7 best welder masks for periodic work and professional activities

The welding helmet is considered one of the most important elements for carrying out many production works. Welding itself is one of the most responsible jobs, requiring certain skills from a person, and excellent quality from the equipment used. Modern devices allow welders not to worry about their health, but to concentrate completely on the process. Now you can see a huge number of different models, among which there are both high-quality and models that are absolutely not suitable for safe operation.

Types of welding helmets

There are three types of protective devices for welders: goggles, mask and “chameleon”. Welding glasses are the easiest way to protect yourself. Any glasses protect only the worker's eyes. The main part of the face and neck remain open, and therefore exposed to harmful influences. Unfortunately, glasses are often not enough for full-fledged welding. They can be used for auxiliary work, but nothing more.

The second type of protection is a welder’s mask or shield. It is a plate that is attached to the head or held in the hands. Fastening can be different: from simple belts to a full helmet. This is a completely different level of security. The shield will allow you not to worry about harmful radiation and sparks.

The most advanced system is the chameleon helmet. This is essentially the same shield, but uses a small visor instead of standard glass. Such helmets are equipped with a set of sensors that detect the intensity of the arc radiation and transmit information to the screen. Depending on the brightness, the image may become lighter or darker. This process can be either automated or manual. In any case, the “chameleon” is the best that the market of protective welding units has to offer.

Criteria for choosing a welding helmet

You can easily get confused with the huge number of offers that are available on the market. Every manufacturer praises their product and tries to sell it. But is he really that good? In order to make sure you don’t make a mistake, you can formulate several parameters for choosing a welding helmet:

1. Dimming the filter. Measured in DIN and usually in the range 3-15. The higher, the darker.
2. Filter response speed. The most common are helmets with a value of about 0.1 ms. This is enough for most jobs.
3. Weight and dimensions. The lighter the helmet, the more comfortable it is to work and the less strain on the neck.
4. Location of switches that control functions. Very often the dimming or sensitivity switch is located on the inside of the helmet. This is not very convenient, as it requires periodically removing the device from your head.

Rating of the best welding masks

ESAB Warrior Tech

Figure 2. ESAB Warrior Tech

A chameleon mask from a Swedish company, the functionality of which will suit even the most sophisticated buyer. Adjustment of the light filter in the range 9-13 DIN. The filter itself perfectly protects the welder from all kinds of radiation. The model’s body copes well with sparks and small particles, preventing them from disrupting the welding process. The weight of the device is only 520 g, which is very light for such functionality.

Pros:

• well-thought-out head fixation system;
• wide functionality;
• protection from harmful influences.

Minuses:

• high price.

Price: 7,500 – 8,500 rubles.

Aurora Sun-9 Max Expert

An advanced welding helmet that provides reliable radiation protection.

Manufacturers have taken the problem of combining a helmet with other construction protective equipment very seriously. The device does not allow the worker to wear a respirator or helmet. The technical part is also very good. 4 sensitive sensors clearly respond to the brightness of the arc and adjust the light filter with a range of 3-13 DIN. The response speed is also impressive: 0.04 ms.

Pros:

• the ability to combine with other means of protection;
• wide dimming range;
• high response speed.

Minuses:

• rather fragile body;
• batteries are not changed.

Price: 5,900 – 6,000 rubles.

ROSOMZ NN12 Crystaline Standart FavoriT

Figure 4. ROSOMZ NN12 Crystaline Standart FavoriT

A protective mask for the harshest conditions.

The model is able to function both in heat and cold. A sharp temperature change will also not affect the performance of the device. Manufacturers have put every effort into protecting the welder from various influences. Particular attention is paid to the method of attachment to the head. It is very comfortable and fits any size. However, in terms of functionality, the device lags somewhat behind other models.

Pros:

• advanced protection system;
• resistance to temperature changes;
• comfortable fixation on the head.

Minuses:

• poor functionality.

Price: 7,000 – 8,000 rubles.

BISON EXPERT 11079

Figure 5 BISON EXPERT 11079

A protection system from a Russian company, which is in no way inferior to foreign analogues.

The body of the device is made of a special polymer, which gives the structure high strength and low weight. The filter response time is 0.04 ms. Operation is possible thanks to two batteries and a solar panel.

Pros:

• strong body;
• ergonomic straps for fixation;
• high speed of filter response;
• light weight.

Minuses:

• quite high price;
• sensitivity to low temperatures;
• small visor.

Price: 8,000 – 9,000 rubles.

