If any part of your body comes into contact with these things, you could potentially suffer from eyesight problems, burning, and other serious injuries. So, instead of taking a risk, purchase a reliable welding helmet! We’re going to explore the top auto darkening welding helmets on the market, so you can decide which helmet is right for you!
What to Look For in a Welding Helmet?
Whether you’re a new or expert welder, it never hurts to know a few tips for buying the best auto darkening welding helmet. People are often surprised to discover there are a lot of elements to welding helmets. Welding helmets come in a variety of sizes with different features that cater to an array of welders. That’s why it’s important to understand the basics of choosing a welding helmet!
- Auto Darkening Lenses vs Passive Darkening Lenses. The type of lenses your welding helmet has will ultimately determine your visibility. Auto darkening lenses feature convenience, no distortion and modern LCD technology that senses when the torch is on and off. Passive darkening lenses feature colored lenses, simple design structure, minimal distortion, increased durability, low price and different coats, such as UV and infrared.
- Variable Shade vs Fixed Shade. The shade of a welding helmet controls the amount of light the helmet filters. Variable shades feature adjustable lenses, so you have the option of positioning the lens so it covers your eyes, or placing it outside when you’re taking a break, or simply don’t need it. Fixed shades require you to use the torch first. Once it is in the proper position, you are able to use your helmet.
- Solar Powered Helmets vs Battery Powered Helmets. Modern technology has enabled welding helmets to offer different kinds of power, such as solar and battery. Solar powered helmets feature reusable batteries, lightweight structure, automatic shut-off technology & extended life. Battery powered helmets feature replaceable batteries, heavy structure, manual shut-off technology & minimal life.
- External Knobs vs Internal Knobs. Another big difference among many popular welding helmets is the kind of knobs the helmet has. External knobs are one of the commonly used knobs. Since they’re self-explanatory, they are featured on the external portion of welding helmets. Internal knobs are the other kind of commonly used knobs. They are featured in the internal portion of welding helmets. In order to adjust them, you must take off your helmet.
- Viewing Size. The two main viewing sizes are 6 sq. and 9 sq. A welding helmet with 6 sq. is perfect for welders who only weld as a hobby, or only do lighter projects. On the other hand, welding helmets with 9 sq. are perfect for professional welders who practice industrial welding.
- Weight. Welding helmets also vary in weight. It’s important to consider how much weight you can handle. Bulkier welding helmets could put a ton of strain on your head and neck, which could cause discomfort and fatigue. So, make sure your welding helmet isn’t too heavy.
- Consider Price. When you’re in the process of buying a new welding helmet, it’s extremely important to make a budget. Just be wary of the price. If the price seems too good to be true, it’s probably not a quality welding helmet. But if you’re a new welder, refrain from purchasing a super expensive and advanced welding helmet.
- Determine What You Want. Are you a new welder that wants a cheap and simple welding helmet or are you an expert welder who is willing to spend hundreds of dollars for the most advanced and intricately designed welding helmet? Regardless of your needs and design preferences, it’s important to determine what you want in a welding helmet.
- Purchase Online. While welding helmets are available in store, it’s smarter to buy one online. After all, the internet gives you access to every acclaimed welding helmet. When purchasing a welding helmet online, it’s extremely important to consider the fact that prices have a direct correlation with quality. So, you might not want to purchase a super cheap or expensive helmet. Instead, you should opt for a happy medium.
Best Auto Darkening Welding Helmets for MIG, TIG, Stick & Arc Welders
Since welding helmets come in an array of designs and silhouettes with different features and technology, deciding which welding helmet is right for you is ultimately a personal decision. But, hopefully this guide will made it easier for you to decide which welding helmet is right for you!
#1 Lincoln 3350 Auto Darkening Welding Helmet
Kicking off our list of popular welding helmets is the Lincoln 3350 Welding Helmet!
Who should purchase this welding helmet?
This welding helmet is perfect for welders who have at least a little bit of experience because it has the perfect mix of minimal and advanced technology. While beginner welders might find this helmet to be too advanced, welders with a little bit of experience will find the Lincoln 3350 Welding Helmet’s superior suspension technology, auto-darkening feature, and wider lenses to be extremely beneficial.
What’s the best feature of this welding helmet?
