by Peter |
Last Updated: March 9, 2020 Those sparks and heat flashes are more damaging then frightening. Yeah, the welding job is incredibly dangerous than we can imagine. It can have the workers lose their vision if necessary precaution is not taken before performing it. Well, the most necessity during the welding comes out to be the best budget welding helmet under $100.
In Hurry? Checkout Our Top Pick Of Best Budget Welding Helmets Under $100.
A welding helmet is a headgear that a welder should wear to protect himself from the sparks, UV, and whatever the environment throws at him. For such a job, the equipment costs high, but we can also find a welding helmet that won’t break our budget.
To lend you a helping hand, here we have compiled a list of 10 best budget welding helmets under $100, including the cheap auto-darkening welding helmet and cheap welding hoods.
Best Budget Welding Helmets Under $100 Comparison
| Rank | Product Name | Score |
|---|---|---|
|
1
|
YESWELDER Large Viewing Screen True Color Solar Power Auto Darkening Welding Helmet
|
9. 7
|
|
2
|
Antra AH7-860-0000 Solar Power Auto Darkening Welding Helmet
|
9. 5
|
|
3
|
Instapark ADF Series GX990T Solar Powered Auto Darkening Welding Helmet with 4 Optical Sensors
|
9. 1
|
|
4
|
Tekware Ultra Large Viewing Screen True Color Solar Power Auto Darkening Welding Helmet
|
8. 8
|
|
5
|
YESWELDER Large Viewing True Color Solar Powered Auto Darkening Welding Helmet
|
8. 6
|
|
6
|
Antra AH7-860-001X Auto Darkening Welding Helmet
|
8. 2
|
|
7
|
YESWELDER Large Viewing True Color Solar Power Auto Darkening Welding Helmet
|
8. 0
|
|
8
|
Hobart 770890 Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet
|
7 .7
|
|
9
|
TACKLIFE Solar Power Auto Darkening Welding Helmet
|
7. 4
|
|
10
|
Solar Powered Welding Helmet Auto Darkening Professional Hood with Wide Lens Adjustable Shade
|
7. 2
|
1. YESWELDER Large Viewing True Color Solar Powered Auto Darkening Welding Helmet
Features
- Multi-purpose design for TIG MIG MMA, Plasma application with grinding features.
- A full viewing area with four premium sensors.
- Incorporates right color technology that improvises vision.
Looking for the affordable yet best-featured welding helmet? Then look no more. This welding helmet from YESWELDER is one of the best welding helmets under $100 with a vast viewing area and pure colors for a better view of the user.
It has a built-in solar power system that will allow it to darken automatically with the help of energy from the sun. It also features arc sensors of quantity four that saves the user from the arc flashes and protects the eyes well. It comprises of a full shade that is excellent during the TIG, MIG welding or grinding.
It comes with a True color technology that improves visibility and reduces eye strain. This welding helmet provides a clear view of the welding parts, which is far better than any other welding helmet offers in the market.
PROS
- Pivot style headgear fr superior comfort.
- Has an increased battery life.
- Accurate color technology for better workpiece view.
CONS
- The bolts on the sides often lose out.
- The darkening mode becomes a concern after a few weeks.
2. Antra AH7-860-0000 Solar Power Auto Darkening Welding Helmet
Features
- It comes with a wide shade range between 5 and 13.
- Features viewing window that measures wide enough for a bright and extensive view.
- Simple controls for sensitivity, delay, and shade also the grind mode.
- It also features the four sensors that ensure high protection to the user.
So, here’s another best budget welding helmet brand on our list, the Antra. Antra is the choice of many welders out there because of its gear production. Antra provide the community with a gear that is compatible with multiple tasks.
This welding helmet features a view area that is considerably larger than any view area you would usually find in the low-budget welding helmets. This bigger window improves visibility and uses an extra passive filter to provide the user with a full dark. The auto-darkening feature of the window can be adjusted with the control panel. Also, the user can find the switch to change into grind mode and choose between the high and low darkness levels.
