15 Best Welding Helmet EPIC Review (2019): Protect Your EYES

Welding, Brazing, and Cutting!

These are the most hazardous activities which pose a rare combination of both  health risks and safety to over 500,000 workers  in a vast variety of industries. (Click to Tweet)

Quite alarming, isn’t it?

The risk of fatal or serious injuries alone is more than 4 deaths per thousand workers.

I started my career as welder 20 years ago and felt like a fish out of water! But with time, welding becomes “a piece of cake” to me.

21% of labor compensation claims for their eye injuries were to welders. Source here…
(Click to Tweet)

It hit me like a ton of bricks when I read it!

Now I manage a highly functional welding team as a team leader safety is my top priority. I don’t want to see anyone from my team one of these numbers.

So I forced my teammates to use personal protective equipment. And I personally choose welding hood for them.

In this article, I gonna share some best welding helmet review which will help you keep safe.

Let’s get started.

What is the best welding hood?

To be very honest, those welding helmets that have the most advanced technology and features are considered as the best one, usually. Research more and go for a trial if possible.

But here’s something really interesting.

A welding hood may have thousands of options, but if it does not fit you or make you feel comfortable, then it is useless. You will definitely try to buy another one.

How to choose a good welding helmet?

There are plenty of options available for welding hoods.
You will see that there is two or three sensor helmet, darkening lenses. It depends on your preferences of budget or on the intensity of work you are going to do.

The right helmet will help you achieve the best performance so do not be afraid to splurge.

Though it is quite irresistible to buy the least expensive one, let’s know what to look for in welding helmets first.

Best budget welding helmet & comparison table

No	Helmet	Rating	Price
5.	Winner: Lincoln 3350 Series (Best for TIG & MIG with Auto-Darkening)	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	Check price
1.	Antra Helmet	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	Check price
2.	Jackson Safety 46131	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	Check price
3.	Lincoln Electric VIKING	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	Check price
4.	Miller 281000 Digital Elite (Best for TIG)	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	Check price

Best welding helmet under $100

Yeah, I know finding a reliable helmet in this price is a daunting task. But rather than investing your valuable bucks on the fancy hood which is good for nothing, you can try any of this helmet which gives you maximum safety at a reasonable price.

• Solar Powered Helmet
• Antra Helmet AH6-260-0000
• Tanox Auto Darkening Solar Powered Helmet
• DekoproHelmet Solar Powered Hood

Check this out:

1. Solar Powered – Best Welding Helmet For The Beginner

Hi, newbie welders out there, Take a deep breath!

If you are one of those guys who are really love welding and eagerly wants to start as a beginner, buying a helmet is probably the very first move you are going to make.

However, for the beginner, I highly recommend Solar Powered Welding Helmet.

OK, I know what you’re thinking. Why it’s so unique, right?

Deep down you know it’s true.

My impression

I fall in love with this Decopro auto-darkening welding helmet for optimal eye protection. Likewise, Auto-darkening filter can switch from light to dark in just 1/25000 sec.

Sound impressive?

Though this amazing headgear is good for different working environments, I recommend it to construction, food & beverage manufacturing, automotive, metal production, and military maintenance.

2. Antra Helmet AH6-260-0000 – Best Auto Darkening Welding Helmet

Enjoy enhanced color recognition and visibility with Antra AH6-260-0000.

And you know what?

Yes, you heard that right. This gorgeous black MIG helmet comes with some awesome benefits at an affordable price.

Meanwhile, it is an economical face shield which gives a clear view.

My impression

Let’s find something out of the way first. With 4 Premium Sensors, it delivers Large Viewing Size 3. 86″X1. 73″. The thing I admire most is the Solar Cell with 2 replaceable batteries CR2032.

So let’s get down to business.

The passive UV/IR filter performs continuously, providing consistent performance. Meanwhile, it is sensitivity control and adjustable delay time.

Back to what I was saying, this lightweight helmet is so versatile. Meanwhile, it can be used on cutting, grinding, and welding applications.

