How to choose a welding mask – expert reviews

During welding, the electric arc emits light identical to that of the sun. This includes UV rays. Without a special protective mask, all welders would receive light burns to the skin and cornea of ​​the eyes. Thanks to this practical accessory, you can protect your face and head from exposure to ultraviolet rays and scale.

Modern masks have a wide variety of prices and quality. In order not to overpay, but also not to buy a protective device again after half a year, it is worth understanding the key characteristics of a welding helmet and choosing the most suitable one for a particular type of activity.

The best manufacturers of welding masks - which company to choose

For those who do not have time to research this issue, you can opt for the products of one of the following leading companies in the production of welding helmets:

1. Fubag

2. Force

3. Patriot

4. "Bison"

5. "Resanta"

But due to significant differences between specific models and suitability for certain conditions, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the rating of the best welding masks. This will help you see the pros and cons and narrow down your choice.

Well, in order to figure it out on your own, weigh various factors and make a decision, the information below is provided with a detailed analysis of the key parameters.

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Rating of the best welding masks

We have selected the TOP 7 best masks for welders, based on reviews from owners and the popularity of the models, to make it easier for you to make your choice.

SPEC WM-300

The most budget option among chameleons, the weight is 460 g, the body is made of plastic. Power is supplied from batteries (2 lithium) and a solar panel. Approximate price – 700-900 rubles.

ADVANTAGES:

• quality materials
• comfortable, head fit is adjustable
• fastenings are quite reliable
• Additional glass included
• Dims on time, no need to adjust anything

FLAWS

• does not work well in a dark room

SPEC WM-300

Fubag Optima 9-13

Made of impact-resistant polyamide, weight – 500 g, external dimming adjustment. Has 2 sensors, runs on battery and solar battery, control sensors inside and outside. Approximate price – 1900-2100 rubles.

ADVANTAGES:

• spare inner plastic glass
• convenient glass replacement
• possibility of adjustment by touch during operation
• sits comfortably on the head
• Fixes securely when raised and lowers smoothly

FLAWS

• at dusk sometimes misses flashes

Fubag Optima 9-13

RESANTA MS-5

Model with a wide viewing window (100 by 60 mm), stepwise adjustment of light sensitivity, weight - 550 g. Includes an additional grinding mode, costs in the range of 3600-3800 rubles.

ADVANTAGES:

• light charging battery for filters
• Complete protection of the head and neck from splashes of molten metal and from UV/IR rays
• large viewing window
• return time adjustment
• Fits securely and is easy to lift and lower

FLAWS

• lack of a spare protective screen

RESANTA MS-5

Aurora A-777 Heavy Metal

Weight is 450 g, control sensors inside and outside. Polyamide body, bright external design. Contains helmet mounts, headrest adjusters, 4 arc sensors. Approximate price – 3400-3900 rubles.

ADVANTAGES:

• stylish design
• convenient adjustments
• great review
• easy to use
• your eyes don't hurt after welding

FLAWS

• not detected

Aurora A-777 Heavy Metal

Sibrteh 89175 (F1)

Small screen size (90 by 35 mm), weight 450 g. Power comes from a solar panel and a non-removable lithium battery. Possibility of adjusting the fit of the headband and changing the filter. Price 700-900 rubles.

ADVANTAGES:

• good price/quality ratio
• fast operation of the filter
• ratchet mechanism for headband adjustment
• quality materials
• protection against splashes of molten metal, UV/IR rays

FLAWS

• small screen size

Sibrteh 89175 (F1)

Quattro Elementi Alpha

Suitable for gas welding, has a wide viewing window (100 by 67 mm), weight 495 g. Operating temperature from +5 to +40 degrees, optical class 1/1/1/2, suitable for gas welding. Approximate price – 3900-4700 rubles.

