Welding Helmets

Elements to consider when buying a welding helmet 

• Optical lens quality. Defined under EN379 with 1/1/1/1 being optimum.
• Type of ADF auto darkening welding filter lens (True colour/natural colour).
• Size of the viewing area. Large lens offer wider peripheral vision.
• Comfort of the helmet & headband adjustability.
• Grinding visor options (If grinding extensively). Check for grind only mode on the ADF welding filter lens.
• PAPR filter options, such as P3 particulate, gas filters etc (If buying air fed).
• PAPR assigned protection factor (APF) indicates the level of filtration. Aim for a factor of 40 (TH3). (if buying air fed)
• PAPR battery options: Where arc time is high, opt for a heavy duty 12 hour battery. (if buying air fed)
  

Auto darkening welding (Non air-fed) mask options

The Miller Infinity & Elite Digital auto darkening welding helmets lead the way with a remarkable three year warranty. The Miller Elite was upgraded to the digital version in 2012 and boasted a number of distinctive features; digital control, comfy headgear and X-MODE, which deals with light sensitivity. The launch of the Infinity model in 2017 added a couple of new features; Infotrack which records arc time & the largest viewing lens yet seen in the industry of 13.4 square inches.

The 3M Speedglas G5-02 head top offers a gold standard in welding filter technology with their 'natural colour' offering. The G5-02's unique curved lens, offers peripheral vision and is designed specifically for TIG welders.

Air Fed welding helmet options

With air fed welding helmets out-selling conventional shields, we offer a variety of solutions from the Foster Prem-Air Pro ,GX & LX, to the Weldtek Navitek S4, Esab G50 and Sentinel A70 systems. Your first decision will be whether you want a flip top grinding visor. Although is not a necessity with grind only mode being available on most ADF lens, enabling the weight of the head top to be kept to a minimum. 

We have worked alongside Speedglas for over 35 years and watched as they’ve grown to be the number one welders mask provider in the UK. Through research and development and the constant strive for new innovations, the 3M Speedglas auto darkening welding shield offering, which we stock, has evolved into three distinct ranges; 3M Speedglas, Speedglas Adflo & 3M Versaflo.

The 3M Speedglas Adflo System provides clean filtered air to the welding hood for up to 12 hours & is renowned for it's build quality and longevity. Whilst the 3M Versaflo range allows you to combine a number of different head tops for dusts, chemicals, spraying and welding with the powered air Versaflo system.

Of course with all 3M welding helmets, we stock the spares parts and consumables you may require to keep this vital piece of equipment in A1 condition.

Welding Helmet Guides

For technical information & technology explanation read our Choosing a welding helmet article, where we discuss all the key purchasing considerations in detail.

For product recommendations & comparisons visit our top product Air fed & not for air welding masks picks