Svarog AS-4000F

Figure 6 Svarog AS4000F

A qualitative model, which is distinguished by the presence of a number of additional monitoring indicators.

This applies to the auto-dimming system and battery charging. Indicators greatly help to monitor the status of the device, as well as avoid unpleasant incidents. The device is equipped with a smooth system for adjusting the sensitivity of the light filter sensors. The control panels are located on the inside, which in many cases can cause difficulties.

Pros:

• high speed of filter response;
• indicators of some functions;
• reliability.

Minuses:

• internal arrangement of switches;
• relatively small viewing window.

Price: 5,700 – 5,900 rubles.

Fubag Optima 4-13 Visor

Figure 7 Fubag Optima 413 Visor

Very high quality model at an average price.

Equipped with four sensors that protect each other in case of problems. The light filter in this device operates within 0.04 ms. This is enough to protect your eyes and continue working comfortably. The darkening intensity is adjustable, so it can be selected individually for each case. To increase reliability, the manufacturer has built into the device a testing system that will quickly report problems if any are found.

Pros:

• reliable assembly;
• testing system;
• excellent review;
• sensitive filter sensors.

Minuses:

• To adjust the degree of darkness, you need to climb inside the helmet.

Price: 3,300 – 3,600 rubles.

Best Inexpensive Welding Helmets

Interskol MS-400

Figure 8 Interskol MS400

A universal budget welding model that is perfect for both manual and semi-automatic welding. The device is very convenient to use, as it is equipped with a dimming control system. The model is powered using a special combined system consisting of a battery and a photocell. Additionally, the device is equipped with a whole range of options, including moisture resistance, the ability to install protective glass, etc.

Pros:

• sensitive light filter;
• reliable power system;
• low cost;
• additional functionality;
• reliability.

Minuses:

• The size of the viewing window may not be sufficient.

Price: 1,500 – 1,800 rubles.

PATRIOT 400S

A budget chameleon mask that has become one of the most popular. All necessary controls are located on the outside, i.e. available without removal. These elements include a dimming control panel and a sensitivity regulator. The relatively low weight and attractive design make the helmet a very attractive investment.

Pros:

• low price;
• high-quality filter;
• reliable design.

Minuses:

• small visor.

Price: 2,000 – 2,500 rubles.

RESANTA MS-1

Figure 10 RESANTA MS1

This model is perfect for household needs.

Impressive functionality and low price. Equipped with manually adjustable dimming 9-13 DIN. Combined power supply: conventional and solar battery. The device is very convenient to use, thanks to its thoughtful design and light weight of 490 g.

Pros:

• ergonomic design;
• light weight;
• low price;
• combined nutrition.

Minuses:

• low filter response speed;
• relatively small viewing window.

Price: 1,400 – 1,600 rubles.

Foxweld Corundum 5895

Figure 11 Foxweld Corundum 5895

A small device to protect the welder's eyes, which is very light in weight. It is 370 g. And this is the lowest figure among the models listed above. The device itself is made of high-strength materials and is resistant to various external influences. But the protective glass cannot be installed. There is no such function provided here. The filter response speed is quite high for the segment and is 0.1 ms. The device is powered either by a battery or a solar panel.

Pros:

• compactness;
• light weight;
• low price.

Minuses:

• poor functionality.

Price: 1,400 – 1,500 rubles.

Wester WH8

A cheap welding mask with a standard set of options, which is quite suitable for undemanding work. The device is relatively lightweight, which has a beneficial effect during long-term use. It is worth noting that in this model, dimming is only available up to 11 DIN. The dimming switch is located on the outside. All other controls are located on the inside of the device.

Pros:

• light weight;
• reliable design;
• low price.

Minuses:

• limitation in filter darkening.

Price: 2,000 – 2,500 rubles.

How to choose a welding helmet

When choosing, it is recommended that the average buyer be guided by the answers to several basic questions:

1. What work requires protection?
2. How often do you plan to use the device?
3. What are the operating conditions?

The answer to the first question will help you understand the labeling. If the name contains the letter “E”, then the device should be used exclusively for electric welding. If “G” is for gas welding, and “B” is for auxiliary work. Sometimes you can find universal models.

If welding work is rare, it is wiser to purchase regular welding glasses or a simple mask. More frequent work will require a more serious approach to protection. Here it is advisable to buy an advanced “chameleon” mask, which will completely protect the employee from harmful influences.

