12 best welding masks

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

The modern welding helmet is a multifunctional protective device for the human head. The use of light filters with automatic dimming (chameleon) allows not only to work with a bright arc, but also to clean the welding seam, cut metal with a grinder, etc. Only in the most severe frosts do professionals use old designs with replaceable glasses. The shield provides comprehensive protection for the head, both from harmful infrared and ultraviolet radiation, and from splashes of molten metal. Today, in our country, chameleon masks can be found not only at professional welders, but also at garage masters. A wide range of protective equipment is presented on the domestic market. Experts advise paying attention to several parameters of the welding mask.

Welding helmet selection criteria

1. One of the most important points on which the reliability of the protection of the eyes depends is the darkening of the glass. This indicator is measured in DIN and ranges from 3-15. The higher the value, the darker the filter becomes. The optimal choice is made according to the type of welding, as the brightness of the arc varies greatly.

2. Grinding mode can be a useful option. It allows you to manually turn off the light filter and simply protect your face from abrasives when cutting metal or cleaning a weld.

3. The effectiveness of eye protection from a bright arc also depends on the speed of the filter. Experts consider the time 0.1 ms to be the optimal value. You should not chase record figures, since some Chinese manufacturers simply underestimate the speed. Therefore, after work, the welder begins to cry, even using a mask.

4. Professional welders often work in poorly ventilated areas. In order not to breathe poisonous gases, air is supplied under the mask. In this case, the selected model must have such a function.

5. The weight of the shield and the convenience of the head mount play an important role in the welding process. Although the lightest models look preferable in terms of comfort, the polymer body is not very durable.

Our review includes the best welding helmets. When selecting applicants, the following criteria were taken into account:

1. innovative design;

2. effectiveness of protection;

3. price;

4. expert opinion;

5. user reviews.

Rating of the best welding helmets

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
Best inexpensive welding helmets	1	Interskol MS-400	RUB 1,790
	2	Fubag Optima 4-13 Visor	RUB 2,520
	3	RESANTA MS-1	1 460 rub.
	4	Foxweld Corundum 5895	1 289 rub.
The best welding helmets for professionals	1	3M Speedglas 9100XX	–
	2	Fubag Optima 9-13	RUB 1,828
	3	Fubag ULTIMA 5-13 Panoramic	RUB 4,300 rub.
	4	ESAB Warrior Tech	8 000
	5	ROSOMZ NN12 Crystaline Standart FavoriT	7 316 rub.
	6	Aurora Sun-9 Max Expert	RUB 5,200
	7	Svarog AS-4001F	RUB 5 577
	8	BISON EXPERT 11079	RUB 8,039

Best inexpensive welding helmets

Inexpensive welding helmets are indispensable eye and face protection for the garage or DIYer. Some modern chameleons can be purchased at an affordable price. The experts chose several models.

Interskol MS-400

Rating: 4.8

The budget mask Interskol MS-400 possesses a whole set of properties useful for the welder. Experts gave it first place in the rating for the ability to adjust the degree of shading, ease of use. The mask can be used both for manual welding and when working with a semiautomatic device. The light filter works quickly enough (0.06 ms), reliably protecting the eyes of the worker during welding. The structure is powered by an alkaline battery, as well as from a photocell. Thanks to the combined power supply system, stable operation of the filter is ensured.

The manufacturer has equipped the protective device with such options as splash protection, grinding mode, impact resistance, the presence of two sensors, the ability to install a protective glass.

Advantages

• combined food;

• fast response time;

• affordable price;

• availability of adjustment.

disadvantages

• small viewing window.

Fubag Optima 4-13 Visor

Rating: 4.7

The undisputed leader among budget masks is the Fubag Optima 4-13 Visor. It perfectly combines affordability, quality and functionality. The device ranks second in the rating, yielding to the leader in price, and also in the absence of splash protection. The mask is powered by batteries and photocells, the light filter responds very quickly (0.04 ms), and the degree of dimming can be smoothly adjusted in the range of 4-13 DIN. The manufacturer has equipped the model with four sensors, thus the light filter will work even if one or two of them are accidentally closed.

