Best Budget Welding Helmet for 2021

January 31, 2021

Top 5 Picks for Best Budget Welding Helmet for 2021

Award Product Image Product Title Price Buy
#1 Best Overall YESWELDER Large Viewing...image YESWELDER Large Viewing Screen 3.94"X3.66" True Color Solar Power Auto Darkening Welding Helmet, 4 Arc Sensor Wide Shade 4~5/9-9/13 for TIG MIG Arc Weld Grinding Welder Mask LYG-M800H $67.99
#2 Runner-Up Antra True Color...image Antra True Color Wide Shade Range 4/5-13 Jumbo Screen 3.86X3.5" Auto Darkening Welding Helmet AH7-860-0000 with Solar Power TIG MIG/MAG MMA Plasma Grinding 6+1 Extra lens covers $79.75
#3 Alternative YESWELDER True Color...image YESWELDER True Color Solar Powered Auto Darkening Welding Helmet, Wide Shade 4/9-13 for TIG MIG ARC Weld Hood Helmet $33.89
#4 Alternative Antra True Color...image Antra True Color Wide Shade Range 4/5-9/9-13 Solar Power Auto Darkening Welding Helmet AH6-260-0000 TIG MIG/MAG MMA Plasma Grinding, 6+1 Extra Lens Covers $39.11
#5 Alternative Geelife Solar Powered...image Geelife Solar Powered Welding Helmet Auto Darkening Hood with Adjustable Shade Range 4/9-13 for Mig Tig Arc Welder Mask (Blue Eagle) $29.99

If you want to do your work as quickly and safely as possible, achieving maximum safety with the highest performance welding helmet is not a waste of money.

Despite the dangers of such tasks, any welder should be fitted with the best budget welding mask.

Not everybody can afford more than 300 bucks for professional welding helmets, particularly beginners on the ground.

Yet, radiation burns and eye injuries are not a joke. Such risks can be substantially monitored if we take the time to shop for the cheapest welding mask.

The following is a list of the best low-budget welding helmets available on the market. These choices can guarantee optimum benefit and usefulness, but they are pocket-friendly for any worker.

Each helmet on this list has its advantages and disadvantages. You should, however, be confident that you can have the best low-budget welding helmets available on the market.

These choices can guarantee optimum benefit and usefulness, but they are pocket-friendly for any worker.

Best Budget Welding Helmet - Reviews For 2021

#1: BEST OVERALL: Yes Welder Auto Darkening Welding Helmet

Yes Welder Auto Darkening Welding Helmet Review

This Yes Welder headgear will provide the highest value for money, provided the flexibility it has to offer. Speaking from its accomplished product is second to none. One thing you should be confident of is that you can use this true-color welding helmet for a range of applications.

The accomplished product makes it suitable for NIMA, Metal Inert Gas (MIG), and Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) applications besides its grinding features. And, because of its top four sensors, it provides greater visibility.

The tool configurations and modifications are straightforward. Color Filter technology helps improve brightness. This further decreases strains associated with the use of identical goods. Besides, you will find the helmet in six different versions, allowing you the scope to make the correct decision with utter ease.

This tool's extended battery life keeps welding jobs free of all sorts of interruptions. In comparison, the viewing area is 3.64 by 1.67 inches, which is also a remarkable amount. Maximum security is guaranteed by this preferably integrated headgear.

The helmet could be used very comfortably and is oversized to fit many people. Plus, it comes with a comfort pad that provides better protection. It is also light in weight, allowing long-lasting use without fatigue.

BENEFITS

  • Superior wide field of view
  • An adjustable, supportive headgear
  • Six different models to pick from
  • Increased battery life
  • Action time is quick when you turn from darkness to brightness.
  • Versatile in use and exercise

DRAWBACKS

  • The average shade of the quality lens

Featured specs

  • Type: Darkening welding helmet
  • Weight: 2.2 pounds
  • Size: 3.93" x 3.66"

#2: RUNNER- UP: Antra AH7-860-0000 Auto Darkening Welding Helmet

Antra AH7-860-0000 Auto Darkening Welding Helmet Review

This Antra welding helmet is a revamped variant of the Antra AH6. Also, this AH7 comes with a durable hat connector to make the headgear more compatible.

