Working as a welder is considered quite dangerous. Masters run the risk of damage to the organs of vision and breathing, it can be thermal, chemical, light burns. Often, sparks from hot metal cause damage to the retina of the eye. However, if safety precautions are followed, injury can be avoided. The eyes of the master are at the greatest risk; a welding mask will help protect them during work. We will tell you what they are, how they differ from each other, and we will offer a rating of the best welding masks.
Content:
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Ranking table
| Place in the ranking / Name | Expert evaluation | Price range, rub. |
|---|---|---|
Rating of the best budget welding helmets | ||
SPECIAL WM-300 | 80 out of 100 | From 741 to 1555* |
RESANTA MS-6 | 82 out of 100 | From 850 to 1253* |
SPECIAL WM-400 | 85 out of 100 | From 995 to 1,690* |
START Active with ASF 777 | 88 out of 100 | From 998* |
Rating of the best welding helmets in terms of price-quality ratio | ||
FoxWeld Varteg black (6327) | 85 out of 100 | From 1152 to 1265* |
RESANTA MS-2 | 89 out of 100 | From 1940 to 2714* |
Fubag Optima 9-13 | 93 out of 100 | From 1 983 to 2 890* |
Rating of premium welding helmets | ||
RESANTA MS-5 | 92 out of 100 | From 3 390 to 4 341* |
Aurora A-777 Heavy Metal | 93 out of 100 | From 3 388 to 4 120* |
Fubag Optima 4-13 Visor | 95 out of 100 | From 3 105 to 4 690* |
* Prices are for August 2020
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How to choose a welding helmet
The main structural element of the welding mask is a protective light filter. Its main purpose is to filter out light spectra that are harmful to vision. There are several types of filters used in welding helmets:
- Darkened - such filters are used in classic outdated masks. The light filter is made of glass with the addition of non-ferrous metals, in particular, copper or nickel. This will reduce the level of light transmission. The degree of dimming is marked both according to the domestic system (C4-C8) and according to the European one (9-13 DIN).
- Polymer tinted filters. According to their characteristics, they are superior to glass ones. These are lighter, fairly durable inexpensive models in terms of the degree of dimming and protection, comparable to glass filters.
- Chameleon is an auto-darkening filter. It can adapt to any welding method and power. When an arc occurs, the filter automatically darkens, and when it disappears, it brightens. Thanks to this, the master can be in the mask all the time. This is the main advantage of chameleons, which significantly distinguishes them from classical models. The latter must be removed or raised from time to time face shield.
LCD chameleon masks are currently the most popular. The degree of dimming is adjusted automatically or manually. To do this, the operator must turn the switch. These masks have many advantages:
- Soft fastening system;
- Lightweight heat-resistant body;
- Various designs;
- Quick and smooth adjustment of the degree of dimming.
The main disadvantage of such models is the high cost. In addition, crystals may not work well at low temperatures.
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Before you buy a welding helmet, pay attention to its technical parameters:
- The size of the viewing window;
- The degree of dimming;
- Chameleon response speed;
- Type of food;
- Production material;
- Self test function.
The size of the viewing window directly determines visibility. For most models, this figure varies from 90 × 32 to 110 × 93 mm. The most popular are masks with a window of 96x47 or 98x43 mm. Devices with a large window are called panoramic.
For cheap classic masks, the degree of darkening is indicated in units, ranging from 2 to 5. Models with maximum darkening can be used outdoors. It will not be possible to work indoors in them, since it will be difficult to see what is happening. For work in dark conditions, masks with a protective element marked 2 are used.
In chameleons, the degree of dimming is indicated in the range, for example, 5-13 DIN. The larger the specified range, the wider the list of tasks to be solved. So, for manual arc welding with a current of 100-125 A, the level of light transmission should be 9-10 DIN. When igniting the arc, it must be higher - up to 13 DIN.
The response speed indicates the response speed of the mask. The transition to the dark state usually takes no more than 0.0001 seconds. Return to the enlightened state - 0.2-0.8 seconds. It should be noted that at low temperatures, the response speed may increase.
The classic welding helmet with a glass filter does not require a power source. It is necessary only for chameleons for the operation of sensors and a liquid crystal screen. Welding helmets are usually powered by a battery that needs to be replaced periodically or by a solar panel.
Masks can be made from various materials. The most inexpensive models are made of pressed cardboard. They are lightweight (about 1 kg), but due to high humidity they can swell and deform. Plastic masks are bulkier and heavier. However, these models also last longer.
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Rating of the best welding helmets
The TOP 10 includes chameleon masks. Models were selected according to technical characteristics, price, customer and expert reviews.
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The list includes welding masks worth up to 1,000 rubles.
SPECIAL WM-300
Specifications:
- Price - 741-1555 rubles;
- User rating - 4.4;
- Type - automatic chameleon;
- The degree of blackout - DIN 11;
- Possibility of dimming adjustment - no;
- Viewing window - 93 × 43 mm.