Among the competitors, the mask stands out for the presence of a self-test function, which is turned on to check the performance of the chameleon filters.

Advantages

• good overview;

• high-quality manufacturing;

• fast response of the light filter;

• self-test function.

disadvantages

• dimming is adjustable inside the mask.

RESANTA MS-1

Rating: 4.7

The RESANTA MS-1 welding helmet is an excellent option for home craftsmen. It is equipped with a chameleon with manual shade adjustment between 9-13 DIN. The model is somewhat inferior to the leaders in the rating in terms of the speed of the light filter (1 s). The model and the size of the sight glass cannot boast. The experts gave her only the third place in the rating. The mask reliably protects the eyes of the worker from infrared rays and ultraviolet radiation. The device is powered by conventional and solar batteries.

Users note the stylish appearance of the welding helmet. It is light enough (490 g) and easy to use. Additionally, you can install a protective glass.

Advantages

• combined food;

• dimming adjustment;

• grinding mode.

disadvantages

• long filter response time;

• small viewing window.

Foxweld Corundum 5895

Rating: 4.6

The lightest (370 g) and budgetary welding mask in our rating is the Foxweld Corundum 5895. The compact chameleon provides a darkening range of 9-13 DIN. The device failed to rise higher for a number of reasons. The manufacturer has minimally equipped its product, there are no such useful functions as a grinding mode or the possibility of installing a protective glass. Although the degree of dimming is adjustable, the actuation occurs in jumps. But the mask is made of impact-resistant materials, and the speed of the light filter is quite fast (0.1 ms).

The device is powered both from the solar battery and from the built-in battery. To detect an electric arc, the manufacturer has equipped the mask with two sensors.

Advantages

• low price;

• ease;

• complex nutrition.

disadvantages

• lack of useful functions;

• adjustment of sensitivity in steps.

The best welding helmets for professionals

Professional welders have to wear a mask throughout their shift. Therefore, the price fades into the background, giving way to such qualities as the effectiveness of protection and comfort. The following models attracted the attention of specialists.

3M Speedglas 9100XX

Rating: 4.9

The most comfortable environment during welding is provided by the 3M Speedglas 9100XX mask. This device was created taking into account all the latest advances in this field. Experts highly appreciated the rich functional content, giving the model the palm. The shield is equipped with a convenient fastening system, a light filter with dimming 0.1 ms, light indication of modes. Options such as changing the light filter, installing protective glass and diopter lenses are provided. The mask is suitable not only when working with arc welding, but also during gas welding operations.

Users note the light weight of the shield (450 g), which allows you to work for a long time without fatigue. A battery is used as a power source.

Advantages

• multifunctionality;

• lightness and compactness;

• innovativeness;

• comfort during work.

disadvantages

• high price.

Fubag Optima 9-13

Rating: 4.8

High demand in the domestic market is noted for the Fubag Optima 9-13 welding helmet. One of the reasons for the popularity is the affordable price. At the same time, the budget shield has good technical parameters. First, it's a record dimming speed (0.03ms). Further, experts note the combined power of the device from a solar battery and a battery. The model is made of shock-resistant materials. The mask is inferior to the leader only in functionality. It has a smaller sight glass, slightly more weight.

Professionals speak flatteringly about the external adjustment of the degree of dimming and response sensitivity. If necessary, you do not need to remove the protective gloves.

Advantages

• low price;

• combined food;

• instant activation of the light filter;

• impact resistance.

disadvantages

• modest functional equipment.

Fubag ULTIMA 5-13 Panoramic

Rating: 4.8

Another model under the Fubag brand is sold at a significantly higher price. The ULTIMA 5-13 Panoramic welding helmet features a large viewing window as well as a stylish 3D design. The manufacturer has equipped its product with four optical arc sensors that ensure timely dimming. And the response speed of the filter is very slightly inferior to the previous model (0.04 ms). The shield reliably protects the welder's face from IR and UV radiation, thanks to the adjustments, you can choose the optimal shading and sensitivity. The chameleon is powered by two replaceable batteries and a solar battery.

The mask is liked by professionals for its rich functional equipment, convenient attachment system and low weight (510 g).

