Ranking of the best welding helmets in 2022

How to choose a welding helmet among a variety of designs? Welders, people with the practical talents of inventors, so many make it themselves. And the best samples and popular models may not please the scrupulous requirements of welders. The best manufacturers understand what to look for in order to increase the popularity of their models. The article is intended to consecrate which welding mask is better, which company is better, the functionality and cost of popular products.

Types of welding helmets

At this time, there are 4 main types of welding helmets.

The welding shield is the simplest type of mask, but has a significant drawback. He takes one hand to hold in front of his face. This creates inconvenience, and in many cases leads to the impossibility of its application.

Therefore, they use a traditional mask with a mechanism for lifting and folding the shield. The front part, which is a shield, is lifted and fixed by temporary holding above the head, in such a way that the mask returns to working condition by moving the head. Despite the fact that such a mask has acquired the widest use, it is not free from a large number of inconveniences and shortcomings. Firstly, “nodding” the head to return the mask to the state of protection knocks down the concentration of attention on the subject of work. Secondly, in hard-to-reach places and in non-standard positions, the use of this type of mask may not be possible.

There are also masks with lifting light filters, the advantage of which is not only the possibility of using in hard-to-reach places, but also the presence of a permanent transparent window that protects against ultraviolet and infrared radiation.

There are welding masks, supplemented with air filtration, protecting the respiratory organs from harmful gases and poisoning.

Recently, the chameleon-type mask has gained the greatest popularity. The advantage of this type of mask is the presence of a special electric light filter. Which contains a liquid crystal layer with polarizing films that lose transparency when a control current passes through them.To increase the quality of dimming in more expensive devices, several layers of LCD are used.

The last, recently emerged species, the "chameleon", will be considered in detail. It has the widest distribution and can vary greatly in performance, convenience and design.

What you need to know about "chameleons"

The time from a flash of light to the operation of a blackout in chameleon-type masks is less than 1 millisecond. Since the light molasses of the welding arc has a different brightness, filters with adjustable degree of dimming are very convenient. And so, as welding work can be carried out both in well-lit areas of the sun, and in enclosed spaces with poor lighting. It is appropriate to adjust the initial dimming.

Meaning of basic adjustments

• Blackout

This adjustment allows you to adjust the degree of shading so that the subject is clearly visible. Increasing the dimming may be necessary when working with constant bright sunlight or artificial lighting.

• Delay

This is the time after which the actual clarification of the filter occurs after the end of the welding arc. Adjustment is necessary when welding various types of metals. Ferrous metals cool quickly and the delay time can be set to a minimum. But when welding cast iron, stainless steel and non-ferrous metals, the brightness at the welding site can last up to 1 second, and earlier turning off the filter can cause damage to the organs of vision.

• Sensitivity

This adjustment allows you to adjust the filter threshold. This is necessary for various kinds of welding work.

What affects the discharge of the battery and the failure of the electronic unit

Welding helmets of branded manufacturers are made taking into account the points described above.But some have one major drawback. They are equipped with non-removable power supplies that do not have switches. On the one hand, it is reliable operation due to the absence of terminal oxidation. On the other hand, when the battery is discharged, replacing it is difficult, and sometimes impossible. The microcircuits of the electronic board may need firmware.

Most often, battery discharge occurs due to a violation of the operating conditions of the device. In cases of low temperatures, the current consumption in idle mode increases sharply. At elevated temperatures, the quiescent current of the shunt electrolytic capacitors increases, which even leads to their failure, or to the rapid discharge of the battery.

High humidity can cause leakage between the conductors of the microwiring of the board, electrolysis with mechanical destruction of electronic parts and not only battery discharge, but also complete failure of the electronic unit. Therefore, the operating conditions must not only be read at the time of purchase, as characteristics, but also observed as a condition for the safety of the device.

The best models and manufacturers of welding helmets

The rating of high-quality welding masks is presented by both foreign manufacturers and domestic ones. Also inexpensive and high-quality goods are presented by Chinese manufacturers. Considering the main characteristics of welding helmets, you can use various criteria for choosing the right product.

Mask Fubag Optima 4-13 Visor

This mask is from a German manufacturer, Fubag, founded in 1973. Since 1996, it has been known on the Russian market. The company pays great attention to the appearance of products, their packaging, the quality of materials and their storage.This company, one of the few, uses the method of acceptance testing of goods, which has won a high rating for the quality and durability of its products.