The product features four single arc sensors with a response time of 1/25,000th second. Besides, the 7 inches viewport is sensitive enough to support Tungsten Inert Gas welding workers.

The passive hue of the 13 filters flips on automatically as users pick up the headgear.
It is worth noting that the battery test button of this product also has an indication notifying the amount of the battery. Another good news is that this product's solar-powered battery can be changed if needed.

The approach works with both magnifying and cheating glasses. It is one aspect that I'm fond of, mostly because I'm in this habit of flipping between the two types of lenses.

Besides, the sensitivity button can be modified according to specifications and expectations. Timeout settings on the helmet enable consumers to select how soon they want the device to react.

BENEFITS

  • A powerful hard adapter is mounted.
  • Excellent features for safe and effective welding activities
  • Accessible indicator for the battery
  • Using the solar-powered battery
  • Acts in both magnifying and cheating lenses
  • Customizable sensitivity button and wait settings

DRAWBACKS

  • Require strengthening of plastic pieces

Featured specs

  • Type: Darkening Welding Helmet
  • Weight: 1.12 pounds
  • Size: 3.86 x 3.50"(4/5-9/9-13)

#3: ALTERNATIVE: YESWELDER Solar Powered Auto Darkening Welding Helmet

YESWELDER True Color Solar Powered Auto Darkening Welding Helmet Review

The YesWelder Broad Viewing True Color Solar-Powered, Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet is an outstanding option for a welding helmet. Laden with security features and valuable components. This helmet can keep you safe while helping you to do your job quickly and with a direct line of sight.

It has a wide observation window that is superior to most helmets, allowing a view of 8.5 x 7.8 by 12.8 inches with side views. The lens over the display window gives greater visibility of the true Color Technology. That does not only allow audiences to see more, but it also improves vision and decreases eye pressure.

You've got a whole field of vision, which will give you more balance. It's a fantastic helmet to be used for TIG, MIG, MMA, and plasma applications with grinding capabilities. It's compatible with oversized luxury cushioning that lets you customize the way you want to wear it.

BENEFITS

  • Large viewing screen
  • 1/1/1/2 optical clarity
  • 4 premium sensors
  • Multi-use helmet
  • Lightweight
  • Comes with accessories and spares

DRAWBACKS

  • Slower response time than others in its class
  • Issues with auto-darkening
  • Build quality issues

Featured specs

  • Type: Darkening Welding Helmet
  • Weight: 1.9 pounds
  • Size: 3.64" x 1.67"

#4: ALTERNATIVE: Antra Wide Shade Auto Darkening Welding Helmet

Antra Wide Shade Range 4/5-9/9-13 Auto Darkening Welding Helmet Review

Antra is a line of welding accessories that seems to have a good customer rating due to all the functionality and choices you offer. It is also true of their AH6-260-0000 welding mask.

Even though this is an inexpensive helmet, you get a range of features that make it a high value for money device. Given its entry-level price, you get a 1-year guarantee that's always awesome to have. As far as the shading range is concerned, this helmet has a wide range of 4/5-9/9-13 that can be conveniently changed using its buttons.

You also get a total of 7 extra lens filter in this welding helmet that makes it compliant with TIG, MIG, MMA, and plasma welding machines and can be used by all consumers. The viewing space provided by this helmet is also reasonable as you have an area of 3.86-inch x 1.73 inches.

It comes with a lightweight and compact that weighs only 455 grams with 9-inch x 9-inch x 12-inch dimensions that make this helmet perfectly compact and practical.

Sensitivity adjustments for this helmet are simple, and users need to change the fused knob to the appropriate levels to adjust the helmet. Around the same time, this helmet's fused intrusion suppression technology helps eliminate false triggers due to extreme illumination.