The superior suspension technology is argumentatively the best feature of the Lincoln 3350 Welding Helmet. With this advanced world-renowned technology, the Lincoln 3350 Welding Helmet will comfortably sit on your head and neck without causing strain or distress. In other words, you don’t have to worry about taking breaks between welding or welding for too long. Instead, you can weld at ease for as long as you want.
Do I have to work inside?
No! That’s another great feature of the Lincoln 3350 Welding Helmet. Since this welding helmet has auto-darkening lenses, the helmet will automatically adjust to the light in your environment. In other words, whether you’re exposed to a lot of light from your torch or from natural sunlight, this welding helmet will make sure it automatically darkens the lenses and protects your eyes. On the other hand, once your environment darkens, your lenses will automatically lighten. So, you won’t have to go through the hassle of taking off your helmet.
#2 Jackson Safety BH3 Auto Darkening Welding Helmet
The next welding helmet on our list is the Jackson Safety BH3 Auto Darkening Welding Helmet! If you’ve been a welder for a long time, then you most likely know the Jackson Safety BH3 is one of the most raved about welding helmets on the market. But, is it really as good as everyone says it is?
How do solar-powered welding helmets work?
Solar-powered welding helmets, such as the Jackson Safety BH3, are pretty self-explanatory. Basically, a solar-powered helmet is powered by light. High-quality solar-powered welding helmets like the Jackson Safety BH3 will provide the same experience in artificial light that it does in natural sunlight.
What is the lightest welding helmet?
Your welding helmet’s weight plays a key factor in how efficient you work. For example, if you have a bulky welding helmet, you probably don’t like working for a long time because you experience fatigue and neck strain. But, with a lightweight helmet, you won’t even notice that you’re wearing a helmet!
Luckily, the Jackson Safety BH3 is one of the lightest welding helmets on the market! Standing at 2 pounds, the Jackson Safety BH3’s plush technology promotes a comfortable and efficient welding experience. So, say goodbye to your days of headaches and muscle pains and hello to a plush experience.
How does a welding helmet detect fume?
A welding helmet’s outer shell plays a key role in detecting fume. This makes sense because an outer shell is the outermost later of a helmet, so it comes into contact with the environment you’re in before any other helmet element.
One of the most efficient ways to detect fume is through an aerodynamic shell, which the Jackson Safety BH3 has. With this technology, the outer shell is able to detect higher levels of fumes that go above and beyond the industry standard.
#3 3M Speedglas Welding Helmet 9100 with Extra-Large Size Auto-Darkening Filter
The 3M Speedglas Welding helmet 9100 with Extra-Large Size Auto-Darkening Filters is one of the best helmets on the market for new professionals. Check out why!
Are auto-darkening lenses useful?
Yes! Auto-darkening lenses are one of the most useful aspects of the 3M Speedglas 9100 Welding Helmet. Auto-darkening lenses are pretty self-explanatory in the sense that they lighten or darken depending on your surroundings. So, if you’re working outside or in extreme light, the 3M Speedglas 9100 will automatically darken its lenses to protect your eyes. But, once your torch is off and you’re in natural levels of light, your lenses will lighten.
This helmet is battery powered. Is it still powerful?
Although the 3M Speedglas 9100 Welding Helmet is battery powered, it uses lithium batteries that are resilient and durable.When you purchase the helmet, a few batteries are included. But, expect to purchase batteries for the remainder of the time you own the 3M Speedglas 9100 Welding Helmet.
Although the 3M Speedglas 9100 Welding Helmet is not equipped with the new and improved solar-powered technology that most new welding helmets have, this helmet’s auto-darkening feature is designed to function approximately 2,000 hours until you will have to replace the batteries, which isn’t too shabby.
How should I store my welding helmet?
It’s important to store your welding helmet in a safe and secure place. When you’re not using your welding helmet, a specialized bag is a great place to store it! Luckily, the 3M Speedglas Welding Helmet comes with a complimentary helmet bag. So, you won’t have to worry about finding a bag that your helmet fits in.
#4 Hobart 770753 Pro Variable Auto-Dark Helmet
Often regarded as on of the best welding helmets money can buy, check out why the Hobart 770753 Pro Variable Auto-Dark Helmet is truly a premium product!
What makes this helmet different than other battery powered welding helmets?
