0

10 Best Welding Helmets in Australia in 2024: Reviews & Top Picks

Last Updated on Jan 03 2024

Welding is undoubtedly one of the most dangerous methods of metal fabrication. So, it shouldn’t be surprising that so much technology has been invented to protect your face from harmful debris such as sparks. One such safety tool is the welding helmet.

Welding helmets are simply headgears used in welding operations to protect the eyes, face, neck, and the entire head of a wearer from harmful radiation emitted during the process. They also protect a welder from heat and flash burns.

Initially, welding helmets were simple safety kits featuring a metal lid and a pothole that made welders look like extras from a Star War movie. However, over the last few years, these safety headgears have evolved and become more advanced. They now have features such as solar power, auto-darkening technology, and even brightness control options.

This is probably why trying to find a quality helmet in the Australian market this year can take up a lot of time and cause frustration. You could end up settling for a mediocre helmet because you don’t have the budget or the patience to keep searching for one that fits your needs and preferences. Luckily for you, we have researched and compiled a list of the 10 best welding helmets in Australia. We have also included a buyer’s guide to assist in your purchase decision.

---

A Quick Comparison of Our Winners in 2024

The 10 Best Welding Helmets in Australia 

1. Hobart Impact Variable Auto-Dark Helmet – Best Overall

If you are in the market for a dependable welding helmet with unique features, look no further than the Hobart 77056. This amazing helmet comes equipped with three arc sensors that control the auto-darkening features. It also has the latest LCD technology to protect the wearer from the harmful effects of a burning arc.

The helmet comes in different shades ranging from eight to thirteen. Moreover, it offers welders low-light protection for different types of welding projects. When exposed to bright lights, it often darkens with a fast reaction time of 1/25,000 seconds.

At only 1.13 kilograms, the Hobart 77056 is extremely lightweight and comfortable enough to wear even in an extreme heat environment. You will also be able to breathe easily while welding, and even sweat will not hinder you from your work because of the absorbent material used on the helmet interior.

The only drawback of this safety headgear is the issue of adjusting to fit different head sizes. All in all, the Hobart 77056 is a comfortable and practical headgear. The various impressive features and the affordable price tag makes it our best pick in the Australian market this year.

---

2. Antra Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet – Best Value

We would all want a quality welding helmet capable of protecting our heads and faces from welding debris. However, sometimes you may be working on a slim budget but still don’t want to compromise on your safety. In such a scenario, the Antra Welding auto-darkening helmet would come in handy. It is our pick for the best helmet worth its value.

This affordable welding headgear is equipped with a solar-powered feature. So, you don’t have to worry about the battery level before embarking on a welding project. Also, it is very compact and lightweight, allowing a welder to work on longer welding projects without getting fatigued.

The Antra 260-0000 also features variable shade levels ranging from 5–13. This allows the wearer to work in all light conditions and on different welding methods. Moreover, it comes with an interface suppression technology that prevents false triggering caused by other light sources other than your arc.

This welding gear is also durable due to the sturdy materials it is made out of. Unfortunately, some welders complain of issues such as screen flashes and electronic failures after prolonged usage.

---

3. Welding Helmet, Black, 3350 Series – Premium Choice

Lincoln Electric is perhaps one of the most reputable and popular brand names in the welding world. They are a household name because they produce welding products that guarantee protection against potential welding hazards. Lincoln Electric 3350 is one such helmet, suitable for professional and DIY hobby welding.

At 12.5 square inches, this helmet offers some of the widest viewing windows in its class. Welders get a better view of their weld pool with the perfect optical clarity that you can expect from a helmet of its class. The 3350 line of helmets also offer variable shade levels ranging from 5–13 with a lens that switches at 1/25,000 seconds to protect your eyes from all light conditions.

This safety headgear also comes with a balanced design that improves comfort and reduces pressure while welding. All these impressive features, however, come at a hefty price tag that may discourage many DIY hobby welders. This is why the Lincoln Electric 3350 is our premium choice, ideal for professional welding.

