If you do any kind of welding work, you need an Optrel welding helmet. Do you usually engage in welding activities? There are many factors that you should put into consideration. One of these factors that you should address is your safety when you are deeply immersed in a welding project. As you weld, chances are that you will encounter a blinding, burning light. The last thing you would like to experience is the feeling of hot sand filling in your eyes. If this happens, you will experience intense pain, making you be on the verge of clawing your eyes out. Arc flash can make you feel uncomfortable when you are welding. Therefore, there is a need for you to protect both your eyes and face. The good news is that a welding helmet can help you avert such scenarios.
If you are looking for the best welding helmet, you should not hesitate to choose Optrel welding helmets. You will realize that the helmets that are made and designed by Optrel are not only durable but also come at a pocket-friendly price. In fact, most of them are usually unique and more attractive. They come in a super stylish design. Therefore, you will have no reason why you should not invest in Optrel welding helmets. These helmets have proved to be very effective for most welders out there.
Benefits of Optrel Welding helmets
As a welder, you are exposed to certain dangers such as shimmering, electric stuns, harmful gases, and flying metal garbage. This is the reason why you should invest in personal protective equipment such as an Optrel welding helmet. Here are some of the benefits of investing in a welding helmet:
1. Helps to prevent damage to the eyes
One of the various techniques welders use when working is arc welding. Here, the welder typically joins two metals using electricity. Welding tools usually create the necessary and sufficient heat capable of melting both metals, which upon cooling, they become one unit. This process usually uses a power source that creates an electric arc between the electrode and a base to melt the metal. Here, direct and alternating current can be used for welding.
When the welder fires the electric arc, bright sparks are created in the process. This can, in turn, cause a corneal light burn. Here, the cornea of the eye can get burned and inflamed. The aftermath of this is excruciating pain, which can last for quite some time. To mitigate this problem, you should consider wearing a welding helmet. This equipment will offer much-needed safety and eye protection from these flashes or sparks.
2. Protects your head and the part of the neck
Besides protecting your eyes, the welding helmet will protect your head, ears, and neck during work. The most fortunate thing is that the helmet is made of a material that makes it resistant to any impact when welding different objects.
It is actually impenetrable from foreign objects. Although you might working in an environment where you are exposed to heavy machinery, you can be sure that your head and neck will be safe.
3. Better vision to weld
For optimal results, you should be able to see the welding line being carried out and it’s quality. Here you should weld different parts without causing damages or pores in the structure. Also, you should check any deformations and correct them so that you can end up with a masterpiece.
Luckily, the latest models usually come with light intensity sensors in the glass. As a result, they allow automatic adjustment to the welding glow. This way, you will be more accurate and thereby save more time than you would have used to correct deformations.
4. Optimize the safety at the workplace
At the workplace, chances are that you will be exposed to toxic gases, heavy objects, and even electrical sparks. By wearing this helmet, you will be able to keep such risks at bay. Sometimes, you can even trip on the floor as you walk on an uneven floor and be injured. However, with this helmet, you will incur less injury and thereby become more productive at the workplace.
5. Offers more comfort when working
There is a lot of comforts that this welding helmet offers to the user. From reducing eye damage to protecting the user from being hit by foreign objects when working, there is a lot that this helmet can do for you. This goes a long way in optimizing your comfort as you work. By doing this, you will be more productive and meet the needs of your clients.
10 Best Optrel Welding Helmet
If you are looking for the best Optrel welding helmet, chances are that you will come across many helmets out there. Since they come with different features, you might be overwhelmed especially if you are a first-timer. However, this guide will outline the 10 best Optrel welding helmets that you should consider. They include the following:
1. Optrel VegaView 2.5 Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet
This welding helmet will offer the ultimate head protection you need. Beyond protecting your eyes, this helmet comes with all the components that will significantly shield your eyes and neck from light and flotsam that might come your way when you are welding.
This helmet is made is meant explicitly for welders as it comes with a superior view, which is not there in other head protectors out there. You will note that it offers a 180° perspective on your encompassing. Here, you can trust that you will see everything around you when you are welding.