It is also necessary to pay attention to the operating conditions of the mask. For severe frosts, you need to select models with resistance to low temperatures. The same applies to sudden temperature changes. Not all devices can withstand intensive use in unsuitable conditions.

When purchasing, you additionally need to pay attention to some special points:

• availability of a certificate for a welder’s helmet;
• mask material (metal, plastic, cardboard, etc.);
• equipment (replaceable batteries, filters, protective glass, frames);
• strength of fastenings and ease of use.

Summary

Article Name

The best welding helmets 2019-2020

Description

✅ The best chameleon welding mask ➨—✅ Which welding mask is better ➨—✅ The best welding masks ➨—✅ Which welding mask is better, chameleon or regular

Author

Sarychev Alexander Viktorovich - forensic construction and technical expert, candidate of technical sciences

Publisher Name

Wikipedia of construction tools

Publisher Logo

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The principle of the “chameleon”

Such products are divided into the following types:

1. Professional, used in factories, construction sites and complying with GOST standards. They are safe and comfortable, the response speed of the light filters is high. The price of such devices is high.
2. Household goods that are purchased for the home. Since they are used infrequently and for a short time, it is irrational to purchase an expensive model. Therefore, they mostly buy Chinese products with simple adjustments and a non-replaceable battery.

You can easily customize such masks yourself.

Any of the masks consists of the following parts:

• molded plastic housing;
• control unit with battery or solar panel;
• tinted glass with light filters;
• headband

The choice of a “chameleon” welder’s mask must begin with an acquaintance with the principle of its operation.

There is a protective film on the sight glass that filters glare and protects your eyes from burns. There is also a light filter with several layers of liquid crystals. There can be 3 or 4 of them. In a calm state, without exposure to a flash, the crystals are arranged in a normal order.

When an arc occurs, based on a sensor signal, they begin to change lanes, as a result of which the glass darkens. This takes a thousandth of a second.

When the fire goes out, the crystalline layer is not immediately restored. The delay is necessary for greater security. The time is set automatically or added manually.

Between welding operations, the protective glass provides a good overview and the operator does not need to lift the mask every time to control the seam or inspect the workplace.

2 Mask ESAB Sentinel A50 for Air

ESAB Sentinel A50 for Air mask

The ESAB Sentinel A50 Air welding mask offers absolute comfort, great visibility, light weight and advanced technology. Each job requires special equipment and if it is welding, then SENTINEL is the best choice! Now also for working with the air supply unit.

Briefly about the product

• chameleon with manual adjustment
• Smooth filter sensitivity adjustment
• dimming degree adjustment is smooth, 5 DIN - 13 DIN
• darkening degree in cleared state 4 DIN
• filter clarification time adjustment, 0.10-1 s
• filter response speed without adjustment 0.04 ms
• suitable for gas welding
• design features: installation of protective glass
• Respiratory protection: air supply system
• additional functions: light indication of modes, on/off system, grinding mode
• battery, solar battery
• protective properties: impact-resistant material, protection from UV/IR rays

What to look for when choosing

If a person does not know which product to buy, then he needs to get acquainted with tips that allow him to buy and then correctly use the best eye and face protection. Information you need to know before choosing a chameleon mask:

1. Company manufacturer. The world's most sought-after brands always meet the highest safety standards. The documents for the shield indicate all the necessary certificates and characteristics of the mask, and the warranty applies. The lack of information, the smell of plastic and low-quality materials indicate that the buyer is holding a fake or cheap Chinese product in his hands.
2. Number of adjustments. Professional shields have 3 levels of settings - dimming, sensitivity and filter response delay time. Sometimes the dimming can be turned off - then you can work with a grinder and other tools while wearing a mask. Controls are located inside or outside. If you plan to change the current during welding, then you need to choose an external location.
3. If the documents indicate that the product is used with argon welding, then it will also be suitable for inverter, manual, automatic, and semi-automatic welding. This applies mainly to professional models.
4. The larger the visible area of ​​the light filter, the better.
5. We must not forget about the size and weight of the shield. A preliminary test allows you to evaluate the ease of fit and the possibility of long-term continuous stay in it.

We recommend reading: What types of welding devices are there?

It is recommended to look at the ratings of welding masks and reviews on the Internet.

The best budget products

Despite the fact that “chameleons” belonging to this category are ordinary shields designed for short-term work at home, there are also interesting models among them. You should familiarize yourself with them first.

