Intro:

The best welding helmet for MIG welding should be able to withstand a lot of heat as well as constantly protect the welder from the burns, splatters, and skin problems associated with the welding profession. MIG welding involves quite a lot of metal and therefore a lot of heat will be emitted during the welding process.

Welding is a very dangerous profession, probably one of the most dangerous. This is so because of their constant exposure to ultraviolet and infrared radiations. A good welder knows that his helmet is an extension of himself especially if he wants better results as well as excellent protection. Welding without the protection of the best welding helmet could result in loss of vision, skin problems as well as burns.

We have reviewed some of the best helmets for MIG welding that will help improve your welding performance.

Best Welding Helmet for Mig: Table of Contents

  1. Reviews of 12 Best Mig Welding Masks
  2. MIG Welding Definition

 

Find the best Welding Helmet for MIG:

12 Best Welding Helmets Review

There are a lot of benefits to getting the best welding helmet for your MIG welding. One of the most important thing to do is know the qualities that make the best auto darkening welding helmets. We have put down some of these qualities.

 

  • Certifications: The best welding helmet for MIG should be certified by the latest national safety standards especially for high impact.
  • Delay: The best welding helmet for MIG should have a delay of between 0.2 and 1 milliseconds. Delay is important to help control the lens while shifting signal from dark to light state.
  • Optical Class: This is the lens cartridge rating and the best welding helmet for MIG should have a 1/1/1/1 optical class rating, lower numbers mean higher quality.
  • Response Time: The best welding helmet for MIG should have very good arc-detecting sensors and be able to switch easily from light to dark state.
  • Sensitivity: The best welding helmet for MIG should have manual sensitivity for easily adjusting a minimum value from light to dark state.
  • Shade Selection: Auto darkening helmets should have the light and the dark states. The light state is usually transparent and allows welders see through, while the dark state darkens the lens just so that you see a limited area. The best welding helmet for MIG will make it easy for you to choose any state ranging from 5 to 13 DIN.
  • Warranty: A longer warranty means a higher quality. The warranty is a promise from the manufacturer showing how long the helmet will last without issues.
  • Weight: The best welding helmet for MIG should be as lightweight, padded, sturdy, adjustable and comfortable as possible considering the fact that you will be wearing it for hours at a time. It should not weigh more than 50 ounces.

 

Category #1: Best Mig Welding Helmet for the Money

Weldcote Metals DIGITAL Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet – Sh 9-13 – KLEARVIEW PLUS (105.99)

Specs:

  • Color: Shiny black
  • Weight: 550g (2.35 pounds)
  • Dimensions: 12 x 10.4 x 9.5 inches
  • Viewing lens size: 100 x 60mm
  • Mig Welding Helmet Shade Range: 4/9-13
  • Reaction Time: 0.1 – 0.9s
  • Warranty: 3 years
  • Price Rating: $$$$

 

Notable Features:

  • Has 4 arc sensors
  • Batteries are replaceable
  • Has enough mask space for the ears and neck
  • Has a low battery warning indicator
  • Its mask is made of nylon that is impact-resistant
  • Uses an LCD with a very high quality
  • It provides a permanent ultraviolent view

 

Special Considerations: Is not adaptable with hard hats, does not have a storage bag and does not have cool graphics.

 

Overall Assessment: This best welding helmet for mig, irrespective of the few disadvantages, has great features. It is light, durable, affordable and has a comfortable head strap. This is definitely the best Mig Welding Helmet for the Money.

 

Category #2: Carbon Fiber Welding Helmet

Tool Guy Republic Extra Large View Auto Darkening Welding Helmet – Carbon Fiber (99.99)

Specs:

  • Color: Blue
  • Weight: 2.75 pounds
  • Dimensions: 12 x 10 x 10 inches
  • Viewing lens size: 4″ x 3.65″
  • Shade range: 4/9-13
  • Reaction Time: 1/25000s
  • Warranty:
  • Price Rating: $$$$

 

Notable Features:

  • Has 4 sensors
  • Has an extra-large view
  • Has a carrying bag, an inside lens, 2 outside lens, and a welding helmet
  • Has an auto-darkening feature
  • Has an extra-large view
  • Very good for TIG, MIG and ARC welding processes
  • Has a carbon fiber decal
  • Has 2 lithium manganese dioxide batteries included
  • Has a welding helmet, a carrying bag, an inside lens and 2 outside lens included

 

Special Considerations: Has no grind setting.

