10 Best Welding Helmet Auto Darkening in 2023 With Buying Guide

Are you looking for the Best Welding Helmet Auto Darkening? Stay put if yes. Necessity, they say, is the mother of invention. This statement rings true when we take a look at most of the technological advancements around us in the world today. It holds especially true when it comes to products of safety and convenience such as welding helmet.

An auto darkening welding helmet is a type of welding helmet that automatically changes from a light view to a darker view when it is exposed to a certain intensity of light or greater. This change is triggered by sensors that have been set to vary specifications to make the switch. Also, there are other filters that protect the user from the radiation of infrared and ultraviolet lights always.

The auto-darkening feature that comes with this type of helmet makes it arguably a step-up over the other type of welding helmet; the passive helmet. That one comes with a fixed, preset lens shade, usually 10. However, with the auto darkening helmet, you can set the shade to whatever levels you desire.

Furthermore, there is an allowance for two shade settings. One to go with the lights blazing and the other for without. This is to enable the user to see clearly while putting on the helmet, even when there is no arc being struck; as opposed to the passive helmet which you have to take down every time to inspect your work because you cannot see through it if you aren’t welding.

10 Best Welding Helmets Auto Darkening in 2023

1. Lincoln Electric K3034-4 VIKING 3350 Auto Darkening Welding Helmet

We’re starting off with the Lincoln Electric K3034-4 VIKING of the 3350 series. This helmet is in the fourth generation of the series. Like other models in its generation, it comes with a unique X6 headgear that creates 6 contact points while being worn to evenly spread out its weight, remove pressure on the user and give optimum comfort no matter the shape or size of the head of the user.

This helmet also carries the unique 4C lens technology from Lincoln that establishes a true colour view of the arc during welding to improve the control the welder has while welding.

The optical clarity rating of 1/1/1/1 shows that blurriness, distortion and other irregularities associated with lenses are nonexistent with this product. Lastly, it is worthy of note that the viewing area is quite large with 12.5 square inches to see through.

Product specifications

• Has a 4C lens technology.
• Comes fitted with an X6 headgear for additional comfort.
• Powered by lithium ion batteries.
• 12.5 square inch auto-darkening lens.
• Comes with artistic stickers in the box.
• It has a grind mode for outdoor jobs.

Pros

• The X6 headgear provides for very comfortable usage.
• Large viewing area thanks to a whopping 12.5 square inch lens.
• Has a 3-year warranty.
• Long lasting batteries.
• The batteries are easily replaceable.
• Gives you a room to add a bit of artistic flair to your gear.
• Grind mode enables you to work in a lighted environment without triggering the auto-darkening mode.

Cons

• It is expensive.
• Weighing about 3 pounds, it is heavy in comparison to other helmets.
• There is no solar power option.

Read Also: 10 Best Mig Welders Trending Now (Buying Guide Included)

2. YESWELDER Panoramic 180 View Auto Darkening Welding Helmet

The next helmet on our list is the YESWELDER Panoramic 180 View Helmet. Having been upgraded to the latest true colour technology, it posts an optical clarity rating of 1/1/1/1 which greatly enhances overall vision while welding.

The 180 in the name stands for the 180 degrees view it gives the user, having such a wide range of vision gives better control during operation.

The 3 LCD Screens (both sides and central) work independently and synchronously. It is great for a range of welding jobs and can stand the test of time.

Product specifications

• Comes with 4 arc sensors.
• It is powered by lithium ion batteries as well as solar energy.
• Adjustable shade levels of 4/5 on passive mode and 9-13 on dark mode.
• Cheater lens that help magnify your view.
• Adjustable headgear to increase comfort.

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Pros

• It has a dual power source.
• The batteries are easily replaceable.
• Large viewing area.
• Has spare battery and lens.
• Has a bag you can store it in.
• Long lasting battery.
• Different colours to choose from.
• It is lightweight.

Cons

• It is expensive.
• The headgear may be tedious to properly set up.

3. Tekware Ultra Large Viewing Auto Darkening Welding Helmet

Dubbed as the perfect protective gear for TIG and MIG welding by its makers, the Tekware Ultra Large Helmet is unique for the true colour technology that gives it a clarity rating of 1/1/1/2.

It is extra shiny in appearance and stands out as a fashion statement. However, it is more than just a fashionable tool. With its 4 premium arc sensors, 4C hemispherical lens, the reaction time of 1/10000 sec and double liquid crystal panel it is one of the most efficient auto-darkening helmets out there.

The adjustment control panel for light sensitivity and lens shade levels is also fitted externally which makes it easier to adjust without having to remove it. It can be used for various types of welding jobs due to its durability and its grind mode makes it suitable for outdoor use under the sun.