Patriot 400S

This is the most inexpensive mask with external adjustments. It has a small filter - 92x42 mm, but a good response speed. The dimming regulator with parameters 9-13 DIN and the key that turns off the dimming mode are located on the left. You can adjust the sensitivity and select one of three positions of the time selector using the buttons on the right.

The shield weighs about 500 g. The inconvenience comes from the headband, which is made primitively, with minimal adjustments.

Disadvantages include sliders, the size of which makes it difficult to switch while wearing leggings.

Foxweld 5895

One of the lightest weights in the top “chameleon” welding helmets of its class is 370 g. The dimming limits are 9-13 DIN, in addition to the battery, the light filter is powered by solar energy thanks to the built-in battery. Another advantage of the shield was its low price.

The manufacturer stated the crystal response speed is 0.1 seconds. However, due to jumping, this setting cannot be confirmed. Due to the obvious budget cost, there are no additional options in this model.

Quattro Elementi Delta

Another inexpensive “chameleon” with a medium-sized filter (98x35 mm) and without the ability to change parameters. There is no way to even adjust sensitivity and delay. The mask operates in automatic mode with darkening from 4 to 11 DIN. Complete shutdown is also impossible - when using an angle grinder, the visor will blink. Weight – less than 400 g. Mounting on the head is uncomfortable.

“Resanta” masks

The welding equipment of this company is often found in the ranking of the best manufacturers. Among the “chameleon” masks, the following stand out:

1. "Resanta MS-1". Although it does not fire quickly enough (in 1 second) and does not have a large window, it reliably protects against arcs and flashes. Meals are combined. It is possible to adjust the darkening within 9-13 DIN. Weight less than 500 g and a comfortable fit on the head are combined with an original design. It is possible to install additional protective glass.
2. The “Resanta MS-4 65/34” mask is often copied by little-known Chinese manufacturers, changing only the name. The original has a fixed degree of darkness - 11 DIN, as well as sensitivity adjustment. Lightening mode is delayed by 0.5 seconds. Powered by a photocell and built-in battery. When working in the cold season, all settings change, which became the main disadvantage of this product.

We recommend reading: How to install a hood above a welding table

Fubag Optima

The best welder protection, combining several functions and high-quality components. There are 4 regulators installed and the ability to independently check the light filter, which operates in 0.4 seconds. The shade density varies from 4 to 13 DIN. Among the shortcomings are the lack of splash protection and sliders located inside the case.

1 Mask Fubag Blitz 9-13 Visor

Fubag Blitz 9-13 Visor Mask

The most popular welder's mask in the flagship BLITZ 9-13 Visor line with a large screen size, four sensors and two removable batteries to power the filter. The best response characteristics, ergonomic body, increased viewing area and additional settings of the Fubag BLITZ 9-13 Visor welding helmet provide effective eye protection even during long intensive welding operations.

Briefly about the product

• chameleon with manual adjustment
• There is an adjustable light sensitivity of the filter response
• There is a darkening degree adjustment, 9 DIN - 13 DIN
• darkening degree in cleared state 4 DIN
• filter clarification time adjustment, 0.10-1 s
• filter response speed without adjustment 0.04 ms
• design features: installation of protective glass
• additional functions: on/off system, grinding mode
• battery, solar battery
• Protective properties: molten metal splash proof, anti-fog, impact resistant, UV/IR protected

Professional masks for welders

Such accessories are used mainly in industrial enterprises, construction sites, and when installing pipelines. They are designed to be worn for long periods of time and require the greatest degree of protection.

Fubag products

A German company specializing in the production of equipment for repair and construction produces several lines of automatically darkening welding helmets:

1. Optima with Visor varieties with lightness ranges of 4-8 or 9-13 DIN and Team, which has only 9-13 DIN adjustment. The rest of their parameters are the same. Weight of 500 g allows you to work comfortably for a long time without removing the mask. The delay time varies from 0.25 to 0.8 seconds. The filters are powered by a solar battery
2. Blitz Visor with a large screen and futuristic design has become the flagship of the series. 4 sensors are responsible for changing parameters. The brightness level of the shield has been increased to 4 DIN compared to the others (3.5 DIN), the minimum and maximum response time is 0.1 and 1 second. Despite the average screen size, the review of this model is considered one of the best among all masks.
3. Fubag Ultima Visor with dual-band lightening from 5 to 18 DIN and a large filter (100x67 mm) is the most innovative product in the series. The delay period has been reduced to 0.15 seconds compared to the usual 0.25. The dimming, sensitivity and pause of brightening are adjusted. The interior space is ventilated through the side air intakes, and the elongated shape protects the face and neck from sparks.
4. Ultima 5-13 Panoramic is a leader in terms of price, functionality and quality. The adjustment with a switch is located outside and is equipped with notches for convenient use in leggings. The filter is powered by a photocell or 2 replaceable batteries.

