While you are busy doing welds on different materials like steel, stainless steel or aluminum or perhaps cutting them, your body, especially eyes, are prone to face severe damage due to the radiation (UV, IR) coming out of the material you are welding.
Not just that, during welding, debris could split and hit your face and you won’t even have the chance to save yourself. That’s why buying a good welding helmet is required because not only will it keep your eyes safe but your face as well.
But don’t just buy a standard welding helmet, our experts recommend that you should be using the best auto darkening welding helmet. The good news is that auto-darkening welding helmets are cheaper and they will also help you cover your neck which you provide you with improved security while you are busy doing what you love – weld.
The radiation coming out of the burning material is highly dangerous and lead to arc eye or the worst-case scenario could even be loss of vision or it could burn your retina. But that’s just the half the story, not only your eyes but your face could face injuries while doing welds if you’re not wearing a good auto-darkening welding helmet or just a standard welding helmet.
No matter what type of welding you are involved in – TIG, MIG, Arc, Stick (MMA), Plasma or several others, the auto-dark helmets are considered to be the best welding helmets in today’s generation. But why have we been insisting you buy an auto-darkening welding helmet? What’s so special about it? Let’s see what these helmets are and how you will be getting an upper hand over other helmets on the market today.
Contents
Why Auto Darkening Welding Helmets?
First things first – why even consider having an auto-darkening welding helmet? In simple language, the auto-darkening wending helmets detect the light (bright welding arc) and darken the lenses automatically in order to keep your eyes protected from those nasty radiations.
Technically speaking, it is all based on the sensors, the more sensors your welding helmet has, the superior quality it will deliver. In other words, when you start doing your work, you don’t have to adjust filter because the LCD electronic shutter robotically does that for you.
The first auto-darkening helmet was introduced by a Swedish company called “Hornell International” in 1981 which changed the whole game as welders no longer had to adjust the filters again and again.
Now, there are hundreds of company you will stumble across today promising you to deliver the best-in-the-industry welding helmets, but you cannot take their word for granted unless you read what people who have already used their products are saying about them.
Best Auto Darkening Welding Helmet
That’s why we generated this review guide so that we could provide you a detailed overview of these advanced, space-age look welding helmets. We’ve used all of these helmets so that we could get to know the ins and outs of each helmet that has been reviewed here.
1. 3M Speedglas 9100 Welding Helmet, Auto-Darkening Helmet (Review)
(Our Rating)
(9.5 Out of 10 Ratings)
If you are on the lookout for the best auto-darkening welding helmet, this is the one you should lay your eyes on – 3M Speedglas for it features unmatched characteristics that will give you a next-level experience in your welds and cuts. It is super comfortable because it is a lightweight welding helmet as it only weighs 2.09 pounds which is quite easier to wear and handle the welding tasks like a pro. The viewing area offered by this helmet is 12.11 square inches which give you a larger view of what is going on right in front of your eyes.
It gives you a superfast reaction time of 1/10,000 of a second which keeps your eyes safe from all those radiations that is generated out of the material that you welt or cut during the process. If offers the user-selectable/variable lens shades i.e. 5, 8, 9, through 13 along with a light shade of 3. It doesn’t matter what type of task you are trying to handle (like TIG, MIG, or Stick, it will do the perfect job without any problem. During the process, once it detects the arc, it will only take .1 milliseconds to transition from light to dark which is considered as very fast at this price range. Let’s go over the ins and outs of this welding helmet to understand why it could be worth your shot for best auto darkening welding helmet.