The Hobart 770753 is powered by CR2450 lithium batteries. While most welders prefer solar-powered helmets, the Hobart 770753 doesn’t make it inconvenient to use batteries. Let’s face it: there’s nothing worse than being in the middle of a weld when your welding helmet dies. It’s very rare for welders to have extra batteries. And even if you do happen to have extra batteries, you still have to go through the trouble of finding the batteries and replacing them.
That’s why this welding helmet is equipped with battery sensors. Basically, battery sensors will go off when your welding helmet has a low battery. Therefore, you will have enough time to purchase batteries and replace them. So, you don’t have to worry about replacing batteries in the middle of welding.
Is this a good welding helmet for maximum eye protection?
Yes! Since the Hobart 770753 has auto-darkening lenses, you don’t have to worry about eye protection. Auto-darkening lenses are great because you don’t have to worry about taking your helmet on and off just to view your weld, or to be more comfortable in different environments. Instead, your welding helmet will cater to you and automatically darken or lighten the lenses dependent on your surrounding environment.
#5 Miller Electric Auto Darkening Welding Helmet
The Miller Electric Auto Darkening Welding Helmet is among a number of elite welding helmets that professionals love to rave about. And if it’s good enough for professionals, then it’s good enough for me.
How is the Miller Electric Auto Darkening Welding Helmet Multi-Powered?
While the primary source of power is from batteries, the Miller Electric Auto Darkening Welding Helmet incorporates solar power into its technology. This is to amplify the battery power, and act as a safety net in case your batteries die during mid-weld. In other words, with the use of solar power, the Miller Electric Auto Darkening Welding Helmet will continue working even if your batteries die.
It’s also important to note that even though the Miller Electric Auto Darkening Welding Helmet uses batteries, this is one of the longest lasting battery powered welding helmets.
With up to 3,000 hours of potential use per battery set, the Miller Electric Auto Darkening Welding Helmet uses approximately 1,000 more battery hours than the industry standard. Therefore, this is argumentatively one of the best battery powered welding helmets on the market.
Moreover, the Miller Electric Auto Darkening Welding Helmet is equipped with a ton of advanced technology, the helmet displays these functions in a user-friendly way. So, you won’t have to worry about messing with a bunch of buttons.
#6 Jackson Safety 46131 Insight Variable Auto Darkening Welding Hemet
The Jackson Safety 46131 Insight Variable Auto Darkening Welding Helmet is one of the top welding helmets from the renowned brand, let alone the market. Here’s why this welding helmet is so popular!
Is the weight important?
Yes, the weight of a welding helmet is extremely important! Luckily, the Jackson Safety 46131 Insight Variable Auto Darkening Welding Helmet is highly ranked among the lightest welding helmets on the market. At two pounds, it’s hard to find a helmet that’s lighter than this one.
Is this welding helmet easy to operate?
Yes! One of the best features of the Jackson Safety 46131 is its overall design that is user-friendly, even for new welders. There are minimal buttons and knobs, which are big and accessible enough that you can easily adjust your helmet even when you’re wearing gloves.
In the event that you have a little bit of trouble operating this helmet, and you just need a little of guidance, flip through the descriptive manual! The manual is set up in way that it provides a ton of information in an easy to read way. It even comes in three languages!
What is the best feature of the Jackson Safety 46131?
The best feature of this welding helmet is definitely its level of optical clarity. Between the quality of the lenses, arc, and auto darkening feature, you will experience an optimal viewing area that is extremely clear and precise.
#7 ArcPro 20704 Auto-Darkening Solar Powered Welding Helmet
Add a touch of flare to your welding style with the ArcPro 20704 Auto-Darkening Solar Powered Welding Helmet. Since this welding helmet has a futuristic alien design, this is the perfect welding helmets for sci-fi fans, or even welders who have an edgy style.
Can I use this welding helmet for any type of welding?
Yes! The ArcPro 20704 Auto-Darkening Solar Powered Welding Helmet is equipped with the industry standard welding mode, as well as a special grind mode. So, this helmet will protect you regardless of what type of welding you’re doing, as well as what you’re welding.
Are the knobs easy to access?
That’s actually one of the best features of the ArcPro 20704 Welding Helmet! There’s nothing more disappointing than finding what you think is the perfect welding helmet for you, only to discover the adjustment knobs are hidden or easy to turn.