3. Tanox Auto Darkening Solar Powered Welding Helmet – A Reliable Protective Headgear

When it comes to dangerous and heavy jobs such as welding, protective headgear is mandatory.

Why?

Well, safety comes first.

If you are so concern about technical standards along with safety for easy to complex welding jobs, then try this gorgeous dark gray headgear. It’s a rare combination of superb performance with optimal eye protection.

Let’s dig a little deeper.

My impression

First of all, let’s talk about its specification. With the 1.73″ viewing area, this helmet comes with optical glass score of 1/1/1/2. Apart from this, this black beauty is 8 by 9 by 12 inch.

Want to know the best part?

You will get a Special bonus!

Its weighs just 1 pound and comes with a pair of welding gloves with manual instruction, extra set of Lens Cover. This protective gear set is not just great for welders and construction; you can also use it in fabrication and metal production, repair and operation, and heavy infrastructure.

4. Dekopro Solar Powered Auto Darkening Hood – Best Pocket-Friendly Cool Welding Helmet

Get the Dekopro Flaming Skull Welding Helmet!

Why the Dekopro Auto Darkening Hood?

Well, it is a super-fast, versatile hood with ultimate eye protection. And the best part is you will get this stunning-looking hood under 50$.

I couldn’t believe my eyes when I read all these Wow features at this affordable price. Want to know more about this hot safety gear?

Let’s dig a little deeper.

My impression

The comfortable, lightweight, welding mask has a rounded perimeter. That means you can wear it comfortably.

As if that’s not enough, you should know it has multiple combination and adjustment. So it can be tailored to suit in a comfortable setting. In a nutshell, it is a well-adjusted personal fit protective headgear.

Still not convinced?

This hood meets the safety standard of ANSI Z87.1 and EN379. Meanwhile, this Solar-powered welding helmet comes with auto-darkening filter switching which turns from light to dark in just .00004 seconds. So now you realize you’re getting the best.

Best Welding Helmet under $150

Picking out your great welding headgear is a lot of hard work. Obviously, you want to make sure the price blowing your budget range, but you are also looking for a quality hood that will protect you.

Does this sound like you?

Keep reading, and you’ll find out some finest helmet under 150$.

• Jackson Safety Helmet
• Weldcote Metals Digital Auto-Darkening Hood
• Miller Electric Helmet

1. Jackson Safety Helmet – A True Safety Protective Face Shield

Jackson gives you the protective gear you are looking for!

Comfort and Safety are the top priorities of Jackson Safety branded protective equipment. Surprisingly enough, it comes at a modest price.

Want to see what it offers right now?

So let’s get to it.

My impression

Before anything else, the thing I would love to talk about its top quality.

Smart filters support welders to adapt to various working environments. It gives them the capability to control the shade of the lens and as well as offering adjustments for sensitivity to ambient lighting sources.

Wait, there is much more.

This amazing safety gear has a wide viewing area which allows you to see to get the job done right. That’s why it is ideal for both serious hobbyists and industrial businesses.

2. Weldcote Metals Digital – Best Passive Welding Helmet

Give your team just what they need to perform their job efficiently and safely.

YES, Weldcote Metals Weldi is a safety gear that ensures utmost safety. As I also belong to the welding industry and working with an enthusiastic team, I know safety is our top requirement. And I fully rely on this Weldcote Metals helmet for my team.

What makes this so special?

Well, then let’s take a closer look.

My impression

The Weldcote Metals Ultraview PLUS delivers a 39% larger viewing area with a super easy to read the digital display to fit the job.

Besides, the Grinding/cutting shade will let you set up from shade 5-9, literally for all types of welding and non-welding applications. Meanwhile, the ultra view welding helmet is powered by a solar-charged battery (CR2450) to provide maximum battery life.

3. Miller Electric Welding Helmet – Finest Welding Face Shield

When you’re ready to weld, all you need the right tools to get the job done effectively, right?

With a large variety of trusted item – from welding helmets to PAPR– the Miller electric have you covered for all your welding needs.

