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7 Different Types of Welding Helmets (with Pictures)

By: David S. Miles | Last Updated: January 12, 2024

Welding HelmetsWrong types of welding helmet can cause you numerous problems. Especially, it can switch off your working mode and hamper your mental peace during working hours.

Yes, Unfriendly equipment put a huge impact on your performance and can ruin your day. That’s why; you should know every detail about your tools so that you can work comfortably.

Moreover, knowing about various helmets not only improves your understanding but also helps you to build a profound welding career. The good thing is that a perfect helmet ensures both safety and flexibility.

To help you weld more efficiently, I have written an informative guide describing different types of welding helmets. So, stay tuned…

7 Different Types of Welding Helmets:

Types of Welding Helmets

Welding is the key to making or fixing an important piece of metal. And, welding helmets not only protect your face but also provide a clear welding view. In the following section, I will share information about different kinds of high and low budget welding helmets so that you can choose the best one.

1. Passive Welding Helmets

Passive welding helmets

When we talk about welding helmets, the first name that comes across our mind is the passive helmets. Yes, they are simple but super effective for the welding task. You will hardly find any fancy design or features in these kinds of helmets. However, they are very solidly built with top quality materials.

The best thing about a passive helmet is that you don’t have to pay too much money to get one. Nevertheless, these helmets are durable and can easily serve you for many years. A standard shade with high protection from welding particles and arc also makes them extremely popular among pro welder.

If you are welding for the first time, I would not suggest you buy this helmet. Because it lacks some advanced features and can make welding process slower for beginners.


2. Auto Darkening Welding Helmets

YESWELDER Auto darkening welding helmets

When you need to do your welding works faster, you should buy this versatile welding helmet. Because of the auto-darkening filter (ADF), it becomes automatically dark when the sensor detects the arc. As a result, your eye won’t be harmed by unexpected welding flashes.

Moreover, these types of helmets are best for new welders for its comfy and flexible nature. And, most importantly, it ensures smooth welding environment for long term projects.

Additionally, these amazing welding helmets’ lenses have bright shades for convenient welding and you don’t need to remove your helmets again and again. I mean, you can use the welding gun or the stick wearing this auto-darkening helmet.


3. Welding Helmets with Fixed Shade Lenses

ackson Safety Durable, Comfortable, Hard Hat Adaptable, Fixed Shade W10 HSL 100 Welding Helmet

This type of welding helmet is ideal for a standard type of materials. Or, you can use this helmet for a specific style of welding task. Mainly, this is the core reason for keeping its lenses fixed.

Most of the fixed shade lenses have conventional lens shade which is level 10. Which means you can use them for different welding purposes. But, these kinds of helmet do not inherit any auto-darkening filter. So, it won’t adjust different types of arc brightness.

However, this welding helmet is affordable and it’s highly recommended for DIY projects or small welding projects.


4. Welding Helmets with Variable Shade Lenses

 Ironton Variable-Shade Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet with Grind Mode

As the name suggests, variable shade lens is the main benefit of these helmets. This welding helmet is specialized for professional jobs. It is also great for doing various welding tasks in an important project.

Thankfully, the variable shade lens will offer essential protection for all levels of brightness arc. So, you don’t need to change the helmets or alter the lens of your helmet for different welding tasks.

Another helpful feature of these kinds of helmets is that it automatically darkens to protect your eyes while ensuring further visibility. It also helps to weld different kinds of materials smoothly.


5. Solar Powered Welding Helmets

YESWELDER Large Viewing True Color Solar Powered Auto Darkening Welding Helmet with SIDE VIEW

This type of welding helmet is suitable for outdoor work. Because you can recharge it using solar power energy effortlessly. And, this charging feature makes it further unique from its rival. Also, you can rely on them for big welding project as they automatically recharge in sunlight.

Surprisingly, you don’t need to replace the battery of this kind of helmet. So, in the long run, it will become a cost-effective welding helmet for all types of welders. All you need to do is to charge the helmets fully before using them.


6. Battery Powered Welding Helmets

The main feature of this battery-powered welding helmet is that it is always ready to employ. I mean, if your battery is fully charged or you got an extra battery, you can use this amazing helmet anytime anywhere. Most of the battery-powered welding helmets need lithium battery.

Talking about lithium battery, it is a very common type of battery that could be found in any common hardware shop or online marketplace. You need to spend some extra bucks to buy or replace the battery but it will make this helmet more flexible and comfortable. That’s why; professional welders prefer this welding helmet.

They also inherit the auto-darkening feature which makes them versatile and user friendly.


7. Solar & Battery Powered Welding Helmets

This type of helmet offers both solar and battery powered feature. Its battery takes care of the auto-darkening process while the solar energy system maintains the overall power of the helmet. This kind of helmet is ideal for people who don’t want to buy or carry an extra battery but still want long service with the auto-darkening facility.


To Sum Up

I believe you have gained enough knowledge about different types of welding helmets after reading this informative article.

Each type of helmet offers different facilities and they also have some pros and cons. Just make sure you pick the proper sizes and designs that meet your requirements.

Don’t waste your time searching for useless cheap helmets. Instead, use any of the above-mentioned types for flawless welding.

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One thought on “7 Different Types of Welding Helmets (with Pictures)

  • Thanks for the info about welding helmets. My dad is interested in trying out welding. I’ll tell him to consider getting welding headgear.

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