- Brand Name: 3M Speedglas 9100
- Auto-darkening Filter (ADF) – works automatically
- Faster reaction time: approximately .1 millisecond
- Provides ultimate protection from ultraviolet and infrared rays radiation
- Equipped with optical quality for a precise view
- Ultimately comfortable due to ergonomic design
- Comes with side windows with dark shades (5 filters) that will increase the peripheral field of view
- Color: Black
- Weight: 2.09 Pounds
- Suitable for all weldings – TIG, MIG, Stick
- Dark Shades: 5, 8-13
- Viewing Area: 12.11 square inches
- Auto-darkening Speed: 1/10,000 of a second
- Head Size: 6.25 to 8 inches
- Comes with Large and Extra-large Lens
2. Antra AH6-260-0000, Auto Darkening Welding Helmet (Review)
(Our Rating)
(9.5 Out of 10 Ratings)
Do you need an inexpensive welding helmet so you could get the best out of your welding or cutting without having to break the bank? Or if you are looking for an auto-darkening welding helmet under $50, we suggest that you should buy this one as you can get it under 50 bucks, however, be mindful of the features and reviews left by the verified customers who have already used this helmet. It could be a perfect choice for DIY hobbyists or beginners. It is equipped with four (4) premium sensors.
Some people prefer using cheater or magnifying lenses on their helmets, but guess what! This helmet has you covered in that area as it is compatible with those lenses. The shades offered by this helmet is 4/5-9/9-13 which is quite imposing and good news is that it doesn’t matter what type of welding task you are performing, it will be a great performer in all of those. Featuring the ‘Grind’ mode, it is going to make your day and not to mention easy-to-use sensitivity and delay controls. When we used it, we found it to be very intriguing. You won’t have any problem viewing the object you are welding because it comes with a larger viewing area i.e. 3. 86″X1. 73″.
- Model No.: AH6-260-0000
- Features Auto-darkening Filter (ADF)
- Highly Lightweight
- Weight: 1 Pound
- Viewing Area: 3. 86″X1. 73″
- Highly suitable for TIG, MIG, MMA or Plasma applications
- Interference Suppression Technology
- Offers variable shades
- 4 Premium Sensors
- Solar-power + battery-powered helmet
- Fully Automatic
- Comes with a Battery Indicator
- Built-in Passive Filter
- Compatible with cheater lenses (4-1/4 x 2 x 5/32″)
- Quick Grinding Switch
3. Miller Digital Elite, Auto Darkening Welding Helmet, TIG, MIG, Stick, Grinding, Oxy Cutting (Review)
(Our Rating)
(9.8 Out of 10 Ratings)
Produced by the famous company i.e. Miller, this is ‘Digital Elite’ with the ability to transition the shutter automatically with the help of Auto-darkening Filter (ADF). A solar-powered helmet could be a good one, however, that’s not going to work if it is cloudy weather outside, which is why this is a good choice as it is a battery-powered welding helmet which means you effortlessly use it both inside and outside anytime you want. It is highly portable and easy to wear and comfortable as well because it only weighs 2.8 pounds. You will get to have a clearer view of the object you are operating on as the viewing area offered by this auto-darkening welding helmet is 9inchesx9inches.
At the time of buying this welding helmet or any helmet, you should also be careful when choosing the seller. Sellers with a good rating are likely to deliver the product quicker than others and undoubtedly their service is great. See specs below to figure out if this helmet really meets your expectations and if it is reasonably priced. Like other welders reviewed above among the best auto darkening welding helmet, this one houses a grinder/cut mode as well because you may not only need for welding purpose, you can also use it for grinding purposes for sure.
- Model: 2240089
- Auto-darkening Welding Helmet
- Lens Shades: 3, 5 to 8 / 8 to 13
- Weighs only 2.8 pounds
- Viewing Area: 9 inches x 9 inches
- Headgear: Ratchet
- Includes Lithium Batteries, 2 Inside and 5 Outside Covers and a Helmet Bag
- Suitable for TIG, MIG, Stick, Plasma, Torch and Grinding tasks
- 2 Lithium-ion Batters (Included)
- Lens Color: Green
- Sensors: Availability of sensors for quick auto-darkening
4. Miller Electric 282000, Auto-darkening Welding Helmet with ClearLight Lens Technology (Review)
(Our Rating)
(10 Out of 10 Ratings)
Miller produces very good welding helmets, especially that not inexpensive and anyone can buy them without having to pay extra for the same. Odds are you could get the discount offered by Amazon on this purchase. This helmet has been designed in a way that will cover your neck as well (not just eyes and face). It has been equipped with the ClearLight Lens technology that will allow you to see true and natural colors and more visibility during welding, cutting, or grinding (as it supports all features). Because you will get an ultimate, highly comfortable headgear, you will have improved adjustability and better fitting when you wear it. It also has digital controls which work as additional advantage of using this auto-dark helmet. It also complies with ANSI and CSA standards for value-added safety and security.