My impression

First, let me say again that I love this helmet. It’s a super convenient helmet. When using it for welding, it saved me the hassle. So for convenience and utmost safety, I absolutely love it.

In the other reviews, I saw people shared it’s too heavy. Yeah, 2.8 pound is a decent weight.

Can I be totally honest with you?

I think it’s too heavier when there is a center of gravity on it. After a couple of use, I think it won’t bother you.

Best Welding Helmet Under $200

If budget isn’t a big deal for you and you search for absolute performance, then best welding helmet for money reviews are exactly what you are looking for.

Yeah, I know 200$ isn’t a matter of joke.

As you are so worried about protection, it’s pretty obvious you want to make sure you don’t have to compromise about quality. Here is some good welding helmet which gives superior performance.

Have a look:

• Lincoln Viking 1840 review
• Jackson Auto-Darkening Helmet
• Hobart 770753 Pro Variable Auto-Dark Helmet

1. Lincoln Viking 1840 review- A Awesome Black Welding Helmet

The top welding helmet reviews won’t be fulfilled without mentioning the name of VIKING 1840. Lincoln electric, of course, considered as one of the finest personal protective equipment on the market right now.

So let’s take a closer look.

My impression

The VIKING 1840, the finest economical auto-darkening protective gear in its class, offers the best optical clarity of this time. Meanwhile, External control allows fast and easy shade changes.

Honestly speaking, I had to try out this Lincoln Viking 1840 helmet after my best friends wouldn’t stop talking on about it.

Apart from a couple of annoyances, the Lincoln Viking has exceeded my expectations.

What makes this so special?

 Not only does its 4C Technology  provide better clarity and visibility, but it also minimizes the weight of the helmet. The 1840 Series ensures an improved headgear for optimal fit and greater comfort.

2. Jackson Auto-Darkening Welding Hood – Top Rated Welding Mask

Let’s kick off with the most beloved auto-darkening welding hood.

In fact, the Jackson Safety Insight Variable comes with beautiful angel color. Thus, the auto-darkening filter enables welders to adapt to different working environments.

My impression

With one of the widest viewing windows, you will find on any welding is a joy.

This safety gear doesn’t fall when lifting it. Does it make any sense? That means it will save an awful hassle and discomfort daily.

Just think about it.

You can count on the utmost safety for the solutions needed to shield your employees. Unlike other Jackson helmet, this welding mask offers delay adjustment and sensitivity. Being easy-to-use digital controls, you can work comfortably.

Do you know what impresses me the most?

3. Hobart 770753 Pro Variable Auto-Dark Helmet – Good Welding Helmet For Eye Protection

Weild efficiently with precision!

Yes, you heard that right.

The PRO Series helmet line is designed with the Hobart’s latest LCD lens technology to ensure best-in-class eye protection.

Now let’s get to it:

My impression

What a difference this mask makes!

Evaluating all the features and benefits, I have to admit that it is one of the finest headgears I had ever experienced. In a word, worths every penny.

What’s Included in the Box?

• A Helmet
• Ultra-comfortable multi-adjustable headgear
• Protective lenses
• Owners manual

Now let’s talk about its other wow features.

Expanded shade settings blended with an ultra-fast 1/30000 second switching speed ensure superb flexibility for all Stick, MIG, or even low-amperage TIG applications.

Best Welding Helmet For Tig

If you are a professional welder, you already know that there different types of welding methods. TIG welding or Gas Tungsten Arc Gas Welding is one of the most common ones among them.

Let’s dig a little deeper to see some best helmet for TIG welding.

• 3M Speedglas Helmet
• Jackson Safety BH3 Auto Darkening Helmet
• Miller 281000 Digital Elite Black Helmet

1. 3M Speedglas – Most Versatile Welding Helmet

One Helmet Works for 3 Types of Welding!

Purchased this safety gear and I can’t tell you what pure pleasure it is to use. Has a wide variety of pro performance features for any job.

And you know what?

Reacts fast After Striking an Arc!

