Top 9 Best Welding Helmet for MIG Reviews – Welding Judge

Metal Inert Gas or MIG Welding is a rather dangerous process, especially for the eyes. Looking at the process directly through your eyes can cause serious eye damage. For this reason, you need to invest in a good welding helmet that can help protect your face and eyes. Entering the market without an idea will cause you a lot of confusion as you will be presented with various options. To make the choice easier for you we have compiled a list of the Top 9 Best Welding Helmet for MIG Welding.

Top 9 Best Welding Helmet for MIG Comparison Table:

1. Lincoln Electric VIKING 3350 – Best for Beginners:

This model from the highly reputable brand Lincoln Electric offers protection in the form of a classy helmet so you can look good while staying safe. The 4c lens technology gives you a crystal clear view of the welding process while protecting your eyes from the harmful light of the welding process. The Lincoln Electric VIKING 3350 has 1/1/1/1 rating of optical clarity which basically means that there will be no distortion or blurriness while viewing through the shield during MIG welding.

In addition, the lens is around 12.5 square inches large and also has auto-darkening effects which help remove any obstructions in your view so that you can work on your MIG welding project with ease. Customer comfort and ease have also been given good consideration in the construction of the Lincoln Electric VIKING 3350. The X6 headgear has its weight evenly distributed along with the helmet so that it perfectly fits the user’s head while making sure that balance is maintained.

This helps enhance the comfort of the tailor by giving a feel of a tailored fit. It also features an adaptor that you can use to fit the helmet on a hard hat. You also have the option of switching between grinding and welding mode easily using a simple button. Some users, however, have complaints that the helmet sometimes gets loose during the job which can get a little uncomfortable.

The Lincoln Electric VIKING 3350 has all the top features you would need for a good MIG welding job and it is definitely our top favorite.

2. 3M Speedglass 9100 – 100 06-0100-10SW:

Whether you practice TIG welding as a hobbyist or as a professional worker, the 3M Speedglass 9100 will prove to be a perfect fit for all. It is super adjustable with two crown straps to help evenly distribute weight for better stability. A smooth ratchet system helps in fitting the helmet exactly according to your head. In addition, it has snap adjustments according to 9 helmet angles. The front headband is padded for even pressure distribution.

For unobstructed vision, the 3M Speedglass 9100 features a 1.8 x 3.7 inches viewing lens for better and wider vision during MIG welding. You can choose between dark shades 5-13 as well as a lighter shade of 3. There are 3 sensors in the lens that automatically activate the darkening filter as soon the MIG welding begins. This transition takes just 0.1 ms which is extremely fast. This saves you from having to pull the shield up and down during the job.

It also immediately switches to the light shade, once the MIG welding operation ends. It also features exhaust vents to help to reduce fogging or humidity in the helmet which could obstruct your vision. It is expected to have a life span of approximately 28000 hours which makes it quite durable.

One takeaway from this model is its weight which can be a little uncomfortable for some people. All in all, we would recommend the 3M Speedglass 9100 due to its durability as well as security features which put it among the best welding helmets for MIG.

3. Miller 282000 – Best Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet:

The very modern Miller Digital Performance Welding Helmet is definitely a class apart. It is a very versatile model that can be used for cutting, grinding as well welding and also features separate modes for all 3. For perfect precision, it has a 0.1 to 1-second delay and sensitivity control. This time duration is much quicker than most models on the market and helps increase efficiency. The modes can be changed using digital controls which makes the helmet extremely user-friendly.

It has a 7.22 square inch viewing area which is wide enough for unobstructed vision during MIG welding. It also has 3 arc sensors that help automatically switch lenses during and after the welding operation. The Miller Digital Performance Welding Helmet is quite adjustable and will perfectly fit your head for comfortable welding. It uses an adjustable headband to tailor fit the helmet according to the user’s head.

The helmet is also quite lightweight as well as a compact which helps enhance comfort. Five outside cover lenses, a helmet bag as well as two inside cover lenses are included in the package. The lithium batteries work with solar assist and have a life of up to 3000 hours. You also get a 3-year warranty with the product.

However, you do have to carefully handle the helmet because it may get damaged easily.

In conclusion, we would recommend this product for both home-based workers as well as professionals as it provides exceptional comfort and protection for all.

