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If you’re stranded on a deserted island and a MIG welder, enough steel to build a ship, and a giant solar panel all wash-up on shore, you’re still in trouble if you can’t make a welding helmet out of coconuts and volcanic glass. Your eyeballs won’t last much longer than the first handrail for the lido deck without some protection from the UV and IR radiation. If you want to keep your retinas from being turned into bacon, you need a reliable welding helmet to let enough visible light in to stack dimes, while keeping the harmful stuff out.
Whether you’re new to welding or an experienced pro, an auto-darkening welding helmet will make your life easier. The old flip-down style helmets you’ve wanted since watching B.A. Baracus using one to make lawn chairs into a tank, are literally a pain in the neck. Prices for helmets using an ADF, Auto-Darkening Filter, have really fallen, but trusting the safety of your eyes to something a little too cheap just isn’t worth it. Finding the best value for performance is more important here than anywhere.
Summary List
- Best Overall: EASB Sentinel A60
- Best Value: Lincoln Electric K3419-1
- Best Prosumer: Miller Digital Infinity
Our Methodology
My introduction to welding was almost 30 years ago. Working as a machinist for a race shop I would spend my lunch coercing the actual welders to teach me the craft. In those days, I couldn’t justify spending a couple of weeks pay on an auto-darkening welding helmet. The criteria for this guide leaned towards beginners, so comfort was judged over an hour or two and not a full day. Value was also based on welding costing you money, not making it. There is an aspirational helmet, just in case someone wants to buy you a nice gift, or you need something a little more professional.
Best Welding Helmets: Reviews & Recommendations
Best Overall
ESAB Sentinel A60
Pros
- Wide viewing angle with great clarity
- Offers the reliability of helmets costing twice as much
- Easy to set up for beginners with good variability
Cons
- Awesome looking face shield is easily scratched
- You won’t want to wear the headgear all day
Best Value
Lincoln Electric K3419-1
Pros
- High-end ADF tech for a very reasonable price
- Great color and clear vision
- Long-term purchase that will last years
Cons
- Small viewing area compared to more expensive models
- Only two arc sensors
Best Prosumer
Miller Digital Infinity
Pros
- Tough helmet that will take a beating
- Pro-level reliability and parts availability
- Controls work while wearing gloves
Cons
- Controls are inside the helmet
Our Verdict on the Best Welding Helmets
For a high-quality welding helmet, consider the ESAB Sentinel A60 which features a wide viewing window, or for something a bit more affordable go with the Lincoln Electric K3419-1 which features a great performing lens, just a little smaller. Drop us a comment and let us know what your favorite is and what you love about it.
Features to Consider
The biggest feature to consider when buying a welding helmet is reliability. With older non-auto helmets, when you flipped it down, you knew it was working. Everytime you start a weld with an auto-darkening helmet, you are trusting that it will work. Spending a bit more on a helmet that is known to be more reliable can literally save your eyes.
FAQs
A: Yes, auto-darkening helmets are safe and highly effective. This type of helmet does not have to be taken on and off, so it helps reduce the risk of errors and injuries.
A: For the most part, the shade rating of the helmet can be determined by the method of welding and the amperage of the particular job. Tables are available to look up specifics appropriate to your application.
A: Welding causes infrared radiation, which can result in retinal burning and cataracts. A proper helmet protects against UV radiation from welding arcs, which can cause welder’s flash and even permanent eye damage.