Product specifications

• It has hemispherical 4C lens.
• It is fitted with 4 arc sensors.
• It comes with Double Liquid crystal. panels & External adjustment control panel.
• It has both battery and solar power sources.
• It has a grind mode.
• Adjustable variable shade of 4~5/9-9/13.
• Adjustable headgear.
• Lens darkening reaction time of 1/10000 sec.
• It has variable sensitivity settings as well as delay controls.

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Pros

• It has a large viewing area.
• It can be independently powered by solar energy.
• The battery is easily replaceable.
• It comes with a storage bag.
• It has a spare outer shield and inner shield.
• It has a removable headband that is easy to wash (due to sweating) and put back in place.
• Comes in multiple colours, giving you a range of choices to pick from.

Cons

• It is relatively heavy.
• It is expensive.

Read Also: 10 Best Dual Voltage Welders Trending Now (Buying Guide Included)

4. PROWELD Panoramic 180° Large Viewing Screen Auto Darkening Flip Up Welding Helmet

Introducing its unique flip-up design, this PROWELD Panoramic 180° helmet stands out for giving the user the ability to lift the dark shield and perform non-welding activities without removing the helmet.

Another attraction to this product is its removable sweatband to allow the user to wash and put it back in place after use. The adjustable shade level of up to 15 cannot be overlooked as this feature gives the user further freedom of choice.

Product specifications

• It has a large viewing area.
• It has a unique hemispherical lens design.
• The auto switch between shades occurs in 1/25000 sec.
• It is powered by solar and battery sources.
• It is armed with 4 arc sensors.
• Clarity rating of 1/1/1/1 makes for perfect clarity boosted by its true colour technology.
• The flip-up design lends convenience to the welder as the dark screen can be lifted up do carry out other non-welding tasks.

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Pros

• The batteries are replaceable.
• It comes with a storage bag.
• It has extra inner, grind and side shield lenses.
• It has a removable sweatband.
• It has cheater lens that is good for magnifying purposes.

Cons

• It is expensive.
• It is relatively heavy.
• Replacement parts may be difficult to get.

5. Antra True Color Wide Shade Range 4/5-13 Auto Darkening Welding Helmet

This helmet is a beauty to behold and what’s more, it’s suitable for a number of purposes. It comes in various colours and external artistic designs.

It is very lightweight and therefore reduces pressure while welding. It has been engineered for TIG MIG/MAG MMA usage. It comes with a lot of spare parts for easy replacement and is powered equally by batteries and solar energy.

The lithium batteries are very dependable and the solar panel works perfectly on its own.

Product specifications

• Adjustable lower and higher shade levels.
• Comes with a grind function that allows. outdoor work without the auto-darkening being triggered by the sun.
• Fitted with 4 arc sensors, exterior shade settings and grind switch.
• Passive Filter of 4/5 with dark shade setting allowance of 9-13.
• Dual power sources (battery and solar).

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Pros

• Quite affordable and very good value for money.
• Comes with spare batteries, inner and outer lens covers.
• Can be powered by solar energy alone when working outdoors under the sun.
• Very lightweight.

Cons

• May become unreliable after a while i.e. short lifespan.
• Not advisable for overhead welding usage. Body made wholly with plastic, can be penetrated if it comes in contact with hot melted metal.
• Smaller view panel.

6. Lincoln Electric-K4134-1 Welding Helmet

When it comes to unique, artistic designs, Lincoln doesn’t fail to impress and they’ve do so with their Lincoln Electric K4134-1 helmet.

Beyond just the catchy appearance of this helmet, this lightweight and affordable product has stolen the hearts of many with its unbeatable reaction time, safety and comfort measures that are very user friendly.

Product specifications

• It has a switching speed of 1/25000 sec.
• It can be powered by solar energy and battery (AAA Alkaline).
• It has 2 arc sensors.
• It has adjustable lens shade of 4/5 in passive mode and 9-13 in dark mode.
• The viewing area is 4-1/2 Inches x 5-1/4 Inches.
• It has a grind mode for outdoor jobs.

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Pros

• It is very affordable.
• The design is very stylish.
• The safety measures are very convenient and reliable.
• It is a very lightweight product.
• Increased battery life.
• It has extra front lens.
• The battery is replaceable.

Cons

• Small viewing area.
• Only one design.
• The shelf life of battery isn’t very long.

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7. Hobart 770890 Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet

Hobart usually use polyamide nylon as a durable outer layer for their helmets and the Hobart 770890 helmet is no exception to this practice.

