Best Welding Helmets For Eye Protection

Here are our recommendations for the best welding helmets for eye protection.

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Welding Helmets For Eye Protection

Best Welding Helmets for Eye protection Pin

A welding helmet helps shield your eyes from the intense light and ultraviolet rays produced by the arc. Exposure to metal fumes and UV radiation are a couple of the biggest hazards associated with welding. Without proper eye protection, you may permanently damage your eyes.

So, what is the best welding helmet for eye protection and what should you look for? Here are the best welding helmets for your eye protection, to protect you against arc flash and permanent injury.

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Best Overall – YESWELDER Panoramic Auto Darkening Welding Helmet

Table of Contents

Overview: Our Favorite Welding Helmets For Eye Protection

Image
Editors Choice
YESWELDER Panoramic View Auto Darkening Lens Welding Helmet with Side View, 6 Arc Sensor 1/1/1/1 True Color Optical Welder Mask Hood, Wide Shade 4/5-9/9-13 with Grinding for TIG MIG MMA Plasma
Best Quality
PROWELD Panoramic 180° Large Viewing Screen Auto Darkening Flip Up Welding Helmet with Side View, True Color Highest Optical Class 1/1/1/1, 4 Arc Sensor, 9 to 12/13 to 15 Variable Welding Shades
Most Affordable
DEKOPRO Welding Helmet Auto Darkening Solar Powered Professional Welding Mask
Welding Helmet
YESWELDER Panoramic Auto Darkening Welding Helmet
PROWELD Panoramic Auto Darkening Flip-up Welding Helmet
DEKOPRO Auto Darkening Solar Powered Welding Helmet
View Area
‎4.0 x 3.7 in
2.95 X 4.41 in
3.9 x 3.2 in
Optical Class
1/1/1/1
1/1/1/1
1/1/1/2
Response Time
.01ms
.4ms
.1ms
Arc Sensors
6
4
4
True Color
UV/IR Protection
DIN 5-9/9-13
DIN 16
DIN 4, Variable 9-13
Price
$62.99
Price not available
$79.99
Editors Choice
Image
YESWELDER Panoramic View Auto Darkening Lens Welding Helmet with Side View, 6 Arc Sensor 1/1/1/1 True Color Optical Welder Mask Hood, Wide Shade 4/5-9/9-13 with Grinding for TIG MIG MMA Plasma
Welding Helmet
YESWELDER Panoramic Auto Darkening Welding Helmet
View Area
‎4.0 x 3.7 in
Optical Class
1/1/1/1
Response Time
.01ms
Arc Sensors
6
True Color
UV/IR Protection
DIN 5-9/9-13
Price
$62.99
Best Quality
Image
PROWELD Panoramic 180° Large Viewing Screen Auto Darkening Flip Up Welding Helmet with Side View, True Color Highest Optical Class 1/1/1/1, 4 Arc Sensor, 9 to 12/13 to 15 Variable Welding Shades
Welding Helmet
PROWELD Panoramic Auto Darkening Flip-up Welding Helmet
View Area
2.95 X 4.41 in
Optical Class
1/1/1/1
Response Time
.4ms
Arc Sensors
4
True Color
UV/IR Protection
DIN 16
Price
Price not available
Most Affordable
Image
DEKOPRO Welding Helmet Auto Darkening Solar Powered Professional Welding Mask
Welding Helmet
DEKOPRO Auto Darkening Solar Powered Welding Helmet
View Area
3.9 x 3.2 in
Optical Class
1/1/1/2
Response Time
.1ms
Arc Sensors
4
True Color
UV/IR Protection
DIN 4, Variable 9-13
Price
$79.99

Why Do You Need Eye Protection When Welding?

Eye protection is essential when welding. The welding process includes many hazards, including the risk of flying debris and extremely hot surfaces. However, one of the greatest risks is damage to your eyes.

The damage caused by the intense light and ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the welding arc is typically called “arc eye” or “arc flash.” Arc eye involves inflammation of the cornea. It is comparable to the damage caused by staring at the sun.

Unfortunately, the effects of arc eye do not appear immediately. The symptoms often evolve over several hours after unprotected exposure to the welding arc. Some of the signs of arc eye include:

● Reddening of the eyes

● Excess watering of the eyes

● Increased sensitivity to light

● Pressure in the eyes

● The feeling of dirt or grit in your eyes

The severity of the symptoms depends on the distance between you and the arc, the duration of exposure, and the angle at which the UV radiation hits your eyes. 

Mild exposure may produce temporary or permanent damage. However, long-term exposure often leads to lasting damage to your eyes. 

Welding helmets shield your eyes from UV radiation, bright light, sparks, and debris. However, not all welding helmets are created equal. Some helmets offer better protection compared to others.

What to Look for in Welding Helmets for Eye Protection

Auto-darkening helmets tend to provide a safer option compared to passive helmets. An auto-darkening helmet includes LCD glass that dims when sensors detect the spark from your welding arc. 