It uses the solar cell battery that can be replaced if necessary. It also enables you to adjust the sensitivity and delay settings to pick how quickly the helmet responds. This welding helmet comes with a range of shades from 5 to 9 and 9 to 13.
PROS
- Great for the welding activity requiring glasses.
- Features different modes to suit all your welding needs.
- Accurate color technology ensures optical clarity.
- It can be equipped with different lenses.
CONS
- The shape of the helmet is a concern.
- Uncomfortable for prolonged use.
3. Antra AH7-860-001X Auto Darkening Welding Helmet
Features
- It comes with the shade range between 4 and 13.
- Features viewing window that measures wide enough for a splendid and extensive view.
- Simple controls for sensitivity, delay, and shade also the grind mode.
- It also features the four sensors that ensure high protection to the user.
Another best budget welding helmet from Antra is exceptionally responsive and reliable for your welding needs. This welding helmet also ensures to provide you with high safety at a super affordable price.
This helmet proves to be reliable during the plasma cutting, MIG, TIG, or sticks welding. And is exceptionally responsive because of its four sensors that detect light. Besides necessary welding activities, this welding helmet is made explicitly for grinding applications as well.
This helmet offers a wide viewing area and also enables you to equip it with a cheater or magnifying lenses, which is an excellent feature if you require switching between the two.
Again similar to the above welding helmet from Antra, this welding helmet also features the in-built solar adapter, sensitivity, and delay settings.
PROS
- Great for the welding activity requiring glasses.
- Features different modes to suit all your welding needs.
- Accurate color technology ensures optical clarity.
- It can be equipped with different lenses.
CONS
- The helmet feels uncomfortable when elongated shape.
- There Has low response time in certain lighting conditions.
4. YESWELDER Large Viewing True Color Solar Power Auto Darkening Welding Helmet
Features
- Accurate color technology preserves the optical clarity, improves visibility, and reduces lime green tint.
- Oversized comfort cushions provide extensive and improved support to the headgear.
- The broad view area provides a full range of vision and enhances operator control.
- Features four arc sensors to protect the user form flashes.
Another budget welding helmet from YESWELDER that is a part of our best budget welding helmets under $100. It features the same functions and controls as the above and is worth trying.
The built-in solar power system allows it to darken automatically in the presence of sunlight. It features four arc sensors saving the user from the arc flashes and protects the eyes well. It makes a better option for TIG, MIG welding, or grinding.
It incorporates True color technology that improves visibility and reduces eye strain. This welding helmet is no less than other welding helmets from YESWELDER on this list and is far better than any other welding helmet provides in the market.
PROS
- It\'s Provides superior comfort with pivot style helmet.
- Has an increased battery life.
- Comprises of arc sensors.
- Great for TIG MIG MMA, Plasma Applications with grinding feature
CONS
- Not for industrial use.
- It might be too dark for the non-welding tasks.
5. YESWELDER Large Viewing Screen True Color Solar Power Auto Darkening Welding Helmet
Features
- Accurate color technology preserves the optical clarity, improves visibility, and reduces lime green tint.
- Oversized comfort cushions provide extensive and improved support to the headgear.
- The broad view area provides a full range of vision and enhances operator control.
- Features four arc sensors to protect the user form flashes.
Similar to the above welding helmet from YESWELDER, this welding helmet also comes with the same features and is also an excellent option to consider when looking for a best budget welding helmet.
This welding helmet also has a built-in solar power system that allows it to darken automatically with the help of energy from the sun. We again have the four arc sensors here that save the user from the arc flashes and protect the eyes well. It comprises of a full shade that is excellent during the TIG, MIG welding or grinding.
Accurate color technology is a unique feature to consider in the YESWELDER welding helmets that improve visibility and reduces eye strain. This welding helmet provides a clear view of the welding parts, which is far better than any other welding helmet offers in the market.
PROS
- This pivot style helmet provides extreme comfort to the user.
- It comes with increased battery life.
- The arc sensors save the user from the arc flashes.
- Great for TIG MIG MMA, Plasma Applications with grinding feature.
CONS
- Not for industrial use.