The mask has an adjustment for the operation of the filter's photosensitivity, clarification time and degree of darkening. Shade degree range: 4 DIN - minimum; 13 DIN - maximum. Has 2 light sensors, 2 removable batteries. In any position, the filter protects against ultraviolet and infrared rays.

They are produced in three colors: light gray, more of a metallic color; red with graphic ornaments and black with graphic patterns. There are also options for adjusting the mask to fit on the head. Wide range of adjustment, comfortable in all positions. The material of the mask is impact-resistant plastic/polyamide, also called nylon.

The viewing window has dimensions of 100 × 65 mm. There are 4 sensors, which eliminates the possibility of a shadow on the sensor and reduces the likelihood of light protection failure, while minimizing.

Settings: The controls are installed inside the mask and are small in size. This somewhat increases the inconvenience due to the impossibility of operational regulation. But it increases the safety of controls from damage, which is more important.

Weight: 0.5 kg. Average price: from 3,750 to 4,200 rubles, depending on the color and features of the model.

• many adjustments and all work;
• good visibility even in poor lighting;
• certificate and CE requirements.

• gets dirty;
• Includes only one protective glass.

Resant MS-4 mask

This is a mask of the Latvian manufacturer Resant, well-known in the Russian markets.The range and functionality of Resanta brand products is expanding, improving the quality of manufactured products. The increase in the market of this brand contributes to the availability of spare parts for devices of this brand, and their reduction in price. Resant's products have a quality certificate.

Rack-type headband, Resant MS-4 mask has 3 adjustments of fit on the head. Permanent protection against ultraviolet and infrared rays is 15 DIN. The degree of lightening and darkening are fixed and not adjustable, they are respectively: 4DIN and 11DIN. The turn-on delay after the dimming mode is also not adjustable and is half a second. Constant, unregulated sensitivity of the sensors. The response time of the light filter in the event of a welding arc at a temperature of +23⁰С is 0.0001 seconds.

The case is made of high-strength plastic with protection against sparks and hot metal particles. The filter window is set exactly at eye level, but its position can be corrected by adjusting the position of the headband.

It is very convenient for amateur welding with electricity or gas. For long-term welding work, it is recommended to use another welding helmet with a higher shade factor. This welding helmet is designed for short continuous operation. With its prolonged use, the turn-on time of enlightenment can greatly increase, and with even more use of it, it simply stops brightening. After some time of "rest", the light filter "departs" and is ready for further operation.

There is a solar cell for recharging the built-in lithium battery, consisting of 2 CR 927 batteries.The operating temperature range of the welding helmet is from -5⁰С to +55⁰С.

The window has dimensions: 90 × 32 mm. Weight 0.43 kg. The price is 1240 rubles.

• budget option with good features;
• convenient fastening.

• there is no grinding mode.

Mask Cedar K-202

The main equipment of the KEDR company is designed in Russia and manufactured at the Riland Industry CO. plant. The company was founded in 1993 and has become a pioneer welding equipment manufacturer in China. It has close cooperation with global manufacturers.

The Kedr K-202 welder's mask has a unique shading system from 9DIN to 13DIN. The real filter response time after the arc appears is very short and amounts to 0.00003 seconds. To check if the filter is ready for operation, there is a "Test" button. A very comfortable headband ensures good attachment of the ergonomic shape of the mask. Comfortable conditions in the space inside the mask are created due to the heat-reflecting properties of the mask. The rounded and wraparound shape of the mask minimizes the penetration of harmful welding gases and aerosols under the mask. The material is impact-resistant plastic.

The budget version of the welding helmet is suitable not only for welding enthusiasts, but also for professional long-term welding work. It has both external and internal polycarbonate protective glasses, between which there is an automatic light filter.

The Kedr K-202 is powered by a solar battery with a built-in non-removable battery. The screen size is 96 × 39 mm, the cartridge size is 110 × 90 × 9 mm. The dimming off time is adjustable from 0.1 to 1 second. There is a grinding mode.

Welding helmets Kedr K-202 are available in 3 colors: blue; red and black.Weight: 460 grams. Price: from 1,760 rubles - black, up to 1,950 rubles - blue and red models.

• convenient budget option.

• not found.

Mask ESAB Aristo Tech HD

One of the most famous manufacturers of welding equipment is Esab, Sweden. Leader in the development of innovative technologies in this area. The company constantly introduces new developments, while maintaining experience and classic technologies.

