8 Different Types of Welding Helmets With Pros & Cons

Within the welding profession, the welder’s helmet is possibly the most important piece, and arguably, one of the only pieces of equipment that a welder knows like a best friend.

With many welders, the helmet is so familiar, the helmet is practically part of who they are, physically attached to them while they perform their work.

Because this apparatus will be in place throughout all your tasks, comfort is essential. While picking a helmet might seem relatively simple, its potential effect on your experience and performance is often overlooked. Even minor differences between helmets will have a significant impact upon the welding operation.

Safety standards

When it comes to welding, its importance and value is in making safety a priority, and the gear you wear goes a long way. Quality personal protective equipment (PPE) plays an important part in all kinds of welding safety. This comes from the safety equipment for your eyes and face, your hands, and your body.

One rule that will never go out of style is: always wear safety glasses under your welding helmet. Next have a good look around your workspace: is there sufficient ventilation? Do you need additional respiratory protection? These are questions every welder should ask themselves before they begin.

Next is your welding helmets. One thing you cannot compromise is whether your helmet meets safety standards. If you are in the United States, that would mean ANSI certification, while in Canada, we look for CSA certification.

The standards exist to be sure that the lens in your helmet can protect your eyes from hazards like ultraviolet and infrared light, regardless of the shade setting.

At the end of the day, there is no compromise on safety. It has to come first every time.

Types of Welding Helmets

There are different types of welding helmets:

• Passive Welding Helmets
• Auto-darkening welding Helmets
• The solar-powered lens Helmet
• Battery-Powered Helmet
• Fixed-shade lens welding helmet
• Variable-shade lens welding helmet
• Pancake Welding Helmet
• Leather Welding Mask

#1. Passive welding helmets.

The passive welding helmet is the most traditional style of welding head protective equipment. While it may not have some of the best technology or high-tech features, that does not lessen reliability.

Passive welding helmets are constructed from heavy durable material that provides good protection from many hazards whether they are flying objects, high ultraviolet light, or the significant heat from the welding process.

One positive factor of the passive welding helmet is cost. It is a great option for those welders working under budget constraints or those welders who simply want basic, no-frills equipment.

The passive helmet is basic and does not compromise basic safety needs, thus in totality the passive welding helmet is a valuable option.

Pros

• It is a lot cheaper than auto-darkening helmets.
• It is lightweight, simple, and easy to use.
• Lenses are inexpensive and easy to replace.

Cons

• The lens stays dark.
• You must remove the hood to check your work between arcs.
• Lenses break easily.

#2. Auto-darkening welding helmets.

Although a passive welding helmet will definitely do the job, it is very quickly apparent that you have to keep adjusting the lens manually and that is what makes it so annoying. That is the frustration that led to new helmets with automatic, or auto-darkening, lenses big step for the majority of welders

With an auto-darkening helmet, the technology works for you: when the arc flashes, the helmet picks up the bright light and adjusts as fast as the arc flashes.

That way the welder is not stopping every time he does a weld and dealing with his equipment, which is frustrating and distracting and something many would agree probably affects your production rate.

But a good, much better and much faster helmet does have a downside: The expense. Auto-darkening helmets are expensive as compared to passive helmets and for some the expense may be hard to justify.

#3. The solar-powered lens helmet.

Some auto darkening welding helmets are outfitted with non-replaceable batteries, which are powered by solar power. In these helmets, the batteries power the helmet the first use and the solar cells use solar energy for all other uses.

When looking at cost, solar-powered helmets can be a cost-effective option because the battery does not need to run the helmet for the whole time it is in use. The solar cells take over the use of power and require much less use of the battery.

Most helmets are designed to automatically turn off the lens when not being used. Even when the lens is sunny, they are still using less energy. So solar helmets are very cost-effective.

However, some welders do not choose solar-powered helmets because the helmets are not ready for use after they have been put away.

The helmets need to be in the sunlight to charge, so the user needs to remember to put the helmet out in advance, typically the day before, in order to use it. If the user forgets, they can have delays and wasted time especially in a work setting where time is money.

#4. The battery-powered helmet.

Battery operated welding helmets either have a rechargeable battery system or a replaceable battery system. Most people prefer lithium batteries because they last a long time and are easy to find.

Most welders do not have too much time for anything that is going to slow them down, depending on their working conditions.