ADVANTAGES:

• wide viewing angle
• possibility to adjust parameters
• mask power supply - combined (solar + lithium batteries)
• dimming works quickly
• visibility is good

FLAWS

• not detected

Quattro Elementi Alpha

ESAB Sentinel A50

A high-end welding helmet (price 20-22 thousand rubles) with an unusual design. Contains a touch display with detailed mode settings; since it is located inside, adjustment is possible only with the product removed before use. Weight 640 g, 4 arc sensors.

ADVANTAGES:

• high quality materials and workmanship
• excellent visibility
• applicability for various tasks (electric welding, plasma cutting, etc.)
• fits well on the head, you can hardly feel it
• you can set your own settings and save them in memory

FLAWS

• not detected

ESAB Sentinel A50

Operating principle and design of a welding helmet

The welding mask is designed to protect the worker from a number of harmful factors. The electric arc emits ultraviolet light and a lot of heat, which is harmful to the welder's skin. Constantly monitoring the formation of a suture can lead to severe burns of the cornea and blindness. As the metal melts, some impurities may be released and bounce off as burning scale.

The consumable electrode with coating and the edges of the welded surface emit toxic smoke, which is necessary to protect the weld pool from exposure to the external environment. Inhaling such gases is also dangerous. Therefore, for more than a hundred years, designers have been working to improve the shape and functionality of the welding helmet, designed to protect the specialist from this number of negative factors.

Also, an accessory worn on the head completely frees up the hands, thanks to which the welder can independently hold the part and weld it with an electrode in the second hand. This improves productivity and reduces the number of people involved in one process.

Welding helmets are used everywhere: in factories, service stations, repair shops and in the private sector when working in the country (installing a fence, gate, shower tank). A wide variety of prices allows anyone to purchase this accessory, even if you have to cook it once a year.

Most types of welding helmets include the following elements:

• a casing with an elongated part to protect the neck and a semicircular cutout at the top for free lifting;
• viewing window with ordinary glass (lens) to block UV rays and monitor the process;
• a light filter that protects against bright flashes;
• solar panel for recharging batteries from arc light (for chameleons);
• filter darkening degree regulator;
• head mount clamp.

The light filter, the main protective element of the mask, is glass coated with a black coating. In daylight it is impossible to see anything through it. But when the electric arc is ignited, the edges of the metal being welded and the place where the electrode melts become clearly visible. The outlines of surrounding details are partially visible. Depending on the location of the work, the degree of darkness of the filter also varies.

Some models have a hinged window that allows you to lift up the dark glass and look at the seam without removing the entire mask. This improves performance slightly and makes it easier to use. But such masks weigh more, which increases the load on the neck.

In other models, the filter is made of two glasses, between which there are liquid crystals. In their normal state, they are perpendicular to the plane and allow the welder to see what is happening as if through ordinary sunglasses. But when the arc is ignited, a small current is triggered in the mask device, and the crystals are rotated 90 degrees, which darkens the filter to the desired level, and through it you can now only see the welding.

Modern masks can be made from pressed cardboard or heat-resistant plastic. Most often they are painted black or gray, but foreign manufacturers use bright yellow and red cases. This promotes greater light reflection and also makes the welder more visible to crane and overhead lift workers.

Main types

There are three main types of welding helmets: classic, chameleon and ventilated.

Classical

The simplest protective equipment for a welder. The body is made of cheap plastic or thick cardboard. Equipped with dark glass.

Pros:

• Low price.
• Ease of use.
• Possibility of replacing glass with a different tint level.
• Good eye protection.

Minuses:

• Heavy weight.
• Fragility.
• Poor fixation on the head.

Chameleon

A more advanced version of the classic model. The body is made of lightweight and durable plastic; Instead of glass, a liquid crystal panel is used, which reacts to flashes of light and becomes lighter or darker. This helps you see the result of the work without removing the product. The panel is powered by a battery or accumulator. A special slider allows you to independently adjust the degree of darkness.

Pros:

• High level of ease of use.
• Stays well on the head.
• Practicality.
• Durability and reliability.
• High degree of eye protection.

Minuses:

• High price.
• Problems with the LCD panel when working in cold weather.