Even Esab's non-chameleon welding helmets are widely used by professionals as an auxiliary tool. This tool is valued for its simplicity, reliability, durability and convenience.

The ESAB Aristo Tech HD welding helmet has a high level of reliability with the highest optical class. This is a professional mask designed for multi-mode operation. Grinding mode is activated automatically at minimum sensitivity.

The sensitivity control and the dimming control are displayed outside, conveniently located on the side. Dimming range from 5DIN to 13DIN, filter window 100 × 60 mm. There is an internal clarification delay control.

Temperature, ⁰С	–10	25	65	Clarification time, s
Response time, seconds	0,000 8	0,000 1	0,000 085	0,1 – 0,8

The forehead pad used in the mask protects the skin during prolonged wear and sweating. Adjustments allow you to zoom in and out of the mask from the face. Separately, you can purchase a special adapter for attaching the mask to the helmet. There is hearing protection, magnifying lenses. There is also an automatic air supply unit. Working temperature range: from -10⁰С to +55⁰С.

Built-in X-TIG function

Esab has developed a new tungsten inert gas welding mode. This mode is called X-TIG, the welding current reaches only 5 Amps, it has the highest performance. In this mode, the radiation of the magnetic field of the welding arc is used and is captured by the electromagnetic sensors of the mask.

This eliminates the effect of sunlight and other welding radiation on the mask's sensors. Especially when several welders work together. Also in cases of formation of a shadow on the sensors in inconvenient places, when welding pipes, shields, for reliable operation of the dimming system.

Weight: 0.52 kg. Price: 22,000 rubles.

• high definition;
• good and clear overview;
• ease of adjustment, digital control;
• There is a replaceable sweat band.

• the price is big.

Welding mask Svarko ASF 777

This is one of the cheapest chameleon type welding helmets for the price of classic Chinese-made welding helmets.

The mask is suitable for stick electrode welding enthusiasts. There are 3 smooth adjustments: sensitivity, dimming and delay time. The dimming adjustment is set outside, and the sensitivity and delay time are inside the mask. The delay time adjustment range is from 0.1 to 1 second. Permanent eye protection against ultraviolet and infrared radiation is 13DIN. Electronic protection response time 1/30,000 second.

The replaceable lithium battery is located in the inner part of the mask, where the light filters are installed. It is removed by dismantling the bar of light filters. There are 2 photosensors, independent from each other. The protection is triggered when light hits any of them.

The mask storage temperature range is from -20 to +70⁰С, and you can work in the range from -5 to +60⁰С. The light filter ASF 777 has dimensions: 110 × 90 × 9 mm. And the size of the viewing window: 100 × 41 mm. There is no grinding mode.

Weight: 505 grams. Price: about 800 rubles.

• low price;
• the presence of smooth adjustments;
• convenient adjustment of the light filter and headband;
• made of durable parts;
• It does its job and doesn't hurt my eyes.

• not found.

POWERSHIELD EWM mask

Not far from Cologne, in Germany, EWM was founded in 1957 by Edmund Chesney. It was here that the world's first welding inverter was developed. This company is a market leader in welding technologies and devices.

The POWERSHIELD EWM welding helmet is essentially an automated helmet. Available in 2 types. The first is POWERSHIELD 5-13, which has 2 ranges: 4/5-9 and 4/9-13. The second is POWERSHIELD 9-13, which has one range 9-13.

The power system contains a solar cell and a 3 V lithium battery. There is a smooth adjustment of sensitivity and adjustment of the clarification delay time. The two-range model has a touch shutter that increases the angle of the sensors, convenient for overhead welding. The single band model has automatic protection level adjustment. A permanent filter protects the eyes from infrared and ultraviolet radiation.

Additional glass is commercially available for this manufacturer's mask. It is compatible with both EWM Powershield II 5-13 and EWM Powershield II 9-13 masks. Its price is 2270 rubles.

The sight glass of the helmet mask is quite durable, sealed with elastic material to reliably prevent smoke and aerosols from entering the mask. The convenient design of the mask allows you to fully adjust all its modes without removing it through the satellites located outside.

The response time of the filter at room temperature is 0.2 ms. The turn-off delay in the first mode is 0.1 - 0.35 seconds, in the second 0.3 - 0.6 seconds. There is a switch to operating modes: manual/automatic. In manual mode, smooth adjustment of the required level of protection. In the automatic protection level, correction is possible within one set level above or below. There is a smooth adjustment of the sensitivity threshold.