My impression

First and foremost, let’s see its overall appearance.

3M Speedglas helmet 9100 with 9100XX auto-darkening filter, 8-13, sensitivity adjustment and dark shades 5 allows use with all MIG and Stick. As it has torch cutting and grinding modes, it is ideal for TIG processes.

Sounds good?

Besides, all-new upgrade headgear makes this helmet extremely comfortable and versatile.

2. Jackson Safety BH3 Auto Darkening Welding Helmet – A Ultra Comfortable Headgear

Style, Value and Performance!

Jackson is the brand that stands for something more.

This time, 2.75-pound black beauty BH3 comes with variable shade range which helps shield and protects your eyes from harmful radiant energy during welding.

My impression

The very first thing blow my mind when I saw this protective mask is it passed ANSI or ISEA Z87.1+2010 standard for impressive mass impact protection and DIN Plus requirements for welding production quality.

The result?

Ensures a great view at work even it is foggy. Besides this, it features some tremendous features like optical clarity, the variation of luminous transmittance, diffusion of light and angular dependence so that you can see clearly at different angles.

3. Miller 281000 Digital Elite Black Welding Hood – Top Rated Miller Welding Helmet for TIG

Clearest lens and impressive view money can buy!

And guess what?

It comes with four operating modes.

My impression

This helmet has a satisfactory five amps TIG rating for supreme flame resistance. That means you can use delay controls and excellent sensitivity for your most precise welding jobs.

Beyond that professional welders love this hood for starter welding/ arcs. It also offers additional adjustable settings for your ultimate comfort.

When I give it to my team, I gave an extra adjustable headband for using to get the most secure and comfortable fit.

Best Welding Helmet For Mig

But before we go into the product, let’s know what MIG welding is. Well, it is an arc welding process where a random solid wire electrode which is fed through the welding gun, join the base material together.

Does it make any sense to you?

That indicates you need a particular helmet for MIG welding. Let’s see some top-rated safety musk for MIG welding.

• Lincon electronic Black 3350 series wielding Helmet
• Esab A50 Auto-darkening helmet reviews
• Tanox Auto Darkening Solar Powered Helmet

1. Lincon electronic Black 3350 series wielding Helmet- The Ultimate Choice For MIG

Congrats, you had just found the best budget welding helmet for MIG on the web!

Yes, this solar-powered beast is a true performer when it comes to welding protection. Improved visibility means maximum comfort for serious welder like you.

My impression

This awesome lightweight helmet amazed me for its real color view. The longer you can view clearly, the more you can weld. That means higher productivity.

But wait there is more for you.

The ADF’s circuitry offers more performance and work from the battery. That means you can keep welding for longer, maximize your productivity.

2. Esab Welding Helmet Reviews A50 – Auto Darkening – A Revolutionary Shell Design Helmet

Every pro welder knows that for welding projects that require being precise and clarity is vital. Esab is well known for its premium product and high quality.

Let’s dig a little deeper.

My impression

First, let’s talk about its design. Made by high impact resistance nylon, it has revolutionary shell design.

Back to what I was saying.

It’s an awesome welding helmet built to last, which makes it perfect for those serious DIY enthusiasts or professional use. With a superior clarity that works perfectly for tour TIG welding. Therefore, it suits for a variety of jobs.

3. Tanox Auto Darkening Solar Powered Welding Helmet – Best for Arc Welding

Weld with protection and ease!

No matter whether you are a DIY enthusiastic or professional, this gray, dark helmet won’t disappoint you.

In ADDITION to that, it meets the ANSI Z87.1 and EN379 Technical Standard.

My impression

Before we go any further let’s talk about its specification. The Cartridge is 4.33″x3.54″x0.354″. Powered by Lithium Battery and Solar Cells, it comes with 4 arc sensor.

Do you know what impressed me the most?It has extra External & Internal Lens covers inside. That means you will get extra comfort. Besides, this Tanox musk comes with one pair of 16” double-layered leather gloves.