Luckily, the ArcPro 20704 Welding Helmet has easily accessible knobs that can even be turned easily even if you’re wearing gloves! These knobs include a turn-style mode knob and a simple on and off switch.
How comfortable is this welding helmet!
It’s safe to say you definitely don’t have to worry about comfort with the ArcPro 20704 Welding Helmet! This welding helmet is equipped with plush padding that makes sure you are comfortable throughout the entire time you weld, even if you weld for an extended amount of time.
In addition to the plush padding, this welding helmet has an adjustable headband that’s easy to use. So, you don’t have to worry about fondling with a ton of adjustment pieces just to ensure that your helmet fits perfectly and is secure on your head.
#8 Instapark ADF Series GX990T Solar Powered Auto Darkening Welding Helmet
Stay up to date with current trends with the Instapark ADF Series GX990T Solar Powered Auto Darkening Welding Helmet! Between its chic edgy design and its advanced technology, this welding helmet is truly modern.
Is this helmet easy to adjust?
The Instapark ADF Series GX990T Solar Powered Auto Darkening Welding Helmet is one of the easiest welding helmets to adjust because of its user-friendly design. This welding helmet is equipped with external knobs. So, say goodbye to the days of having to take off your entire welding helmet to adjust one feature, and hello to easily accessible adjustment knobs.
Not only are the adjustment knobs featured on the external part of this welding helmet, they are also designed in an easy to grasp way. So, you can easily wear gloves without having to worry about taking them off just to adjust something.
How good is this helmet’s visibility?
The Instapark ADF Series GX990T Solar Powered Auto Darkening Welding Helmet offers one of the best quality viewing experiences you can find! Like previously stated, this welding helmet is completely modernized. So, it’s equipped with state of the art visibility technology that includes an auto darkening feature, sensitive sensors, and an extremely large viewing area.
Is this helmet comfortable to use for a long time?
Since the Instapark ADF Series GX990T Solar Powered Auto Darkening Welding Helmet only weighs 1.5 pounds, it is extremely easy to wear for an extended amount of time. Not only is this welding helmet one of the lightest welding helmets on the market, but it offers a plush interior that makes it extremely comfortable to wear.
Between its lightweight nature and the plush interior, you’ll barely be able to feel that you’re even wearing a welding helmet!
#9 Tacklife PAH03D Solar Power Auto Darkening Welding Helmet
With a sleek eco-friendly design, the Tacklife PAH03D Solar Power Auto Darkening Welding Helmet is a true hidden treasure in the welding helmet market. Check out why this helmet is highly rated, even though it’s rarely talked about!
What would you rate this helmet’s visibility?
On a scale of one to ten, I would rate the Tacklife PAH03D Solar Power Auto Darkening Welding Helmet’s visibility a ten without second guessing myself. This welding helmet offers one of the best visibility experiences that I’ve ever seen!
When you look at the specifics of the Tacklife PAH03D Solar Power Auto Darkening Welding Helmet, it’s easy to see why this welding helmet has fantastic visibility. After all, it has an extremely large viewing area, 3.94” x 2.87” to be exact. It also has sensors on every corner of the lenses, so you don’t have to worry about this helmet’s sensitivity.
In addition to the quality and size of the viewing area, the Tacklife PAH03D Solar Power Auto Darkening Welding Helmet is equipped with auto darkening lenses that automatically change with your environment.
Overall, it’s safe to say that this welding helmet creates a quality and precise viewing experience.
Is this welding helmet durable?
Yes! The Tacklife PAH03D Solar Power Auto Darkening Welding Helmet looks extremely durable with its sleek black design, and certainly lives up to its appearance. While most welding helmets are made with Polypropylene, this Tacklife welding helmet is designed with Polyamide nylon. So, it’s resistant to high impacts and corrosion. It’s also flame retardant. In other words, you won’t have to worry about replacing this welding helmet for a long time.
#10 Antra AH6-660-0000 Solar Power Auto Darkening Welding Helmet
Between it’s futuristic design and advanced technology, the Antra AH60-660-0000 Solar Power Auto Darkening Welding Helmet is another great example of a fantastic modern welding helmet, and here’s why!
What kind of applications can I do with this welding helmet?
Let’s face it: it’s hard to find a quality welding helmet that offers multiple modes so you can practice an array of welding applications. Luckily, the Antra AH6-660-0000 Solar Power Auto Darkening Welding Helmet is equipped with a standard welding application feature, as well as a grind mode. So, you can practice virtually any welding application for any sized weld with this welding helmet.
