Welding is the process of joining two metals together by melting their intersection with the use of welders. Through the welding machines, fusion occurs and two materials such as plastic, but more often than not metal, are combined with integrity. Welding is done through relatively high temperatures as compared to other joining techniques such as brazing and soldering which are both done with lower heat. With that said, finding the best welding helmet 2020 for your work is a task that must not be belittled.
Being a very sensitive task which requires precision and power, the welding machine is not the only thing that you will need. Numerous welding equipment will also ensure that you get to do your task safely and effectively.
Fortunately for you, there are numerous brands of good welding helmets out there such as Hobart who make quality welding helmets that give you more than what you asked for.
Comparison Table
Before going any further, if you are too lazy to read or in a hurry here is our short video:
Why Should You Buy a Welding Helmet?
Your Welding Helmet is a headgear used for welding projects. The headgear mainly protects three parts of your body, specifically your eye, face, and to some extent, your neck. Welding is not a task for children since it makes use of high levels of heat and welding without a helmet to protect those three parts mentioned can be really lethal.
The welding helmet protects you from possible flash burns, ultraviolet or infrared light, sparks, and of course, the heat. The helmet can also protect you from possible damage caused by flying shards and all in the workplace.
Without the use of a welding helmet, you can actually risk getting a painful condition called the arc eye. Arc eye is the condition that is produced by prolonged exposure to welding. In arc eye, the cornea, an important and sensitive part of the eye, is inflamed causing great pain to the patient. Although curing the condition can be done in a matter of days to weeks, the pain can still be unbearable causing possible interruptions in the work.
Another type of condition that welding helmets protect you from is called retina burn. Retina burns is the general term for cases of photic retinopathy which is the condition you get from looking directly at the sun. Retina burns, much like arc eye, are caused by unprotected exposure to ultraviolet and infrared ways.
These two conditions can be prevented through modern welding helmets, particularly those possessing the auto-darkening technology. For trusted security, be sure to read auto darkening welding helmet reviews like this one.
Finding and buying the best rated auto-darkening helmets can really help you with your work because they do not just protect you from conditions like arc eye, retina burns, and other damages as they can also speed up the process of your work by giving you confidence and security.
Factors to Consider Before Buying a Welding Helmet
Now that we have established what a welding helmet is and what makes it very important equipment in welding projects, we can now head on to finding out what are the things you should see in your welding helmet. These factors are the important things that you should consider when choosing your helmet as these things ensure that both your safety and your performance are taken care off.
From the technology inside the helmets to the simple things like dimensions, everything is critical.
Auto-Darkening technology
The first thing you would want to have to narrow down your options of welding helmets is the tech that they possess and today what you would want to have with you is the auto-darkening technology. Introduced in 1981 by Hornell International, the auto-darkening technology has really elevated the safety standard of welding helmets thus making welding projects much safer.
As mentioned, auto-darkening technology effectively decreases the risk of you getting arc eye, retina burns and other conditions.
The auto-darkening filter comes with an LCD eyeglass. Auto-darkening filters automatically darken when the LCD detects the bright light that welding produces. Through this technology, welders are not just protected; they also get to save more time since unlike traditional welding helmets they would not need to slide the helmet up or down.
Budget
More than finding the most affordable welding helmet you can get at the store, the budget is further concerned with how much you are getting your pockets worth it. Finding a cheap helmet is one thing but finding the best auto darkening welding helmet is something else because above all, you are taking note of the functions and what it can do for you.
Your typical welding helmet will usually be priced at around $30 but auto-darkening ones are in the region of $100 but of course, this increase in price is very reasonable as explained by what the auto-darkening technology is above. When taking note of this factor before buying, make sure to remember that a good welding helmet is an investment.
Dimensions and Weight
The dimensions of your welding helmet should also be one of your concerns when choosing the best welding helmet for you. Having a helmet that fits your head properly is important in order for you to be able to move your head. Think of this one as your shoe or your regular cap that both feel weird if not fitted well. The same things go for your welding helmet because a well-fitted helmet will not bother you thus enabling you to focus more on the task at hand.
Furthermore, the helmet should fit you well enough not just to protect your face but also to shield your neck which can sustain burns if unchecked.
Of course, having good dimensions is one thing but having it in a perfect weight is something else. Having a helmet with the right weight for you also increases its mobility for you to be able to freely move your head without carrying too much. Also, a heavy helmet shouldn’t be great for long projects where you would need to have the headgear on for long periods of time. Take note that a heavy helmet may also risk getting neck pains and even injuries if you are not too careful.
These three things, technology, budget, and dimensions are just the general factors you should have in mind when picking your helmet. There are a lot more things to consider depending on your preferences so we will leave that one for your own responsibility.
However, to make things easier for you, here are 5 of the best auto darkening welding helmets in the market today.
