The modern type of personal protective equipment is considered the most effective means, because it frees up the performer’s hands and does not require removal when performing additional work: stripping a seam, processing metal parts with a grinder, etc. The glass of the mask darkens a split second before the welding arc is excited and becomes transparent after the metal has cooled. The Russian domestic market offers a wide range of imported and domestic samples, and so that the user can choose the best option, we provide top 10 chameleon welding helmets.
Selection criterion
To choose the best option for yourself, you need to know the nuances:
- The reliability of eye protection is the degree of darkness of the mask screen, which is expressed in DIN and varies between 3-15 units.
- Additional work mode - after the metal has cooled, the darkening is removed, the glass for the shield becomes transparent, which allows you to continue working without removing the mask.
- The effectiveness and quality of retinal protection depends on the response speed of light filters, which is considered optimal at a value of 0.1 s. Some Chinese experts underestimate this parameter, so you need to focus on average values.
- Welders often work in poorly ventilated areas, so it is worth choosing a mask with forced ventilation to avoid breathing toxic fumes from molten metal and smoke from burning electrode coatings.
- The weight of a helmet or mask plays a big role - if the headband is adjusted correctly, the product does not put pressure on the performer’s head. Lightweight polymer models will not be able to protect the welder from the mechanical impact of a fallen part or improvised tool.
To find out which brand of helmet will best perform protective functions, you need to familiarize yourself with the rating of welding masks, which will be presented in a separate section of this article.
Which company should you prefer?
Which welding mask is better is up to the performers, but we present a list of the most reliable options from different companies:
3M
This company has extensive experience in the production of protective masks for welding - the model range called Speedglas , which offers a wide range of masks, shields, filters and protective plates, is especially popular.
Svarog
The brand under this name first appeared in Russia in 2007. In addition to equipment for welding work, the company produces protective masks, which are made of specially durable plastic . This personal protection can withstand high temperatures and protects the welder from possible injury.
Resanta
The equipment of this company is the standard for the ratio of quality and optimal price ; according to research by MegaResearch, Resanta welding products have been leaders in the Russian domestic market since 2014.
Fubag Ultima
The manufacturer from Germany supplies reliable masks that provide protection from light radiation and the effects of temperature; spare filters are included .
Brima
The German company has more than half a century of experience in the production of welding equipment ; since the early 90s of the last century, it has been supplying products to Russia. The company's service centers today are located in almost every major city in the Russian Federation.
Quattro Elementi
Users are still little familiar with the company from Italy, which supplies not only welding equipment, but also components for it . Protective devices for welders are supplied in a wide range: from the classic type of shields to professional masks, such as the Chameleon.
Which is the best welding helmet to choose in 2022, tips and tricks
The modern market for welding accessories causes worries about choice. However, there are a few tips that can help you choose a quality tool.
For short welding work, it is wiser to buy regular welding glasses and a very simple mask model.
In another case, it is necessary to take a more serious approach to the choice of protection. First of all, preference should be given to “chameleon” type models with an extended dimming range and fast filter response.
Rating of the best products
In practice, today chameleon masks are replacing simple shields with tinted glass - the outdated option is used only in open areas in winter, since light filters are not suitable for working in low temperatures. Below is a ranking of the best welding masks by category.
A budget option
Similar developments are most suitable for garage cooperative craftsmen and home craftsmen because they have affordable prices.
Interskol MS-400
The mask is used for manual and semi-automatic welding, the response speed of the light filter is 0.06 s . The filters are powered by a battery and a photocell, so they are 100% effective. Additional functions: protection against splashes and mechanical impact, grinding mode. It is possible to install additional glass for effective protection.
Advantages:
- light filters have a combined power supply;
- uniquely fast dimming;
- there are adjustments;
- affordable price.
Flaws:
- small viewing window.
Fubag Optima 4-13 Visor
A leader among similar protection for welders , this mask combines functionality and high quality, as well as an affordable price policy. It occupies the second position, because there is no splash protection, but the response speed is higher - 0.04 s, and the dimming density is adjustable in the range of 4-13 DIN. The product has 4 sensors and a function for self-testing of light filters.