The welding helmet is also relatively light and more convenient to carry around. This means that you can put it on and spend several hours in it without feeling any fatigue. Finally, the ADF focal points of this helmet are covered well to enable the user to see the hues distinctively.
As a result, you will be able to peruse the LED on welding gadgets without opening the head protector. It also comes with an Opening delay feature, which enables the user to set the time it takes to change from dull to light.
- The welding helmet comes with a sweat-absorbent pad.
- 8 to 12 color shade level.
- Ideal for overhead welding.
- The helmet is lightweight.
- No protection to the arc.
2. Optrel Crystal 2.0 Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet
To start with, this helmet comes with its lens technology with light two shades. This is actually better compared to the usual light shade of three and four. In essence, this gives the welder or the user a chance to observe the scene when he or she is welding. To make it better, these lenses are very clear. This means that you will have the most transparent view when you are welding out there.
Apart from having lens technology with light two shades, the helmet comes with an autopilot feature. This helps the helmet to detect bright arcs quite fast. In addition, the shade level can readily adjust from 4 to 12.
The helmet also comes with a Twilight feature that helps to lighten the lenses gradually. This goes a long way in preventing pain in the eyes. Finally, the helmet comes with a sensitivity adjustment feature. This feature is ideal when one is welding out there in the sun. Here, you do not need to remove the helmet. This is because you will be able to choose between the grinding and welding modes.
- The helmet comes with its lens technology with light two shades.
- Clear lenses.
- The helmet comes with an autopilot feature.
- It comes with the Twilight feature.
- You might get flashed during stick welding.
3.Optrel Panoramaxx Auto Darkening Welding Helmet
The other incredible contender in this Optrel helmet review is the Optrel Panoramaxx. First, this helmet is capable of giving up to multiple times a more prominent viewing compared to a standard welding helmet. In fact, the focal point is usually situated nearer your face. This can assure you that you will get clearer pictures.
Also, it comes with a true-color view feature. The specially developed UV/IR filter usually allows for realistic color perception. This in turn, brings color to the welder’s world. It also comes with an autopilot feature that helps to detect the arch brightness. Also, it comes with automated shade level adjustment from 5 to 12. Finally, it comes with a rechargeable power pack. This way, you will not need to change batteries now and then.
- Presence of a large, clear viewing area.
- It comes with a true-color view feature.
- The helmet comes with an autopilot feature.
- It comes with automated shade level adjustment from 5 to 12.
- Viewing glass is not very durable.
4. Optrel Liteflip Autopilot Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet
This helmet is beautifully designed as it comes with impressive black-green graphics. Besides the aesthetic appeal, the helmet is lightweight and comfortable to wear. This means that you can spend several hours with it in the workplace without experiencing fatigue.
Apart from this, the helmet is versatile as it can be used for Stick, MIG, and TIG welding. As a result, it can be useful for grinding and cutting. Since it comes with lenses featuring Twilight technology, you can be sure that you will have a wide viewing area even when working in tight spaces.
Besides the lens featuring Twilight technology, you will release that it has a variable shade. Here, the lens can adjust from 5 to 14. Finally, it comes with an auto-darkening feature, which helps to automatically darken the lens in case there is high light intensity.
- It can be solar-powered.
- The helmet comes with 4 sensors.
- Appealing design.
- Awesome flipping feature.
- The Twilight feature usually reacts with reaction time.
5. Optrel 1008.000 Welding Caps
This welding helmet combines the protection of an auto-darkening welding hoof with a flame retardant baseball cap. The aftermath of this is a lightweight element that has a variable shade 9 to 12 welding protection system.
The auto-dark lens of this helmet basically helps increase the field of vision, which is up to 270% greater than the standard 2 ½ x 4 ¼ inch welding lens. Apart from this, the nose of the helmet is innovatively cut out.