---

4. ESAB 0700000800 Sentinel A50 Welding Helmet

If looking for a welding helmet that combines style with functionality, then the ESAB A50 welding helmet has got you covered. This amazing welding headgear offers useful features and incorporates the latest technology to provide a flawless welding experience. It is made with nylon, which is an excellent material, especially if working in an extreme heat environment.

This welding gear also features an ergonomic design that makes it suitable when welding in tight spaces such as inside a car engine. You can even comfortably carry out your welding operations while lying on your side. Additionally, being a 5-point helmet, it creates comfort for the wearer by dividing the stress points in your neck and shoulders.

Another noteworthy feature is the touch screen where users can easily adjust response time and sensitivity to handle different welding operations. At only 1.4 pounds, the ESAB A50 is very lightweight, allowing the wearer to comfortably weld for a longer time. However, it also retails at an exorbitant price compared to other welding helmets in the same class.

---

5. YESWELDER ‎EH-302C Welding Helmet

The YESWELDER EH-320 C is a unique safety helmet with excellent features that are rare in typical helmets. One of the most impressive features is the large viewing area of 4.0 x 3.7 inches for the operator to inspect their welding progress. Also, you get a 180-degree panoramic view of the weld pool thanks to one front lens and two side lenses.

This welding helmet is 15 square inches and has 3 LCDS which work independently to improve the overall welding experience. Moreover, with an optical clarity of 1/1/1/1, you can expect to view your weld pool in true color without any blurriness or distortions. It also comes with a magnification feature to assist welders with eyesight problems.

Well, the weight of this YESWELDER helmet is higher than other welding helmets, but it is comfortable enough for various welding operations such as MMA<TIG<MIG and plasma cutting. You can switch between welding and grinding mode by toggling an external knob on the helmet.

Power is provided by a solar system and a lithium battery. Only one metallic lithium battery is used and it can run for approximately 3,000 hours.

The YESWELDER EH302C also has a sturdy build thanks to a nylon material. Nylon is extensively used in engineering projects because of its durability properties. This helmet is generally a comfortable headgear ideal for professional and hobby welding.

---

6. Hobart 770890 Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet

The 770890 Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet is also another exciting product from the reputable Hobart Company. It is perhaps one of the most used welding helmets in Australia today. It is sturdy, made from polyamide nylon, a lightweight yet strong material capable of withstanding physical trauma.

At 1.25 pounds, it may be heavier than its contemporaries but the weight is balanced so that it is not an issue for seasoned welders. The 770890 series also come with a 9.3 square inch screen as well as a cheater lens located inside the helmet. These lenses allow the wearer to magnify the work screen for a more detailed analysis of the weld pool. Moreover, the auto-darkening feature prevents a welder from having to flip the front screen to inspect your progress.

This helmet is also equipped with 4 arc sensors that detect all kinds of arc flashes and then automatically darken the screen, thus protecting the eyes from the blinding light. The response time is approximately 0.00004 seconds. Moreover, the helmet offers users a shade range adjustable from a dial present inside the helmet. This helmet is ideal for all kinds of welding operations, especially the grinding mode.

---

7. Jackson Safety BH3 Auto Darkening Welding Helmet with Balder Technology

The Jackson Safety Ultra-Lightweight welding helmet is arguably one of the most respected brands for personal protection. It runs from solar cell power and offers great value for money. This gear is suitable for experienced welders because it is designed for professional welding applications. The design is sturdy enough to protect the wearer from long working hours.

One thing you will appreciate is the 1/1/1/1 optical clarity that offers true color images while welding. It is generally a safe welding headgear because the optical clarity satisfies the EN379 DIN rating. It is also an auto-darkening helmet capable of protecting the wearer from radiant energy with a shade range of 9–13. This range may be narrower when compared to other helmets on our list; however, users can adjust time delay and sensitivity for different welding operations. Additionally, this helmet offers a magnification lens and a hard hat with three headgear adjustments.

In terms of durability, the Jackson Safety helmet is made from Zytel ST 801 AVG, which is a very rigid material capable of withstanding high impact loads. At 2.0 pounds, the weight may not be impressive and unsuitable for long working hours, but it is a safe helmet with ANSI/ISEA Z87.1+ certification.

