There are still a lot of old-style helmets working every day, day in and day out. For some people, old habits die hard. And, to a certain degree, I understand where they are coming from.
The Antra AH6 Auto Darkening Helmet is my top choice because of its excellent performance with an affordable price tag. It features 4 to 13 shade variable lenses and a 6.68 square inch viewing area. It is ideal for beginner welders looking to get a safe and reliable welding helmet without blowing their budget.
However, the welding helmet and its lenses for filtering out the brilliant light and UV rays created by the welding arc is the most important equipment a welder uses. The modern welding helmet has many advantages over those used just 25 years ago.
Modern helmets have features that allow the beginner to weld with much-improved accuracy and enjoyment. Since space-age electronics and larger viewing areas have been introduced, most have no going back.
For those of you looking for quick information, here are my top three welding helmets for beginners.
Lincoln Electric Viking Auto Darkening Welding Helmet
- Large 12.5 Square Inch Auto Darkening Lens
- Premium Optics with a Crystal Clear View
- Comfortable Adjustable X6 Headgear
- 3 Year Warranty
Antra AH6 Auto Darkening Welding Helmet
- Full Face and Neck Protection
- Highly Responsive Arc Sensors
- Extremely Lightweight Design for Reduced Muscle Fatigue
- Sonar Panels Extend Battery Life
YESWELDER Solar Powered Auto Darkening Welding Helmet
- Suitable For TIG, MIG, MMA
- 8 Square Inch Viewing Area
- Comes with Replacement Lenses
- Comfortable Pivot Style Headgear
- Get 10% Off with Discount Code 'BWG' at Yeswelder.com
For this review, I have considered that a beginner may rapidly make several high-cost purchases to start welding. Meaning, the budget may be a little tight at the moment.
However, a good investment in a helmet now will pay huge dividends for many years. The right helmet will greatly improve your welding experience.
Read through my instructions on how to use a welding helmet if you are a beginner.
Table of Contents
1. Antra AH6-260-0000
- Full Face and Neck Protection
- Highly Responsive Arc Sensors
- Extremely Lightweight Design for Reduced Muscle Fatigue
- Sonar Panels Extend Battery Life
The Antra AH6-260 welding helmet offers many features at a reasonable price. It’s difficult not to take a closer look at it because it has several characteristics found in much more expensive helmets.
It has a variable shade lens ranging from 4 to 13 to cover almost any welding, cutting, or grinding work without changing hoods or goggles between jobs. The ability to filter light at the optimal level for welders improves job quality and decreases eye strain. Usually, more expensive helmets have a wider shade range that can be adjusted.
While the Antra has extra inner and outer lenses, there are a few add-ons and replacement parts that may be useful, including:
- Exterior lens covers
- Inner lens covers
- Head Gear
- Hard hat adapter
- Sweat Band
- Auto Darkening Lens
- Cheater Lens
features
- Auto Darkening – Yes
- Grinder Shade Setting – Yes
- Adjustable Shade Range(s) – 4/5-9/9-13
- ANSI Certified – Yes
- Adjustable Delay – Yes
- Adjustable Sensitivity – Yes
- Viewing Area – 3.86” x 1.73” or 6.68 square inches
- Extra Lenses – Yes
Pros:
Lower Cost, Lots of features, including replacement lenses
Cons:
Small viewing area
I wrote a more detailed review about Antra AH6-260 welding helmer, you might find interesting
2. DEKOPRO Welding Helmet
- Auto-darkening filter switches from light to dark in 1/25000 sec
- Protects against UV and IR radiation
- Sensitivity and delay settings
- Comfortable and adjustable headgear
The DEKOPRO Welding Helmet is a top-of-the-line safety device designed for professional welders and hobbyists. This welding helmet combines comfort, safety, and advanced technology to provide an optimal welding experience.
features
- Auto Darkening – Yes
- Grinder Shade Setting – Yes
- Adjustable Shade Range(s) – 4/9-13
- ANSI Certified – Yes
- Adjustable Delay – Yes
- Adjustable Sensitivity – Yes
- Viewing Area – 3.62” x 1.65” or 5.97 square inches
- Extra Lenses – No
Pros:
Tied for the lowest cost in the group, good features
Cons:
Small viewing area, No replacement lenses included
3. Lincoln Electric VIKING 3350 Welding Helmet
- Most Expensive Option
- 12.5 square inch viewing area
- Includes replacement lenses, bandana, and helmet bag
- Reputable manufacturer
The Lincoln 3350 Welding Helmet is a premium alternative built to meet the rigorous demands of professional welders, ensuring exceptional safety, comfort, and performance.
