Rating of the best welding helmets in 2020

How to choose a welding helmet among a variety of designs? Welders, people with practical talents of inventors, so many people make it themselves. Even the best samples and popular models may not satisfy 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 sanctify 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 masks.

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

Therefore, they use a traditional mask with a mechanism for raising and lowering the shield. The front part, which is a shield, is raised and fixed by a temporary hold over the head, so that by moving the head the mask returns to working condition. Despite the fact that such a mask has acquired the widest use, it is not free from a large number of inconveniences and disadvantages. Firstly, the "nod" of the head to return the mask to the state of protection disturbs the concentration of attention on the subject of work. Secondly, in hard-to-reach places and in non-standard positions, this type of mask may not be possible.

There are also masks with lifting light filters, the advantage of which is not only the ability to use 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 by air filtration, to protect the respiratory system from harmful gases and poisoning.

Recently, the most popular is the chameleon-type mask. 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 - "chameleon" will be considered in detail. It has the most widespread use and can vary greatly in performance, usability and design.

What you need to know about "chameleons"

Chameleon masks take less than 1 millisecond from flash light to blackout.Since the molasses of the welding arc has different brightness, it is very convenient to use filters with adjustable shade. And so, as welding work can be carried out both in areas well-lit by the sun's rays, and in closed rooms with poor lighting. It is appropriate to adjust the initial dimming.

Meaning of basic adjustments

• Blackout

This adjustment allows you to adjust the amount of shading so that the subject is clearly visible. An increase in dimming is often necessary when working with constant bright sunlight or artificial lighting.

• Delay

This is the time after which the filter actually lightens after the end of the welding arc. Adjustment is sometimes necessary when welding various types of metals. Ferrous metals cool down 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 an earlier shutdown of the light filter can cause damage to the eyes.

• Sensitivity

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

What affects the battery discharge and failure of the electronic unit

Welding helmets of branded manufacturers are made taking into account the above points. But some have one significant drawback. They are equipped with non-removable power supplies that do not have switches. On the one hand, this 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 on 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 shunting electrolytic capacitors increases, which even leads to their failure, or the earliest discharge of the battery.

High humidity can cause leakage between the conductors of the board micromounting, electrolysis with mechanical destruction of electronic parts and not only discharge the battery, 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 the conditions 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 required product.

Fubag Optima 4-13 Visor mask

This mask is from a German manufacturer, Fubag company, 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 adjustment of the filter's light sensitivity, the lightening time and the degree of darkening. Shade 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.

Available in three colors: light gray, rather metallic; red with graphic designs and black with graphic designs. There are also possibilities 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 measures 100 × 65 mm. There are 4 sensors, which eliminates the likelihood of a shadow on the sensor and minimizes the likelihood of light protection failure, at the same time, to a minimum.

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 model features.

• many adjustments and everything works;
• good visibility even in poor lighting conditions;
• availability of a certificate and CE requirements.

• gets dirty;
• only one protective glass included.

Resant mask MC-4

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

The headgear is a rack-and-pinion type, the Resant MC-4 mask has 3 adjustments to fit on the head. Permanent protection against UV and infrared rays is 15 DIN. The degree of lightening and darkening are fixed and not adjustable, they are, respectively, 4DIN and 11DIN. The dimming delay after the dimming mode is also not adjustable and is half a second. Constant, non-adjustable sensor sensitivity. The response time of the light filter in the event of a welding arc at a temperature of + 23 ° C is 0.0001 seconds.

The body 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 headgear.

Very convenient for amateur welding with electricity or gas. For long-term welding work, it is recommended to use a different welding mask with a higher shade factor. This welding helmet is designed for short, constant working times. With its prolonged use, the time of turning on the 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 mask is from –5⁰C to + 55⁰C.

The window measures: 90 × 32 mm. Weight 0.43 kg. The price is 1 240 rubles.

• budget option with good characteristics;
• convenient mount.

• 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. The company was founded in 1993 and has become a pioneer welding equipment manufacturer in China. Has close cooperation with global manufacturers.

Welding mask Kedr K-202 has a unique darkening system from 9DIN to 13DIN. The actual response time of the filter, after the arc appears, is very short and amounts to 0.000 03 seconds. To check if the filter is ready for operation, there is a Test button. The very comfortable headgear provides a good fit for the ergonomic mask shape. Comfortable conditions in the space inside the mask are created due to the heat-reflecting properties of the mask. The rounded shape of the mask minimizes the penetration of harmful welding gases and aerosols under the mask. Material - impact resistant plastic.

The budget version of the welding helmet is suitable not only for welding enthusiasts, but also for professional long-term welding jobs. It has both outer and inner 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 masks 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.