Besides this, the Weldcap ADF comes with a unique shape that enables you to have a wide view of the work area when you are welding. In fact, the Weldcap lens comes with a single-wide-angle sensor that can actually be operated in variable shade 9 to 12 welding mode or shade 3 grind mode. Finally, the auto-dark lens typically comes with a 2-year warranty.
- The helmet is lightweight.
- It has an auto-dark lens.
- It comes with a single-wide-angle sensor.
- Comes with a 2-year warranty from the manufacturer.
- Quite expensive.
6. Optrel Ready Auto Darkening Welding Helmet
If you usually like doing welding activities on your own, this welding helmet is the perfect choice for you. It is actually ideal for those who usually weld almost daily. The helmet comes with an adjustable shade level 4 (9 to 13) and has a customizable sensitivity adjustment.
When wearing this helmet, you can be sure that you be protected from Infrared and UV radiation. Also, this helmet is strong enough. Therefore, it can last longer, despite being in regular use. Since it weighs only 495g, this is one of the lightest welding helmets you can find out there.
Besides being lightweight, it comes with an ergonomic design that helps reduce strain on the head and the neck region. This way, you will be more comfortable when using it throughout the day. Finally, its comfort headband can guarantee you optimum weight distribution regardless of your head shape.
- It is very lightweight.
- Ideal for beginners and casual users.
- The welding helmet is affordable.
- It is capable of offering maximum protection.
- No remote control.
7. Auto Darkening Welding Helmet
To start with, the viewing area of this helmet stretches 4 by 2 inches. Therefore, you can trust that you will enjoy a high-definition view. Apart from this, the helmet comes with True Colour technology. It also has a Twilight feature that helps the focal point the moment you change from dark to light gradually.
As far as aesthetic appeal is concerned, this helmet is one of the most attractive helmets you find around. This is because it comes in silver color and in a sleek design. The helmet also comes with auto-darkening lenses and tri of sensors that help detect any arcs. Here, you can toggle from shade 5 to 13.
The helmet is different from other helmets as the knobs of the helmet usually lie on the body. This makes it easy for you to make any adjustments you want with precision. Finally, since it is made of high-quality material, you can trust that it will last for many years in pristine condition.
- The welding helmet has a lengthy battery life.
- It comes with external knobs.
- Made of high-quality material, thus can last longer.
- The helmet comes with a Twilight feature.
- It lacks an electromagnetic sensor.
8. Optrel Panoramaxx CLT Crystal Welding Helmet
One of those features that make this helmet stand out is the wide viewing area it possesses. Therefore, if you are a MIG welder, this welding helmet it the best option for you. In fact, the viewing area is about 6 times larger than those found on other welding helmets.
Also, the lens of this welding helmet usually comes with auto-darkening. Therefore, it can actually adopt shades from 5 to 12, thereby guarantee high levels of flexibility a far as adjustments are concerned.
Since the welding helmet is lightweight, you will not get tired when using it. Despite this, it is made of sturdy material. Therefore, it will not wear out even after regular use. Also, the helmet comes with a tight headband to ensure that it remains in place even when you tilt your head.
Finally, the welding helmet comes typically with an external slider that allows you to adjust the helmet with precision. As far as power is concerned, the helmet normally runs on rechargeable batteries. Here, you will be able to charge them via the arc light. However, you can still change them using a micro USB charging port.
- It comes with a large, clear viewing area.
- The helmet is light and comfortable to wear.
- Lens comes with auto-darkening.
- It comes with rechargeable batteries.
- The viewing glass is not that durable.
9. Optrel Crystal 2.0 e3000x PAPR System
Sometimes, finding a powerful and good-looking helmet out there is not an easy undertaking. However, Optrel Crystal 2.0 meets these needs. Apart from this, the helmet normally comes with light two shades technology.
It is worth noting that light two shades are usually more efficient than the standard light 3 and light 4 shade. As a result, you will have a better view when you are welding without damaging your eyes. The helmet also comes with an auto-adjustment feature. This feature allows the helmet to detect bright arcs fast and adjust accordingly.