 

Overall Assessment: This best carbon fiber welding helmet has so many special features that will guarantee a safe and enjoyable mig welding process. You will enjoy the strength of the mask material, adjustability of the headband, clear view filter and grind feature.

 

Category #3: Best Budget Mig Welding Helmet

Internal link to Best Budget Welding Helmets

Tanox Auto Darkening Welding Mask ADF-206S (51.95)

Specs:

  • Color: Dark grey
  • Weight: 2 pounds
  • Dimensions: 8 x 9 x 12 inches
  • Viewing Lens Size: 3.86 x 1.73 inches
  • Mig Welding Helmet Shade Range: 4-9/9-13 range
  • Reaction Time: 1/25000 sec
  • Warranty: 2 years
  • Price Rating: $$$

 

Notable Features:

  • Includes a CR2 battery
  • Has 4 arc sensors
  • Durable and has 16-inch fire-retardant gloves included
  • Affordable and works very well
  • Very easy to use
  • Great for TIG, MIG, MMA, MAG, Plasma cutting and Arc Gouging processes
  • Offers great protection from infrared and ultraviolent radiation even when there is power failure
  • Has a very large viewing area
  • Has a grinding mode
  • Has a perfect fit and is very easy to use

 

Special Considerations: Poor quality of helmet and pressure snaps.

 

Overall Assessment: Perhaps one of the most loved features of this best budget mig welding helmet is the included high quality 16-inch fire retardant gloves. In addition, there are no risks attached to this very affordable welding helmet.

 

Category #4: Best Helmet with Flames

Instapark ADF Series GX-500S Solar Powered Auto Darkening Welding Helmet with Adjustable Shade Range (29.95)

Specs:

  • Color: GX-500 (USA)
  • Weight: 1.7 pounds
  • Dimensions: 9 x 9 x 12.8 inches
  • Viewing Lens Size: 3.63 x 1.65 inches
  • Shade Range: 9-13/4
  • Reaction Time: 1/25000 sec
  • Warranty: 1 year
  • Price Rating: $

 

Notable Features:

  • Has 2 arc sensors
  • Has adjustable sensitivity
  • Has 2 replaceable CR2032 lithium solar cell batteries
  • Has a grinding function
  • Has a low voltage indicator
  • The interior of its headband is padded
  • Has an auto-darkening filter
  • Offers great UV/IR protection
  • Comes assembled
  • Has dual settings range

 

Special Considerations: Sensitivity is not adjustable.

 

Overall Assessment: Very lightweight because of its ergonomic design, this best welding helmet with flames has the best torch placement accuracy which is necessary for reducing the need for rework and grinding.

 

Category #5: Mig Welding Helmet with the Most Designs

Flexzion Solar Powered Welding Helmet Auto Darkening Weld/Grind Selectable Mask Tool ($45.99)

Specs:

  • Cool Welding Helmet Designs: Blue Flame Skull
  • Weight: 1.81 pounds
  • Dimensions: 12 x 10 x 8 inches
  • Viewing Lens Size: 93 x 43 mm
  • Shade Range: 4/9-13
  • Reaction Time: 1/30000
  • Warranty:
  • Price Rating: $$$$

 

Notable Features:

  • Has an auto-darkening feature
  • Can use either grinding or welding modes
  • Retards fire well
  • Has 16 levels of UV protection
  • The design is ultra-light
  • Has adjustable delay time and sensitivity
  • Offers excellent protection from ultraviolet and infrared radiation
  • Suitable for all electrical welding processes
  • Has a circuit design that is advanced
  • The window for observation darkens when arc is struck

 

Special Considerations: Does not have any batteries included, the knob may be a little too loose and the grinding mode may be too dark to see what you are welding.

 

Overall Assessment: This mig welding helmet with the most designs is well packaged with features that enhance productivity. Very convenient and beautifully designed, this welding helmet is lightweight and offers the desired protection.