---

8. Miller 281000 Digital Elite Black Welding Helmet

The Miller 281000 Digital Elite Welding helmet is also an impressive welding helmet, equipped with some of the latest cutting-edge features. One thing that welders enjoy about this helmet is the visibility. With a viewing area of 9.2 square inches, users can inspect the weld pool with ease and efficiency. Moreover, it is equipped with an X-mode feature allowing users to comfortably weld in sunlight.

This helmet has four arc sensors that automatically darken it once an arc is detected. It may be made from plastic materials, but it is ANSI Z87.1+. Certified and can bear heavy impact. It also weighs 2.9 pounds, making it one of the bulkiest in the Australian market. It is, however, not ideal for working on longer welding projects.

It may be an impressive welding helmet, but it also has some drawbacks. One such disadvantage is the inability to remain in position once adjusted. Also, the knob that allows the users to switch between different modes is finicky, and the viewing screen experiences random flashes. This is probably why some customers have a poor experience working in this helmet.

---

9. Optrel Vega View 2.5 Auto-Darkening Helmet

One of the biggest considerations when selecting an ideal welding helmet is visibility. Most people prefer a welding helmet that offers the widest viewing area possible and the Optrel Vega View 2.5 is leading the pack. With a viewing area of 7.05 square inches and a shade level of 2.5 in the light state, users will clearly see the weld pool both in the weld and grind mode. Welders can also easily adjust the viewing range to meet individual needs and preferences.

At 2.04 pounds, the Optrel VegaView 2.5 welding helmet is also lightweight and often makes users feel like they have nothing on their heads. It is equipped with adjustable straps to secure it around the head. You will also appreciate the auto-grinding feature that makes it easy to switch between welding and grinding functions.

This welding helmet may have the lightest shade available on the market, but it sacrifices darkness to achieve the light shade. Many of the helmets in our list may have a shade level of up to 13, but the VegaView caps out at shade 12. For a helmet with such a high amperage, the shade level is considered inadequate by some welders. Also, the helmet retails at a very high price tag that may discourage hobby welders.

---

10. Speedglas 9100 Welding Helmet

The 3M Speedglas welding helmets offer one of the most complete viewing experiences that you could expect from a welding helmet. This is thanks to the wide viewing area of 12.11 square inches and excellent optics. With a 1/1/1/1 optical clarity, the helmet minimizes the green effect that is common in most cheap helmets. This ultimately improves precision while working.

Another noteworthy feature of the 3M Speedglas helmet is the ability to work with grinding projects. You don’t even need to remove your gloves to switch to the grinding mode. It also covers a wide shade range from 5–13.

When welding, the screen lights up to improve visibility. However, the sensors detect an intense flash from the welding arc, which automatically darkens to protect the wearer from the harmful effects of bright lights. This is thanks to the fast-and-go mode adjusting the light from light to darkness and vice versa.

The other impressive features include side windows, which enhance the wearer’s coverage for clearer views. Also, the helmet comes with air vents that offer comfort from respiration. At 1.00 pounds, it is a very lightweight product that allows users to work for longer hours without getting fatigued. 

Finally, this welding helmet is ANSI Z87.1, and ANSI Z89.1 certified and can bear physical trauma. It is also adaptable with a hard hat. The helmet is powered by a lithium battery with a 2,000 hours battery life. The short lifespan may create a problem because lithium batteries are very expensive to replace.

---

Buyers Guide: How to Select the Best Welding Helmet

When purchasing a welding helmet, you need one that guarantees the best level of protection. However, there are other factors that one has to consider to ensure optimum safety and comfort while welding. Therefore, before you spend your hard-earned cash on a faulty welding helmet, read through our buyer’s guide for the main factors to consider before you buy a welding helmet in Australia.

Shade Range

One important question you need to ask is, how many different levels of shades should a welding helmet offer? Sometimes you need a helmet that can switch from a dark to a light state while you are not actively welding.

Also, the helmet should darken enough to protect your eyes from the arc glare. Arc glare can have permanent damage to your eyes. So, you need a welding mask that offers a high shade level variability on a high-quality lens for protection even in the brightest conditions.

