The best welder mask: TOP 10, rating, review, photo, pros and cons, shield cost

Everyone who is involved in welding, whether it is an amateur or experienced welders, knows that reliable eye protection is a serious problem. A good welding mask costs a lot, but a high price does not mean a quality filter or reliable protection. It takes a long time to choose a welding shield or mask, carefully checking their work in practice.

What to look for when choosing

The first condition when considering possible options is the certification of products in the category "Personal Protective Equipment". If the manufacturer or seller of welding helmets does not have approval for a specific model from a state certification body, then it is better not to consider its products for work.

A good welding mask, as well as a hand shield or welder's goggles, are expensive. Their design is simple, so there are a lot of fake or substandard personal protective equipment on the market. And if a successful model, then the number of fakes increases several times.

In addition, there are clear criteria that you need to pay attention to when choosing a welding helmet:

1. Weight. Unlike a manual welding shield, the mask will have to be mounted on the welder's head, so the lighter the better.
2. Fastening system, the operation of locking screws that fix the protection on the welder's head in a certain position.
3. Material. The housing can be made of plastic or electrical cardboard. Less common are models with a metallized coating. This option would be more preferable for those welders who work with powerful electric welding machines.
4. Filter quality. The most important feature. Usually selected by the welder for a specific type of work.
5. Ventilation. During work, the welder's face sweats, so fresh air is needed.

Ventilation of the mask space is important if you have to work with welding for a long time. In this case, the mask should not be too large so that the resulting vapors and gases do not poison the breath.

Many professional models are equipped with a built-in fresh air fan, providing the welder with a normal atmosphere inside the protection. In addition, the fan helps to get rid of icing on the light filter if you have to weld metal in the cold.

The mask of the welder should completely cover the oval of the face to the ears, not reaching the neck a couple of centimeters. Otherwise, it will be difficult to bend your head. Fully enclosed design is safer than simple panel models. But sometimes a welder has to sacrifice safety for comfort.

In closed welding masks, it is impossible to wear a warm hat, and besides, this is also a significant weight. After several hours of work, the neck begins to hurt, so the welding helmet should be light, compact, easy to adjust and quickly removed if a hot spark or drop flies under the protection of the welder metal.

Selection for you: Electric welding for beginners: the nuances of welding and analysis of the main mistakes. Types of welding machines - subtleties of choice and application features. Welding kits - what is included in the package, how to choose a good one.

What should be the design of a protective mask

Most budget models are rectangular in shape. The upper and lower parts may have roundings, but their presence or absence does not affect the functionality of the protection. In the best budget models, the front shield is usually flat, since a light filter is installed on the front of the case. This simplifies the mounting and replacement of the glass.

More expensive models are given a more rounded shape, soft upholstery is installed inside, sometimes even made of leather.

A “hoop” is installed in the upper part of the body for fastening on the head. This is the most important part of any protection, as the level of comfort depends on how tight and comfortable the mask holds. Most often, the fastening is made of plastic or braided polyamide belts, which is not very convenient. The welder often has to put on a sports cap or a textile balaclava.

Pay special attention to fasteners. In most models, the welder can fix the protection in 3 positions - lower, upper and intermediate (visor). In addition, it is possible to fix the shield in an intermediate position using a screw lock. This part of the welding helmet breaks most often. Therefore, you need to pay attention to the thickness and material of the parts. In high-quality masks, the retainer is made of impact-resistant plastic, in cheap ones it is made of ordinary polypropylene.

Inexpensive welding helmets are “sewn” from dense and hard electrical cardboard - fiber. Case thickness 1.2-2 mm. The result is a rigid and dense frame, on which you can attach anything, from an additional light filter to a backlight.

Fiber hulls have a number of advantages:

1. 40-60% lighter than plastic ones.
2. Well processed, cut, drilled.
3. It is not afraid of blows, falls on concrete. Welders are not afraid to drop fiber protection on concrete, while for plastic, every fall can be fatal.

Hot metal drops do not stick to the fiber surface. The advantages of plastic welding helmets include a more convenient body design, nice design.

Filter Features

Usually masks are sold with a filter size of 90x40 mm or 120x60 mm. The latter option is used mainly by car mechanics and welders to repair car bodies, in conditions of poor visibility.

In any mask, the viewing window must be closed with double glass. Outer ordinary, transparent, 2 mm thick, used as a filter protection. During the welding process, the molten metal splashes with tiny drops. After several sessions, the glass is covered with a coating and microscopic dots of adhering slag. The field of view of the welder is reduced several times.