If a welding helmet aren’t justifiable for it to have to mess around with adjusting a lens, than using a solar one will be cast aside right away. Especially when the time is limited, and we stress every single minute of the job.

Solar powered helmets are generally considered a good long-term financial investment. However many a lot of welders would simply just prefer to afford the convenience of just changing the batteries if need be regardless if it cost a small amount more.

There is a certain je nes sais quoi that they do not want to run the risk of running out of a charge right before doing a job too would be a let down for them.

Ultimately it also comes down to preference of a battery powered helmet solution and a solar powered one. Each has its pros and cons, and whatever solution works for one welder doesn’t mean it will work for another welder.

#5. The fixed-shade lens welding helmet.

Fixed-shade welding helmets typically have an equivalent level of shade of 10, which means the user’s eyes have the same protection level without adjusting to the ever-changing brightness of the arc.

For people who often work with a single material type or do the same welding project, fixed-shade helmets can be convenient, as there is no lens adjustment needed each time.

This convenience makes fixed-shade welding helmets appealing to average DIY individuals who do not weld professionally but participate in home repairs or personal projects.

It is not surprising, then, that these helmets are often referred to as ”daddy” helmets by people because of the assumptions about how many fathers would choose to use that as a reliable option after being requested to fix the family iron gate (or child’s bicycle frame) at home.

Pros

• Very affordable compared to a variable shade auto-darkening helmet.
• Ideal for those who perform the same welding process over and over.
• You won’t need to change shade strength for many standard welding jobs.

Cons

• A different lens may be needed to perform a different welding process.

#6. The variable-shade lens welding helmet.

Unlike helmets that are made with a fixed shade, variable shade helmets are unique because they have a lens that can change based on the different levels of light and brightness that come from the welding arc.

This unique form of helmet provides the most “bang-for-your-buck,” especially for welders who do not always have the same project or deal with different materials.

With regard to level of protection, a variable shade helmet provides the same protection as a fixed-shade helmet. The difference is that the variable shade helmet can change the darkness of the lens relative to the UV light intensity, and the amount of light can really help you see better!

Imagine you are in the middle of welding, and all of a sudden the light from the welding arc was far brighter than you expected! And if your helmet couldn’t account for that brightness and adapt to that important light information, then your visibility may be greatly hindered while you are working.

That moment of poor visibility can easily lead to an error, and in welding, an error must be rectified – because even a small error can cause a defect.

Every seasoned welder will certainly tell you that there is nothing worse than doing a whole weld over again because you had an error due to not being able to see better!

Pros

• You have the flexibility to choose your shade level based on the job type.
• You have a clear view through the lens before you strike an arc.
• You don’t need to take the helmet off to view your work.
• When you strike an arc, your lens automatically darkens.
• It is popular to recommend this type of helmet for safety.

Cons

• It is the most expensive helmet for welding.
• The LCD requires power.
• Batteries need replacing.
• Solar power can take time to charge.

#7. Pancake Welding Helmet.

If you are new to welding, you might be scratching your head if someone says “pancake-welding hood.” The term pancake conforms to the shape since it is round and flat like a pancake indeed.

For outdoor welding, however, a pancake hood is much more than just a name and a shape, it has to do with a method of welding with something called a balsa box.

So what is a balsa box? It is a small, wooden box that wraps around your eyes and helps to hold the welding lens. It is almost like a pair of goggles are built into the hood.

The main purpose of the balsa box is to filter out or block the extra light that can get around the lens and then bounce around the inside of the hood, giving you a clearer, uncontaminated view of your weld.

This balsa box feature helps outdoor welders, such as pipeline welders, who are working under the glaring sun. Imagine how hard it is to weld not only in the glaring sun but it is coming from the direction behind you while you are trying to view your plate. Good luck!

It is also worth mentioning that, a pancake hood will have a side shield which allows for protection from sparks while welding, and to shield your face from harmful ultra violet rays from welding.

If you are right-handed, the shield will be on the right side of your face, and if you are left-handed, the shield will be on your left side. These little details are what provide comfort and protection when you are on the job.

Pros

• Pancake welding helmets are lightweight and can be worn for long periods of time.
• The pancake shape of the helmet protects all sides of your face.
• The balsa box goggles block light from all angles and the back of your head, giving you a clear view.
• The balsa box is soft, and lightweight, offering a comfortable fit.