 

Category #6: Top Welding Hood with Grind Mind

E Support Pro Solar Mig Welding Mask Welding Hood (27.39)

Specs:

  • Color: 9 colors
  • Weight: 1.98 pounds
  • Dimensions: 14.2 x 7.9 x 1.5 cm
  • Viewing lens size: 92 x 42 mm
  • Shade range: 9-13
  • Reaction Time:
  • Warranty:
  • Price Rating:

 

Notable Features:

  • Automatic power on and off
  • Has an auto-darkening lens feature
  • Has a lot of mask space
  • Powered by a lithium battery and solar backup
  • Has a large enough view window
  • Has a grinding or welding selection

 

 

Special Considerations: Gets a distorting star pattern on its lens when you are welding and it may not be very durable either. Another problem is that it is quite hard to figure out how it works.

 

Overall Assessment: This well designed helmet is well constructed and affordable. It also has so many improvements and is quite flexible.

 

Category #7: Best Auto Darkening Welding Helmet with Eagle Design

Coocheer Auto Darkening Welding Helmet With Solar Powered Adjustable MIG TIG ARC Professional Welding Mask (American Eagle) (34.69)

Specs:

  • Color: Blue mask (Eagle)
  • Weight: 1.54 pounds
  • Dimensions: 10.6 x 10.6 x 9.4 inches
  • Viewing lens size: 96 x 48 x 6mm
  • Shade range: 4/9-13
  • Reaction Time: 1/30000
  • Warranty:
  • Price Rating: $$$$

 

Notable Features:

  • Has no batteries included
  • Great for electrical welding, argon-arc welding and gas-shielded welding
  • Striking the arc makes the window darken automatically
  • Does not consume much power
  • Battery is easily replaceable
  • The headband design is comfortable and adjustable
  • Offers excellent UV/IR protection
  • It has a low battery indicator
  • It has an American Eagle pattern

 

Special Considerations: Not suitable for laser welding.

 

Overall Assessment: One of the most outstanding qualities of this Best Auto Darkening Welding Helmet with Eagle Design, is its advanced circuit design. This design makes it possible for the lens to darken when the arc is struck.

Category #8: Welding Helmet with Largest Viewing Area

Weldflame Wh9000-B Auto Darkening Welding Helmet with Jumbo Viewing Size (38.42)

Specs:

  • Color: Black
  • Weight: 1.19 pounds
  • Dimensions: 11.8 x 9.2 x 9.1 inches
  • Viewing lens size: 4 x 2.6 inches (100mm x 67 mm)
  • Shade range: 4/9-13
  • Reaction Time: 1/25000s
  • Warranty: 2 years
  • Price Rating: $$$$

 

Notable Features:

  • 4 sensors
  • Has a grinding feature
  • Lightweight
  • Has a sturdy nylon shell
  • Has a ratchet headgear
  • Has a sweatband
  • Can be turned on/off automatically
  • Has an anti-scratch protection feature
  • Offers excellent protection against UV/IR radiation
  • Suitable for most processes – TIG, MIG, ARC and Plasma

 

Special Considerations: You should know that this helmet’s shell may not be very durable and its headband is quite shallow.

 

Overall Assessment: For welders who are in need of a welding helmet with largest viewing area, this helmet is meant for you. Its viewing area, measuring about 4″ x 2.6″ (Doubview), is best described as Jumbo size. It also offers a unique drawstring bag that offers anti-scratch protection. This is one remarkable welding helmet.

 

Category #9: Best Fixed Shade Welding Helmet

Jackson Safety Fixed Shade W10 HSL 100 Welding Helmet (14975)  (38.95)

Specs:

  • Color: Black
  • Weight: 1.75 pounds
  •  Dimensions: 25.4 x 22 x 15.3 inches
  • Viewing lens size:
  • Shade range: 10
  • Reaction Time:
  • Warranty:
  • Price Rating: $

 

Notable Features:

  • The shield is durable and adaptable with hard hats
  • Offers protection for the throat because of its extended front
  • Its filter plate is made of polycarbonate and is installed at the factory
  • Works well in very tight spaces because of the narrow shell design of the mounting blades
  • Meets ANSI Z87.1 safety standards
  • Very lightweight and comfortable
  • Has a large viewing area
  • The head strap is well padded
  • Affordable and well-ventilated
  • Has turn-knob tightening

 

Special Considerations: The lens on this welding helmet is too dark, does not have auto-dimming feature and the headgear may not be very durable.

 

Overall Assessment: This affordable helmet is the best fixed shade welding helmet. It is suitable for many welding processes, is lightweight and also well-designed.