Top 5 Best Welding Helmet Reviews
Hobart 770756 Impact
- Grind Mode/Shut Off
- 1/25,000 second reaction time
- Variable shade No.8-13, light state No.3
- 7.05 square Inch viewing area
Hobart is one of the most well-known brands when it comes to welding equipment which is why it does not come with much surprise that their welding helmet line is one of the most highly regarded ones in the industry. They have already released a couple of different welding helmet lines and one of those is the Impact series. Versatile and reliable – these are the two distinct traits of the Hobart 770756 Impact Variable Auto-darkening helmet.
Impact Series
The Hobart Impact series gives its users a decent viewing area of 7.05 square inch which is 3.81 x 1.85 inches specifically. Apart from that, the series contains helmets with three arc sensor that detects arc at the fastest rate possible clocking at 1/25,000 second reaction time. The shade settings on this one are from #8-#13 to give its users several options for different welding situations from MIG to Stick or TIG. All in all the impact series puts the best professional features inside a budget friendly product.
Three Arc Sensors
Out of the great features that the Impact series has in its helmets, the three arc sensors feature is definitely one that is worth singling out. The three arc sensors are the one responsible for making the Hobart 770756 one of the fastest-reacting helmets of its time. The three arc sensors are there to provide better and faster arc detention which makes the fast reaction time possible. Most of the helmets out there rely on traditional auto-darkening sensors but Hobart pushes the boundaries of the technology by creating this feature.
Weld and Grind Mode
The Hobart 770756 also has both the welding and grinding mode. These two modes are very useful in their respective situations especially the welding mode that makes use of the highlight technologies running the helmet.
Pros
- Lightweight and comfortable to wear
- Extremely durable and lasts a long time
Cons
- Other helmets have a bigger viewing area
Forney 55707 Advantage Series Edge
- 7.70 sq. inch viewing area
- 4 arc sensors
- Low TIG amps rated 8 amps
At 1.29 pounds and 14 x 10.5 x 15.5 inches, this helmet is one of the biggest ones in this list but is also one of the lightest. The Forney 55707 is a helmet created by Forney as a part of their Advantage series. This welding helmet has internal stepless for sensitivity and delay control locations while having an optical low-high sensitivity control adjustment for minimum to max control adjustment. The helmet also has a Low TIG amps rating of 8 while having a 9-13 variable shade selection.
Advantage Series
The Advantage series is Forney’s auto-darkening series made for intermediate to advanced users in the industry. These welding helmets were made to prioritize comfort and to increase functionality and prolong use for the ones who take a lot of time in the workstation. The advantage series still sports the stylish designs of the brand making the series good at functionality and beauty. If you love to be stylish read our custom welding helmets article.
4 Arc Sensors
The more sensors an auto-darkening helmet has – the better. The arc sensors are the ones responsible for determining whether the user is working already on welding or not. The previously reviewed Hobart 770756 has three sensors but the Forney 55707 has one more sensor which is something really worth noting when considering this one as the best auto-darkening welding helmet.
To go with those 4 outer lens arc sensors, the inner lens also features a 1/1/1/2 Optical clarity rating which are decent parameters making its 7.70 square inch viewing area a considerable one.
1.29 lbs.
For a welding helmet with these dimensions and features, the Forney 55707 actually weighs surprisingly 1.29 lbs. Being an extremely lightweight helmet, the 55707 offers great mobility and enables longer use.
Pros
- Stylish design
- Lightweight
Cons
- Bulky
- Standard shade selection (9-13)
Jackson Safety Insight HaloX 46131
- Features: This Jackson Safety Ultra-Lightweight Insight Welding Helmet is built...
- Design: This ADF helmet has a viewing area of 3.93" x 2.36" and offers an...
- Clean View: With variable shades from 9 to 13, this helmet has sensitivity and...
Continuing our welding helmet reviews we have Jackson Safety which has always been known to provide the safest and most efficient products for professionals in the workplace. With this quest in their minds, the company further developed their auto-darkening technology to produce what is now called the W40 INSIGHT auto-dark filters which are featured in this particular product. The item weighs a little bit more than 2 lbs. while having a height of 8.1 inches, length at 13.6 inches, and a width of 9.6 inches, which are pretty standard specifications for its kind.
Halo X
This particular product is a part of the Halo X series which is a welding helmet line continuously improved by Jackson Safety through the years. As a part of this line, the Jackson Safety Insight Halo X 46131 features what is called the W40 INSIGHT which is their version of the auto-dark filter. These auto-dark filters give its users the ability to easily adjust sensitivity from the sources of light to match their preferred darkening levels.
3.9” x 2.36” viewing area
As compared to the previously reviewed welding helmets which feature the rather standard-sized viewing areas, the Jackson Safety Insight Halo X 46131 features a relatively bigger one. At 3.9” x 2.36”, this particular gives its users a better viewing area that they can use to navigate better even provide more comfort for their visions.
Still on the topic of its viewing area and lenses, this product features four sensors for better arc detection.
Jackson Safety Brand
Jackson Safety really pride themselves on the quality that they deliver to their users. As the name suggests, these people prioritize safety over anything. Being a part of this very trusted line, you can assure yourself that this product will give you great security in the workplace while providing you with great designs as well.