How is this welding helmet’s sensitivity?
The Antra AH6-660-0000 Solar Power Auto Darkening Welding Helmet is extremely sensitive, which is great! Since this welding helmet has maximum sensitivity, it will automatically darken or lighten your lenses depending on how light your environment is. The sensitivity sensors will also tailor your overall viewing experience depending on your environment. So, you won’t have to worry about playing with your adjustment knobs for a ton of time before you start welding or even in the middle of a weld.
Comparison Chart
| Auto Darkening Welding Helmet | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| #1 Lincoln 3350 Auto Darkening Welding Helmet |
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| #2 Jackson Safety BH3 Auto Darkening Welding Helmet |
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| #3 3M Speedglas Welding Helmet 9100 with Extra-Large Size Auto-Darkening Filter |
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| #4 Hobart 770753 Pro Variable Auto-Dark Helmet |
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| #5 Miller Electric Auto Darkening Welding Helmet |
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| #6 Jackson Safety 46131 Insight Variable Auto Darkening Welding Hemet |
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| #7 ArcPro 20704 Auto-Darkening Solar Powered Welding Helmet |
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| #8 Instapark ADF Series GX990T Solar Powered Auto Darkening Welding Helmet |
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| #9 Tacklife PAH03D Solar Power Auto Darkening Welding Helmet |
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| #10 Antra AH6-660-0000 Solar Power Auto Darkening Welding Helmet |
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Welding Helmet FAQs
What are the benefits of using an auto darkening welding helmet?
Let’s face it: welding isn’t necessarily the safest thing you can do. After all, welding requires the use of extreme light and heat. And if your eyes or skin come into direct contact with that level of light and heat, you could potentially suffer from critical conditions. So, a welding helmet protects your head and neck from a variety of potentially harmful things, such as ultraviolet and infrared light, and extreme heat.
What welding helmet is the best for long-term health?
This is a very personal question. Ultimately, it’s up to you to determine what type of welding helmet you need for your health. But, generally you should aim to purchase a welding helmet with a lens grade of eight to ten. Also, be prepared to use your welding helmet with an oversized hard hat and to replace the clears frequently.
Are auto-darkening welding helmets safe?
Yes! If anything, they’re safer than welding helmets that don’t have an auto-darkening feature because they automatically adjust the quality and darkness of your lenses depending on your environment. So, you won’t have to worry about messing with your helmet in between welds because of a change in your environment or needs.
How do I customize a welding helmet?
There are a few ways you can customize a welding helmet! If you want to add more protection and a little bit of style, add a hood or a mask to your welding helmet. If you’re feeling super crafty, paint your welding helmet!
How does auto darkening welding helmet work?
Auto-darkening glasses primarily use solar technology to determine when to get lighter and darker. Basically, the auto-darkening glass is surrounded by an arc equipped with sensors that detect changes in your environment, specifically in terms of light. So, when the arc detects a change of light, it signals the sensors, which adequately adjust the auto-darkening glass.
What’s the difference in welding helmet filters?
Welding helmet filters are ultimately dependent upon light. So, there are lighter and darker welding helmet filters that carry to a variety of light environments.
What is grind mode on a welding helmet?
Grind mode is usually mode for grinding, which is the process of cutting and smoothing material. Grinding mode is useful, especially in auto darkening helmets, because it will prevent your lenses from getting too dark.
How do I hand paint a welding helmet?
If you are feeling crafty and want to customize your welding helmet you can hand paint it! There are some rules and tips to abide by if you plan on hand painting your welding helmet. Prior to painting, take the lenses out. Use a fire resistant primer and paint. Use a wire brush to prep your helmet.This will help make the paint smoothly adhere.
Can I use a welding helmet to view an eclipse?
You can only use a welding helmet to view an eclipse if it has a level 12 or higher shade.
Where can I buy an auto darkening welding helmet?
You can purchase a welding helmet from a variety of places, such as specialty stores and general home improvement stores. Purchasing welding helmets in person is a great option for new welders because you have the opportunity to talk to professional welders first hand. Also, you will have the opportunity to try on welding helmets before committing to one. If you want to browse through an array of welding helmets, check out Amazon!