Aurora masks

This group of companies produces welding accessories for Russian and European consumers. The most popular “chameleons” were:

1. Aurora SUN-7 Tig, designed to work with all types of devices. It has a light filter measuring 99x55 mm, 4 sensors and protective plates 123.5x99 mm. Comes with spare glass. Certified according to European and American standards.
2. The Aurora Sun-9 Max Expert is noted for its uniform shade, wide range of transparency and ability to combine the mask with a construction worker's helmet. The filter operates in 0.04 seconds. 4 sensors are responsible for timely dimming.

We recommend reading: How to make an oscillator yourself

Esab Warrior Tech

The disadvantage of this mask was the high price. There can be no complaints about the consumer properties and technical content. The filter is smoothly adjustable in the range of 9-13 DIN, operates in 0.08 microseconds. The welder is protected from the arc, drops of hot metal, infrared and ultraviolet radiation. The headband is adjustable to the desired size, and the body itself is fixed in 5 positions.

External adjustment sliders are convenient to use. There are no batteries - power is supplied from a solar panel.

3m Speedglass 9100xx

This mask will protect during the following types of welding:

• manual arc;
• semi- and automatic;
• plasma;
• oxygen;
• in protective gases.

The safety of the shield is confirmed:

• GOST R 12.4.238-2007;
• standards EN 175, EN 166, EN 169 and EN 379;
• Technical Regulation TR CU 019/2011 “On the safety of personal protective equipment”.

Distinctive features were:

• protection from IR and UV radiation in any condition of the filter;
• maximum dimming – 13 DIN;
• 7 adjustment points – 5, 8 and 9-13 DIN;
• mode for working with tacks;
• constant fixation in the on or off state;
• 3 sensors on the light filter - effectively detect the welding arc;
• several degrees of freedom of the body – ensure comfortable work for a long time;
• the ability to replace a failed mask component without the involvement of outside craftsmen and additional tools.

What is a Chameleon welding helmet?

The Chameleon welding mask is a welder’s mask that, thanks to an automatic light filter, changes the degree of darkness based on sensor signals.

More recently, Chameleon welding helmets have appeared on the market. Some 15-20 years ago they were very expensive due to special light filters, but today every welder can afford such a mask. In appearance it looks like a simple welding shield, but it also has a number of characteristic differences:

• Ultraviolet and infrared radiation are blocked by special protective layers and film filters;
• A special design allows you not to remove the mask to check the result of the work, which saves time;
• Mask design - instead of a tinted light filter, a liquid crystal filter is usually installed in the model, which reacts to the ignition of the welding arc.

Important!

The mask filter is not susceptible to mechanical damage because it is protected by a glass window that can be replaced as needed.

Chameleon welding helmets are extremely sensitive to changes in the state of the arc, reacting by shading or brightening the screen. In this case, you can manually adjust the dimming activity and edit the filter sensitivity. After all, this is a matter of taste, some people like the quick response of the mask, while others may find it annoying.

Chameleon welding helmet device

These masks have 2 operating modes.

1. Darkening mode is active during welding. The darkened screen protects the operator's eyes from intense light and negative radiation.
2. The lightening mode is turned on during the evaluation of the quality of work. It is activated after the work is completed and allows you to fully inspect the welding site, how the work was completed, without raising the mask.

Which mask is better to choose based on reviews?

You should buy a protective welding shield based on the recommendations of experienced craftsmen or people who are already using one or another model.

Mikhail from Tver recommends Fubag Optima 11 as easy to use, when you don’t need to remove the mask every time to assess the quality of the seam. There are adjustments for sensitivity and delay time. For six months, no cracks or penetrations have appeared, and if the screen is damaged, you can supply a spare one from the kit.

Sergei from Moscow has an assistant - “chameleon” Korund. For settings there are 2 external controls - delay and degree of dimming. The first sparks bring the mask into operation. There is a regular shield at home, but now it is lying idle.

Igor from Kazan has been using a Tecman ADF -815 for 3 years, which cost about 6 thousand rubles. The high price is the only drawback. You can weld iron, aluminum, grind. Despite the Chinese production, the quality of materials and components is good.

Professional welders advise purchasing products from large companies that have long established themselves in the market.