With ventilation

A professional device designed to work in extreme conditions. Combines the functions of a chameleon mask and a respirator. It is equipped with a special motor, powered by a battery, which pumps air and passes it through a filter, removing harmful particles. A highly specialized means of protection.

Pros:

• Tightness.
• Air cleaning.
• High degree of eye protection.

Minuses:

• Very high cost.
• It is necessary to constantly change the battery.
• Bulky and fragile design.

What welding helmet do you use?

ClassicChameleon

Types of welding masks

Depending on the required safety and ease of work, the types of welding helmets vary. They may be as follows.

Simple (standard) masks

They are made from pressed cardboard or molded from plastic that is resistant to high temperatures. Most often they have a small viewing window and a budget mount without a soft backing. Paper models are much lighter than plastic ones. The light filter is installed in a special block behind protective glass and is fixed on top with a clamp to prevent it from falling out.

To change the degree of darkness of the filter, you need to remove the accessory from the head, unscrew the block lock and replace the black glasses with an element with a higher value. These masks are inexpensive and suitable for beginner welders or small organizations where many welding jobs are performed in a lower spatial position.

Advantages:

• cheap;
• cardboard versions are lightweight;
• filter protection at the proper level according to GOST;
• can work at any air temperature;
• There are models with observation windows.

Flaws:

• plastic cases are heavy;
• a cardboard mask may swell from moisture;
• The head mount is solid;
• There are very large casings that are inconvenient for welding in hard-to-reach places.

Chameleons

This is a more expensive type of mask containing a screen with liquid crystals. It is convenient because the welder does not need to constantly lift the accessory up after each seam in order to evaluate the quality of the work and see where to start the next joint. The crystals automatically make the glass transparent after the arc is interrupted.

To adjust the degree of darkness, just turn the switch on the left side of the body, which can be done even without interrupting the arc. The electronic circuit runs on a battery and is powered by the light from the welding itself. Such masks are convenient for those who perform many small seams and who need to frequently move around the product. This type of protective device is especially popular among argon workers.

Advantages:

• smooth and quick dimming adjustment;
• soft fastening;
• Beautiful design;
• heat-resistant housing;
• light;
• forehead pads are impregnated with an antibacterial composition;
• long service life;
• availability of guarantee.

Flaws:

• crystals do not work well at low temperatures;
• Expensive;
• more suitable for argon, due to the rapid contamination of the front glass with scale from welding with coated electrodes.

Forced air masks

During welding, gases from the molten electrode and the piece being joined are released into the air. Under normal conditions, a hood above the workplace is sufficient to remove harmful smoke. But sometimes welding work has to be performed inside a confined space (large tank, small basement without windows). Then it is necessary to use a mask with forced air supply to the respiratory organs.

It works on the principle of a respirator, which is attached to the back of the worker. A small electric motor draws in ambient air, filters it through a protective system and delivers it through a hose directly under the mask. This design requires additional equipment, but allows you to safely work in specific conditions.

Advantages:

• reliably protects against harmful gases;
• allows you to work in difficult technical conditions;
• has good light filters;
• high visibility of the viewing window;
• convenient adjustment of fastening;
• large range of dimming values.

Flaws:

• high price;
• the hose can get caught on protruding objects;
• in some models the upper pipe is located high, which creates additional difficulties for passage into narrow places;
• additional costs for filter and batteries.

The best welding masks with a regular light filter

Masks without automatic darkening require lifting each time after finishing a seam to see the results. When starting a new connection, you need to accurately install the torch at the joint and only then lower the shield. Often welders will adjust by nodding their heads to avoid using their hands. This requires constant manipulation, which tires the neck, but such masks are cheaper.

They can work at any temperature, and the degree of darkness is selected by the number of the installed light filter. They are suitable for welding in the country or small production, where the welder only does his job, and all other processes are distributed among mechanics (cutting edges, machining). Here are the best welding helmets with a regular light filter for such tasks.