The next criterion is the parameters of the ultraviolet filter. The level of dimming (light transmission) of the filter for welding masks is determined in DIN units. The specific value must be selected depending on the type of welding work according to the table.

Cheap protective filters based on colored transparent plastic should be avoided. As a rule, it is polymethyl methacrylate, polyacryl or polycarbonate. Over time, the plastic filter on the welding mask becomes cloudy and even cracks.

In addition to colored glass filters, electronic liquid crystal light filters are used in welding protection. These are chameleon masks. In this case, in addition to the filter itself, an ultraviolet sensor and a battery (battery or solar panel) are installed on the body. The level of shading can be adjusted, which makes it possible to work with the same mask with different types of welding machines.

The liquid crystal filter has several disadvantages:

1. At low air temperatures, liquid crystals change their characteristics. In cheap models, filters even freeze.
2. The battery can also freeze, so it is better to choose a mask with an additional solar panel.
3. With a strong impact (falling on concrete), the filter may crack, respectively, the liquid flows out, the mesh from the contact paths will be torn off. On colored filters, the appearance of a crack, as a rule, does not affect the performance of the welding helmet.

But the level of comfort with an LCD filter is higher, so most professional-grade welding helmets are equipped with adjustable filters.

If models with an LCD filter, then you need to clarify the lower limit of the sensitivity of the liquid crystal film to ultraviolet and the recovery time for transparency.

The first parameter is important to know if you have to perform welding work in a group. Often the welding helmet reacts to ultraviolet radiation from the glare coming from the welding machine next door. Such a device will cause more trouble than provide comfortable working conditions. For cheap fakes, the LCD filter often works even from direct exposure to ultraviolet sunlight. Such welding masks can be chosen only for rare cases of work with welding, and only indoors.

Best Budget Welding Helmets

High-quality protection against welding radiation does not have to be expensive and complicated. A mask for welding work should provide several conditions that, if desired, can be found in inexpensive but well-made protection.

There are three such requirements:

1. High quality glass filter.
2. Comfortable headband.
3. Thoughtful design.

At the same time, it is desirable that all elements of the mask can be adjusted and, if necessary, changed or upgraded. Welding protection of the budget class is relatively inexpensive, so you can experiment and try to modify the mask for yourself.

Simple but convenient SVONA-110x90

Opens an overview of the best welding masks face protection brand "SVONA". Suitable for the first experiences of self-welding without a mentor. It costs about 10 times cheaper than imported euro masks for a welder, at the level of 200-300 rubles. a piece.

Positive sides:

1. A light filter made of tinted mineral glass of the TC3 brand (DIN9 class) is the minimum acceptable level of protection, but for welding a small amount of its capabilities is enough.
2. Viewing window Euroformat 110x90 mm. A polycarbonate overlay is put on top of the light filter, which protects against accidental impacts on the glass.
3. Light body (450 g).

The body of the welding helmet is made according to traditional patterns, in the upper part there is a “comb” of the vent, through which hot air is ejected from the inside to the outside.

Among the shortcomings, a weak case material is noted - polypropylene. It withstands the cold, but becomes soft with prolonged use, especially in summer, in the heat.

Welder protection FoxWeld VARTEG V-3500

Inexpensive welding helmet made in China and certified to EN379 for use in Russia. Equipped with a liquid crystal light filter (DIN9-13) powered by built-in lithium batteries (2pcs) and solar panel.

Characteristics:

1. Completely closed body design, while there is support on the shoulders and chest of the welder.
2. The size of the window is 90x35 mm, the total size with the solar panel is 110x90 mm.
3. Operating temperature range from -5℃ to +55℃.
4. Case material – impact-resistant polypropylene.
5. The faceplate of the mask can be raised on the mount with positioning in five different positions.

Of the positive qualities, they note a small weight - 400 g and the presence of a delay when turning on the transparent mode (up to 1 second). This will avoid blinding if the molten metal is still too hot and bright. In addition, the full closure of the sides and back of the head allows welders to work in windy places (installers at high altitudes) with a significant amount of dust and abrasive in the air.

Among the shortcomings, welders note an insufficiently dense inner finish of the mask. There is also no reliable sound insulation, so it is not recommended to carry out welding work near sources of strong sound (running engines).

Protective mask of the welder SPEC VM-400

The classic version of the old-style welding protection, thoughtful shape, simple design. Polypropylene body, fastening straps can be plastic or canvas with textile trim. Users note difficulties in adjusting the mount at the initial stage, but the mask is clearly not designed for several welders.