Using an auto-darkening helmet keeps you from needing to lift your mask for non-welding tasks. With a passive helmet, the lens offers a fixed amount of shade. If you want to check your work, you may lift your mask and forget to lower it before restarting your welding arc.

The reliability and safety of an auto-darkening welding helmet often depend on the following factors:

● Sensors

● Response time

● Shade range

● Viewing area

Auto-darkening helmets rely on sensors to detect the light from the welding arc. Helmets that contain more sensors, such as the recommendations discussed, react faster to changes in lighting. 

The sensors also influence the total response time, which is the time it takes for the lens to grow dimmer. A response time of 1/10000 seconds or better is recommended. 

The amount of shade provided by a lens typically ranges from DIN 3 to DIN 13. DIN 3 is comparable to a pair of sunglasses and is used when the welding arc is not active. When you start the arc, the lens should dim from DIN 9 to DIN 13. If a helmet offers less shade, it may not fully protect against arc flash.

Our Choices: Welding Helmets For Eye Protection

YESWELDER Panoramic 180 View Auto Darkening Welding Helmet

YESWELDER Panoramic 180 View Auto Darkening Welding Helmet

The YESWELDER welding helmet includes an auto-darkening lens and a panoramic view. Unlike traditional welding helmets, it includes lenses on the sides to increase your peripheral vision. You get a 180-degree view.

The LCD lens has 1/1/1/1 optical clarity, which is the best optical rating available. Lenses with 1/1/1/1 ratings do not create distortion or blurring at any angle.

The lens also provides a standard shade range of 4/5-9/9-13. The helmet automatically adjusts the shade to DIN 4 when in the light state. The DIN 5 to 9 shades are used for plasma cutting while the 9 to 13 shades are used for TIG and MIG welding.

The three auto-darkening lenses are controlled by six sensors. The lenses instantly dim when you start the welding arc. The design of the helmet is also compatible with welding cheater lenses. If you typically wear glasses but dislike the tight fit of a welding helmet, you can insert an optional magnifier lens to bring objects closer.

The helmet is also comfortable thanks to the oversized cushion in the headgear. The headgear also includes multiple adjustment points to ensure a perfect fit.

PROWELD Panoramic Auto Darkening Flip-up Welding Helmet

PROWELD Panoramic 180° Large Viewing Screen Auto Darkening Flip Up Welding Helmet with side viewThe PROWELD auto-darkening helmet has a large LCD viewing area to provide a 160-degree view of your work area. The viewing area measures 4.41×2.95 inches, which is considerably larger compared to the typical helmet. However, it also includes two side lenses to extend the viewing area.

Unlike the previous recommendation, the PROWELD helmet has a convenient flip-up design. The outer face shield flips up to reveal an inner shield with a clear lens. The flip-up design ensures that your eyes are always shielded.

The shade range is DIN 3 to 15, which is a wider range compared to most options. The typical helmet offers shade up to DIN 15. The lenses are also incredibly clear, with an optical rating of 1/1/1/1.

The helmet switches from light to dark instantly, with a response time of 1/25,000 seconds. It uses four sensors to detect the welding arc and start dimming the LCD lenses.

The PROWELD welding helmet is also solar-powered. Solar-powered helmets automatically switch on or off and charge the battery as you weld to conserve battery life.

DEKOPRO Auto Darkening Solar Powered Welding Helmet

DEKOPRO Auto Darkening Solar Powered Welding HelmetThe DEKOPRO welding helmet is another solar-powered option with an auto-darkening lens. The internal lithium battery should offer 5,000 hours of use before it needs to be replaced.

The helmet does not have side lenses, but it features a passive filter with a permanent shade of DIN 13. The permanent shade protects against UV radiation even when the LCD shutter is inactive.

The viewing area measures 3.9×3.2 inches, which is taller compared to most options. The tall LCD lens may help reduce eye strain and improve overall comfort when working for a long time.

The helmet is designed for comfort and includes adjustable headgear. You can easily adjust the straps inside the helmet to perfectly fit your head.

The DEKOPRO helmet is one of the more affordable options for those who want superior eye protection. Despite the lower price, it includes quality sensors with a response time of just 1/25,000 seconds. However, the optical clarity is a step down from the previous choices, with a rating of 1/1/1/2.

Wrap Up

A good welding helmet is an essential piece of equipment for any welder. Choosing the right helmet may also increase your safety and reduce the risk of eye injuries.

The three helmets discussed provide optimal eye protection thanks to advanced technologies and innovative designs. The DEKOPRO helmet is less sensitive to sunlight and more responsive to the welding arc, helping to minimize false triggers that may leave you unprotected.

The PROWELD helmet includes a flip-up design. When you flip the mask up, the LCD lens offers DIN 3 shade. Flip the mask down and the LCD dims. The YESWELDER helmet includes three synchronized LCD lenses with exceptional clarity to give you a clear view of your work area.

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