps a wearer to switch the mode according to their preference.
- Large viewing area.
- Impeccable design.
- Splendid visual clarity.
- Hard hat compatible.
- Fast switching time.
- Sunlight differentiation feature.
- Internal sensitivity.
- Harness might give irritation.
4. 3M Speedglas Welding Helmet 9100 06-0100-10SW
In the current market 3M, Speedglas Welding Helmet is the most versatile and adaptable. Most of the workers prefer to buy this helmet due to its hardhat compatibility and comfort level. Also, this headgear offers professional-grade eye and face protection from wreckage and injurious radiation. This comfortable headgear is made with several viewport sizes and sensors.
With the help of these sensors, users can conduct the welding process in a steadfast process. Also, its large viewpoint area helps welders to see the welding process. The materials of this helmet mask are made with polycarbonate and heat resilient properties. Users can easily switch the helmet setting due to its large grind mode button.
Moreover, these headgears are very convenient in certain situations and enhance the viewing area to maintain full eye safety. The lenses of this helmet help the welders switch the setting from light to dark shade while sustaining an optimum view for torch placement and weld puddle control.
If you are facing difficulty in adjusting to rapid brightness changes while welding in dark locations then Speedglas Welding Helmet is the best choice for you. Overall, this helmet is designed to provide enhanced satisfaction and productivity during work.
- Several view-port sizes.
- Reliable auto-darkening capability.
- Optimal clarity.
- Peripheral viewports.
- Snap adjustment feature.
- Adjustable delay setting.
- Little bit expensive.
- Small filters.
5. Welding Helmet, Shade 3 and 8-12, Black
In the digital welding helmets field, Miller Elite series helmets are at the top of the line. All the models and shades of this brand manufactured the most comfortable and lightweight welding helmets. This model of miller elite helmet is made with 2 batteries with a rating of lasting over 3000 hours. Among all the auto-darkening helmets Miller Elite series helmets are the most beneficial ones.
During welding, workers can protect their eyes from visible light, ultra-violet radiation (UV), infrared radiation (IR), and sparks and spatter by wearing this comfortable headgear. No matter you are an experienced or newbie welder, if you want a smooth and satisfying weld process then the Miller Elite series welding helmet is the most trusted name.
Moreover, this headgear is made with solar assist technology to power on/off functions. So welder can easily switch the setting and adjust the power of it. Also, it provides a clear display of every movement of the headgear such as battery low indication. Therefore, if you want me to suggest a helmet name with a good brand and excellent auto-darkening hood then the Miller Elite welding helmet stood out first.
- Comfortable to wear.
- Auto-darkening feature.
- Digital graphic feature.
- Wide viewing area.
- optional lens magnification.
- Multifunctional; Budget-friendly.
- Too weak in weld.
- Poor battery cover.
6. Jackson Safety Ultra-Lightweight Insight HXL-100 Welding Helmet
If you are a newbie in the welding world and looking for a traditional welding helmet then this product is just for you. This safety helmet is known for its productiveness and optical clarity. Its wide and clean view helps a welder to adjust the pressure and protect the eye from harmful light and UV rays. Also, it will make your welding work swift and faultless.
This helmet is deliberate with an elegant design structure that gives a standard appearance to the wearer. Therefore, a worker can easily wear it in any environment or situation without any stiffness. The variable shades feature will help a user to protect the eyes from radiant energy during the weld.
During welding, the process welder can adjust the shade, sensitivity, and delay due to its grind mode and digital controls features. Furthermore, this multifunctional helmet is an extended front part that gives additional protection to the wearer. Therefore, one can get complete protection from serious health hazards like fumes, sparks, and face burns by wearing this amazing welding helmet. Hence, it is a multi-skilled versatile helmet and can fulfill every welder’s need precisely.
- Elegant design structure.
- Resilient and long-lasting.
- smooth, rounded perimeter.
- High mass impact protection.
- Easy to witch the shades and.
- Whole face protection.
- Heavyweight.
- Little bit expensive.
7. Fibre-Metal Pipeliner Fiberglass Welding Helmet with Rubber Headband (110PWE)
If you want me to suggest a handy welding helmet that requires no battery then Fibre-Metal Pipeliner Fiberglass Welding Helmet is my first preference. Fibre-Metal Pipeliner Fiberglass Welding Helmet is designed to provide the best support in the welding process.