To further protect your eyes from bright arcs, the helmet comes with a Twilight feature. This feature adjusts the lighting of the helmets’ lenses. Finally, the welding helmet is safe and more versatile. You can use it even on a sunny day. Also, the helmet allows you to toggle between welding and grinding modes without removing the helmet.
- The welding helmet is lightweight.
- It comes with a wide viewing area.
- The controls are placed strategically.
- It comes with a Twilight feature.
- Tighteners keep loosening when the helmet is in use.
10. Optrel Clearmaxx Grinding Helmet
This helmet allows for a full, unobstructed view of your workspace. Besides this, it can provide complete face protection. You will note that the polycarbonate lens of these welding helmets usually resists impacts that might be experienced when you are working.
Its rigid helmet shell adds more protection to the forehead, chin, and both sides of the face. The helmet comes with a comfortable ratchet head size adjustment. Apart from this, it comes with adjustments for forward or backward. Finally, it comes complete with front and back sweat or comfort bands. Also, its lightweight design makes it one of the best welding helmets to invest in.
- The helmet offers a full, unobstructed view of your workspace.
- It provides complete face protection.
- The helmet comes with a comfortable ratchet head size adjustment.
- It comes with adjustments for forward or backward.
- Lightweight design.
- No rechargeable batteries.
Key Considerations To Make When Buying Optrel Welding Helmet
Since we have outlined the top 10 Optrel welding helmets, you should know several factors that you should consider so that you can choose the right one. In any case, these helmets come in different features. Sometimes, these features might make you get spoilt for choice. In fact, it can be overwhelming if you are a first-timer. However, this guide will help you choose the right one. Here are the features that you should be keen to look at:
1. Auto-darkening
One of the essential features you should check in a welding helmet is the auto-darkening feature. This feature refers to the ability of your mask’s lens to automatically detect the light produced when one is welding and adjust to block it out.
Once you are done with the welding, the lens will automatically return to its lightest setting as the sparks will no longer be produced. Therefore, if your welding helmet has this feature, you will not need to remove it to see how you are welding. This can significantly help protect your eyes.
2. Large viewing area
Simply put, the better you can see, the better you can weld. Therefore, your welding helmet of choice should have a larger viewing area. Apart from this, it should have high-class optics that allow you to see both the edges and contours when you are welding and setting up.
By having a clearer view of your weld pool, you can be sure that you will place each electrode with precision. This means that you will end up with a masterpiece as your work will be of quality coupled with high efficiency.
3.The comfort of the welding helmet
As a welder, chances are that you spend more time under your hood. Therefore, there is a need for you to be as comfortable as possible so that you can be more productive. Ideally, it should fit you well and prevent your skin from being exposed. If your welding helmet of choice does not fit well, your skin might get burnt from the spatter or UV rays.
An exposed skin can burn quite badly, especially if you are working on aluminum metals. This is because aluminum is usually highly reflective. To avert this, you can consider wearing a welding bib that attaches to your helmet, thereby providing more protection. However, for optimal results, you should choose a helmet that fits you well to remain comfortable as you work on different metals. Such a welding helmet will be worth the extra investment.
4. Welding helmet versatility
Your welding helmet of choice should be suitable for use in different scenarios. This is because you are likely to come across jobs with different requirements out there. Therefore, your welding helmet of choice should be suited to your specific application. From offering overhead protection to offering reliable respiratory protection, there are many needs that a welding helmet can meet. The more versatile the helmet is the better.
5. Helmet power source
When buying a welding helmet, you should be keen to check its power source. Some of them usually come with a power supply that you cannot replace. However, there are others that come with a replaceable power source. Ideally, your welding helmet of choice should offer a replaceable power source.
Also, some welding helmets are usually powered by either batteries or solar panels. Sometimes, you might come across those that rely on the combination of these two power sources. If your welding helmet relies on solar panels as a power source, you can trust that the batteries will last longer as they will not be used extensively. This is usually the case if you choose to use them together. Solar panels cannot be replaced, but batteries need to be replaced once in a while. However, this combination offers more benefits.
