Welding Hood Buying Guide

Welding is a profession that involves the use of high heat, bright light and dangerous materials. To protect the face, eyes and neck of the welder, a welding hood is a crucial tool. Welding hoods are specialized helmets that cover the entire head and neck of the welder, providing protection against heat, sparks and radiation. However, not all welding hoods are created equal, and choosing the right one depends on several factors. In this welding hood buying guide, we will cover everything you need to know to choose the perfect helmet for your needs.

Types of Welding Hoods

There are three main types of welding hoods: passive, auto-darkening and flip-up.

1. Passive Welding Hoods - These hoods are the simplest and most affordable type of welding hood. A passive welding hood has a fixed shade lens that does not adjust automatically. The welder has to manually adjust the hood by tilting the head or by flipping the hood up and down. Passive welding hoods are reliable but may be unsuitable for welding in low-light conditions.
2. Auto-Darkening Welding Hoods - These hoods are the most popular type of welding hood, and for good reason. An auto-darkening welding hood has a lens that automatically adjusts its tint to the level of brightness produced by the welding arc. This type of helmet provides superior comfort, visibility and safety. It eliminates the need to continuously lower and raise the hood. Some models also allow for shade adjustment, which makes it possible to choose the appropriate lens shade for the task at hand.
3. Flip-Up Welding Hoods - These hoods are a hybrid between passive and auto-darkening welding hoods. A flip-up welding hood has a flip-up function that allows the welder to quickly transition from a clear view to a shaded lens. Flip-up welding hoods are a great option for welders who need to switch between weld inspection and welding without removing the helmet.

Factors to Consider when Buying Welding Hoods

Before buying a welding hood, you should consider the following factors:

1. Helmet Weight - Welding hoods that are too heavy can cause neck fatigue and discomfort during long welding sessions. Look for a helmet that is lightweight and comfortable to wear. The helmet should also be well-balanced and fit snugly on the head.
2. Lens Quality - The quality of the lens is a key factor to consider when choosing a welding hood. The lens should be made of high-quality material that provides clear vision and protection against UV and IR radiation. A lens with a high optical rating provides better visibility and reduces eye strain.
3. Lens Shade - Some welding tasks require a higher or lower shade level, depending on the type of welding and the level of brightness. The lens shade can range from 4 to 13, with lower shades indicating less protection and higher shades indicating more protection. Choose a welding hood with a shade range that matches your welding needs.
4. Sensitivity and Delay Settings - Auto-darkening welding hoods have sensitivity and delay settings that allow the user to adjust the time it takes for the lens to darken or brighten. A helmet with better sensitivity and delay settings provides better protection against sudden flashes of light and prevents arc eye.
5. Brand and Reputation - Look for a welding hood from a reputable brand or manufacturer. A well-known brand ensures quality and durability. Read customer reviews and testimonials to get an idea of the helmet's performance and reliability.
6. Battery Life - If you choose an auto-darkening welding hood, ensure that the battery life is sufficient for your needs. Some helmets have a short battery life and may need frequent recharging or replacement.
7. Price - Welding hoods can range from affordable to expensive. Choose a helmet that fits your budget and provides the features you need for your welding projects.

Top Welding Hoods on the Market

Here are some of the top welding hoods on the market, which provide excellent performance and durability:

1. Lincoln Electric Viking 3350 Series - This auto-darkening welding helmet is a top-of-the-line model that provides excellent lens clarity and shade range. It features a high-impact-resistant shell that provides superior protection against sparks and debris. It also has adjustable sensitivity and delay settings, four independent arc sensors, and an excellent battery life.
2. Miller Electric Digital Elite - This welding helmet offers a wide range of lens shade settings, from 5 to 13, and features an auto-darkening lens that adjusts to the brightness level of the welding arc. It has a headgear that provides a comfortable fit and reduces neck fatigue. It also features adjustable sensitivity and delay settings, four arc sensors, and a long-lasting battery life.
3. 3M Speedglas Welding Helmet 9100 - This auto-darkening welding helmet is highly adjustable and offers a comfortable fit. It features a high-quality lens with a large viewing area and a shade range of 5 to 13. The helmet has adjustable sensitivity and delay settings, and comes with a long-lasting battery. It also features a flip-up function that allows welders to inspect their welds without removing the helmet.
4. Optrel Crystal 2.0 Welding Helmet - This welding helmet features Crystal Lens Technology, which provides a clear and high-contrast view of the welding arc. It has a shade range of 4 to 12 and features adjustable sensitivity and delay settings. The helmet also has a flip-up function that allows welders to quickly transition from a clear view to a shaded lens.
5. ESAB Sentinel A50 - This welding helmet features an innovative shell design that provides superior protection against sparks and debris. It has a wide viewing area and a highly responsive auto-darkening lens with a shade range of 5 to 13. The helmet has adjustable sensitivity and delay settings and comes with a long-lasting battery. It also features a user-friendly control panel that allows for easy adjustment of the settings.

Conclusion

Choosing the right welding hood can make a significant difference in the safety and comfort of the welder. Consider the factors mentioned in this welding hood buying guide, such as helmet weight, lens quality, sensitivity and delay settings, and brand reputation, before making your purchase. Look for a welding hood that provides good visibility, protection, and comfort, and fits your needs and budget. Investing in a high-quality welding hood is essential for any serious welder, as it can help prevent injuries and improve the quality of the welding work.