Therefore, having set it once, you can be sure that the belt lock will not fall apart. Although lifting and fixing the welding helmet on the welder's head also causes some difficulties.

It is worth noting:

1. Good quality of the chameleon filter, high filter speed, at the level of professional models.
2. There is a power switch that saves charge (CP2032 battery - 10 years of operation plus a solar panel).
3. The place for installation of ultraviolet sensors has been optimized.

As a result, the minimum number of false positives and practically no cases of overlapping of automatic activation sensors by items of equipment. This means that there will be no situation of accidentally turning off the filter during operation (“picked up bunnies”).

The mask is convenient because the manufacturer has provided for the possibility of replacing the LCD filter with tinted welding glass. Even with high quality, the liquid crystal light filter will eventually fail, and the glass will work forever.

Protective mask RZ10 FAVORIT ZENR

Despite the unusual shape of the body, slightly unusual protection design, this is one of the successful models of an inexpensive welding mask. The cost of protective equipment is 450-500 rubles. Produces Suksunsky OMZ, one of the leading manufacturers of protective equipment.

Despite the low price, Favorit ZenR has a well-thought-out design and good quality eye protection for welders and grinders.

Of particular note are the security features:

1. Light mask weight - 360 g.
2. Comfortable and well-thought-out head protection attachment design.
3. It is possible for the welder to pry off a balaclava or a knitted hat.

The body is made of a heat-resistant composite based on a polymer and synthetic fibers. The material withstands direct contact with molten metal splashes, sparks. Off, welding mask can be used between -30℃ and +80℃.

The main element is a light filter made of tinted mineral glass of our own production, size 110x90 mm. There is protection in the form of a polycarbonate lining on the front plane of the light filter.

The only drawback of the mask is the incomplete protection of the sidewalls and the space at the chin of the welder. The Favorit ZenR has been designed to be used in conjunction with the fitter's soft fabric balaclava. The mask and balaclava fully protect the face, back of the head, sides of the head, chin and neck of the welder. In addition, the fabric provides good thermal insulation, which is especially valuable in winter.

But most importantly, the fabric backing protects the neck and chin from ultraviolet radiation, thereby protecting the worker from the so-called "sunburn" of the welder.

Resanta MS-3

Thoughtfully designed protective mask. A simple chameleon mask design, but there is nothing superfluous. It is praised by many welders for its comfortable grip at the bottom of the case. The mask is easy to lift by hand, even with a canvas glove. At the same time, there is a lot of free space inside. This means that there will be plenty of clean air, and the welder's face will not be covered with perspiration.

The light filter on liquid crystals, in the off position provides dimming at the DIN4 level, in the working position - DIN 9-13. According to reviews, some craftsmen manage to wear welder or grinder glasses under the mask. The combination is unusual, but often helps out if you need to cook for a long time with currents of 150 A.

Disadvantages of Resant MS-3:

1. Relatively heavy - 490 g.
2. The body is made of polypropylene, declared by the manufacturer as shockproof, but in practice it is better to avoid shocks once again.
3. The small size of the viewing window is 90x39 mm.
4. High price, as for a simple model - 2800 rubles.

The adjustment is not very convenient yet, but, according to welders, you can easily get used to it, and, as a rule, there are no problems with setting the desired level of dimming on the filter.

The best welding helmets for professionals

Most of the high quality welder shields are made in the Scandinavian countries. They are the most expensive and reliable in operation. You can also buy a Chinese clone of European models, the price will be lower, the quality is different, but in general, China copies mostly successful models of welding equipment.

Cedar K-704

An improved version of the old masks of the welder of the KEDR line. In fact, this is one of the attempts to get closer to modern Swedish or Finnish means of protection. It is positioned as a mask of a universal type. It is used by welders for gas welding and electric welding.

It is expensive, up to 10 thousand rubles. rub., for these funds, the manufacturer offers the following list of bonuses:

1. Short turn-on time - up to 3 ms.
2. Oversized viewing window - 98x88 mm.
3. Radiation control system of 4 sensors.

In addition, there is a built-in (non-removable) battery discharge indicator. A lithium battery can be added as a backup, but it still receives the main charge from the solar panel.

The mask is balanced with the headrest, that is, when open, the face shield does not pull the welder's head forward or backward.

SAVAGE(ESAB) A40 Special Welding Mask

One of the most successful protection options for a welder. Produced in Sweden for over 15 years and massively copied by Chinese manufacturing companies. The welder's mask uses a high quality chameleon filter with adjustable shade and window opening/closing speed.