Advantages:
- wide view;
- build quality;
- fast dimming;
- self-testing of light filters.
Disadvantages:
- The adjustment is located inside the mask.
Foxweld Corundum 5895
This mask is the lightest of all the options - its weight is only 370 g, the shade range is 9-13 DIN . It takes third place because the manufacturer did not take care of a wide range of product configurations, limiting itself to the minimum. The stated response speed of the light filters is 0.1 s, but it occurs intermittently, powered by a built-in battery and a solar panel.
Pros:
- small weight;
- combined power supply of the light filter;
- low cost.
Minuses:
- adjustment by jumps;
- no useful options.
Professional
It is no secret that a welder sometimes works in a mask throughout the entire shift, taking it off only during smoke breaks or a short break, so the effectiveness of protection and comfortable use are of paramount importance, and cost is a secondary consideration.
3M Speedglas 9100XX
This particular mask was created taking into account wearing comfort, since the headband has comfortable and soft fastenings . Dimming speed 0.1 s, light indication of modes. The filters are easy to change, and installation of protective glass and diopter lenses is provided. The product is applicable not only for arc welding, but also for gas welding work. The weight of the structure is 450 g, so it does not put pressure on the performer’s head; a removable battery is used for power.
Advantages:
- many functions;
- compactness and light weight;
- comfortable feeling when using.
No deficiencies identified.
Fubag Optima 9-13
Although the cost of the mask is a budget option, it is in high demand among users, because manufacturers have provided the product with the following technical parameters: high darkening speed - 0.03 s; combined power supply - built-in battery plus solar battery; impact resistant materials . It loses its leading position due to its small visibility and slightly greater weight, but the adjustment is located on the outside of the mask.
Advantages:
- fast dimming;
- impact-resistant materials;
- external adjustment;
- low cost.
Disadvantages:
- functionality is minimal.
Fubag ULTIMA 5-13 Panoramic
This option has a wider view due to the large viewing window and a stylish 3D housing . The Panoramic mask is equipped with four sensors that provide fast darkening, the light filters are powered by two replaceable batteries and a solar panel. Professional welders highly appreciated the functionality and dead weight (510 g) of personal protection.
Pros:
- stylish case design;
- combined nutrition;
- fast operation of light filters;
- greater viewing angle.
Minuses:
- individual adjustments are located inside.
Automatic chameleon masks
Introducing Chameleon welder masks with automatic adjustment, and which one is better is up to the performers to decide when using it in practice.
Resanta MS-4
It is convenient to work in such a mask due to the automatic darkening/lightening of the glass, since the welder does not remove the mask to process seams . Power comes from a solar battery, which is easy to replace when the expiration date expires. The tightening force of the headband strap is individually adjustable, the light weight of the product (400 g) contributes to comfortable use. The screen allows a wide viewing angle and can be easily replaced if necessary.
Advantages:
- high, up to 11 DIN, degree of darkening;
- large variation in outside air temperature -5—+50 °C;
- reliability of protection;
- automatic dimming adjustment;
- In the summer heat, your head does not sweat while working.
Flaws:
- plastic headband mounting bolts.
Fubag Ultima 11
Independent transition from welding to brightening of filters, working in a mask is comfortable and safe: dimming is activated in 0.04 s, brightening in 0.35 s . The headband is individually adjustable and sits firmly on the head, the body material is durable plastic, and the window size is 100x49 mm to ensure normal visibility.
Pros:
- good sensitivity of touch sensors;
- suitable for all types of arc welding;
- lithium battery and solar battery;
- reliable protection against splashes of hot metal;
- high shade rate of 16 DIN.
Minuses:
- the housing material is sensitive to high temperatures;
- cannot be used for laser and oxygen-acetylene welding.
With manual adjustment
Fubag Ultima 5-13 Panoramic Black
The undisputed leader in the rating in terms of quality-cost ratio , the screen with parameters of 100×93 mm allows you to expand the viewing angle, which facilitates the work of the performer in complex welding situations. Suitable for all types of arc welding, 4 optical sensors, smooth dimming adjustment 5-9 and 9-13 DIN, so the performer can choose the best option.
