As a beginner welder, finding the best welding helmet for your needs is essential. There are many factors to consider when purchasing a welding helmet, such as how much money you want to spend, what type of protection level you need (i.e., shade), and what features it has. In this blog post, I will go over some of the most popular brands and types of welding helmets so that you can have an easier time deciding which one is right for you!
Stay tuned for more information on choosing the perfect welding helmet!
So, what is the best beginner welding helmet? The Lincoln Electric K3034-4 VIKING 3350 Welding Helmet is the best welding helmet for beginners. The 4C lens technology has a 1/1/1 optical clarity rating, and it can be used in different environments at an affordable price with a 3 Year Warranty.
You would think that buying a welding helmet is simple, but there are factors like lens reaction time to consider. The below table lists the different types of lenses and how long they take in milliseconds (ms) for them to react when exposed with intense light from either side.
The most common welding helmets are still made of glass. With a reaction time as quick as 0.5 milliseconds, this material protects welders from the high temperatures and blinding light in their work environment. While simultaneously allowing them to see through it like they would any other lens. Here's an easy formula: if you're using power sources above 200 amps then wear a shade 10 helmet; for anything below that use 9 or 8 instead-safety first.
The following information on welders' helmets should help you make an informed decision before purchasing one:
Welding process | AMPS | Lens shade |
|---|---|---|
Stick Welding | 30-500 | 9-13 |
MIG Welding | 80-500 | 10-13 |
MIG Welding - Aluminum | 80-350 | 10-12 |
TIG Welding | 5-300 | 9-13 |
Flux Core Welder | 100-400 | 10-13 |
In A Hurry?
The Test Winner After 23 Hours Of Research:
HOW WE DECIDED
--We researched every product, we review with our own.
12
Researched Source
23
Hours Researched
6
Experts Interviewed
186
Consumers Review
# Table of Contents
Top 05 Best Beginner Welding Helmet Comparison Table
What Are The Best Beginner Welding Helmet?
Here are some of the best beginner welding helmet we found:
1. Best Welding Helmet For Overhead: Auto Darkening Solar Powered 980E Blue Professional Welding Helmet
2. Best Lincoln Welding Helmet: Lincoln Electric K3034-4 VIKING 3350 electric welding helmet
3. Best Welding Helmet Under $100: DEKOPRO Solar Powered Auto Darkening Welding Helmet
4. Best Welding Helmet For TIG:
Antra AH6-260-0000 Auto Darkening Welding Helmet
5. Best True Color Welding Helmet: Tekware Anti Fog Up wide view welding helmet
1. Best Welding Helmet For Overhead: Auto Darkening Solar Powered 980E Blue Professional Welding Helmet
Salient Feature
- Viewing Area: 98mm by 80mm
- Response Time: 00004 seconds
- Optical Class: 1/1/1/2
- Light Status: DIN 4
- Dark Status: DIN 9 to 13
- Material: PP
- UV/IR Protection: DIN 16
- Meet Standard: ANSI Z87.1
- Source of Power: solar panel
Design
The Auto Darkening Solar Powered 980E Blue Professional Welding Helmet is one of the top welding helmets currently available in the market.
This helmet uses an automated filter welding lens. It does have a shade that controls the knob where a user can always use make changes to the visibility within a range of 9 to 13 settling for a number that suits him or her best.
Protection
Its protective shield helps in securing the face and eyes of the welder from the infrared rays, the UV and other harmful lights. Its auto darkening feature enables the user to make adjustments to the light within a second ensures a comfortable work condition.
There is also an adjustable headband which is controlled using three pins. It is possible to adjust the pins to suit what you are comfortable with. Adjusting the pins is very easy even when you are wearing heavy hand gloves.
Visibility
Having a vision area of 3.62″ by 1.65″ makes it possible for the user to appropriately see without encountering any obstacles. Its lightweight makes it appropriate to use for extended hours.
It is possible to use this welding helmet in different environments like repair, mining, gas, automobile and construction. Its shade adjustment and auto darkening feature is the reason why most people always go for it.
Other Features
It is quite cheap in the market and can easily be afforded by people who are on tight budget. Considering its cost in relation to its functionality, this helmet can help you complete simple welding tasks. It also has a solar panel that will make it possible for the welder to work even when there is no electricity.
Pros
Cons
2. Best Lincoln Welding Helmet: Lincoln Electric K3034-4 VIKING 3350 electric welding helmet
Salient Feature
Design
The Lincoln Electric K3034-4 VIKING 3350 comes with a great auto darkening feature which changes from light to dark as soon as the welding process commences. Immediately the welding stops, it will revert back to its normal state.