6. Hobart 770890 Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet
Features
- Four arc sensors provide dependable arc detection.
- Grind mode to prevent the lens from darkening for clear and visible grinding.
- The large viewing area for improvised visibility.
- It is made of polyamide nylon that ensures durability.
Hobart is one of the undeniable brands leading in the industry. It is obvious to have a model from the Hobart as a player in the best budget welding helmets under $100 race. It is a big player for reasons.
Hobart believes in convenience and comfort. Hence, the helmet is padded with cushions to provide the users with extra support during their job. It’s ratchet mechanism is flexible. It allows you to adjust to different angles, also enabling easy opening and closing of hood. It also comes with a wide range of shades to suit your work environment perfectly.
PROS
- It comes with a comfortable headband.
- Easy to wear and use.
- Has a super-fast response time.
- Lightweight and durable.
CONS
- It has a narrow view area.
- The lens is not easy to pop out.
7. Tekware Ultra Large Viewing Screen True Color Solar Power Auto Darkening Welding Helmet
Features
- Upgraded accurate color technology enables better vision.
- The large viewing area and a full range of vision enhance operator control.
- Oversized comfort cushion padding for great convenience during welding.
Just like other brands of welding helmets on this list, the Tekware also is a big player in the game with a premium quality welding helmet available at the most affordable price.
This helmet features a hemispherical 4C lens, four arc sensors, and a wide range of shade easing out the job of the welder. It also provides an extensive view area and incorporates the accurate color technology that collectively improves the vision of the welding material for the welder at different angles.
This welding helmet is a multi-purpose one supporting the welding activities like TIG, MIG, stick welding, and plasma cutter.
PROS
- Padded headgear for improved support and better fit.
- Accurate color technology reduces the lime green tint.
- Ideal for long hours of welding activities.
- Easy to wear and use.
CONS
- The quality of the material is cheap.
- Replacement is difficult.
8. TACKLIFE Solar Power Auto Darkening Welding Helmet
Features
- Features a better light state DIN 3, enabling to see the workpiece.
- Provides UV/IR protection up to 16 at all times Industrial specific design for multi-process like plasma cutting, TI, MIG, stick welding, etc.
- Provides top optical clarity.
This helmet stands out a premium welding helmet at an affordable price. Call it a dope of the premium welding helmets, rather than the high-quality components, and it comes with the low-quality yet sturdy headgear that performs the same and has excellent features.
This helmet features a lens with the highest optical clarity and has standard green shading. The viewing area is large, too, and gives you a more comprehensive view of work. The helmet provides you with options to switch between any shade from the #3 to #13 for optimum sight and right protection to your eyes during welding, cutting, grinding, etc., It also provides with a test button to see if a shade is working correctly or not before welding.
It is a low to medium quality welding helmet for any kind of welding activity, but it surely is one of the best options to go for on this list.
PROS
- It has a wide viewing area.
- It provides a test button.
- It has an extensive shade range.
- It provides the most unambiguous optical clarity available.
CONS
- The headgear is uncomfortable.
- Its Comprises of low to medium quality parts.
- It provides unsatisfactory customer services.
9. Solar Powered Welding Helmet Auto Darkening Professional Hood with Wide Lens Adjustable Shade
Features
- The auto-darkening filter gives optimum eye protection.
- Features manual adjustment to fit different working environments.
- Wide view area for bright, proper, and extensive view.
- Lightweight, durable, and suitable for hours of welding.
It is considered to be one of the best welding helmets under $100 because of its practical design and first-hand protection to the user’s eyes. It comes with high protection at a reasonable price.
It features an auto-darkening filter that switches from light to dark in seconds. Coming with the shade of 16, the user remains protected from IR and UV even when there is an electric failure. It meets all the safety standards and has sensitivity and delay settings done that suit different working environments.
The helmet offers the best comforts and allows the user to see clearly from different angles. This headgear is versatile and is recommended for construction, automotive, manufacturing, fabrication, military maintenance, repair and operation, and also in oil and gas transportation.
PROS
- Gets as dark as level 16.
- Has multiple points of adjustments.