BENEFITS

  • Versatile for use of various tasks
  • Long battery life thanks to solar power
  • Particularly open to the arc welding
  • Budget-friendly welding helmet
  • Ultra-light and lightweight

DRAWBACKS

  • Constructed using thin material
  • The Auto-darkening attribute does not respond properly

Featured specs

  • Type: True Auto Darkening Welding HelmetLeather
  • Weight: 1 pound
  • Size: 3.86" x 1.73"(4/5-9/9-13)

#5: ALTERNATIVE: Geelife Welding Helmet with Adjustable Shade Range

Geelife Solar Powered Welding Helmet Auto Darkening Hood with Adjustable Shade Range Review

A first alternative is a perfect option for someone who wants to demonstrate their patriotism when working in their workshop.

This blue eagle style is a variation on the American flag featuring a blue and red design with white stars and stripes. There's even a bald eagle head on each side. The work of art is great for something so cheap. The collection also includes a blue mechanical skull style.

BENEFITS

  • The efficiency of the production artistry relative to other cheap projects
  • The range of the degrees of darkness
  • Plenty of protective features available

DRAWBACKS

  • A faint sensation on the materials
  • The total absence of instructions for first-time users

Featured specs

  • Type: Auto Darkening Hood with Adjustable Shade Range
  • Weight: 1.25 pounds
  • Size: 6.3" x 3.94" x 11.42"

Budget Welding Helmet FAQ

Are cheap welding helmets safe?

how safe are welding helmets

Auto-dark helmets are secure when used appropriately, so you need to ensure they are in good condition and set the best settings for your task.

User error and inability to verify that the helmet is working are the key reasons that an auto-dark welding helmet will not be safe.

Welders have a wide range of options when choosing a welding mask. Security, style, feature, and budget all have a part to play. When determining whether to purchase an auto-dark helmet, it is important to consider how the helmets work and the advantages and disadvantages of the helmet.

How Do Auto-Darkening Helmets Work?

Auto-darkening lenses, as the name means reduced from light to shadow when light pollution is detected. When sensors sense light, a mixture of filters and cells and viewing pane blocks ultraviolet and infrared light.

  • Ultraviolet and infrared interference filters block elevated high amounts of radiation at all stages, even though the auto-dark lens is not enabled.
  • As used for the ultraviolet and infrared filters, the polarization filter darkens the sun.
  • Liquid crystal cells make the lens dynamically darken and lighten depending on the intensity of the bright.
  • Helmet sensors sense when an arc is hit. The arc light stimulates the sensors that send a signal that releases liquid crystals and darkens the cover to the predetermined fixed shade stage.
  • Auto-dark helmets are operated by battery electricity, solar power, or a combination of all types of power sources.

Auto-dark helmets are secure when used appropriately, so you need to make sure they are in working order and set the best settings for your task. User error and inability to verify that the helmet is functioning are the key reasons that an auto-dark welding helmet will not be safe.

What should I look for when buying a welding helmet?

If your welding brings you out with an oil rig or in a mechanic's garage, you need the right eye protection in any working area.

Many welders feel that if they spend a little more on their helmet, it can make a big difference in discomfort and overall welding capability while also providing improved protection.

That said, welding helmets exist in a large variety of price points and are made for various applications. Here are three key aspects to remember when selecting a welding mask.

A single fixed shadow lens or a variable shadow lens?

lens shadowing

A regular welding mask, also related to a passive welding helmet, includes a viewing lens with either a static ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) filter, typically with a #10 shade. This filter provides the same amount of safety, no matter how often amps the light emits from the weld.

When the welder can work, it would need to lower this sort of helmet with a fast node or a snap of the neck to turn the helmet down while holding the torch in place. The welder needs to remove the mask to see when the job is complete.

What's with the switching speed?

The speed or response time of the lens is how fast the lens goes from its usual state to shade 3 or 4 as welding begins. Its generally expressed in 1/3,600 seconds to as high as 1/25,000 seconds.

Your work includes welding for several hours of the day. The switching speed of the entry-level can cause eye strain by the end of the day. If this is the case, consider swapping speed at an intermediate or advanced level when selecting a welding mask.

Is Helmet Weight Matter?

Yes, A lighter welding helmet can decrease neck pressure and reduce discomfort with prolonged use.