This welding helmet comes in up to 10 different styles. Each style does have a completely different look and a unique sporting design. All the designs and styles do look great while at the same time ensuring your safety. It is one of the safest currently available in the market.
Protection
This Welding Helmet will offer you great protection from the different sources of light while at the same time allowing you have a clear view of what you are working on.
Despite welding being a very dangerous and tough work, using this helmet will ensure you are very comfortable and it does fit onto the head well. Its head size can always be adjusted making it possible to fit on anyone using this helmet.
Visibility
This helmet comes with an AFT adjustment feature that enables you to adjust your vision. This makes it quite easy and possible to determine the distance between your face and helmet lens.
4C lens technology being used on this helmet is another top feature that helps in setting it apart from the other helmets in the market. You can always customize its shade from 6-13 by using a shade selector knob.
Other Features
Most of the helmets are known to be quite heavy and will often lead to aches when they are used for a full day. However, this welding helmet does come with a suspension system that will make it quite lighter for the user. Its suspension system is quite comfortable and very practical. It does have a four arc sensors which will catch the arc spark whenever you are welding and help in darkening the lens.
Pros
Cons
3. Best Welding Helmet Under $100: DEKOPRO Solar Powered Auto Darkening Welding Helmet
Salient Feature
- Viewing Area: 3.94-inch x 3.66 inch
- Response Time: 00004 seconds
- Optical Class: 1/1/1/1
- Light Status: DIN4
- Dark Status: DIN 9 to13
- Material: PP
- UV/IR Protection: DIN 16
- Meet Standard: Yes (ANSI Z87.1-2010 and EN379 4/9-13)
- Source of Power: Solar Powered
Design
This DEKOPRO Solar Powered Auto Darkening Welding Helmet is very popular among most beginner welders. Its lens shade can get auto adjusted by use of the working area lightning. It is commonly referred by many as ‘Auto Darkening Filter’.
It functions using a lithium battery that is popularly known to be eco-friendly. It is also possible to charge the battery through solar panel. It comprises of three buttons that act as delay time adjustment, shade adjustment and sensitivity adjustment. It also does have a low power alarm that can immediately notify the user when the power starts going low.
Protection
Using this DEKOPRO Solar Powered Auto Darkening Welding Helmet will offer you the best protection to your eyes. It does have a permanent shade that helps ensure the helmet offers a visual safety all the time.
When you start welding, its lens will always turn black and immediately you are through with welding it will return back to DIN13 Shade. This helmet does have a great sensitivity and delay adjustment. This feature is very important since it helps in ensuring that it darkens when it has to.
Visibility
Using this helmet will help the welder to always have a clear vision with a very crystal visor area. Its lens can automatically get adjusted using different environment and angle. The DEKOPRO Solar Powered Auto Darkening helmet is lightweight and can be used well for long hours.
It does have an adjustable headband while its fittings can easily be adjusted from different joints and angels to ensure they fit well enabling one to continue working comfortably. However, you need to ensure that you are careful when adjusting the headband since when not set well it can easily slip down leading to fatal accidents.
Other Features
It is available for a reasonable price when compared to other welding helmet prices in the market. Despite its low price, there are very minimal differences between it and the ones that are expensive. It is a perfect welding helmet for beginners who don’t want to invest lots of their money in buying a helmet.
Pros
Cons
4. Best Welding Helmet For TIG: Antra AH6-260-0000 Auto Darkening Welding Helmet
Salient Feature
- Viewing Area: 3.94-inch x 3.66 inch
- Response Time: 0.00004 seconds
- Optical Class: 1/1/1/2
- Light Status: DIN 4
- Dark Status: DIN 5-9/9-13- DC
- Material: polyamide nylon
- UV/IR Protection: din 13
- Meet Standard: Yes (ANSI Z87.1 / EN379 CE / CSA Z94.3)
- Source of Power: Solar Power and Solar Cell + 2 replaceable CR2032 batteries
Design
This Antra AH6-260-0000 Auto Darkening Welding Helmet was specifically designed for welding hobbyists and the DIY enthusiasts. This helmet is made of a durable and compact design and weighs just 1.9 pounds which makes it lightweight. This makes it possible for its users to use it for prolonged periods of time without getting fatigued.
Compared to other helmets in the market, this Antra AH6-260-0000 Auto Darkening Welding Helmet is only available in a single color which is black. It is made using a Polyamide nylon which is a high impact material. This material is durable and helps in ensuring the wearer is safe.