ESAB Aristo Tech HD mask

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

Even welding helmets with hinged filter are not "chameleon" of the Esab trademark are widely used by professionals as an auxiliary tool. This tool is appreciated for its simplicity, reliability, durability and convenience.

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 automatically activated at minimum sensitivity.

The sensitivity control and dimming control are brought out from the outside, conveniently located on the side. Shade range from 5DIN to 13DIN, filter window 100 × 60 mm. There is an internal regulator for the delay of enlightenment.

Temperature, ⁰С	–10	25	65	Enlightenment 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 perspiration. Adjustments allow you to move the mask closer and further away from the face. A special adapter for attaching the mask to the helmet can be purchased separately. There are 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 amperes, it has the highest characteristics. This mode uses the radiation from the magnetic field of the welding arc and is captured by the mask's electromagnetic sensors.

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 shading system.

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

• high definition;
• good and clear overview;
• convenience of adjustments, digital control;
• there is a replaceable sweat band.

• the price is great.

Welding mask Svarko ASF 777

This is one of the cheapest chameleon-type welding helmets at the price of traditional Chinese-made welding helmets.

The mask is suitable for those who like MMA welding. There are 3 stepless adjustments: sensitivity, dimming and delay time. The dimming adjustment is set outside, and the sensitivity and dwell time inside the mask. The delay time adjustment range is from 0.1 to 1 second. Permanent eye protection from ultraviolet and infrared radiation is 13DIN. The response time of the electronic protection is 1/30 000 seconds.

A replaceable lithium battery is located in the inner part of the mask, where the light filters are installed. It is removed by dismantling the filter bar. There are 2 photo sensors, independent of each other. Protection is triggered when light hits any of them.

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

Weight: 505 grams. Price: about 800 rubles.

• low price;
• the presence of smooth adjustments;
• convenient adjustment of the filter and headband;
• made of durable parts;
• performs its function, eyes do not hurt.

• not found.

POWERSHIELD EWM mask

Near Cologne, 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 of 9-13.

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

Additional glass is available for this manufacturer's mask. It is compatible with both EWM Powershield II 5-13 and EWM Powershield II 9-13. Its price is 2 270 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 customize all its modes without removing it through the satellites 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 for 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.

Mask Korund-5

The FoxWeld trademark is the largest manufacturer of electric welding equipment, tools and consumables for them from manufacturers in Europe and Asia. The brand belongs to Italy, the 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 masks with a picturesque design. In addition, it has a convenient high-strength dustproof housing. Inside of which there is a smooth sensitivity adjustment. The lightening delay adjuster is installed outside, on the left side, for easy adjustment without distracting the right hand. 2 independent photosensors are used as sensors for the light emission of the welding arc.

The shade is 9-13DIN, the light state is 4DIN. Permanent UV and infrared protection is about 16DIN. The power source is a solar battery with a built-in lithium cell. Power switch missing.

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

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

• good mask even for professional work;
• operational adjustments for various types of welding;
• a large number of colorful design choices.

• if applied 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 damage during welding. Lightweight and balanced design with adjustable fit on the head. Decorated in a high-quality and interesting design.

Kemppi mask models

• Alfa

It has good protection against radiation and burns, effectively protecting the face of the welder.Even when the curtain of the tinted glass is raised, it prevents small particles from entering the face. Not a chameleon.

• Beta 60

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

Has the same technical characteristics as the previous one. But the window size 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 a cartridge with auto-dimming is added. The window of a permanent light filter with darkening is 110 × 90 mm, but the viewing area is 95 × 46.5 mm. The response time of the protection against the light radiation of the welding arc is 0.000 5 seconds, and the LCD lightening time is fixed at 0.2 seconds.

• Beta 90X chameleon

This model differs from its predecessor only in the parameters of the filter cartridge. The protection activation time reaches 0.000 15 seconds, and the lightening time is increased and adjustable from 0.2 to 0.8 seconds.

Despite the variety and great demand, there are no significant and distinctive advantages and disadvantages of this product model. Only complaints 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 non-chameleon Kemppi model mask is 5,500 rubles, and a Kemppi chameleon type mask Beta 90A is about 25,000 rubles, a Beta 90X mask is 25,500 rubles.

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

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

Some recommendations when buying a welding helmet for amateurs and professionals

Chameleon-type masks are necessary for both professionals and beginners. Professionals choose the model they need 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 sight, hearing and respiration to the maximum extent during operation. Moreover, it should be comfortable and have a wide range of applications.

For amateurs and training in the art of welding, chameleon masks are also necessary. For this purpose, manufacturers produce cheaper options. But if a person is just learning welding, 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 brand model, you need to check for a certificate from the seller's store. To provide warranty service, you must retain your warranty document and store receipt. The number indicated in the warranty agreement must match the product number and the number indicated on the sales receipt.