It runs on a solar panel and cr2450 batteries have been installed for the recharging process. Even those people who have been welding for over 30 years liked this welder so much. If you have a 15-year old son, you can give him this gift if he is about to begin the welding classes or into DIY projects which are a good thing. This is going to be a great helmet to your welding arsenal. There are 3 modes that you will notice on this helmet – Grind, Weld, and Cut. The shades for each process is different (see them below).
- Brand: Miller Electric
- Model: 282000
- Auto-darkening Feature (Auto Turn Off/On)
- Features ClearLight Lens technology for precise welds and natural color tones
- Independent Arc Sensors
- Comfortable Headgears
- Comes with Digital Controls
- Complies with ANSI Z87.1+ and CSA standards
- Optical Clarity: 1/1/1/2
- Sensors: 3 Arc Sensors
- Houses three modes: Weld (Shades 8-13), Grind (Shade 3), and Cut (Shades 5-8)
- Backed by a 3-Year Warranty
- What’s included: Helmet Bag, 5 Outside lens, 2 Inside Lens,
- Weighs 2.9 pounds
- Color: Black
- Battery Type: Lithium-Ion
5. Lincoln 3350 Welding Helmet, Auto-darkening Filter (ADF) (Review)
(Our Rating)
(9.8 Out of 10 Ratings)
This is an advanced version from Lincoln to meet your expectations in the first place. Listed as ‘Amazon’s Choice’, this helmet will never let you down as it is an auto-darkening welding helmet which means you won’t ever need to turn on and off again and again as this will be handled by this helmet automatically. The complete weight of this helmet is 3.2 pounds which is pretty much lightweight to carry anywhere and wear on the head as well. It is a solar-powered welding helmet and the viewing area is 3.74″ x 3.34″.
It offers a high speed of switching i.e. 1/25, 000 second and the TIG Amp rating is 2A. Not just that, it also supports grinding mode which you don’t have to purchase another helmet to make use of ‘Grind’ mode. It has been designed with your comfort in mind. A person who has been welding for over 30 years has been completely satisfied with it. People who have been the huge fan of fixed-shade gold filters found this auto-darkening helmet satisfactory.
- Brand: Lincoln
- Model: 3350
- Auto-darkening Welding Helmet
- Weighs only 3.2 pounds
- Comes with 4C (TM) Lens Technology
- Larger Screen View
- Features Optical Clarity
- Value for Money
- Highly Stable
- Extremely Comfortable
- TIG Amp Rating: 2A
- Grind Mode: Yes
- Viewing Area: 3.74 In. x 3.34 In.
- Lens Shades: 5 to 13
- Battery Type: Solar Cells
- Timer for auto-off
6. Esab Sentinel A50 Welding Helmet, Auto-darkening Filter (ADF) (Reviews)
(Our Rating)
(9.9 Out of 10 Ratings)
Esab is one of those companies that provide customers great products and this Sentinel A50 Welding Helmet is one of the best auto-darkening welding helmets. It comes with a revolutionary shell design that matches with the helmets that have been used in the video game, Halo. There are different shades that range from 5 to 13 and offers a perfect TIG amperage rating of fewer than 2 amps. Switching between welding and grinding modes will be a child’s play if you consider buying this helmet.
This helmet allows you to replace the front cover lens within only 10 seconds and you won’t ever need to take off the helmet. This helmet has a space-age look which is why it is also considered by the designers and those who have been doing DIY project lately. There is no difficulty in carrying this auto-dark welding helmet from one place to another or wear it because it only weighs 1.4 pounds.