Advantages of SAVAGE A40:

1. The comfortable fit of the mount, there are headrests and soft stops, makes it more convenient for the welder.
2. High quality filter. Many welders claim that it makes sense to buy a mask already because of the high-quality LCD color filter in the 9-13DIN range, which allows you to work with any type of welding.
3. The size of the window is 100x50 mm, there is a correction for color and sensitivity of ultraviolet radiation sensors.
4. Weight 450 g, but with an additional protective body kit it can reach 500 g.

The price of a protective mask is up to 10 thousand rubles. rub.

EVERMATIC protection with conventional filter

Produced in Finland, as well as in China and Turkey. The relatively low price of protection has made Evermatic one of the most sought after and popular models for performing welding work in large volumes, as well as for amateur welders who are fond of amateur welding in home conditions.

The average cost of Evermatic is about half the price of top Swedish models. The design of the mask uses a conventional tinted light filter 110x60 mm made of mineral glass. At the same time, the characteristics of the 4-10DIN filter are more suitable for welders working with a carbon dioxide semiautomatic device.

Moreover, the body insulation system is designed in such a way as to exclude any ingress of carbon dioxide into the interior, into the undermask space and at the same time into the lungs of the welder. Another safety element is a light filter that folds up. On the one hand, this is convenient in order to control the results of welding a section, on the other hand, the folding filter allows the welder, if necessary, to quickly, without removing the mount, inhale fresh air.

Like most professional models, the Evermatic body is made of fire-resistant reinforced polyamide. Therefore, the situation when a cheap polypropylene mask starts to burn due to a molten drop on the surface is practically impossible.

In addition, the rounded shape of the body and the low weight (470 g) of the mask enable the welder to work in a confined space without clinging to fittings and welded structures.

Protective mask Svarog AS-4001F

It cannot be said that the protection design is fundamentally better or worse than other models. Svarog AS-1001F is built according to the standard mask scheme for a welder. The body is made of polyamide with a lacquered reflective coating.

Advantages:

1. Convenient hull shape, wide sides, there is a ventilation gap in the upper part.
2. Excellent filter quality. This is perhaps the main advantage of SVAROGA over other models.
3. The built-in system of supply of fresh air in submask space.

In addition, there is a battery charge indicator that powers the sensors and an LCD light filter. Although, according to the reviews of many welders, the fan and indicator could be abandoned, since they do not affect the quality of welding, they only increase weight.

Of the shortcomings note:

1. Increased weight.
2. The case is easily scratched and loses its appearance.
3. You cannot change the filter and the battery pack.

In addition, SVAROGA's price is too high, about three times higher than that of the top Swedish and Finnish welder's protective masks.

Model EVERMATIC NANKIS

Expensive welder mask. Its cost is about 1.5 times more than the top Swedish models such as SAVAGE-ESAB.

At the same time, Evermatic Nahkis differs from leading brands in that its design uses a conventional tinted mineral glass light filter, however, with improved surface protection. Light transmission level DIN9-DIN10. This means that a welder can use a mask when working with any equipment, up to plasma cutting of metal.

Models like Evermatic Nahkis are classified as specialized for a number of reasons:

1. The mask does not have a body as such. It is replaced by a soft leather helmet with a protective shell made of synthetic material.
2. The shape and cut of the mask-helmet are such that its elements completely cover the head, back of the head, neck of the welder, no matter what position he is in.
3. The viewing window is cut into the helmet on a rigid polyamide frame with a suspension, thanks to which the light filter can be folded up, like a visor.
4. The soft walls of the helmet pass air and water vapor well, so that in protective clothing you can work comfortably for a long time.
5. Light weight (only 290 g) makes it possible for the welder to work in an uncomfortable position, for example, to weld car underbody parts with his head held high. The textile lining well protects the welder's face from cold air, drafts, which cannot be said about other models made of polypropylene or polyamide.

Another plus that no other welding protection model has (except Favorit ZenR). The soft leather and textile texture absorbs external noise well, but at the same time perfectly conducts the sound of the human voice. If you need to communicate with colleagues or customers, then it is not necessary to remove the welding mask.

For a private user, Evermatic Nahkis will be an unreasonably expensive purchase. But it really is one of the best masks. She has no equal in terms of protection. This welding helmet is more likely to be useful for professional welders who perform complex repair work on automotive vehicles.

To choose a welding helmet, you need to work in several models, compare them, evaluate the advantages and disadvantages, and only then can you conclude that the protection is professionally suitable.

Tell us about your experience in choosing the best welding mask - what guided you, what positive and negative points should you pay attention to?