- Has a more extensive view area.
- It has a neat and modern look.
CONS
- The quality of the materials is a concern.
- The lens is not scratch resistant.
10. Instapark ADF Series GX990T Solar Powered Auto Darkening Welding Helmet with 4 Optical Sensors
Features
- Revolutionary modern design with convenient controls and adjustments.
- Lightweight and durable composite material with enhanced protection.
- Suitable for MIG, TIG, and stick.
- Ensures comfortable fit with adjustable multi-band headband.
The install park welding helmet can be considered as an economical option with an added style. It is made of high quality and thick composite material that is durable. This material is later covered in a glossy print pattern. Besides, the fresh look, the helmet performs well, and the auto-darkening lens feature is very responsive.
Considering the viewing window, it has one of the most significant viewing windows, which makes it easier to see from different angles during welding. Something unique and better design choice of this helmet from Instapark is the location of the controls. Unlike other models, the restrictions are placed inside the helmet rather than outside. This makes the adjustment easier.
PROS
- The viewing window is large enough and measures about 3.94 inches wide and 3.86 inches tall.
- The helmet is made of high-quality composite materials.
- The sensitivity and delay controls are on the outside of the welding helmet.
- It is solar-powered.
- It comes with unique finishing and a one-year warranty.
CONS
- The head strap loosens over Time.
- It is challenging to keep the welding helmet in an upright position.
On the whole, this helmet serves the people well and hasn’t brought any comfort issues to the notice yet. So, it worth a shot.
Best Budget Welding Helmets Buying Guide
Things to consider before buying a welding helmet
Every risk factor involving a job requires that safety equipment and any piece of safety equipment requires keen and careful considerations before buying it for the job. Here, we are talking about the welding helmets, which for sure have some essential factors to consider, especially with the low-cost welding helmets. When it comes to welding, the face and eye protection are paramount. The hazards of this job will put you at high risk for burns, skin damage, and the dreaded “Welder’s Flash.”
Now let’s get back to the point, if you are looking to make welding your profession or if you are just looking for the welding helmet that suits your domestic needs best then you need to look at different aspects of what makes a good welding helmet. When the budget is considered, a smaller one is seen as a bad one, which usually is not.
Finding budget welding helmets is not a cakewalk. Besides lens, there are various factors you should consider before you put your money into the product. Here are the aspects you need to keep an eye on. Once you know what you are looking for, you will have the perfect budget welding helmet in no time.
Know if it is an auto-darkening model or not!
We have several types of welding helmets available in the market. You will find different sizes of masks, and there are no one-size-fits-all welding techniques. So, you will be using the welding helmet with different settings and equipment. It is essential to use the one that keeps up with all the settings. The auto-darkening varieties are widely recommended. In such types of welding helmets, the viewing window gets darker automatically based on the amount of the exposed UV radiation. The auto-darkening welding helmet models use advanced sensors to adjust the darkness levels accurately. You can find many cheap auto-darkening welding helmets available at affordable prices with great working.
Check if there is an option of adjustable lens.
Finding a welding helmet with the lens setting in welding helmets less than $100 is steep. They exist but are very rare. Most of the Time, these settings are first to go in cost-cutting design changes. When you need the flexibility it is good to go with the helmets that have the adjustable delay settings and sensitivity levels. These sensitivity levels again affect the functioning of the auto-darkening feature of the helmet. With the adjustable parameters, you can manually set the amount of UV light triggering, which is excellent for low-amp jobs. And the delay settings refers to the amount of the Time the darkening effect stays on after the torch is turned off.
Availability of shades.
If you think you are all safe and protected with the auto-darkening lens, then you should know you are not. Only these lens will not be able to provide you the protection you need. The helmets are capable of producing different shade levels. The higher the shade level, the more ye protection you get. So, the welding helmets with a full dark range are recommended. Mostly the darkness levels up to 13 are said to provide the maximum protection.
Consider the power source of your helmet.