This product is part of the Inventor Series Helmet from Hobart and it has 4 independent arc sensors that detect arc activity. This lightweight helmet comes with a headband that makes the headgear such a great addition to the package.

Product specifications

• Fitted with 4 independent arc sensors that provide dependable arc detection.
• It has a grind mode.
• The batteries are made up of Lithium ion cells.
• It has a viewing area of 9.3 square-inch.
• It is fitted with polyamide nylon.

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Pros

• It is extremely lightweight.
• The headband feature is super comfortable.
• It has a long battery life.

Cons

• There is no option of solar power.
• It is a bit expensive.
• Replacement battery may be difficult to purchase.

8. YESWELDER True Color Solar Powered Auto Darkening Welding Helmet

YESWELDER made a big hit with their True Colour Solar Powered LYG-L500 Helmet Series. The true colour technology employed here gives it such a high clarity rating of 1/1/1/2.

The cheater lens it comes with magnifies objects when looked at with the helmet, thereby giving the welder more control of the job without having to take off the helmet for closer inspection.

It also comes with its own pivotal styled headgear that promises to give you all the necessary comfort you need when welding.

Product specifications

• The viewing size is 3.64″ x 1.67″.
• It comes with 2 Arc Sensors.
• With the true color view, it has an optical clarity rating of 1/1/1/2.
• It comes with Cheater Lens (Magnifying Lens).
• It is solar and battery powered.
• It has a response time of 1/10000 sec.
• It is fitted with pivotal style headgear.
• It comes with adjustable shade levels of 4/9-13.

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Pros

• Extremely cheap and good value for money.
• The cheater lens magnifies objects you look at through it.
• It is a lightweight product.
• The lithium-ion battery provides for a long battery life.

Cons

• The viewing space isn’t quite large.
• It doesn’t have the grind function.
• The battery is non-replaceable.
• As a native English speaker, the manual may be difficult to understand.

9. Hobart 770869 Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet

Next on the list is the Hobart 770869 Helmet. As it is with modern Hobart helmets, it is coated with polyamide nylon for durability.

It is made with 3 arc sensors and also has a grind function that Hobart fans will like. Its lightweight and comfort features make it suitable to use for long stretches.

Product specifications

• It has a 7.1 square-inch viewing area.
• It has 3 arc sensors.
• It has a grind mode.

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Pros

• It is quite affordable.
• It is extremely lightweight.
• Headgear is easy to manoeuvre.

Cons

• No solar power option.
• Replacement batteries aren’t easily accessible.

Read Also: 10 Best Pencil Soldering Irons Trending Now (Buying Guide Included)

10. YESWELDER LYG-M800H Auto Darkening Welding Helmet

Finally, on this list is the YESWELDER LYG-M800H of the LYG-M800 Helmet Series. As with most modern generations of YESWELDER helmets, it has a diversified usage and has the true colour technology installed.

The 4 arc sensors, grind mode amongst other features makes it a choice product to acquire.

Product specifications

• It comes with 4 arc sensors.
• It has the grinding feature.
• It is powered by both solar and battery power.
• The true colour view enhances the visibility, giving it a clarity rating of 1/1/1/2.
• Comfort cushion and other features improves the comfortability of the headgear.
• It has a viewing size of 3.94″ x 3.66″.
• The average battery life is 3000 hours.

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Pros

• It is affordable.
• It is a lightweight product.
• It has a large viewing screen.
• It has extra replaceable front lenses as well as an extra battery.
• The battery is replaceable.
• It has a strong battery life.
• It has a custom-made carry/ storage bag.

Cons

• The headgear may not last long.

Why you should buy a welding helmet

• Eye protection

Primarily, protecting the eyes from all sorts of potentially harmful occurrences during welding is the backbone of the invention of welding helmets. Heat, infrared and ultraviolet rays, flash burn and sparks are all potential causes of harm to the eyes and indeed other parts of the body.

Arc eye is a workplace hazard suffered commonly amongst welders. It is a condition whereby the sufferer feels a painful burn around the cornea due to sustained exposure to ultraviolet light released in the process of welding. While this is a condition on its own, it can sometimes lead to cancer of the eye, and in some cases, blindness.

Retina burns are another condition triggered by exposure to welding arc and can degenerate to total or partial loss of vision in the affected eye(s).

Read Also: 10 Best Soldering Mats Trending Now (Buying Guide Included)

• Skin protection

The skin of a welder is also vulnerable to ultraviolet emissions from a welding arc. This can lead to a burning sensation on the skin that’s very similar to sunburn but a bit more severe, closer to feeling like a first-degree burn. Also, exposure to such ultraviolet emissions can lead to other long term hazards for the skin, even a condition as serious as skin cancer can be triggered by such emissions.