Most importantly, its constant fit rubber headband will help a user to adjust the pipe effortlessly during the work session. Its self-extinguishing and super-smooth features help users to deflect sparks and UV rays. Pipe welders can get a clear view of the weld puddle due to its shade 10 lenses. A flexible headband fits perfectly in any size ahead.
Multiple adjustments feature will help you to see an optimal and clear view of the weld. Made with ‘free-floating’ arms balance and can alleviate the helmet while diminishing pressure points for long-wearing comfort. Impact-resistant quality protects it from cracks, damages, or splits in the toughest environments.
What’s more, it also offers flawless safety in potentially dangerous work environments. I bet you can view original and impartial colors through the helmet’s lens as it is designed with the true color feature. Therefore it is a true choice for newbie pipe welders.
- Lightweight and durable.
- Compact and balanced design.
- Impact-resistant quality.
- SuperGlas Plus material.
- Moisture resistant.
- Well-formed shell.
- Poor quality rubber band.
- Small viewing window.
8. Hobart 770286 Flip Front Welding Helmet
In the workplace, beginners have to spend a lot of time with the welding helmet to learn welding skills and techniques. Therefore they need a long-lasting and reliable product to improve their welding techniques. Thus I recommend the Hobart Flip Front welding helmet that can be used as an overly complex mask. These multifunctional headgears are comparatively flexible than all the alternatives of the market.
Most of the workers prefer to buy this product in the training period. Because as a traditional headgear it offers utmost productivity. In all welding jobs, this welding helmet is the most common and preferable one due to its Flip Front features. Also, flip front features will help you to get a clear view of the welding process without any hassles and remove the helmet easily. Standard 4-1/2- by 2-inch view area makes it ideal for every welding job.
Adjustable fit quality will protect your eyes and face from vibrant intensity and sparks released from the weld. Auto-darkening feature and fixed dark lenses make it the perfect option as an emergency backup. This is why I believe it is one of the reasonable and effective welding headgears for beginners.
- Adjustable fit ; Easy to hold and use.
- Long-lasting and lightweight.
- Auto darkening compatible.
- Modest range of helmet.
- Expands welding methods.
- Ideal for every types of welding jobs.
- Too small.
- Not suitable for diverse welding environments.
Best Welding Helmet for Beginners (Buying Guide)
Among all the attire, a handy welding helmet is the most visible and reliable piece of safety equipment that one can have. To give the best input in working hours, consideration of several features in a helmet is equally important that make the welding process convenient and smooth. In the current market, different types and features of welding helmets are available. This makes it very tough to choose the best helmet for beginners in welding. By researching several reviews, I have detailed down some significant features that should be considered in buying the best beginner’s welding helmet.
Auto-darkening capability
If you are a newbie welder then it’s necessary to check the auto-darkening compatibility of the helmet. Among all types of welding helmets, Auto-darkening helmets are more modern and standard kinds of helmets that offer a lot of superior features. These types of helmets are made with moveable shade ranges that help the user adjust the brightness of the arc. Auto-darkening helmets are equipped with an arch sensor that instantly detects the changes and alters the lens from light to dark to offer an optimum protective shield to the eyes.
Weight of the helmet
One of the major things that one must check while buying welding helmets is the weight. Welders have to wear headgear for long period. Therefore, it’s necessary to buy a lightweight helmet so that wearer doesn’t feel irritation during the welding process. Also, heavy helmets are the root cause of neck and back-issue due to the constant pressure of the helmets.
Shade range
Most of the passive welding helmets are equipped with fixed shade. The fixed shade is good enough if the welder is assigned to a certain kind of activity. However, if a welder has to do multiple tasks with the helmet then a variable shade range welding helmet is more beneficial. An adjustable shade range helmet will help a wearer to work under diverse surroundings. Most of the helmets differ from 4 to 13 where shade 4 offers a lighter lens view. Also, it goes with dark with advanced shade value as the weld begins to spark. Dark shades are capable to protect the eyes from sudden sparks and radiations.
Screen size
In terms of welding helmets, screen size is the prime consideration. The screen size of the welding helmet should be perfect, otherwise, the welder cannot get a proper view of the welding process. Also, it hampers welder performances on a working session. Therefore, before buying a welding helmet, make sure helmets are equipped with an optimal peripheral view along with a frontal view. Both the screen size will help users to ensure maximum precision while welding.
Adjustable setting
Premium grade helmets offer adjustable sensitivity and delay settings features. Sensitivity features are helpful to determine the arc sensors’ brightness in dark environments. Also, it helps welders manually pick the time from the lens. The darkening effect also can be triggered by this feature. On the other delay, settings are necessary to determine the lens’s capability in dark environments. Therefore, these features in a helmet are necessary to keeps the eyes protected throughout time.