	LAMBDA QUATTRO ELEMENTI 037-442	EURO 110x90 SIBRTECH 89118	Istok MAS-001
Shading degree, Din	11	10	12
Weight, kg	0,35	0,49	0,4
Screen size, mm	108x89	110x90	110x90
Dimming adjustment

LAMBDA QUATTRO ELEMENTI 037-442

A regular welding helmet from an Italian manufacturer. It has a viewing window 108x89 mm with a din 11 light filter installed. The glass is recessed inside, which protects it from accidental damage when the welder hits the head or when the mask is placed on the table.

+ Pros LAMBDA QUATTRO ELEMENTI 037-442

1. Stylish mask design.
2. The head is adjustable in height and volume, as well as the clamping force of the hinges.
3. The soft perforated forehead pad absorbs sweat well.
4. Good visibility through the viewing window.
5. Light weight does not strain the neck. High-quality plastic is resistant to bending and fractures.

— Cons of LAMBDA QUATTRO ELEMENTI 037-442

1. The cost is one of the highest in the category of masks with a conventional light filter.
2. Over several months of active use, the limiter in the mount wears off - the mask no longer locks in the upper position and leans far back all the way to the neck.
3. The kit includes a din 11 dark filter, so you will need to buy lighter ones for work.
4. To fix it in the upper position, you have to twist the knob tightly, but this way it does not fall when you nod your head.

Conclusion. A worthy option for small production so that the welder can clearly see the parts. It weighs only 350 g, which is the lowest in the category made of high-quality plastic (there are also paper ones, but they are fragile and last less). It will be comfortable to wear on your head all day.

EURO 110x90 SIBRTECH 89118

Russian welding helmet made of plastic with a window size of 110x90 mm. It has a triple head adjustment and a semi-circular design. The filters are replaced from the inside.

+ Advantages of EURO 110x90 SIBRTECH 89118

1. Excellent viewing window.
2. Affordable price from 160 rubles.
3. Adjusting the rigidity of lowering the mask.
4. The shield shape covers the head and neck well.
5. It is equipped with a 10 din light filter, optimal for most work at an average current of 100-200 A.

— Cons of EURO 110x90 SIBRTECH 89118

1. The weight of the mask is 490 g, the heaviest in the category.
2. Replacing the glass and light filter requires unscrewing the internal unit, which takes time.
3. The plastic is hard - if something heavy accidentally falls on it, it may crack.
4. Flimsy headband.
5. The large size of the mask makes it difficult to climb into hard-to-reach places for welding.
6. When lowering, the nod jumps over the stops and hits the chest.

Conclusion. A good mask for the garden and occasional work. The shield provides reliable protection from light and splashes of scale thanks to thick plastic. The 110x90 mm viewfinder will be convenient both for welding at a stationary location and for installing heating and plumbing near walls.

Welding helmet selection options

The welding accessory has many selection parameters that determine the place of use of the protective equipment and the convenience of the welder. To buy the most suitable mask, you need to consider the criteria below.

View window size

The screen of a welding helmet is indicated in millimeters and ranges from 90x32 mm to 110x93 mm. How well the weld pool will be visible to a specialist depends on this. For those who perform work in a lower position and have the opportunity to look directly at the welding zone, a small viewing window of 90x30 or 90x40 mm is sufficient.

Utility workers who have to weld pipes close to a wall or floor will need a 110x60 mm screen. Those who constantly work inside large containers or with ceiling welding need windows increased vertically to 100x90 mm. With a small screen you will have to twist your neck more, and due to limited space this can be difficult, and your muscles will quickly get tired.

Shade level

For standard masks, light filters have numbers from 2 to 5 units. If a similar model is used, then for work in the yard the maximum indicator No. 5 is required. Indoors, through such glass it will be difficult to see what is happening in the welding pool, and here they buy masks with a light filter No. 3-4. In very dark conditions (basements, boilers of huge furnaces), protective element No. 2 is required.