4. Esab SENTINEL A50 – Best Welding Helmet under $300:

Coming in at 4th place, we have the Esab SENTINEL A50 with its high-quality material and premium features. The nylon shell design can easily resist high impact which helps enhance durability. It provides an unobstructed viewing area of 3.93×2.36 inches which helps the user easily view the MIG welding process and maintain precision.

The shield is auto-darkening which saves you from flipping the shield again and again. In addition, it also has a color touch screen for handling the controls which also provides 8 memory settings that you can set according to your requirement and access at any time. There is also a shade 4 grind button which you can click to activate grind mode.

Manufacturers of the Esab SENTINEL A50 have given good consideration to the user’s comfort as the helmet is adjustable from 5 points which helps you perfectly fit the helmet according to your head. The pivot point is at the center of the helmet which helps to maintain balance when you pull the shield up. The weight is also balanced along with the helmet for increased comfort while welding.

It can also be easily attached to a hard hat with the use of the hard hat adaptor. It operates on lithium batteries and solar cells which help save costs and are also more environmentally friendly.

However, the Esab SENTINEL A50 is considerably expansive as compared to other similar models so it will be a big investment.

All in all, it is a good protective gear for MIG welding for both hobbyists as well as professionals and you should consider giving it a shot.

5. Jackson Safety BH3 – Welding Helmet with Balder Technology:

The Jackson Safety BH3 is here to provide extreme protection with ultimate comfort and classy design. It is perfect for MIG welding due to its variable shade range from 9-13 which helps protect the user’s eyes from sparks. There are 3 knobs on the inside of the helmet which help you adjust the sensitivity, delay, and level of shade according to the requirement of your task. It has 1/1/1/1 rating for angular dependence, optical clarity, luminous transmittance variation, and optical clarity which helps avoid blurriness as well as distortion.

This helmet is also quite comfortable to wear due to its adjustable settings which help fit the helmet exactly according to your head. The Jackson Safety BH3 has an external knob that you can use to adjust the helmet on your head. It features about 3 headgear adjustments which make it suitable for all kinds of welders. The helmet not only protects your face but also your ears as well as neck from the sparks that fly around during a MIG welding process.

The curved design helps prevent fogging and humidity within the helmet. It is manufactured from lightweight plastic which is quite durable and absorbs maximum impact. It can also be easily fit onto hard hats and magnification filters.
However, all these premium features come with a huge price which may put this helmet out of budget for some people.

In conclusion, we are satisfied with the quality and user-friendly features of the Jackson Safety BH3 which surely put it among the best welding helmets for MIG welding.

6. Jackson Safety HSL100 – Best Light-weight Welding Helmet for MIG:

If you’re on a budget, the Jackson Safety HSL100 can give you the best features and maximum comfort at a reasonable price. It is suitable for MIG welding due to its range of shades from 9-13 along with the auto-darkening effect which helps protect your eyes from harmful light and sparks. The shades are controlled by 4 sensors that adjust the shade according to the operation.

It features a viewing area of around 3.93×2.36 inches which gives a wide view of the welding process and saves you from the effort of continuously shifting your hood up and down. It has two modes: welding and grind which makes it suitable for various operations. You can use the digital controls to adjust delay and sensitivity according to the requirement of MIG welding.

The Jackson Safety HSL100 has various features to help enhance comfort as well as balance. The helmet has a slim design which makes it suitable for being used in tight spaces. In addition, this helmet is ultra-light which will be of value if you’re planning on doing a long shift.

However, this helmet lacks a little in neck coverage so your neck may be exposed even while wearing the helmet which is a point of concern.

We believe that the Jackson Safety HSL100 has the best features at a reasonable price and we would especially recommend it for home-based welders.

7. Optrel VegaView 2.5 – Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet:

The Optrel VegaView 2.5 is known for its level of comfort and optimum vision. It provides perfect visibility with a shade of 2.5, hence, improving vision through the lens by over 400%. This helps in achieving efficiency as well as precision in MIG welding. It has an auto-darkening effect in addition to shade levels from 8-12 which can be set manually according to the operation. It also has a grind mode as well as controls for shade and sensitivity.

