The Best Welding Helmet

Buying Guide

Having the right welding helmet can make all the difference at your job. From safety to comfort, there are a lot of different elements to consider when trying to find the best welding helmet for you. Start with fit, as it must be both comfortable to wear while providing the necessary protection. The helmet should protect your head, face and neck from burns and UV rays so ensure it fully covers you. In addition, having adjustable features makes it easier to customize the fit for your head and neck. How can you check that the fit is right? He’s a pro tip. If you move your head up and down in your helmet, the helmet shouldn’t tilt with your movement. Instead, it should stay in one place.

Another key aspect to consider is the size of the viewing area. Your field of vision can vary from helmet to helmet. Some people prefer a large field of vision which allows you a better view of the workpiece. Some people prefer smaller viewing areas, especially if they don’t weld very often. A smaller viewing area allows you to have a concentrated look at what you’re working on. Large views allow you to see the entire work environment.

In addition to the size of the viewing window, you have to look at the clarity of the lens. It must be as clear as possible otherwise you will end up with vision fatigue and decreased productivity. Welding helmets typically have a rating system for lens clarity. A rating of 1/1/1 means that the lens has perfect clarity and an undistorted view.

• If you wear glasses to see things better close up, you can actually get a welding helmet that has a built-in magnifiers in the lens. This way you don’t need to wear your glasses while wearing the helmet.
• If you often weld in a humid environment, then it’s possible your welding helmet will get foggy as a result of your sweat and breath. Some welding helmets have anti-fog features so you can continue to have a clear view.
• Welding helmets have tinted lenses, but you often need to be able to see the real colors of the weld pool and metal. Opt for a welding helmet that provides high color perception. This way, you’ll be able to see the real color of objects even through a tinted lens.
• You can choose between passive lenses and auto-darkening lenses. Passive lenses stay the same shade no matter what, regardless of how bright your environment is. Auto-darkening lenses, as the name suggests, darken when your environment becomes brighter, such as when you start welding or hit an arc.
• If you need to perform any overhead welding, keep in mind that the majority of helmets on the market today are not approved for overhead welding. When gravity becomes a factor in your safety, it’s very important to choose the right helmet for this process and not one that is not approved for overhead welding.
• If you frequently deal with neck strain and pain, then it’s important to choose a lightweight welding helmet. The heavier the helmet, the more weight your neck has to support. Keep in mind how long you wear the helmet for at a time and how often you wear the helmet when figuring out the right weight for you.