This high-quality helmet has a 4C auto-darkening lens technology, providing unrivaled clarity and color perception, reducing eye strain and enhancing the overall welding experience. The large 12.5 square inch viewing area and its 1/1/1/1 optical rating allow for superior visibility and precision during intricate welding tasks.
features
- Auto Darkening – Yes
- Grinder Shade Setting – Yes
- Adjustable Shade Range(s) – 3.5/5-13
- ANSI Certified – Yes
- Adjustable Delay – Yes
- Adjustable Sensitivity – Yes
- Viewing Area – 3.74” x 3.34” or 12.49 square inches
- Extra Lenses – Yes, plus helmet bag and bandana
Pros:
Largest viewing area of the group, all the best features including replacement lenses, bandana and helmet bag, well-known manufacturer
Cons:
Most expensive in group
4. Antra AH7-360-000 Welding Helmet
- Upgraded Version of the Antra AH6
- Power Off Delay
- 4 Premium Redundant Arc Sensors
- Suitable for Plasma Cutting, Grinding, TIG, MIG, Stick Welding
The Antra AH7 Welding Helmet is an advanced and versatile piece of personal protective equipment designed for welders, offering a perfect combination of safety, comfort, and functionality. This state-of-the-art helmet features an auto-darkening lens that adjusts its shade level instantly in response to varying light conditions, ensuring that the welder’s eyes are consistently shielded from harmful UV and IR radiation.
The lightweight yet durable construction of the AH7 provides optimal comfort for extended periods of use, while the 4 arc sensors and wide viewing area ensure optimal visibility and responsiveness during various welding tasks.
Additionally, the helmet’s solar-powered design and replaceable battery backup ensure consistent performance and longevity. With its user-friendly interface and customizable settings, the Antra AH7 Welding Helmet is ideal for novice and experienced welders.
The Antra AH7 Welding Helmet builds upon the success of its predecessor, the AH6, by introducing several notable improvements and refinements, making it a more advanced and user-friendly option for welders. While both models offer auto-darkening lenses, the AH7 boasts a larger viewing area, providing better visibility and situational awareness during welding. The AH7 also features 4 arc sensors compared to the AH6’s 2, resulting in a quicker and more accurate response to changing light conditions.
features
- Auto Darkening – Yes
- Grinder Shade Setting – Yes
- Adjustable Shade Range(s) – 4/5-9/9-13
- ANSI Certified – Yes
- Adjustable Delay – Yes
- Adjustable Sensitivity – Yes
- Viewing Area – 3.86” x 2.07” or 7.99 square inches
- Extra Lenses – Yes
Pros:
Lower price, Slightly larger viewing area than the Anthra AH6-260, and Lots of features, including replacement lenses
Cons:
Smaller viewing area, but getting there
5. Miller Auto Darkening Welding Helmet
- Includes replacement lenses and helmet bag
- 7 square inch viewing area
- Unique Flame Graphic Design
- Ratchet Headgear
The Miller Electric Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet is premium option designed to provide maximum safety, comfort, and performance for professional welders.
Renowned for its superior lens technology, this helmet ensures exceptional clarity, color perception, and fast reaction times, effectively safeguarding the user’s eyes from harmful UV and IR radiation during welding.
The adjustable headgear provides a secure and customizable fit, accommodating welders with different head sizes and preferences. It has user-friendly controls to adjust sensitivity, delay, and shade settings.
features
- Auto Darkening – Yes
- Grinder Shade Setting – Yes
- Adjustable Shade Range(s) – 3/5-8/8-13
- ANSI Certified – Yes
- Adjustable Delay – Yes
- Adjustable Sensitivity – Yes
- Viewing Area – 3.8” x 1.9” or 7.22 square inches
- Extra Lenses – Yes, with Helmet Bag
Pros:
Most of the best features include replacement lenses and helmet bag, from a well known manufacturer
Cons:
Smaller viewing area, second highest priced in group
6. iMeshbean Pro Welding helmet
- Affordable Alternative
- Can be used for Arc, Mag, Mig, Mma, Stick & Tig Welding, or Plasma Cutting
- Includes Two Extra Lenses
- Stunning Graphic Design
The iMeshbean Pro Welding Helmet is a reliable and budget-friendly option for welders seeking protection and functionality without breaking the bank. Designed to cater to a variety of welding applications such as MIG, TIG, and stick welding, this helmet features an auto-darkening lens that quickly adjusts to changing light conditions, ensuring consistent eye protection from harmful UV and IR radiation.
