Welding Helmet Tips, Tricks and Features to Look For

There are so many choices of welding helmets out there today: Lincoln, Jackson, Miller, SpeedGlas, Arc-one, Optrel and a host of other brands of auto-darkening and passive lens helmets are only a click away online.

Features to look for in an auto darkening welding helmet:

• Response time — the faster the better, just look at the most expensive helmets like the Miller Digital Elite, or SpeedGlas high-end models and use that as a benchmark.
• Sensitivity setting — any good auto-darkening helmet should have this setting to accommodate for low amperage welding and welding outdoors in sunlight.
• Delay — delay is not needed 100% of the time but setting a delay time of one second will help prevent getting flashed if something is blocking the light from a sensor.
• Number of sensors — in theory, the more the better, however, I have helmets with 2 sensors that seem to pick up light better than ones with 4.
• Cost and availability of replacement clear lenses — since using a clean clear lens is probably the best way to always see the puddle, cost of clear lenses is important.
• Optical clarity — all auto dark helmets are not equal in clarity. Get the best-rated helmet you can afford.
• Weight — at the end of a long day of welding, the weight and balance of a welding helmet can make a big difference in your fatigue level.
• Will a respirator fit under it? — I wear a respirator now more than ever. Having a helmet that accommodates a respirator will make it easier for you to put that respirator on when it’s called for.

In this video, Jody Collier talks about many different welding helmets, some unusual welding helmets, and some good Auto-Darkening Welding Helmets. Watch…

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