For chameleons, the light-darkening scale is indicated in DIN and ranges from 5 to 15. Since these masks have an adjustable degree of rotation of the crystals, you need to choose an accessory with a range of 9-13. The upper values ​​will be enough for working outdoors, and the lower ones will be enough for a workshop or garage. Ratings from 5 to 8 DIN are used in very dark environments or by welders with poor vision.

Weight

The weight of the welding protective accessory can be from 0.35 kg to 0.9 kg. This is influenced by the type of casing material, the thickness of the glass used, fastening and additional accessories. The lighter the weight, the more convenient it is for the welder. This will also reduce the negative load on the cervical vertebrae, because specialists often lower the mask with a sharp nod of the head, because the hands are already occupied with the holder with the parts and are tuned to the precise start of the seam. But this is all important for professional use. In the case of a summer residence and welding work once a month, any mask, even 0.9 kg, will do.

Filter type

Regular tinted glass is well suited for consumable arc welding because it is covered with cheap protective glass for frequent replacement due to slag splashing onto its surface. This is a good option for a beginner or for country use.

Chameleons with liquid crystal screens should be chosen more by welders working on argon machines, where welding is carried out with tungsten electrodes without spatter. Such a mask increases productivity, helps to quickly change the welding zone without removing the accessory, and allows you to accurately start the location of a new seam without unnecessary traces from the arc. This is the choice for professionals working in car services, companies manufacturing heated towel rails or research institutes for creating water treatment systems.

Power type

In the case of a chameleon, the LCD screen must receive energy to trigger the sensors and rotate the position of small particles that darken the filter. All such masks have a built-in battery, which will have to be changed periodically. Other models are equipped with an additional panel to absorb light rays from welding and a battery recharging system, so their resource is much longer. But with infrequent operation, the battery is discharged, and at first, when welding is resumed, the light filter does not work. It needs to be given time to recharge from the sun.

For those who are buying a chameleon to make precision connections but don't plan on doing it every day, a single battery model is a good option. This mask is always ready to go. In case of permanent employment, it makes sense to purchase a protective element with a solar panel.

Case shape

This parameter is responsible for security and its full properties can only be verified in practice. Visually, the shape of the casing should have good streamlining and an elongated part at the bottom so that welding smoke does not get into the welder’s face. The upper edge of the mask is desirable with a small semicircle, but of sufficient height to prevent scale from getting on the head. The width of the accessory should not exceed 240 mm for those who work with pipes in bathrooms, boiler rooms or basements, in order to maximally press against the wall and see the far edge of the joint. In other cases, width is not important.

Housing material

Pressed cardboard is much lighter, but can swell from moisture, so such masks are bought for indoor work or for the warm season and welding in the yard. Plastic casings are more massive and last a long time, but once you place them on a newly welded joint, you can no longer tear them off (the plastic will melt and stick to the hot metal). They are worth purchasing for outdoor work and for those who have a special place with bedding to store the accessory during non-working hours.

Chameleon Trigger

When the arc is ignited, the crystals must immediately unfold and have time to protect the eyes from bright light. Considering that the speed of the latter is 300,000 km/s, the sensors and other elements do this in a very short moment. This parameter can only be checked by personally turning the filter towards welding or bright sun. If the eye manages to capture the light, then this is a bad mask, from which vision will suffer.

Most chameleons have a 1-2 second delay function for the reverse rotation of the crystals, which should be taken by those working in very dark conditions (large containers, night shift work), since the light from the solidifying metal after finishing is very bright and can be blinding.

Availability of settings

Masks with adjustable electronic darkening have a wheel to select the level of light protection. On some models it is located inside, next to the viewing window frame. For other accessories, the regulator is located on the outside left of the body and can be turned even during welding.

The first option is suitable for those working in the same conditions (workshop, block, garage). The second option is useful for working on the road or on a shift schedule and will allow you to quickly adjust and adjust the dimming to suit a new environment.

Ease of fastening

The mask is fixed on the welder's head using two plastic rims, one of which covers the circumference, and the second limits the seating depth. On budget models, such plastic is not insulated in any way and this quickly rubs the forehead. This option is suitable for infrequent work in the country or in the garage.