Advantages

• large viewing window;

• 3D body;

• combined food;

• fast response of the light filter.

disadvantages

• high price;

• internal arrangement of individual controls.

ESAB Warrior Tech

Rating: 4.7

The high price of the Swedish-Chinese product ESAB Warrior Tech did not allow the mask to get into the top three. As for the technical aspects, here the experts have no special complaints. The chameleon is equipped with a smooth adjustment of the light filter in the range of 9-13 DIN, and its response speed is 0.08 ms. The shield effectively protects the welder's head from sparks and hot metal splashes. The light filter copes with harmful radiation (IR, UV), which are formed during welding.

The mask has earned special praise from welders for its adjustable headband and light weight (520 g). The guard can be fixed in 5 positions, which provides convenience and comfort.

Advantages

• comfortable headband;

• maximum eye protection;

• wide functionality.

disadvantages

• high price;

• non-replaceable batteries.

ROSOMZ NN12 Crystaline Standart FavoriT

Rating: 4.7

In the most difficult conditions when performing welding work, the POSOMZ NN12 Crystaline Standart FavoriT mask is able to help out the worker. It can withstand a large temperature difference, allowing you to engage in professional activities in both heat (+ 70 ° C) and cold (-20 ° C). Thanks to the use of the non-combustible SUPER TermotreK material, there is no need to worry about splashes of molten metal. The experts included this model in the rating due to the effective protection of the welder from various negative influences. The manufacturer has thoroughly thought out the RAPID head mount, it is adjustable to any head size.

Despite the combined power supply, the model could not qualify for a higher position due to the high price and limited functionality.

Advantages

• resistance to temperature extremes;

• thoughtful mounting design;

• combined nutrition.

disadvantages

• high price;

• limited functionality.

Aurora Sun-9 Max Expert

Rating: 4.6

Experts call the Aurora Sun-9 Max Expert welding helmet a successful new product in 2017. She got into our rating due to an innovative approach to creating a block of light filters. Compared to older models, a range of indicators have been improved, from uniform shading to a wide range of transparency (3-13 DIN). It is worth noting the high response speed of the filter (0.04 ms). The manufacturer has provided the possibility of integrating the mask with a respirator or construction helmet.

The liquid crystal filter effectively traps harmful radiation from a wide range of welds. 4 sensors are responsible for the timeliness of the filter.

Advantages

• uniform darkening;

• wide range of illumination;

• can be used with a respirator or construction helmet.

disadvantages

• delicate body;

• non-replaceable batteries.

Svarog AS-4001F

Rating: 4.5

A good view of the welder is provided by the Svarog AS-4001F mask. For its effective protection against IR and UV rays and resistance to high temperatures, experts included the model in our rating. The manufacturer has equipped the light filter with an LCD display. In the enlightened state, the shade level reaches 4 DIN. The transparency of the glass can be smoothly adjusted within the range of 9-13 DIN. The shield is somewhat inferior to the leaders in such an indicator as the speed of the light filter (0.1 ms). 4 optical sensors are responsible for the timeliness of dimming.

When working in an unventilated area, an air supply device can be connected to the mask. Convenience when working is added by light indicators of a battery charge, as well as an option to dim the flash.

Advantages

• acceptable price;

• high-quality light filter;

• the possibility of air supply.

disadvantages

• heavy weight;

• low speed of the filter.

BISON EXPERT 11079

Rating: 4.4

Domestic development ZUBR EXPERT 11079 looks worthy against the background of imported welding masks. This light, heat-resistant and durable product is made of a special polymer. And the filter can be adjusted to a certain dimming in the range of 9-13 DIN. Experts noted a high response rate of 0.04 ms. The mount of the mask is easily adjusted to fit any head. The modest size of the viewing window and the fear of low temperatures prevented the shield from reaching higher places in the rating. And the price of the product is quite high.

The weight of the welding helmet is 560 g, and the device is powered by two lithium batteries and a solar battery.

Advantages

• high speed of dimming;

• heat resistance;

• combined nutrition.

disadvantages

• it is not recommended to operate at low temperatures;

• modest size of the viewing window.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.