The product can be used to perform work with a wide range of current values. The mask has two sensors, they are recorded from a CR1025 lithium battery and a solar panel.
RESANTA MS-6
Specifications:
- Price - 850-1253 rubles;
- User rating - 4.1;
- Type - automatic chameleon;
- The degree of blackout - DIN 4-11;
- Viewing window - 90 × 35 mm.
The transition to the dark state of the screen takes 1.2 ms. The viewing window has a size of 90 X 35 mm. The model is powered by a solar battery.
SPECIAL WM-400
Specifications:
- Price - 995-1990 rubles;
- User rating - 4.1;
- Type - automatic chameleon;
- The degree of blackout - DIN 9-13;
- Viewing window - 92 × 42 mm.
It can be used with a wide range of currents. It has two sensors. The device is powered by a solar panel and a lithium battery, a grinding mode is provided.
START Active with ASF 777
Specifications:
- Price - 998 rubles;
- User rating - 4.1;
- Type - automatic chameleon;
- Shading degree - DIN 4/9-13;
- Viewing window - 96 × 39 mm.
The design provides a comfortable slatted headrest, which will help adjust the position of the mask, its fit. The device is powered by a replaceable battery and a solar panel. It is possible to install lenses with diopters.
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The TOP 3 includes welding helmets costing up to 3,000 rubles.
FoxWeld Varteg black (6327)
Specifications:
- Price - 1,152 - 1,265 rubles;
- User rating - 4.2;
- Type - chameleon with manual adjustment;
- Shading degree - DIN 4/9-13;
- Viewing window - 95 × 31 mm.
The device is compatible with a light filter with dimensions 110x90x9 mm of optical class 1/1/1/2. The design provides two independent infrared sensors that provide high-speed response. Four types of headband adjustment (height, eye distance, drop angle and diameter) allow you to customize the mask. A combined power supply system is provided, from a solar battery and a lithium battery.
RESANTA MS-2
Specifications:
- Price - 1,940 - 2,714 rubles;
- User rating - 4.5;
- Type - chameleon;
- Shading degree - DIN 4/9-13;
- Viewing window - 92 × 42 mm.
The weight of the model is only 470 g, which greatly simplifies work and transportation. The bandwidth of the filter varies from 4 to 12 DIN. Its response time is only 0.02 ms. The device works from the battery like CR2450, CR2032 or the solar panel. Grinding mode, sensitivity adjustment and delay time are provided.
Fubag Optima 9-13
Specifications:
- Price - 1,983 - 2,890 rubles;
- User rating - 4.5;
- Type - chameleon with manual adjustment;
- The degree of blackout - DIN / 9-13;
- Viewing window - 95 × 36 mm.
A special fastening system significantly reduces the load on the neck. In the open state, the center of gravity of the mask is shifted to the level of the head. Delay time sensitivity adjustable
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The TOP-3 includes reliable welding helmets with a flexible system of adjustments. The cost of the model starts from 3000 rubles.
RESANTA MS-5
Specifications:
- Price - 3,390 to 4,341 rubles;
- User rating - 4.5;
- Type - chameleon with manual adjustment;
- The degree of blackout - DIN 9-13;
- Viewing window - 100 × 60 mm.
The device protects the face and neck from visible light, ultraviolet and infrared radiation. The model features a flexible filter adjustment system. The operator can adjust the degree of sensitivity and delay time. Additionally, the device provides cutting and grinding modes.
Aurora A-777 Heavy Metal
Specifications:
- Price - 3,388 to 4,120 rubles;
- User rating - 4.8;
- Type - chameleon with manual adjustment;
- The degree of blackout - DIN 9-13;
- Viewing window - 99 × 45 mm.
The model has an original design. It is suitable for both amateurs and professionals. The design provides a special film that protects against sticking splashes of hot metal. It has a good viewing angle. The fastening adjustment system allows you to adjust the mask for the most comfortable fit.
Fubag Optima 4-13 Visor
Specifications:
- Price - 3,105 to 4,690 rubles;
- User rating - 4.7;
- Type - chameleon with manual adjustment;
- Shading degree - DIN 4-8/9-13;
- Viewing window - 100 × 65 mm.
There is a welding and grinding mode, the design has an internal adjustment of the degree of darkening, delay time and sensitivity. The light filter automatically reacts to the ignition of the arc by switching from a light state to a dark one. When raised, the center of gravity shifts lower to reduce stress on the head and neck. The mask can be used at temperatures up to -10 degrees. It is powered by a replaceable lithium battery and a solar battery.
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When choosing a mask for welding, chameleons should be preferred. The top layer of such a light filter protects against ultraviolet and infrared radiation. However, when welding with consumable electrodes, the liquid crystal filter may quickly fail due to contamination with scale. For this reason, many masters prefer to use classic masks and face shields.However, for permanent use, it is recommended to use chameleons.
You should also pay attention to the design. It should reliably protect the face and head of the master. Remember, a properly fitting helmet will not only protect your eyes and face while working, but will also improve productivity and quality of work.