The user has the control to set the time delay for switching between shades using the opening delay feature. The Optrel VegaView 2.5 has a one-of-a-kind sensor slide that helps prevent the reaction between ADF and arcs of welders working around. The viewing area is around 3.93 x 2.36 inches which are wide enough for clear unobstructed vision.

It is among the lightest welding helmets which prove really useful for long jobs and puts it among the best welding helmets for MIG. The package includes a parking-buddy belt clip that can easily hold your helmet while you take a break.

The E3000 air-purifying respirator helps provide respiratory protection to save you from feeling suffocated. It is manufactured using nylon which is highly durable as well as super lightweight.

We would recommend the Optrel VegaView 2.5 for welders who require an optimum vision for their best work.

8. YESWELDER LYG-L500A – Solar Powered Welding Helmet:

If you have recently started in the welding business and want to try your hand at something with good features at a low price then the YESWELDER LYG-L500A is the one for you. It has a viewing area of about 3.64 x 1.67 inches which helps give you a wide clear vision. Two premium sensors help automatically change shades while you’re working which saves you from pulling the shade up and down.

The optical clarity rating is 1/1/1/2 which helps reduce blurriness. Transition time for changing shades is less than 1/10000 seconds. This helps enhance efficiency. The pivot style of the YESWELDER LYG-L500A helps provide optimum comfort to the user during the MIG welding operation.

It is lightweight so it is perfect for long MIG welding operations as having a lightweight helmet helps you keep safe while also being comfortable. It can also super compatible with a magnifying lens as well as a cheater lens. It also provides a long battery life so you don’t have to change batteries frequently. It works on lithium batteries which are easy to get.

Some users have, however, complained about the sensors regarding the fact that they inconsistently change colors during the operation which can prove to be a disturbance.

The YESWELDER LYG-L500A is a good purchase for beginners and hobbyists as you can get relatively good features at a great price.

9. DEKOPRO Welding-Helmet – Auto Darkening Hood:

Finally, at 9th place, we have the DEKOPRO Welding-Helmet with its cool-looking exterior and equally amazing features. It features auto-darkening effects with a transition time of only 1/25000 second which is super-fast. The optical clarity rating is 1/2/1/2 which is good for a clear view. It has delayed as well as sensitivity settings so that you can make changes according to the task at hand.

DIN4 is the lightest filter in this helmet and it takes only 0.1 to 1 seconds to switch from dark to light shade. The viewing area is about 3.62 x 1.65 inches which helps provide a wide clear view. Shades range from 9-13. It can easily charge on solar cells which makes it more cost-effective as well as eco=friendly.

The helmet can easily be tailor-fitted using adjustable knobs according to the user’s head. It is also one of the lightest helmets on the market which helps enhance comfort during MIG welding. The weight and pressure of the DEKOPRO Welding-Helmet are equally distributed along with the parameter which helps maintain balance. With all that, you also get a very stylish appearance which makes you excited for work.

However, the viewing size is considerably smaller than other helmets on the market which could be a hindrance to the user’s vision.

The DEKOPRO Welding-Helmet is budget-friendly and offers good features for an efficient MIG welding process and we would recommend it for beginners.

Final Verdict:

Now that we have provided you with a list of our top 9 best welding helmets for MIG welding, we leave the choice up to you. You need to make the choice keeping in mind your type of work, usage, and most importantly your budget.

If you ask us, we would recommend Lincoln Electric VIKING 3350 without thinking for a second, because it super adjustable and also gives a crystal clear view hence providing optimum working conditions. If this is not the one for you, you can go through the other 8 options, weigh the pros and cons and make your choice. We hope you will choose the perfect welding helmet for you!

Frequently Asked Questions:

What are the best auto darkening welding helmets?

5 Best Auto Darkening Welding Helmets:

• Lincoln 3350 Welding Helmet
• Esab SENTINEL A50 Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet
• Antra AH6-260 Welding Helmet
• 3M Speedglas 9100 Welding Helmet.
• Miller Digital Elite Auto Darkening Welding Helmet

How do I choose a Welding helmet?

The First Important thing about the welding helmet is the material. A welding Helmet is generally plastic and non-flammable material with a protected screen behind which is the lens.

Are cheap welding helmets any good?

Yes, Cheap Welding Helmets perform well but are not long-lasting.

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