Comfort
So, it’s clear that welders have to use the headgears for more than a few years. Therefore if the helmet is not comfortable then a welder cannot give utmost performance work. Also, an uncomfortable helmet is responsible for eye fatigue and neck pain. As a beginner, it’s best to go for a comfortable welding helmet that offers the right fit.
Safety standard
Last but not the least, you should check the national safety standard registration of the helmet. No matter you are a beginner or an experienced welder you should invest money on national safety standard welding helmets. Below standard with second-rate quality helmets are useless and less beneficial. To offer the best protection and comfort helmets need to passes the government-regulated safety tests.
Are Auto-darkening Welding Helmet Essential For Beginners?
Beginners should go for the welding helmets. Auto-darkening welding helmets are suitable for multiple welding tasks and offer full eye protection in every task. No matter the surrounding, an auto-darkening helmet is an ideal companion for a welder. Here are some reason details that might explain the importance of an auto-darkening welding helmets for beginners.
Eye protection
Auto-darkening helmets are considered to be the primary and best helmet in terms of providing complete eye protection. Many welders face eye damages caused by welding. The most common eye damage faced by the user is conditions like cataracts and retinal burning caused by infrared radiation. During welding arch, it released a strong UV ration that will make the welder flash and even lead to permanent eye blindness and fatigue.
Whole head safety
When it comes to safety eyes are not the only consideration. As a welder, you should think about your head protection. Before investing an amount on welding a helmet makes sure your whole is well protected. Without carefulness, the welder might get harmed by excess heat, light sparks, and flying particles.
Time management
Besides safety measurement, auto-darkening helmets are also helpful in managing time in the welding process. Time management helps a welder make the weld smooth and faster. Because every time you position the helmet, it takes a lot of time. On the other hand, it helps welders to prevent neck and head injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the most popular beginner welding helmet brands?
If you want to go with my opinion three brands offer the most premium welding helmets. So, a beginner can completely trust these helmets and buy their first helmets. Hobart, Lincoln, and Miller are the most reliable brands that manufacture the best quality welding helmet. Also, Jackson’s safety is a big name in the welding helmet field. Miller Elite series is renowned for its lightweight and durable helmets. But if you want to get a secure shield of the eye during weld then I would recommend the ones that come from Hobart. They are reasonable and equipped with the auto-darkening feature.
How Long Do Welding Helmets Last?
Most of the welding helmets are equipped with batteries and last by default around 7 years. Also, replaceable batteries last around 3 years. This information is provided by the sellers. But after researching on different reviews, cheap helmets battery may start to flicker and malfunction after a month or two. A wise decision will be to buy one helmet that is equipped with a solar and replaceable battery. The life span of the battery is decreased if the welder puts the helmet with a solar battery showing to the light.
What Is A Good Cheap Welding Helmet?
A reasonable premium helmet is every welder’s top wish. A reasonably cheap welding helmet does not cost that much and offers the required features of a weld. Though, some features cannot be found in cheap helmets. There is some cheap models welding helmet that offers premium features and protection. Antra AH6 welding helmet and Miller Elite series helmets are prime examples of it.
What Shade Is Safe For Welding?
A premium welding helmet offers different shade ranges. It helps a welder to give the best input in different surroundings. For welding shade 10 to shade 13 is suitable. This shade can prevent the blaze from sweltering your eyes. Increased numbers of shades offer darker shades and a minimal number offer light shades.
What Happens If You Weld Without Eye Protection?
It’s true that a welding helmet plays the role of a shadow in your workplace and is probably the most important tool that never comes off while you’re working. But during the process, eye protection is necessary. Without eye protection, welders might have suffered from arc eye, blindness, and eye fatigue. Also, it is dangerous for a face. Your face gets exposed to radiation and UV rays.
Final words
To sum it up, if you want to make your investment worthy then you should follow the proper guidelines before buying a welding helmet. Welding helmets are the shadow tool for welders. Therefore, without a helmet welding is one dangerous task that one should avoid. Your foremost welding helmet needs to be the best one as it will stay with you for several years providing constant standard outcomes. Every welder wants durable welding helmets that come with an affordable range. So, it will be wise if you read the article properly before buying a suitable welding helmet. Make a good comparison among preeminent welding helmets and select the best one for you.
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