Weight: 490 grams. Average price: from 25,780 rubles to 29,000 rubles.

There are no reviews yet.

Mask Korund-5

Trademark FoxWeld is the largest manufacturer of electric welding equipment, tools and consumables for them from manufacturers in Europe and Asia. The brand belongs to Italy, products are made in China. All equipment of this brand is certified and confirmed by Russian and European certificates. Products of this brand have an optimal quality / price ratio.

Korund-5 is a series of welding helmets with picturesque design. In addition, it has a convenient dustproof housing of high strength. Inside which there is a smooth adjustment of sensitivity. The clarification time delay regulator is installed on the outside, on the left side, for easy adjustment without distracting the right hand. Two independent photosensors are used as sensors for the light radiation of the welding arc.

The degree of blackout is 9-13DIN, the light state is 4DIN.Permanent UV and IR protection is about 16DIN. The power source is a solar battery with a built-in lithium cell. There is no power switch.

The cartridge window is 110 × 90 mm. Light filter brand 2100V. There is a grinding mode. Operating temperature range of the mask: from -5 to +55⁰С, and storage from -10 to +70⁰С.

The average price is from 2,980 to 3,430 rubles, with a 2100V filter, there are copies with other filters at a price of 2,180 rubles.

• good mask even for professional work;
• operational adjustments for various types of welding;
• Lots of colorful designs to choose from.

• if you use it rarely, it will not justify its price.

Kemppi mask

The Finnish company Kemppi, founded in 1949 by the Kemppi brothers, is engaged in the production of high-quality welding equipment. The company has certificates: ISO 9001 and ISO 14001, all products of this company are CE marked.

The Kemppi mask provides excellent protection for the face, chin, neck, ears and eyes, as well as the respiratory system from welding damage. Lightweight and balanced design has an adjustable fit on the head. Made in high quality and interesting design.

Kemppi mask models

• Alpha

It has good protection against radiation and burns, protecting the face of the welder with high quality. Even when the tinted glass shutter is raised, it protects against the ingress of small particles into the face. Not a chameleon.

• Beta 60

It also has good face protection. A distinctive feature is the low weight and high strength of the mask. There are 2 glasses: transparent and tinted. The latter has a size of 110 × 60 mm.

• Beta 90

It has the same technical characteristics as the previous one. But the size of the window is larger: 110×90 mm, the shading degree of which is EN-8-14.

• Beta 90A chameleon

Structurally, it differs little from its predecessors, only an auto-dimming cartridge has been added. The window of the permanent darkening filter is 110 × 90 mm, but the viewing area has a size of 95 × 46.5 mm. The arc light protection response time is 0.0005 seconds, and the LCD brightening time is fixed at 0.2 seconds.

• Beta 90X chameleon

This model differs from its predecessor only in the parameters of the light filter cartridge. The protection turn-on time reaches 0.000 15 seconds, and the brightening time is extended and adjustable from 0.2 to 0.8 seconds.

Despite the diversity and high demand, there are no significant and distinctive advantages and disadvantages of this product model. Is that a complaint about the high prices of some copies. Although the prices for all products of this brand of goods are quite adequate.

The average price of a Kemppi non-chameleon model mask is 5,500 rubles, and Beta 90A Kemppi chameleon masks are about 25,000 rubles, Beta 90X masks are 25,500 rubles.

• the hinged window makes it possible to knock down slag without removing the mask;
• Fits well to head size.

• poor heat dissipation, in winter, frost appears near the mount;
• relatively high price.

Some recommendations when buying a welding helmet for amateurs and professionals

Masks of chameleon-type models are necessary for both professionals and beginners. Professionals choose the necessary model for themselves, depending on the type of work and operating conditions.Which is able not only to serve for a long time, but also to protect the organs of vision, hearing and breathing to the maximum extent during operation. At the same time, it should be comfortable and have a wide range of applications.

For amateurs and training in the art of welding, chameleon-type masks are also needed. For this purpose, manufacturers produce cheaper options. But if a person is just learning to weld, then he needs a device with a wide range of adjustments.

And if you need a mask as a tool that is not often used, then a budget option is suitable. At the same time, to increase the service life, it is necessary to observe the storage conditions of the device.

Also, in order to avoid buying a fake when choosing a branded model, it is necessary to check the availability of a certificate from the seller's store. To ensure warranty service, you must keep the warranty service document and the store receipt. The number indicated in the warranty contract must match the product number and the number indicated on the sales receipt.