Cons

• It’s not designed for indoor welding.
• Pancake welding helmets are only used for pipeline welding and other outdoor welding projects.

#8. Leather Welding Mask.

The full leather hood offers full coverage of the leather, providing coverage of your entire face, neck, head and shoulders. The hood is also the best option for outdoor welding, which not only gives you the coverage needed but also allows for clear vision when welding without sun glare.

One of the best features of the full leather hood is it has a flip-up shade lid. Rather than taking the entire hood off every time you want to check the weld, you can simply flip the lid up while in the hood.

You can either use a fixed shade filter in the flip-up lid or have the flexibility with an auto-darkening filter. One of the other best things with the full leather hood is that you will have great performance while working in extreme environments.

This protection is reliable from the leather and the hood whether you’re working in extremely freezing temperatures or extremely heavy winds.

In addition the full leather hood protects your face, head and neck from the fume, sparks and heat stress caused while welding. This is very important in overhead welding jobs. The fire-resistant and heat-resistant material provides more protection when the job gets hot!

Pros

• It is made of a resilient leather to provide comfort and durability.
• It is a fully adjustable helmet that closes completely around the head and eyes to protect against sparks and debris.
• The leather welding mask is perfect for overhead welding and working in confined spaces.

Cons

• It is not as versatile as other welding helmets.
• It can be hot and uncomfortable to wear for extended periods.

Factors to Consider Before Purchasing a Helmet

1. Cost

When it comes to a safe welding operation, protecting your eyes, face, and neck should be a priority.

Anyone interested in the purchase of a welding helmet should first take a close look at the market; in other words, do your homework to ensure your money is spent wisely. Take a look at a few online suppliers and then stop by your local hardware stores; they are a good starting point.

Although auto-darkening helmets are relatively more expensive than conventional passive helmets, this information is not forward-thinking when recommending a helmet.

The auto-darkening helmets are typically more expensive; some of this cost can be understood when considering the ease of use and technology that the helmet includes.

A limited budget does not mean that you have to cut corners on protection and quality. The auto-darkening helmet options offer a variety of features and a variety of price points, so the opportunity exists to find a helmet that fits your budget and your needs. However, if budget is your top priority, passive helmets will be your best choice.

2. Purpose

All of these helmets are built for worker safety. However, there may be times when, due to the specific requirements of a task, you would need to choose one type of helmet over another. As mentioned earlier in the overview, situational needs can sway which helmet will be correct to use.

3. Power Source

To keep in mind when buying auto-darkening helmets is that they will depend either on batteries or solar power to operate.

Think about your source of power: are you going to be buying replacement batteries regularly, or will this impact your budget in the future?

If you are considering solar-powered helmets, have you considered whether or not you will have ample sunlight to keep them charged?

These pocketbook concerns are realistic and will inform you on how dependable and convenient your helmet will be when you need it day to day.

4. Safety Standards

It is critical for any welding helmet to conform to safety standards that are globally recognized. The main purpose of the helmet is to protect our eyes from the harmful light produced during welding.

No matter if it is an auto-darkening helmet or a passive helmet, the helmet should be able to meet safety standards.

In the U.S., welding helmets are expected to follow ANSI Z87.1 standard. Manufacturers are able to follow these guidelines, not only to guarantee the safety of the welder, but also to protect themselves from potential lawsuits.

Tips

Once you have selected your welding helmet remember these tips:

• Protective Clothing and Eye Protection: The right protective clothing is necessary for the specific type of work you do when welding. Make it a habit to wear safety glasses under your welding helmet at all times. Spending an extra second to protect your eyes from flying sparks or bits of debris will make all the difference, even on those days when you’re only welding for a brief time.
• Inspecting Your View when Welding: In order to ensure that you always have a good view of what you’re doing when welding, you should routinely check to see that the outer cover lens of your welding helmet is clean and free from slag or spatter. Although this may seem like an insignificant detail, a clean faceplate will definitely make a difference not only for the quality of your weld but also for your overall comfort and safety while welding.
• Selecting a Welding Helmet: If you are welding more than occasionally (i.e., as part of your primary job or as part of an ongoing job), be sure to take the time to select a welding helmet that meets your needs. Although it may be easy to settle for the cheapest helmet you can find at the hardware store, putting in a little more effort to select a helmet appropriate for your needs will be worth it over time. Your comfort, protection, and job satisfaction are at stake! Take your time to evaluate your options before making a final selection.

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