- Brand: Esab
- Model No.: Sentinel A50
- Auto-darkening Helmet (offers ADF)
- Optical Clarity: 1/1/1/2
- Comes with a color touch screen control panel
- Comes with a 2-year warranty
- 3 outside amber cover lens (installed)
- 1 doo-rag
- Runs on CR2450 batteries
- Viewing Area: 3.93 x 2.36 inches (100×60 mm)
- Total Sensors: 4
- Lens Shade: DIN 5-8/9-13
- Reaction Time (Switching Speed): 1/25,000 second from light to dark
- Fits Head Perfectly
7. Jackson Safety 46129, Safety Insight, Auto-darkening Welding Helmet (Review)
(Our Rating)
(9.9 Out of 10 Ratings)
Amazon’s first priority is the customer’s satisfaction and that’s why this item has been highly-rated and will be shipped in next to no time if you choose this welding. This auto-dark welding helmet comes with the variable shades i.e. 9 to 13 and the viewing area is just astounding i.e. 3.93 inches x 2.36 inches. This auto-darkening hood (Best Welding mask) is completely compliant with the ANSI and CSA standards which makes it completely safe helmet for all professionals, hobbyists or DIY students. There are a total of 4 auto-dimming sensors and that’s the reason people who are on the lookout for the faster switching speed prefer this helmet to others.
Jackson Safety doesn’t only sells welding helmets but also gloves and glasses. Therefore, if you haven’t bought them yet, it is time to give them a try for an advanced safety of your eyes and hands. The JS will give you ultimate comfort, stability, style, and protection through its out-of-this-world welders. The multi-functions brought to life in this welding helmet are going to tackle any welding or cutting job – perfect for TIG, MIG, Stick, and Plasma weldings. It is not a heavyweight welding helmet and therefore there will be no strain on your head or neck whatsoever.
- Brand: Jackson Safety
- Model No.: HSL100 46129
- Lens Shades: 9 to 13
- Auto-darkening Welding Helmet
- Viewing Area: 3.93″ x 2.36″ for clarity and larger exposure
- Houses 4 auto-dimming sensors
- Comes with digital controls for easy operation
- Meets both ANSI and CSA standards
- Weighs only 2 pounds
- Availability of Adjustments: for Sensitivity and Delay
- Value for Money
- Highly Comfortable
- Easy to Compact
- Suitable for all types of welding – MIG, TIG, Stick (MMA), Others
- Easy button to switch between ‘Grind’ and ‘Weld’ modes
8. Hobart 770756, Impact, Auto-darkening Welding Helmet (Review)
(Our Rating)
(9.8 Out of 10 Ratings)
Ever since Hobart into existence in 1917, it has been putting the smile of professionals, hobbyists and DIY students’ faces and the reaction time of this welding helmet is so fast that it competes for other bad boys that are in the game. It provides the welders with variable shades (8-13) along with the light state (No. 3). It is highly lightweight (weighs only 20.3 oz.) and durable polyamide. It features 3 independent arc sensors. You will get an infinite adjustment for varying ambient light. The viewing area is large and will give you extra space to focus on the object you are welding or cutting.
There’s a quick button to switch between the weld and grind mode for faster productivity. It is suitable for all types of welding whether it is TIG, MIG, Stick or Plasma cutting. You will also get an option for sensitivity and delay control for easy operation. The LCD shutter transitions very fast which can be measured as 1/25,000 sec. There is also a 2-year warranty which means if something bad happens to your welding helmet within 2 years from the date of purchase, you will be able to claim the warranty to get a new one.