Advantages:
- optimal distance from the performer’s eyes to the window;
- easy to find spare glass;
- comfortable headband;
- good adjustment range;
- impact-resistant body material.
Disadvantages:
- the mask's weight of 0.5 kg is felt by the performer;
- External dimming adjustment may result in accidental shutdown, which is hazardous to the eyes.
ESAB Sentinel A50
In appearance it resembles an astronaut’s helmet, but it resists mechanical and chemical influences , the material is durable nylon, the back is open, which has a beneficial effect on ventilation.
The headband is adjustable to 5 positions, so the load on the cervical vertebrae is reduced. The mask is used for welding work with arc welding, and is also used when cutting metal using the plasma and air-arc methods. Pros:
- protects the head and neck;
- The set includes 3 replacement lenses;
- powered by rechargeable battery and solar panel, shockproof housing;
- touchscreen;
- protection from UV and IR rays;
- additional filter for air purification.
Minuses:
- screen brightening time 0.1-1.0 s.
M. I. Baktiyarov, education: college of welders, specialty: welder of the sixth category, work experience since 2002: “For work, you need to choose a light mask with a soft adjustable headband, so as not to overload the cervical vertebrae, because while working on the neck there is a heavy load."
Welder shield
Such products differ from masks in that they do not have flash response sensors, and lowering and raising are done manually.
Bison Master 11072
The product is used for short operations, glass with a non-adjustable degree of shading up to 11 DIN , the headband is designed in such a way that the shield is tilted up manually when performing additional work. The body is made of heat-resistant, durable plastic, the headband is adjustable and the height is adjustable using a step-by-step rack and pinion mechanism.
Pros:
- the best price among the options presented;
- reliable protection against splashes and radiation;
- adjustable headband size;
- light weight up to 04 kg.
Minuses:
- small overview;
- unadjustable dimming.
Choose an option
Buyers are wondering which chameleon mask to choose for welding, home craftsmen are focusing on budget products or shields, and for professional welders - only a chameleon mask.
We present recommendations from professional welders on the choice of protection:
- Resanta MS-4 is suitable for working in open areas.
- To protect not only your head, but also your neck, buy Fubag Ultima 11.
- When performing additional cleaning and sanding work, the Fubag Ultima 5-13 Panoramic Black mask will be useful.
- When working with non-consumable electrodes, use the ESAB Sentinel A50 product.
- Interskol MS-400 is suitable for gas welding work.
- Garage craftsmen will be protected by the Bison Master 11072 shield.
Today, manufacturers offer a wide range of protection when performing welding, but the best of them are presented in our rating.
Types, device and principle of operation
There are two types of chameleon-type protective welding helmets:
- Professional. Manufactured in accordance with GOST requirements. They are used in production, construction and other facilities where professional welders are involved in the processes. The masks are comfortable and safe to use, characterized by high filter response speed and considerable cost.
- Household. They are purchased by amateurs for electric welding in garages, garden plots, etc. Due to the fact that welding is required infrequently and, as a rule, does not last long, there is no point in purchasing expensive professional models for amateurs. Therefore, they prefer budget Chinese products with non-replaceable batteries and simple adjustments.
The design of any mask includes the following elements:
- body made of dense plastic;
- Control block;
- battery - batteries or solar energy conversion panel;
- headband;
- glass with tinting and light filters.
Before choosing a mask, you need to familiarize yourself with the principles of its operation.
The sight glass is equipped with a protective film that filters glare. It protects the specialist’s eyes from burns. In addition to the film, there is also a special light filter consisting of several liquid crystal layers. Depending on the model, there may be four or three such layers. They are in a normal state until the intensity of illumination increases.
That is, the welding flash will cause them to change their original position. As a result of the rearrangement of crystals, the glass darkens. All this happens in thousandths of a second. The crystals do not return to their original location so quickly. This delay is designed specifically and is designed to make the welder’s working conditions as safe as possible. The time required to restore normal glass transparency is set automatically. If necessary, the specialist will be able to make adjustments and set his own settings.
In between welding sessions, the glass provides a normal view. That is, the welder does not need to constantly remove or raise the mask to evaluate the result of the work.