Best Welding Helmet: A Buying Guide from the User Perspective

As you are investing, you should also check for durable helmets. These are the things that make a good welding hood.

Check this out:

What to look for in the best welding helmet?

1. Safety first!

A helmet with shade option will provide better protection from flashes.  Without this, you may lose eyesight due to a sudden accident.  It should also have a high velocity to protect you better.

2. Choose lightweight helmets!

While choosing a helmet make sure you do not buy a heavyweight helmet. Or you may strain your neck or cause you fatigue after a long time of work. You may think a little bit of weight does not hurt at all. But when you are welding for a long time, you will have an issue.

3. Comfort!

It’s better to check beforehand whether the helmet makes you feel comfortable or not. The comfortable helmet can amazingly increase your performance.

4. Auto-darkening feature!

The auto-darkening feature comes in handy while working, so keep that in mind too. It is especially good for industrial welders who continuously work. (Click to Tweet...)

Where can I buy a welding helmet?

Not all brands are the same and neither will they provide you the same benefits.

Let’s see some best welding hood brand on the market right now.

1. Miller welding helmet:

Miller helmets are hands down the best in the market, and It is considered as the best welding helmet brand in the market right now. Their designs are quite sleek, and it has all the safety features that you might need.

Cat edition of the Miller helmets has an auto-darkening feature with four sensors to detect brightness.

You do not need to turn the helmet on and off or remove it to see your work. 

2. Lincoln welding headgear:

Lincoln welding helmet is known for their comfortable fit with the padded spot is given here unlike cheap plastic ones.

The helmet is lightweight compared to others as well, and they always catch attention. The 4c lens technology is included too.

3. Jackson welding helmet:

Jackson cool welding helmets have over the top review on Amazon. Also, they are very highly praised for the optic clarity of their helmets.

Like The Jackson Safety, TrueSight II is one of the best from their product line as It has a large viewing area of 3.25 with auto-darkening and has a digital keypad, so you do not need to take the gloves off as well.

4. Antra welding hood:

Antra helmets are known for their lightweight helmets. It won’t make you tired at all.

Also, if you are a professional welder, it has the customized LCD memory to keep the last setting. So you do not have to worry about the settings every time you start working.

5. Rhino welding helmet:

Rhino large view welding headgear is something that you will pay for only once and forget about others. The view area s massive, and the size is twice bigger than any other brands.

6. Vulcan helmets:

Vulcan helmets come with a special grind feature and it will turn itself into a ground shield without flickering.

You can adjust high to low sensitivity according to your work. You will not get head strain when working long hours as they are quite lightweight.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Question: What is the best MIG welding helmets?

Answer: Usually, the ones that have a large view and protects you from UV ray and radiation and acts as an exhaust vent to reduce heat inside.

2. Question: What is the best welding helmet for the money?

Answer: TGR panoramic 180 views is considered as the best affordable helmet. With four independent ARC sensor and largest view area, it provides a lot more than its price. It also has sensitivity control, and delays control feature.

3. Question: What is the lightest welding helmet?

Answer:  Miller electric digital elite is the lightest welding helmets available in the market.  It is only 1.13 lbs so you won’t feel any strain at all.

4. Question: What is the best miller welding helmet?

Answer: Auto Darkening Welding Helmet, Black, Digital Elite, 8 to 13 Lens Shade is the highest rated in miller welding helmets in Amazon. 

5. Question: What welding helmet has the largest viewing area?

Answer: Welding helmets that are given below have the largest view area for the most ease in work.

1.     Lincoln Electric VIKING 3350 Code Red

2.     Solar Powered Helmet by DEKOPRO

3.      TGR Panoramic 180 View

6. Question: What is the best auto-darkening welding hood?

Answer: Black digital elite is top-rated auto-darkening hood.

Wrapping up

A welding helmet can protect your face, eye, and neck from ultraviolet light, flash burn and heat. So surely it worths investing money.

I discussed some best budget welding helmet including Auto Darkening, Mig & Tig Helmet. Hopefully, you will find the right one.

So gear up and enjoy welding without any fear.