 

Category #10: Most Badass Welding Mask for Mig

Hobart 770754 Impact Agent Orange Variable Auto-Dark Helmet (125.99)

Internal link to Badass Welding Hoods.

Specs:

  • Color: Orange
  • Weight: 2 pounds
  • Dimensions: 9 x 9 x 13 inches
  • Viewing lens size: 3.82 x 1.81 inches
  • Shade range: 3/8-13
  • Reaction Time: 1/25000 seconds
  • Warranty: 2 years
  • Price Rating: $

 

Notable Features:

  • Polyamide is durable and lightweight
  • Has a lithium ion battery included
  • Quite large
  • Ratcheting headgear is very comfortable
  • Has an auto-darkening feature
  • Has an up-to-date LCD lens technology
  • Has 3 arc sensors
  • Has an automatic on/off feature
  • Has a grind and weld mode
  • Great for TIG, weld and grind mode processes
  • Has UV/IR coated lens

 

Special Considerations: The plastic is quite thin and lessens the protection from impact.

 

Overall Assessment: The thinness of the plastic has the advantage of being very lightweight. This is the most badass welding mask for Mig and offers very consistent and effective protection.

 

Category #11: Best Mig Welding

Optrel Panoramaxx Auto Darkening Welding Helmet Black #1010.000 (395)

Internal links to Most Expensive Welding Helmets Review

Specs:

  • Color: Black
  • Weight: 3 pounds (550 g)
  • Dimensions:
  • Viewing lens size: 2.30 x 6.30 inches
  • Shade range: 5 – 12
  • Reaction Time: 1/10000 sec
  • Warranty: 2 + 1 years
  • Price Rating: $$$$$

 

Notable Features:

  • It has 5 arc sensors
  • Uses micro-USB cable for charging and has it included
  • Has a True Color view
  • Has a grinding mode with an external grind button
  • Has auto-darkening feature
  • Great for most welding processes
  • Has a storage bag and a spare front cover lens
  • Made with durable nylon
  • Has beautiful graphics
  • Very lightweight and comfortable
  • Has an auto-pilot mode
  • Meets most safety standards

 

Special Considerations: Quite hazardous and has no electromagnetic sensor.

 

Overall Assessment: One of the best features of this best mig welding helmet is its Autopilot for automatically adjusting the shade levels. Another great feature is the shell design which makes it easy to place the welding lens close to the face while welding.

 

Category #12: Best Welding Helmet for Mig with Replaceable Lens

iMeshbean Best Mig Welding Hood TN08E2 Grinding with Replaceable Extra Lens ANSI Approved Eagle Design Color Blue Red Golden USA Seller-Red (34.99)

Specs:

  • Color: Red
  • Weight: 2 pounds
  • Dimensions:
  • Viewing lens size: 96mm x 48mm
  • Shade range: 4/9-13
  • Reaction Time: 1/30000
  • Warranty:
  • Price Rating: $$$

 

Notable Features:

  • Suitable for many welding processes
  • Offers full-range UV/IR protection
  • Ratchet head strap and shade control are adjustable
  • Offers full area coverage
  • Meets most safety standards
  • Very easy to use and lightweight
  • The lens and batteries are very easy to replace

 

Special Considerations: The eagle sticker flakes off easily.

 

Overall Assessment: This is the best welding helmet for mig with replaceable lens. The lens is not only replaceable; it is also very easy to replace. It is very affordable, effective and durable.

 

What is MIG Welding?

Metal inert gas welding, also known as MIG welding, can be defined as an arc welding process that involves passing a solid wire electrode through a welding gun, right into a weld tool, thereby making sure that both base materials are joined. MIG welding for beginners is quite flexible and easy to learn but it can also be quite tasking and dangerous too.  The mig welding process allows most welders to fabricate and repair different gauges.

 

To find Mig welding training near you, check out Welding Schools Near Me: Best Welding Schools in USA.

 

Conclusion

Mig welding involves putting a wire through a weld gun, which forms an arc that in turn melts the metal, causing a fuse of the two pieces. A shielding gas protects the weld. Of all the industrial welding methods, MIG welding is the most common, adaptive, versatile and also the easiest to learn. Mig welding has a lot of useful applications and there are a lot of welding helmets to choose from that are compatible with it. This is the main reason it is important to go through this mig welding helmet review so that you can get the best welding helmet for the money. Have fun getting the best welding helmet for Mig.

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