The power source of your helmet affects the ongoing maintenance costs. If the mask requires standard alkaline batteries, then you will need to spend on the new batteries regularly. But, going for the rechargeable lithium-ion batteries can be the best option, as they last for several years. A helmet with a built-in solar charger is an even better option. They cut down on the recharge times, making them available to use anytime.
Go for high-quality materials.
You are going to encounter the issue of getting inferior materials during your search for the best welding helmets under $100. But you should have the fact that the mask is supposed to protect you from the extreme heat, sparks, and molten metal splashes. So, you can’t skimp in this area.
Considering the best helmets available in the market, they are made out of thick heat –resistant plastic. Some models are also made out of Abs or nylon, and even in metals. No matter what materials, make sure that it is thick enough to protect you even in worst-cases.
Ensure your personalized comfort.
When you are looking for the affordable welding helmet, that doesn’t mean you need to compromise with the suffering part every Time you wear it. Customization is the key to find a comfortable welding helmet. Multiple head straps do wonders in taking away the pressure and balance out the weight, ensuring no welding affects the neck or back.
Make sure you have the warranty.
You are going with a cheaper welding helmet, so a reliable warranty option is good to go with. The warranty policies vary dramatically from manufacturer to manufacturer. However, most of them cover the damage repair free of cost during the first year of ownership. The warranty policies are a great way to stretch the investment further.
Frequently Asked Questions.
What are the safety measures to follow when welding?
It is necessary to ensure your protection and safety when welding. One of the main reasons to wear a welding helmet besides preventing the arc eye is the welding fumes. The arc eye is an eye condition where the cornea gets damaged because of the ultraviolet radiation during welding. This causes long term damage to the eyes. Another similar situation that can occur is flash burn. It is a painful inflammation of the cornea caused by ultraviolet light.
They are like sunburn in the eye, which, when not treated, causes infection and sometimes loss of vision.
It is evident that during welding, there are chances of getting into contact with the sparks and heat. In such cases, if your eyes and face are not protected by protective equipment, then there may occur an injury. The welding flames can emit ultraviolet radiation that causes sober health problems. So, getting a safe welding helmet is essential.
Why use an auto-darkening helmet?
Considering the benefits of auto-darkening welding helmets, they let you see the work surface without flipping the mask. With this, you are getting provided with protection for your eyes and also automatically preventing the arc radiation. The auto-darkening helmets are considered as a blessing for the welders because of their ability to let the users work efficiently and comfortably. They also optimize the safety of the user’s eyes during different welding activities.
What can be the ideal lens size on a welding helmet?
Usually, most of the welding helmets available in the market will be found to have dimensions of 3.5-1.75 inches as length and height, respectively. These dimensions are considered to be sufficient for ordinary welding jobs. But if you feel performing under-car welding, then you might have to look for the larger lens, preferably with dimensions such as 3.5 by 2.5 inches, which will give you a broader view and will make the welding job a lot easier for you.
How often or when should you replace the battery of the welding helmet?
Well, it is quite difficult to predict accurately how long will the battery last in welding helmets. This also depends on the factors like how often you use it and what features it supports. We also have helmets that have solar cells in addition to the batteries, these facilitate the darkening of the filter when working under the sun. When you notice that your lens is not working as required, it is Time to replace the batteries. Considering the availability of the cells, they are available online and also in the stores, but it is essential to ensure that you get the right battery for your model. Generally, a good battery lasts for about three years on being used continuously for welding purposes.
Can the welding helmet be used for grinding as well?
Many welding helmets provide you with the option of activating the grind mode where you might use the angle grinder. So, depending on your purposes, make sure you look for the specific features in the welding helmet when buying one to meet your needs in the best way possible.
Conclusion
Finding the best within the budget is much more than just an eye on the price tag. Since the welding helmet will be your first line of defense against the injuries during the work, you need to make sure it is built tough and meets all your safety requirements regardless of the price.
Let’s hope the above guide has given you more insights on buying the best welding helmet for you with the list of best budget welding helmets under $100 that might help you out with your search. Just know what all features you want and figure out the brands that provide them, then have the price, material, and another aspect check. There you go buying the best one for you at an affordable price.