Deciding your helmet weight would depend on the balance of all the other considerations, including how long you expect to wear it each day. Perhaps, if welding is your primary job, pick the lightest possible welding helmet for your budget.

Do auto-darkening welding helmets wear out?

The lifetime of the non-replaceable battery is nearly seven years, the downside of which is that after the batteries have run out, the lens does not operate.

The auto-darkening helmet with a reversible battery and solar assistance is a safer investment since this panel helps you to start the welding right away.

Any of them will have replaceable Rechargeable Batteries that will last 1 to 2 years until they need to be replaced (as long as you don't leave your helmet working 24/7). These are a safe choice because it's easy to swap the batteries as required. Ensure you have some spares packed somewhere in case you want them.

How do I know if my welding helmet is bad?

tips for checking welding helmet

The most noticeable sign that the welding mask doesn't fit is when you get eye exhaustion. Face fatigue is typically the result of too much light going through the lens. Eye exhaustion may manifest itself by eye pain, headache, blurred vision, and double vision.

There are a lot of precautions you can take to see how a welding mask is working. If the helmet does not function effectively, it may inflict serious harm to the eyesight and general health.

Precautions before and after this are necessary.

Many helmets can be worn based on the type of welding job they are working on. Lens adjustments can be regular and the trick is to make sure that these lenses are safe and that you can shield yourself from the sun, the sparks, and the strength of the heat.
Keep reading to know if my welding helmet is bad.

Four Steps To Test If A Welding Helmet Is Bad

There are two primary styles of helmets, passive welding helmets, and self-darkening helmets.

The passive welding helmet is manual and involves adjusting lenses, while the auto-darkening helmet is customized to lighten or darken the brightness produced during the welding process.

Both types of helmets are effective in shielding you from harmful light and heat. However, depending on the helmet, the measures to verify whether it fits can differ slightly.

Steps to check your helmet:

  • Code check
  • Proper fit
  • Lens selection and security
  • Sun test

Regardless of the nature of the helmet you buy, they are all expected to comply with safety requirements. Before wearing a helmet or buying a helmet, be sure to abide by the safety codes.

Code Check

  • ANSI/ISEA Z87.1-2015 is the latest standard for your helmet.
  • The International Protective Equipment Association has put these requirements to ensure that welding helmets are safe and reliable.
  • The Legislation is subject to changes as emerging innovations come into the market. Before you can try to solder, make sure your helmet meets these criteria.
  • Helmets that do not comply with the code may be highly dangerous to your health and eyesight.
  • You want to make sure your welding mask suits properly! You don't want it to be too loose or too close since it may affect your vision and defense.

Proper Fit

  • You don't want to be too loose or too tight since it may affect your vision and defense.
  • If it is too loose, there is indeed a chance of moving, potentially exposing portions of your neck, or losing good vision through your lens.
  • A helmet that is too small can be painful when operating for a long period.
    Still lean for being too snug and not too loose to ensure safety.
  • Your helmet is expected to lock in place with a twist of your neck.

Lens Selection And Security

  • You want to ensure the welding mask suits properly.
  • The sort of welding you do will also dictate the lens you require.
  • The auto-dark helmet reduces the need for the lens to be powered off because it is programmed to adapt to the higher amperage.
  • You will need to make sure that the lens is correctly set up for passive helmets.
  • Incorrect positioning can cause damage to the eye.

Sun Test

  • You will see how the helmet fits, whether passive and self-dark, by staring out at the light.
  • It is also a better predictor of the consistency of the auto-dark helmet than any other measure.
  • You'll be able to see how easily your lens responds to the increased light intensity.

Conclusion

Affordable helmets are usually associated with being budget welding helmets, but some of them can offer exceptional visibility and safety.

You should also be aware that there may be variations in grinding mode and shade sensors.

Additionally, budget-friendly welding helmets could be used with auto-dark capabilities that are considered the biggest plus.

It is also worth remembering that even the most inexpensive helmets on the market today offer head protection and security that may not be accessible from premium helmets.

Midsouthsupply.com is the best resource for welders looking to find welding equipment recommendations, safety information, education, and DIY projects.
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