Welding is a process that requires a lot of skill, knowledge, and safety precautions. One of the most important pieces of safety equipment that a welder must have is a welding helmet. A welding helmet is a protective gear that protects the welder’s face and eyes from the harmful ultraviolet and infrared rays that are emitted during the welding process. In this article, we will discuss how to choose a welding helmet for beginners.
Recommended Best Beginners Welding Helmet 2025
| Recommendation | Product |
| Best Overall | ARCCAPTAIN Welding Helmet |
| Popular Choice | YESWELDER Auto Darkening Welding Helmet |
| Best Value | Hobart Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet |
| Best Budget | TRQWH Auto Darkening Welding Helmets |
| Another Excellent Pick | TOOLIOM Welding Helmet |
Types of Welding Helmets
There are two main types of welding helmets: fixed lens helmets and auto-darkening helmets.
Fixed Lens Helmets
Fixed lens helmets are the traditional helmets that have a fixed shade lens. They are less expensive than auto-darkening helmets but offer less flexibility in terms of shade selection. The shade selection of fixed lens helmets ranges from 9 to 13, with 9 being the lightest and 13 being the darkest.
Auto-darkening Helmets
Auto-darkening helmets have a lens that automatically darkens when the welding process starts. They offer more flexibility in terms of shade selection and allow the welder to switch between shades depending on the welding process. The shade selection of auto-darkening helmets ranges from 4 to 13, with 4 being the lightest and 13 being the darkest.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Welding Helmet
Viewing Area
The viewing area is the size of the lens in the welding helmet. The larger the viewing area, the better the visibility. However, a larger viewing area can also make the helmet heavier and more uncomfortable to wear. A good size for a viewing area is between 3.5 to 4 inches.
Clarity Of The Lens
The clarity of the lens is another important factor to consider when choosing a welding helmet. A clear lens will allow the welder to see the welding process clearly, while a hazy lens will make it difficult to see. A good lens should have a clear view of the welding process without any distortion.
Comfort
Comfort is an essential factor to consider when choosing a welding helmet. The helmet should fit securely on the welder’s head and be comfortable to wear for long periods. The weight of the helmet should also be considered, as a heavy helmet can cause neck strain.
Shade Selection
Shade selection is the most critical factor to consider when choosing a welding helmet. The shade selection should be appropriate for the welding process. The American Welding Society (AWS) recommends the following shade selection for each welding process:
- Shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) – Shade 8 to 13
- Gas metal arc welding (GMAW) – Shade 10 to 13
- Gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) – Shade 8 to 13
- Flux-cored arc welding (FCAW) – Shade 8 to 13