- Brand: Hobart
- Model No.: 770756
- Reaction Time: 1/25,000 second
- Weld/Grind Mode
- Auto-darkening Helmet
- Variable Shades: 8-13, light state No. 3
- Viewing Area: 7.05 Square Inch
- Highly Durable
- Extremely Lightweight
- Delay Control: 0.1 to 1.0 seconds
- Features 3 Independent Sensors
- Comes with a replaceable battery
- Auto Turn On/Off
- UV/IR Coated Lenses
- Processes: TIG, Grind
- Backed by a 2-year warranty
9. Miller 251292, Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet (Review)
(Our Rating)
(9.7 Out of 10 Ratings)
If you are in quest of the best and cheapest auto-darkening welding helmet, you should pay attention to this one which you will be able to purchase under 100 bucks ($100) easily. However, you could see some variation in the cost depending on different sellers. The overall weight of this helmet is 2 pound which means you will have the portability if you consider buying this welding helmet. The lens speed of this welding mask (hood) is 1/10,000 second and delay control is also quick i.e. 0.10 to 1.0 second. It is an auto on/off welding mask which you don’t have to worry about turning it off and on again and again – it will do the job automatically as it senses the arc light coming from the material you will be welding.
By buying this helmet, you will be having more exposure as the viewing area is 5-1/5 sq. inches and not just that it runs on both battery and solar which means you will be getting 1 C battery included with the package. There are a total of 2 sensors that this welding helmet is equipped with which will increase the sensing speed and you will be getting an improved performance. The lens shades that you get with this helmet is 3, 8 to 12 and the TIG Amperage rating is 20A.
- Brand: Miller
- Model No.: 251292
- Auto-darkening Helmet
- Weighs only 2 Pounds
- Battery Life: 2000 hours
- ADF Controls: Analog
- Total Arc Sensors: 2 (Two)
- Viewing Area: 5-1/5 square inches
- Reaction Time: 1/10, 000 second
- Lens Shades: 3, 8-12
- Headgear: Ratchet
- TIG Amperage Rating: 20A
- Suitable for all types of Welding Jobs
- Lightweight
- Highly Comfortable
- Value for Money (Reasonably Priced)
10. Forney 55701 Premier, Auto Darkening Helmet (Review)
(Our Rating)
(9.4 Out of 10 Ratings)
If you are looking for a cheaper welding helmet, then you should be paying attention to this helmet as it can be bought under $100 easily and good thing is that you can get it from your favorite seller, or one who is nearby. There is an external shade selected attached to this helmet and it is very lightweight and switches from light to dark with very faster (the switching speed is 1/16000 per second).
What makes this helmet apart is not that it comes from Forney, it is because it is sold in different colors and variations. You can select up to 11 different variations if you are buying this auto-darkening welding helmet from Amazon (link is above). The viewing area offered by this welding helmet is 3.62″ x 1.65″ which is pretty impressive and you will just fall your head over heels in love with this helmet once you have bought it.
This helmet can be used for different types of weldings like TIG, MIG, and others. There are two arc sensors that come with this sensor. The optical clarity of this helmet is 1/1/1/2 and as far as the lens shades matter, they are 9 to 13. The TIG amperage rating is 15A. To know more about this helmet, please check out the reviews that we have linked to above.
Pros:
- Brand: Forney
- Model No.: 55701
- Auto-darkening helmet
- External Shade Selector
- Lightweight (Only 1.23 Pounds)
- Switching Speed: 1/16000 per second
- TIG Amperage Rating: 15A
- Lens Shade: Variable (9 to 13)
- Total Arc Sensors: 2
- Optical Clarity: 1/1/1/2
- Highly Suitable for Beginners
- Series: Premier Series
- User Manual
Which is the Best Auto Darkening Welding Helmet?
The Auto-darkening that has ranked on the top of this list is 3M Speedglas 9100 because not only is it highly-rated but also it is recommended by the experts who have been welding for over 30 years. It may seem little costly as compared to other cheaper welding helmets that we have reviewed above, but consider the features, this will be a perfect choice for you. But we don’t only say that you should consider what we tell you without checking it out yourself, you should read out the reviews and rating so as to be more familiar with the product and its features. This will give you the knowledge of how the product has performed.
Best Auto darkening Welding Helmet Reviews
At the time of doing welds, it could be very dangerous for your beautiful eyes and face if you don’t cover it with the best welding helmet (or an auto-darkening welding helmet to get rid of turning off and on again and again). If you think that above-mentioned helmets are not in line with your budget Welding Helmets, you can consider buying the cheapest welding helmets recommended by our experts.