Viewing Area Size

We all know how frustrating it can be to weld with a helmet that offers a tiny viewing lens. Such a small lens often blocks your entire peripheral vision, making it hard to inspect your weld pool. You may even be forced to keep removing your helmet to inspect your work, a dangerous and time-consuming thing.

By increasing your viewing screen, you improve your welding quality since it’s easier to make out the intricate details of your work. This consequently improves your productivity. Therefore, ensure that you go for a helmet with the biggest possible viewing area for a better welding experience.

Clarity of the Lens

Besides the size of the viewing window, the lens clarity is another factor that hugely affects the visibility of your welding helmet. Lenses on welding helmets are often tested in four areas and given a rating of 1–3 in each.

The 1/1/1/1 optical clarity rating is the perfect score on a helmet. Unfortunately, only a select few welding helmet brands can achieve the perfect clarity score. So, if the clarity is what matters the most for you, ensure that you check the clarity rating before attempting any purchase.

Reliability

This is also a very important consideration when purchasing a welding helmet. It doesn’t matter how many useful features a helmet may offer or how comfortable a helmet feels. If it is incapable of guaranteeing your safety when welding, it’s not fulfilling its mandate and is thus useless. In a worst-case scenario, it can even endanger a welder’s health. 

Besides exposing the welder to potential safety hazards, it also makes it difficult to inspect your welding projects. The bright flashing lights and the changing shade levels can easily distract a welder and thus affect the quality of the work. That’s why you need to go for the best auto-darkening welding helmet that offers a high level of reliability.

Durability

Welding helmets don’t come cheap. So, you must purchase one that allows you to work on different projects for a longer period without needing replacement. Nothing is more frustrating than an expensive welding helmet failing to work at a critical moment.

So, to save yourself from the heartache of a faulty helmet at the worst possible moment, ensure that you purchase a sturdy enough welding helmet that promises a longer lifespan. Sturdy materials such as polyamide-nylon are the most durable in the market.

Comfort

You may not notice immediately you put on your welding helmet, but after hours of bending over to see your weld pool, a bulky helmet will begin to feel like a small weight is hanging on your head. This would consequently lead to muscle cramps and pain making the welding experience a lot less enjoyable.

Moreover, if the headgear doesn’t properly fit on your head, you may find that you have to make constant adjustments while welding. So, you need to go for a helmet that offers optimum comfort to improve productivity. This includes helmets made from absorbent material to reduce sweat, well-ventilated helmets as well as helmets that allow users to adjust straps for a perfect fit.

Grind Mode

Many at times, people purchase helmets that only protect the eyes from harmful arc glare. However, sometimes, you may need a welding helmet with a grind mode to protect the wearer not only from arc light, but also from dust and flying debris.

For this purpose, modern welding helmets come equipped with a grind mode setting. This useful feature is activated in most helmets and allows users to inspect their work even when not grinding. This is done without having to constantly remove the hood of your helmet to inspect your work.

Budget

This is where a person’s individual needs and preferences matter the most. You will want a welding helmet with all the comfort and useful features without compromising on your budget.

If your budget is open-ended, consider purchasing a premium helmet with the highest protection. It should also come with all the features you would expect to find on a premium welding helmet.

However, if your budget is more conservative go for a helmet that offers the best value for a modest price that will not break your bank.

---

Conclusion

After reading this article, you should be confident enough to purchase the best welding helmet in Australia. You will also know how the best brands compare to each other as well as some of the factors that you should consider before purchasing a welding helmet.

To recap, the Hobart 770756 is easily our top overall pick because it offers a wide shade range, dependable functionality, and excellent features at a modest price tag. If working on a conservative budget, the Antra AH6-260000 offers the best value for money without compromising on protection and functionality. It offers eight shade levels and is equipped with a solar power option at a reasonably affordable price tag.  

The Lincoln Electric 3350 welding helmet is a great choice for welders looking for a professional welding helmet because it offers excellent optical clarity, the largest viewing area as well as a comfortable and balanced design.

We have highlighted all the important information to help narrow down your welding helmet choice as much as possible. Now you can select the best welding helmet that can satisfy your needs and preferences. Just make sure it provides the best protection while carrying out your welding projects.

---

Featured Image Credit: Yossef Zilberman, Shutterstock