Pros
- Great viewing area
Cons
- Standard features
- There are comfort issues in the ear area
Rhino RH01
The Rhino RH01 is an auto-darkening welding helmet from Rhino which features the Rhino Large View – a 10 square inch viewing allocation to allow double the welding vision as compared to other standard products. Apart from that, this one also features a nylon shell that is extremely lightweight and flexible for increased durability and prolonged usage time. All in all, the Rhino RH01, at 13.2 x 9.2 x 7.8 inches is a rather compact welding helmet that has great weight at roughly 1 lb. due to its features.
Rhino Large View
The Rhino Large View is one function here in the rhino RH01 that makes it stand above the rest. With a viewing size of 4” x 2.6”, this product possesses the largest viewing lens in this list of the best auto darkening helmets. This large viewing capacity is made possible by the Rhino to give their customers a larger area for eye movement thus causing the neck to have lesser movement.
This Rhino Large View comes with a Light state of #4 and a grind mode while its dark shades are at #9-13. It also sports an above average reaction time of 1/25000 second.
Carbon Fiber coated Lightweight Nylon Shell
As mentioned, the Rhino RH01 also features a very light body and this is mainly because of its Nylon Shell body – an extremely lightweight material. This material allows the helmet to be light on the head thus promoting fatigue reduction and prolong use for those who will need the helmet for the long term.
The helmet is also covered in carbon fiber that increases the helmet’s durability. Carbon fiber is one of the most well-known lightweight durable materials that can coat or wrap other materials to increase their overall life and strength. Not to mention, this carbon fiber coating also gives the helmet a very nice fiber design much like the ones you see in other things coated with carbon fiber such as racing car hoods.
Solar Powered (with backup)
Apart from having a great viewing allocation and an extremely light body, the Rhino RH01 is also very energy efficient with two energy sources present in the model. First up is its solar panel that is used as the main energy source for the helmet. Being solar powered, the helmet is cost-effective since you would not have to replace the batteries every now and then. Apart from that, the technology also makes this helmet environmental-friendly.
The headgear also has a backup battery feature in the event that the solar panels have not gained sufficient power. These batteries are monitored by the helmet and it will tell you whether you need to change them already since the headgear has a battery indicator.
Pros
- Extremely lightweight
- Two power sources
- Large view
Cons
- Standard two arc sensors
- Some say that the carbon fiber is not really pure
Antra AH6-260-0000
- 【Safety & Protection】 Passive Filter with Permanent shade 13 to UV/IR,...
- 【Comfort & Convenience】 Very light total weight, reduces head and neck...
- 【Performance】 4 Premium redundant arc sensors, with highly responsive...
- 【Reliability】 Interference Suppression Technologies, minimizing false...
The Antra AH6-260-0000 is a part of the Antra AH6-260 series of the said brand. Being a helmet under this line, it has a very fast reaction time and is versatile enough to cater to TIG, MIG, MMA, and Plasma workers. Grinding, welding, cutting – you name it, the Antra AH6-260-0000 can support you in whatever you have in mind. It is the cheapest one in this list but the quality is right up there and considerable enough to be named as one of, if not the best budget welding helmet.
Sensitivity and Delay Setting Knob
One of its great features is its sensitivity and delay setting knob. As the name suggests, this knob was made to adjust the sensitivity of the lens as well as its delay. This function can be very useful for those who wish to work with the light or darkness that they have been used to.
However, take note that manual adjustment is something that should not be taken rashly. This adjustment knob is only for the use of those who know what they are doing and are aware of the safety measures that they must comply to in order to avoid any injuries such as the one mentioned at the beginning of this article.
Hard hat adapter compatible
Another great feature of this particular product is its compatibility to the Hard Hat adapter which is sold separately by the same brand. The Antra AH6-260-0000, adding to its resume of being a versatile helmet, can be attached to your regular hard hat. This feature makes the helmet very convenient to use and even extends your efficiency since you won’t need to remove your hard hat anymore when you are in your station.
Pros
- Above average viewing area
Cons
- Pretty Standard features apart from its one pro
Conclusion
These 5 products are your choices for the best welding helmet due to their valuable features as well as the quality of their basics such as the weight and comfortability. Choosing the best one among the best is not an easy task but if we were to choose one welding helmet that we would strongly recommend, it has to be the Hobart 770756 Impact.
This welding helmet is being given the full five stars for several reasons. First and foremost, its build simply resonates the Hobart quality – the quality that has been known to last for years. Although other brands may have more extreme features, the Hobart 770756 Impact does a great job of simply nailing the basics really well and improving what needs to be improved without drastically changing anything.
With that said, in the era of the super welding helmets, the Hobart 770756 Impact stands out by offering the right things for the right price. As long as you have your welding helmet it’s time to choose the best welder.
Last update on 2022-08-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Now I know what to get my brother for his birthday. He is a welder since he was a kid. FORNEY 55707 looks cool and high protective.
Sounds like a great present idea!
My dad doesn’t use a welding hood when he is welding. I like how you explain that a welding helmet protects you from flash burns, infrared light, sparks, flying shards, and heat. Thank you for the information. I’ll recommend my dad to buy a welding hood for protection.