Protection
It does have a permanent shade that helps ensure the helmet offers a visual safety all the time. When you start welding, its lens will always turn black and immediately you are through with welding it will return back to DIN13 Shade.
This helmet does have a great sensitivity and delay adjustment. This feature is very important since it helps in ensuring that it darkens when it has to. It does not matter if you are into MMA, TIG, MIG or any other welding processes; you will always great protection by using this helmet. You can also use it in grinding applications too.
Visibility
It is also known to offer great visibility since it comes with a viewing area of 98 by 44 mm. It is also possible to wear this helmet is different weather conditions. It does have very adequate ventilation and it is quite spacious enabling one to wear the helmet for longer periods without feeling fatigued.
Other Features
Compared to Lincoln 3350 Electric welding helmet that has four arc sensors, this Antra AH6-260-0000 Auto Darkening only comes with two arc sensors. Although this is quite disappointing, we still did found it the one that is adequate for our needs. This helmet does have a solar cell in addition with the other replaceable batteries.
Pros
Cons
5. Best True Color Welding Helmet: Tekware Anti Fog Up wide view welding helmet
Salient Feature
- Viewing Area: 82″ x 2.44″
- Response Time: ≤ 1/10000S
- Optical Class: 1/1/1/2
- Light Status: DIN 4
- Dark Status: DIN 3
- Material: PP/PA
- UV/IR Protection: DIN 16
- Meet Standard: Yes (ANSI Z87.1/EN379 CE/CSA Z94.3)
- Source of Power: Solar Power
Design
This welding helmet is perfect for TIG, MIG and MMA welding projects. Be sure it will offer you with a true color and an improved clarity view. This Tekware Anti Fog up Welding Helmet does feature a two arc sensor and an 11/12 optical clarity. This stylish gear will help in ensuring that you enjoy a superior comfort.
Protection
This Tekware Anti Fog up Welding Helmet also offers a large headgear that helps in protecting one from the UV and IR radiation. It also makes it possible for you to switch between dark and light within 1/1000 seconds.
People using this helmet can enjoy great protection when handing different types of projects. It will also help protect your face and head from different types of injuries. It does feature a streamlined body but does avoid accumulation of fog on the lens.
Visibility
It is possible to enjoy a widescreen view with an accurate color technology. The side view will offer a great vision while it’s unique anti fog design will help in keeping the fog away increasing the levels of comfort during different projects. The lens also has an adjustment function in four different directions. This makes it possible for its users to move freely and make adjustments.
Pros
Cons
Click Here To See The Auto Darkening Welding Helmet under 100
Why auto darken welding helmet is most essential for beginners?
Here are some of the reasons why beginners should consider going for the auto darkening welding helmets.
- Eye safety
The auto darkening welding helmets is considered to be the first and last defense line against a number of potential eye damages that are caused by welding. One of the primary dangers caused by welding is infrared radiation that is one of the common causes of conditions like cataracts and retinal burning.
Use of welding arcs will produce a strong UV ration that will make the welder flash and can even lead to permanent eye issues.
- Overall Head Safety
When it comes to welding, eyes are not the only important head element. Investing the best beginner welding helmet will ensure the entire head is well protected. Things such as excess heat, light sparks and flying particles which can lead to physical injury in the place of welding will be handled by these auto darkening welding helmets.
- Helps save time
Apart from safety, investing in auto darkening welding helmets will help save you lots of time since you will not have to reposition the helmet every time. It also helps in preventing any injuries on your neck and enables you to operate the torch much better because of the constant contact.
- Perfect for Cramped Spaces
The auto darkening welding helmets is considered to be perfect for use in cramped spaces. The tight places are known to restrict the movement of the welder. By avoiding to taking off and wearing helmets repeatedly makes it much easier for one to do the job.
How to Choose Welding Helmet?
The wide variety of welding helmets in the market for beginners has made it difficult for buyers to identify which suits them best. In this section, we will be looking at some of the important factors one needs to consider before settling on a particular welding helmet.
Safety & Protection:
When in the market for the best beginner welding helmet, ensure you are aware of the main purpose why you will be getting it. Only go for the helmets that are capable to guarantee your safety and offer protection against the harmful UV lights. Ensure the helmet effectively protects your face and eyes.
Sensitivity Control:
The sensitivity of the helmet will always trigger the light/dark state with automatic/manual feature. When you have a helmet with a manual sensitivity, the response value will always be set by hand.