With its generous viewing area, welders can enjoy enhanced visibility and precision during their tasks.
features
- Auto Darkening – Yes
- Grinder Shade Setting – Yes
- Adjustable Shade Range(s) – 4/9-13
- ANSI Certified – Yes
- Adjustable Delay – Yes
- Adjustable Sensitivity – Yes
- Viewing Area – 3.8 x 1.9 inch
- Extra Lenses – Yes
Pros:
Low cost, good features, two extra lenses included
Cons:
Small viewing area
7. Miller Electric Welding Helmet
- Leading Manufacturer Of High-Quality Products
- Middle of the Road Cost and Features
- Smaller Viewing Area
- Includes Replacement Lenses
Known for its exceptional build quality and advanced features, this helmet offers a superior welding experience, enabling users to work with precision and confidence.
This is a middle-of-the-road welding helmet built by a reputable manufacturer. You can trust their workmanship and ensure safe welding performance without breaking the bank.
The Miller Electric Welding Helmet is a testament to the company’s dedication to providing innovative, reliable, and user-centric solutions for the welding industry.
Features
- Auto Darkening – Yes
- Grinder Shade Setting – No
- Adjustable Shade Range(s) – 8-12
- ANSI Certified – Yes
- Adjustable Delay – Yes
- Adjustable Sensitivity – Yes
- Viewing Area – 5.15 square inches
- Extra Lenses – Yes
Pros:
Decent features, Middle of the road cost, Includes replacement lenses
Cons:
Small viewing area, No grinder shade setting
8. DEKOPRO with Wide Lens
- Up to 5000 hours Battery Life
- 12.5 square inch viewing area
- No replacement lenses included
- Affordable price tag and reasonable features
This is a versatile and budget-friendly personal protective equipment option designed to provide a high level of safety, comfort, and performance for welders across various applications. This helmet features a large viewing area with an auto-darkening lens, ensuring excellent visibility, clarity, and protection,
features
- Auto Darkening – Yes
- Grinder Shade Setting – Yes
- Adjustable Shade Range(s) – 4/9-13
- ANSI Certified – Yes
- Adjustable Delay – Yes
- Adjustable Sensitivity – Yes
- Viewing Area – 3.2” x 3.9” or 12.48 square inches
- Extra Lenses – No
Pros:
Virtually same sized viewing area as the largest in the group, Decent pricing, Good features
Cons:
No Replacement lenses included
9. YESWELDER True Color Welding Helmet
- Suitable For TIG, MIG, MMA
- 8 Square Inch Viewing Area
- Comes with Replacement Lenses
- Comfortable Pivot Style Headgear
This helmet features groundbreaking True Color technology, which provides exceptional clarity and color perception, significantly reducing eye strain and improving the overall welding experience.
The adjustable headgear ensures a secure and customizable fit for welders of different head sizes.
The YESWELDER True Color Welding Helmet has become a popular choice by prioritising innovation, quality, and user satisfaction.
Features
- Auto Darkening – Yes
- Grinder Shade Setting – Yes
- Adjustable Shade Range(s) – 4/9-13
- ANSI Certified – Yes
- Adjustable Delay – Yes
- Adjustable Sensitivity – Yes
- Viewing Area – 3.64″ x 1.67″ or 6.0 square inches
- Extra Lenses – No
Pros:
Low Cost, Great features
Cons:
Smaller viewing area, No replacement lenses included
10. Jackson Safety Insight
- True Color and 1/1/1/1 Optical Clarity
- Digital Control
- 9.3 square inch Viewing Area
- Middle of the road cost and features
The Jackson Safety Insight is a high-quality and dependable welding helmet designed to provide exceptional safety, comfort, and performance for welders across various applications. Engineered with advanced auto-darkening lens technology, this helmet offers rapid response times and reliable protection.
I rate it as an average option with good features and a larger than average viewing area and at a reasonable cost. There are no premium features but it is still a suitable helmet.
Features
- Auto Darkening – Yes
- Grinder Shade Setting – Yes
- Adjustable Shade Range(s) – 4/9-13
- ANSI Certified – Yes
- Adjustable Delay – Yes
- Adjustable Sensitivity – Yes
- Viewing Area – 2.36” x 3.93” or 9.27 square inches
- Extra Lenses – No
Pros:
Middle of the road cost, Good features, Larger than average viewing area
Cons:
No replacement lenses included
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I buy a welding helmet with a larger viewing area?
Keep in mind that with a larger viewing area coupled with a wide shading range, you may be able to use the one helmet to perform almost all grinding, cutting, and welding jobs. This reduces the need for and therefore offsets the cost of tinted goggles for cutting and face shields for grinding and buffing.
What factors contribute to the high cost of welding helmets?
In most cases, a welding helmet with the largest viewing area also costs the most, has all the top features, comes with a couple of extra goodies and is manufactured by a well-established company.