Professional models are equipped with foam pads that soften friction and pressure from the accessory. Some manufacturers impregnate the material in contact with the forehead with an antibacterial compound, which reduces irritation. Of course, these types of fastenings should be chosen to constantly wear a mask for 6-8 hours.

Lens distortion

Serious sellers accompany the goods with a certificate and documents. They, as well as on the body of the product, must indicate the degree of distortion of the optical lens. It is written as the first digit in the line separated by a slash. Value 1 means minimal distortion and is necessary for those who work with thin products that require narrow, precise seams (small heat exchangers, oil distributor tubes). For welding thick pipes or sheets of metal, a distortion rating of 2 is sufficient.

Light scattering

This parameter indicates the transparency of the screen and the ability to clearly see details when the arc is burning. It is written as the second digit in the line separated by a slash. Value 1 is necessary for those involved in welding thin-walled metal (less than a millimeter). For all other work, indicator 2 is suitable.

Options

A welding helmet has a number of parameters that affect the quality and price of the protective equipment.

Dimensions and weight

Dimensions and weight affect ease of use. A heavy, bulky device will complicate the work and affect quality. This is especially true for weight, since during welding work a large load falls on the neck. The lighter the product, the more convenient it is to use.

The only case where weight can be neglected for the sake of a low price is the rare use of welding.

Lens distortion

This parameter determines the degree of distortion of light passing through the glass. The lower the indicator, the more delicate work can be done. Indicator 1 is suitable for working with thin seams, but such a mask will be impractical when welding large pipes and other large objects.

Sight dimensions

The size of the viewing slit directly affects the view. Standard models have a 90x40 mm window, but you can find devices with a 120x60 mm window.

Material

The cheapest means of protection are made of the simplest plastic, the more expensive ones are made of heat-resistant plastic, resistant to high temperatures and mechanical stress. In the first case, the products will not last long.

Light filter type

The cheapest means of protection are equipped with ordinary tinted glass. The degree of darkness is indicated by numbers from 1 to 5. A higher number means more darkness. For example, No. 1 is the lightest, intended for working in a dark room; No. 5 – the darkest, designed for working outdoors during daylight hours.

More expensive chameleon masks have a different gradation. They are equipped with a liquid crystal panel that can be adjusted. Here the opposite is true - a higher number means less darkness (from 5 to 15 units).

Which welding mask to choose

Understanding the main criteria of this important accessory, we can identify the optimal values ​​for specific types and conditions of work:

1. For a summer cottage or amateur welding in a garage, a mask with a 90x32 mm window, light filter No. 4, made of pressed cardboard, is suitable.

2. For welding heating or plumbing, an overview model of 100x90 mm is useful, with filter No. 3, convenient for working indoors, weighing 400 grams and a foam layer on the mount. Case material – plastic. It is good to buy a product with folding glass.

3. To weld stainless steel, you will need a chameleon with DIN 8-13, weight 500 g, lens distortion 1 and transparency 2. It is desirable to have a solar panel and a foam pad.

4. Thin seams with a non-consumable electrode on metal 1 mm or less will be convenient to weld in a chameleon with lens 1 and transparency parameter 1. Light-darkening range 5-15 DIN, solar panel and weight 600 g.

5. To work inside tanks, you need a mask with forced air supply and a viewing window of 90x60 mm, DIN 5-13.

Tips for choosing

If welding work is one-time in nature, and the mask will lie in the garage most of the time, then the choice should be made in favor of the classic model. It is cheap and provides good eye protection. This device is perfect for welding water or sewer pipes. The price for the classic model is 300-500 rubles.

When working with tin, stainless steel and other thin metals, you should choose a chameleon mask. It is suitable for a professional welder and will serve its owner for a long time. The price of the device is from 1000 to 5000 rubles.

A mask with ventilation will only be relevant in extreme conditions, for example, in a mine. Such a product costs from 50 to 100 thousand rubles.