Factors to consider when buying an auto darkening welding helmet

• Fixed or Variable Shade?

Just like in passive helmets, some auto darkening helmets come with only one fixed darkened shade, normally 10. This means that helmets in this category offer the same level of protection to the user against all levels of light from the welding arc.

If you always work with the same material, following the same process, you can opt for the fixed shade. So, whenever the sensors are triggered, the auto-darkening is moved to the same level of darkness and protection for your eyes.

In the case where you have different materials of different thicknesses to work with, using different processes, it is advisable you opt for a variable shade helmet. Variable shade lenses are usually adjustable between 9 – 13 for the dark mode. It speaks convenient when you have different projects to work on right after each other that need different shade levels. The light mode can also be adjusted to suit your sight for when you’re not welding

Read Also: 10 Best Dual Voltage Stick Welder That Will Make Your Work Work Easier

• Power source

Solar or battery powered? This is the question you will have to answer for yourself here. Some helmets come fitted with non-replaceable lithium batteries. Others come with replaceable lithium or AAA batteries. Some are primarily powered by solar power assisted with backup batteries. Others are primarily powered with batteries and assisted by solar energy (or not).

However, you should take into consideration that lithium batteries last longer but more expensive while AAA batteries are easier to replace. Also, non-replaceable batteries have a lifespan of about 7 years; while helmets powered by replaceable batteries offer a potentially longer lifespan.

• Helmet weight

If you weld for long hours at a go, you may want to invest in a lighter weighing helmet. Although the differences in weight aren’t so distinct on face value, it’ll become noticeable the longer you carry that extra one or two pounds around your neck. Checking the balance of the helmet in an upright position and bent-forward (working) position is also important to determine how much strain and pressure the helmet puts on your neck.

The more pressure on the neck, the faster fatigue sets in. The face should be safely away from the outer layer of the helmet for added protection as well as for breathing and perspiring purposes.

• Reaction Speed and Delay Controls

There are some projects that require quick movements such as in tack welding. These kinds of projects require that the delay period in switching from one mode to another is greatly reduced. Hence, you have to look out for the reaction time setting and adjust it appropriately to your project at hand.

Delay controls help slow down the speed with which your helmet changes back to normal mode. This particular setting helps when you’re welding for a long time and don’t want to view the bright red metal immediately you’re done welding, it helps keep the dark mode a bit longer.

• View space

Some helmets have a wider view panel than others. Depending on your need, you can decide to go for a larger view panel. This factor doesn’t much affect the productivity of your work but some claim it gives further convenience. If you’re one of such people or wish to find out, look out for this detail.

• Sensors

Sensors are what notifies the helmet of the light from the welding arc. Typically, helmets with two sensors are good enough if you’re working in a spacious place with little discomforts. If you work in small spaces or tight angles, you may have to go for helmets with three or four sensors to ensure at least one picks up the activity.

• Light Sensitivity

Humans are as different and diverse as they come. Ordinarily, the standard preset light sensitivity levels should be okay but we have different tolerance levels to light and some may have lower tolerance to light than the preset levels. It is good then to ensure the helmet has adjustable settings for light sensitivity and know how to actually change the settings to suit your preferences.

Read Also: 10 Best Welding Pliers That Will Help To Make Your Work Very Easy

• Comfort features

Inner padding, straps and other comfort features should be taken into consideration when shopping for your helmet. You likely will be wearing them for long-hours stretches while working, so best be sure they are comfy enough for you before parting with your money.

• Other personalised specifications

Whoever said you can’t use your work tools and equipment to make a class or fashion statement? While all auto darkening helmets will give you the basic features required, why not go a step further and select a helmet for its colour or perhaps a printed message on it or some hippie design that speaks to you?

Get yourself a helmet you will actually like to wear ad enjoy working with, you mustn’t be forced to get the monotonous black if that’s not your style. Perhaps wearing a helmet that you actually like can increase your productivity.

Conclusion

Making decisions on which brand of product to buy can become a headache sometimes. We often find ourselves in an endless cycle of “should I; should I not?”, especially when it’s relatively new territory. That’s why we’ve put together this list for you in a detailed and simplified manner, to help you through such a tough selection process.

Can you believe it? You’ve just been armed with the best options there are when it comes to acquiring a new welding helmet; and on a platter. Now with your budget and preferences in mind, you can shop for your desired product without much hassle.

Thinking of sharing this informative piece? Well, don’t just stay there thinking, share! Someone who has been biting their nails in trying to choose a welding helmet to purchase will be thankful to you that you did.

Thanks for reading!