Apart from the power source, you should consider checking whether the welding helmet has an auto-off setting. The good news is that this feature will help you save more power when your helmet is not used. This way, you will avoid scenarios where you are out of power, and you need to utilize the helmet. This goes a long way in enabling you to enjoy some convenience.
6. Lens reaction time
As you switch from setting up your weld to the actual welding, one of the critical things you should consider is the lens reaction time. Ideally, the quicker the reaction time the better. In fact, the more arch you strike in a day, the more you will appreciate the fast speeds.
You will note that some helmets usually have an adjustable display control. This feature usually allows the lens to remain darker for quite some time once the arc has stopped. Such is ideal when one is welding at high amperages as the molten metal might emit harmful rays when it is cooling down.
7. Number of sensors
Most welding helmets usually have 2 to 4 sensors. The more sensors your welding helmet has, the better the coverage. This can actually help you weld even in restricted areas, despite the obstruction you might encounter along the way.
The more expensive models will have 4 arc sensors, while the cheaper models only have two of them. Those helmets with two sensors will perform optimally. However, if you have more resources, you should consider looking for the one with 4 sensors for maximum safety when welding restricted places.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is delay on a welding helmet?
Delay control basically allows you to adjust how long the lens remains dark once the welding arc stops. Here, you can adjust them to a delay of 0.5 seconds up to 2 seconds. This is usually important when you have a large welding project, and you need a short delay to reposition for the next weld.
How dark should a welding helmet be?
Ideally, it is advisable that you use between a shades 10 to a shade 13 welding lens to protect your eyes from flash burns. You will note that the higher the number, the darker the shade will be. The more amperage you are using, the darker the shade you will want to have so that your eyes can remain safe.
Why can’t I see through my welding helmet?
Sometimes, you might have set your helmet to the most optimal visibility possible, but still, you cannot see through it well. In such scenarios, the helmet might be dirty. Your welding helmet is prone to collect dust and dirt when it is in use. Therefore, you should consider cleaning it to avert this problem. Luckily the process of cleaning your welding helmet is very simple.
Do welding helmets need batteries?
Yes. If you are using an auto-darkening helmet, chances are that batteries will power it. Others are usually powered by solar panels. If batteries power your welding helmet, you can change the batteries from time to time once they are depleted. As long as your welding helmet has high-quality batteries, you can be sure that it will offer optimal performance.
Do welders go blind over time?
If you are a welder and you fail to protect your eyes from the arc, chances are that you will suffer from the welder’s flash or what is commonly referred to as photokeratitis. This is basically a condition caused once your eyes are exposed to intense UV radiation. The aftermath of this is temporary blindness and can make you feel uncomfortable. If this is not mitigated, it might lead to permanent blindness in the long run.
Why can’t I see what I am welding?
If this happens, you should try to use a lighter shade lens. Also, you can consider having some good light shining on the area you are welding. Apart from this, you can try to hold the gun so that it covers up the actual arc from your line of view.
What happens if you weld without eye protection?
When you go ahead to weld without proper personal protective equipment such as a welding helmet, chances are that you will experience mild pressure or even intense pain in the eyes. Also, you can develop abnormal sensitivity in your eyes where you are unable to look at a light source directly. Sometimes, your eyes can suffer from abnormal watering.
Do welding helmets go bad?
Yes, it can get damaged in the long run. However, this depends on how you store the helmet, its age, and how frequently you use it. Sometimes, it can rust, crumble, bend, and even break. Other times, the eye protection that it offers can fade as well.
Final recap
Light flashes and infrared lights oozing out from the arc during welding can be very intense and bright for your eyes. To be on the safe side, you should consider investing in the Optrel welding helmets mentioned above so that you can see clearly through the glass cover as it is dark and tinted. These helmets will not only protect your eyes but also cover your entire face region and neck area. This will go a long way in ensuring that you remain safe as you engage in your daily welding activities. Invest in any of these helmets today, and you will have a wonderful welding experience.