The Newbie’s Guide to Choosing Your First Welding Helmet

When you’re new to welding, there’s so much to learn. Which shielding gas for which metal, remembering to ground your work, don’t look directly at the arc. Actually, that last one is probably the important thing you can remember if you plan to use your eyes in the future. Of all the safety gear we recommend for welding, there is no substitute for a proper welding helmet.

And yet for novice welders, it can be one of the hardest pieces of equipment to purchase. They’re awkward to look through if you’re not welding, and never feel quite right at first. And while you want to protect yourself, there’s a natural resistance to overspending for features you aren’t sure you need. To help make the initial purchase a little easier, we’ve highlight some features that really matter, especially when you’re learning a new skill.

Before we fill your head with options to protect it, let’s look at how modern welding helmets work. After all, they do far more than just keep hot metal sparks out of your hair, eyes, and ears. First and foremost, they are designed to protect your eyes from the damaging effects of both ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) radiation produced during the welding process.

Welding helmet lenses use a special filtering material to block the majority of harmful UV rays that can cause eye damage (arc eye) and skin burns. In addition to UV light, welding also emits infrared radiation, which can be harmful to the eyes. Their lenses are also equipped to block IR radiation, which is also harmful to the eyes.

So that’s the baseline for an acceptable welding helmet. Now here are the other factors you should consider for your comfort and to produce the best work possible.

Auto-Darkening Lens

Wearing a dark helmet is awkward enough at first. But being able to confidently land your torch in the right spot for a good weld requires a good look at your work before you rip. A welding helmet with an auto-darkening lens is highly recommended for beginners. It automatically adjusts the shade level based on the intensity of the welding arc, which makes it easier to see your workpiece before striking the arc and provides better protection for your eyes.

Some helmets include a sensitivity adjustment that determines how easily the lens darkens, while delay controls how quickly it returns to the light state after welding. All these features requires a power source to function, whether it’s solar-powered, battery-powered, or a combination of both. Longer battery life is preferable to avoid interruptions during welding.

Variable Shade Settings

Not everyone’s eyes see the same, so a helmet with a variable range of shade settings allows you to find your personal comfort level. Simply adjust the darkness of the lens according to the welding process and materials being used. For beginners, a helmet with a range from Shade 9 to Shade 13 is ideal.

Some helmets are equipped with a grind mode that allows you to use the helmet as a face shield for tasks like grinding and cutting without needing to remove it. This feature can save time and increase convenience.

Viewing Area Size

A larger viewing area provides better visibility of your work and is less confining in general when you’re just starting out. Look for a helmet with a sufficiently large viewing area by trying the helmet on yourself. But be aware that very large viewing areas may add weight to the helmet and will typically be more expensive. That said, we say buy the largest viewing area you can afford.

Optical Clarity

Along the same lines, look for a helmet with a high optical clarity rating. A higher rating ensures that you can see your workpiece more clearly through the lens. An ANSI Z87.1-2015 rating is a good benchmark for optical clarity. A bonus is True Color Technology, which makes your workpiece look more natural when welding, as compared to the green tint of traditional welding helmets.

Comfort, Fit & Weight  

It probably goes without saying, but a comfortable helmet is essential to good welding. Look for a helmet with adjustable headgear and padding to ensure a secure and comfortable fit. Adjustable straps and cushioning around the head and chin area reduce discomfort and fatigue. Also consider the weight of the helmet. Lighter helmets are generally more comfortable for extended use. However, don’t sacrifice safety for weight; prioritize a helmet that meets safety standards.

Safety Validation

Finally, verify whatever helmet you choose meets safety standards such as ANSI Z87.1 for eye and face protection. If the maker can’t back it with safety compliance, do you really want to trust it?