The helmet will never switch states until such a time when the value will be surpassed.
In case of the auto sensitive featured helmet, the helmet will always switch from dark/light without input of humans. Depending on the length and experience of the usage, this feature has never been regarded as a drawback even in most of the welding circles.
Switching Speed
The reaction time of the lens will always indicate how quickly the lens will be able to switch from natural light state which is of a shade of 3 and 4 to the darkened shade whenever you are welding. The faster the eyes of the welder are shaded from light of high intensity the better. In most cases the lenses do have an entry level rated at 1/3,600 per second. Professional or industrial helmets are rated as high as 1/20,000 per second.
Ensure you check on the switching speed of a welding helmet before you make a decision on which helmet you will purchase. Keep in mind that the more arcs you start in a day, the more you will be able to appreciate the faster speed.
Versatility
Whenever you are shopping got a top quality welding helmet, always go for one that can serve you different tasks. Ensure you can easily use the helmet for different situations and that the helmet is capable of satisfying your different needs. Overhead protection needs to be the most important thing as it will provide you with the freedom of moving freely. The welding helmet should also allow you to get into different positions easily without encountering lots of barriers.
Viewing Area
TIG welding is known to be a bit tricky when compared to other welding types. You will be required to feed the filler material onto the weld using a single hand while operating the torch using the other hand.
By considering the hard work level in mind, the more significant the area, the better the welding. Since larger viewing offers the freedom of setting up, sideward and down without having to move your neck. When movements are in excess, it can easily lead to fatigue.
Variable Shade
In case you will be welding only a single type of material, then a fixed shade will be okay. They however offer a maximum shade of only 10. It is important that you ensure the welding never requires something darker. If the work you will be doing comprises of a range of arcs, depths together with other things, it is important that you consider a variable shade helmet.
Power Source
The welding helmets do have different sources of power. There are some that work with lithium batteries while others work using solar power. There are some which can also use both.
In most cases, the helmets which are powered using both solar and lithium are considered to be among the best currently available in the market as they tend to prolong the battery life. In case one of the power sources runs out, you can always use the other one. When using a battery powered welding helmet, it is appropriate you go for that one that is replaceable.
Standard
Ensure the helmet you need to purchase has passed all the safety tests. You also need to check if the model has attained the minimum ANSI standard rating to be sure that you will be safe when using it. All the welding helmets we have reviewed in this guide have attained minimum safety standard rating.
Conclusion
It does not matter if welding is your weekend hobby or part of your career, it is always important that you go for the best beginner welding helmet in the market. Take your time and explore all the top ranking welding helmets and go through the buyers guide before you make a decision on what helmet to go for.
Remember it is not necessary to always go for the most expensive welding helmet as there are some which are quite affordable and offer top quality features. In case you have a question or suggestion, kindly feel free to get in touch with us.
FAQ
A good cheap welding helmet is one that does not cost much and can easily be affordable for people who are on a tight budget. However, it has some of the top features that can be found inexpensive and top-quality welding helmets. One good example is the Antra AH6 welding helmet.
There are different types of welding helmets currently available in the market. You need to go for a welding helmet that will protect you from any side effects or dangers posed by lights and particles being emitted during welding.
TIG welding usually requires low amperages. Welding helmets for TIG need a great optical clarity rating that has a welding lens of between 5 and 6 in order to get a perfect view of whatever is taking place. The two best examples of welding helmets for TIG include the Lincoln 3350 and the Antra AH6-260 welding helmets.
Use shade 10 to shade 13 for welding. It will help to prevent flash from burning your eyes. As the number increases, the darker the shade will be.
As you might already be aware, a shade of 10 to 13 is the most recommended range when it comes to welding. The higher the number, the darker the shade will become. The higher the amperage you will be using, the darker you will need the shade to be to help you prevent your eyes from burning.
When you weld without eye protection, you are most likely to suffer from arc eye, blindness and you can get exposed to radiation.
You can always use the welding helmet as a grinding face mask provided you are grinding or wire wheeling welds. However, you will at times be forced to take the length of pipe, have coupons cleaned, cut using a cut off wheel which can at times be a safety hazard. What Is A Good Cheap Welding Helmet?
What Kind Of Welding Helmet Should I Get?
Which Is The Best Welding Helmet For TIG?
What Shade Is Safe For Welding?
How Dark Should I Set My Welding Helmet?
What Happens If You Weld Without Eye Protection?
Could My Welding Helmet Be Used As A Grinding Face Mask?
Last Updated on July 27, 2022 by weldinghubs