The 5 Coolest Welding Helmets of 2022

Whether you weld professionally or as a hobby, investing in a welding helmet is a good idea. Welding is a potentially hazardous pursuit, and it can cause permanent or temporary damage to your eyes if you don't protect them.

Although protection for your face and eyes with a welding helmet is undeniably the primary reason for wearing one, there's no rule saying your helmet cannot reflect your sense of style or taste. Assuming it meets all the criteria for safety, your cool welding helmet can make almost any statement you wish.

Here are five of the coolest welding helmets on the market, but you're not limited to buying someone else's idea of cool. Later in the article, we'll explain how you can customize a welding helmet and give it all the features you want to display.
Let's start with the coolest of the cool welding helmets from Lincoln Electric:

1. Lincoln Electric VIKING 3350 Steampunk Welding Hood

Steampunk is the perfect style for an industrial profession like welding. And the Lincoln Electric VIKING 3350 has exceptional optical clarity and is one of the largest viewing areas in its class at 12.5 square inches (3.74" x 3.34"). The auto-darkening 3350 is compatible with a magnifying ("cheater") lens.

The 3350 was designed for all-day comfort by distributing weight, reducing pressure, and optimizing balance. The helmet's four sensors work from a combination of solar power and a replaceable battery.

The 4C Lens Technology improves visibility and reduces eye strain with its wide-screen view. There is also plenty of room for a respirator if you should need one.

Pros

4C Lens Technology
Comfortable fit
Extra-large viewing area
Excellent warranty

Cons

Grinding button inside the helmet
Expensive
2. Metal Man ATEC8735SGC Professional Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet

This Metal Man Welding Helmet is an upgrade from the original Techno Skull Welding Helmet, and it features cool graphics that will grab everyone's attention in the weld shop. It also comes with upgraded lens features over previous models from the company, giving the eyes better protection.

The helmet is powered by solar energy and CR2450 batteries and comes with four fast-working arc sensors. The helmet's lens remains dark even if it's partially blocked by the piece you're welding, and with the helmet's wide viewing area, you can easily see your entire work area.

You can control the shade in a range of 9 to 13 and use "grind mode" when you want to keep the lens from darkening during grinding. Five points of adjustment on the headgear ensure it's the right fit for you, and you will wear it comfortably on those long days on the job.

Pros
Four sensors for fast response
Comfortable fit with five adjustment points
Wide lens
Adjustable shade control
ANSI and CSA approved
Auto-darkening lens
Good warranty

Cons

Prone to scratches

3. YESWELDER True Color Solar Powered Auto Darkening Welding Helmet

YesWelder has built its reputation on designing and manufacturing welding machines, helmets, and accessories. The LYG-L500a-A Lightening is their "cool" entry into the market, and it's a lightweight model, making it comfortable to wear over long stretches. Another unique feature is the oversized cushioning that increases the helmet's adjustability, allowing your head to feel supported.

However, an upgrade called True Color Technology has improved a good helmet. The technology improves visibility by enhancing every image's clarity and eliminating annoying distortions. Also, True Color supposedly minimizes the coloring on the view screen to reduce eye strain over long hours.

An easy-to-navigate external control panel is powered by a solar cell and a Lithium-ion battery. It has two auto-darkening sensors for increased response time against the bright arc.

Pros

Two premium sensors for fast response
Comfortable fit with oversized cushioning
True Color Technology
Adjustable shade control
Good battery life
Auto-darkening lens
6.5 square inch viewing area
Reasonably priced

Cons

Complaints about holding a charge
4. Jackson Safety Insight Variable Auto Darkening Welding Hood HLX 100

The Jackson Safety Insight Stars & Scars has most of the features of the more expensive models at around half the price. The helmet has 9.3 square inches of viewing (3.93" x 2.36") and variable shades (9-13). It has four auto-dimming sensors to prevent blockage and user-friendly digital controls with everything powered by solar cells and batteries.

The HLX 100 is made of Nylon 66, a durable, bendable, and lightweight material. The helmet weighs 2.0 pounds and has room for a small respirator inside. The headgear provides better-than-average comfort and tends to stay in place.

The auto-darkening helmet is CSA compliant and meets ANSI Z87.1 2010 standards, making it suitable for most types of welding, including MIG, TIG, stick, and arc welding.

Pros
Four sensors reduce the chance of blockage
Comfortable fit and stays in place
True Color Technology
Adjustable shade control (9-13)
Good battery life
Auto-darkening lens
9.3 square inch viewing area
Lots of features for the price

Cons

All the adjustments and buttons are inside the helmet
A complicated process for replacing the front cover lenses

4. Jackson Safety Insight Variable Auto Darkening Welding Hood HLX 100

5. Geelife Solar Powered Welding Helmet

The Geelife Solar Powered Helmet is another of 2022's cool welding helmets that provide maximum eye protection with an auto-darkening filter that switches to dark in just 1/25,000 seconds. Its filter blocks UV and IR radiation to protect the eyes from sunlight, and the lens has a wide viewing area of 7 square inches.

A solar cell and CR2032 lithium battery provide the helmet's power, and three sensors guide the auto-darkening feature.

Because the helmet is lightweight (about 1.0 pounds), there is no problem wearing it for long days on the job. The rounded perimeter ensures the welder's comfort, and the smooth edges prevent marks on the skin. The wearer can make the necessary adjustments for the best fit, and the affordable price will fit almost anyone's budget.

Pros
Three sensors for fast response (1/25,000 seconds)
Comfortable fit with several adjustment points
Wide lens (7 square inches)
Adjustable shade control
Auto-darkening lens
5,000-hour battery life

Cons