Any welding work, regardless of where it is carried out - in domestic conditions or in industrial production is associated with a large number of various dangerous factors. These include, first of all, very bright light emitted by the welding arc, molten metal spraying in all directions, various kinds of poisonous compounds arising during the work. In this regard, it is very important to strictly follow all available safety requirements. They concern, among other things, the use of various special protective equipment, primarily masks.
Protective masks reliably protect the organs of vision from various kinds of damaging factors. We decided to devote our today's review to the best masks that can only be found on sale. However, before proceeding with a direct analysis of various models, we decided to provide key information on the design of this product, as well as give some important tips in terms of choosing masks.
Summary of the rating:
What do you pay attention to when buying a welding mask?
Let's first understand what elements the mask structure consists of. First of all, it includes a housing made of fiber or plastic of increased strength, resistant to high temperatures. Here, a special light filter acts as a key protective element. It is removable, the mask can be on sale without it. There are adjusting fasteners on the case, with which you can adjust the size of the mask. The mask is protected against fogging by a special steam vent. In addition, she has various consumables that will need to be changed from time to time - filters made of polycarbonate.
Modern filters have a multilayer structure, which includes from one to three liquid crystal layers, two polarizing films are also provided, one of which has a mirror deposition. They have reliable protection against ultraviolet and infrared radiation.
When choosing a mask, many factors are taken into account. Be sure to pay attention to how the headgear is arranged - its weight, overall dimensions, elements responsible for adjusting to the size of the head. All these parts must be as durable and easy to use as possible. The mask should be very comfortable, since the quality of work will largely depend on this.
Our rating includes only the most popular welding reviews by users (both amateurs and professional welders), which are characterized by an ideal price-quality ratio. We hope that after reading our review of the best welding masks of the year, you will be able to choose the most suitable model for yourself. So let's get started.
Inexpensive products
4. FoxWeld Corundum (5895)
This is the lightest model in our entire ranking. The mask differs in compact dimensions and a small filter of the "chameleon" type, which automatically darkens at the beginning of work. No additional elements are provided in the kit, in particular, there is no grinding mode, there is no connector for installing a special protective glass. The degree of dimming can be adjusted, but it is triggered abruptly.This product is made from materials that can withstand quite strong shocks, eye protection works quickly enough - the response time is only 0.1 ms.
The body is made of non-combustible plastic, the filter has two modes of operation - for welding or cutting. A reliable solar battery acts here as a power source. The design provides two independent sensors responsible for photosensitivity. It is advisable to use such a mask exclusively indoors, as the manufacturer recommends using it in a temperature range from -5 to +55. The mass of the product is only 370 grams.
Benefits:
- Fairly low cost;
- Insignificant mass;
- The solar battery allows you not to think about replacing the batteries.
Disadvantages:
- Poor equipment;
- Sensitivity changes irregularly.
3. Resanta MS-1
This product is also not too heavy - its mass is 500 grams. Many users note the presence of a large number of various kinds of adjustments relating to changes in height, depth, tilt angle, diameter of the headband and so on. A properly fitted mask sits securely on your head, it can be worn all day, without experiencing the slightest discomfort. In front of the structure is a light filter, which has the ability to adjust the degree of dimming. On both sides it is reliably protected from damage by special plastic inserts, the thickness of which is 1 mm. Directly above the filter itself are sensors that respond to an arc, as well as a solar panel.
Sensors are triggered almost instantly - just 1 millisecond is enough to make the glass dark; accordingly, it’s almost impossible to catch “bunnies” during welding. The overall dimensions of the viewing window are 90x35 mm. For household work, such a window will be quite enough, however, for industrial operation it is still not enough. On the left side is a handle that allows you to change the degree of dimming. The mask does not have a lifting mechanism, therefore, it will not be possible to simply lift it after completion of work - for this reason, the manufacturer has developed a large number of adjustments.
Benefits:
- Suitable price;
- There is a grinding mode;
- The degree of dimming is adjustable;
- You can change the delay time if necessary.
Disadvantages:
- There is no lifting gear;
- No adjustment is provided for welding at low currents.
2. Fubag Optima 4-13 Visor
This is the cheapest professional welding mask you can find on sale. It is designed for all types of work, can be used without interruption for a long time. The viewing window is quite large - 100x65 mm, the design is characterized by a significant range of dimming. The model has a fairly rich configuration and good equipment. She has four optical sensors at once, a replaceable battery is supplied with the product, if necessary, you can check how much charge is left in it. All these points make it possible to ensure a long and comfortable operation with very effective protection.
The manufacturer gives a fairly long warranty on their products - 2 years. The mask, if necessary, can recline far back, but it does not fall off the head. The suspension is not too stiff, so the product comfortably rests on the head. The knob responsible for adjusting the headband is quite tough, so the setting will not go astray even during active movements. All adjustments to the filter are located on the inside of the mask, including a switch to the grinding mode. The filter is reliably protected from possible damage both outside and inside the mask, and the glasses are pressed against it quite firmly. In turn, this completely eliminates the penetration of smoke through them during operation.
Benefits:
- Good viewing angle;
- It is made from high quality and reliable materials;
- The light filter works very quickly;
- There is a possibility of self-testing.
Disadvantages:
- All parameters are adjusted from inside the mask.
1. Interskol MS-400
This is truly the best welding mask in its price range. It protects the eyes and face well from bright flashes during welding, from splashes of molten metal, and protects the skin from harmful ultraviolet and infrared radiation. All settings are intuitive - adjusting the mask to the size of the head is not too difficult. The headband is quite soft, it is very convenient to be in the mask for a long time. The filter is powered by a solar panel. A round knob is located on the side - if necessary, you can adjust the speed of the dimming filter. A decent viewing area is 92x42 mm. This is quite enough for domestic use, for industrial work is also suitable, however, its use may be associated with some discomfort.
Such a mask is also suitable for manual arc welding, for argon welding, or for semiautomatic welding. The body is made of high-quality heat-resistant plastic, which is able to protect the face from splashes of molten metal or plasma for a long time. The design has a grinding mode. The model is able to withstand even fairly strong shocks. She has two optical type light sensors. If necessary, you can install a special protective glass.
Benefits:
- Good price;
- Advanced adjustment options;
- It works quickly;
- It is powered by a solar panel.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
The best professional masks
6. Aurora Sun-9 Max Expert
Despite the fact that this model belongs to the class of professional products, it is characterized by a not very high price, therefore, such a product is able to afford a home master. The mask is characterized by a light filter developed by the latest technology. It differs from most in the higher optical class in terms of light scattering, transmission uniformity and angular dependence. The battery of the mask is removable, it is distinguished by a rather long period of operation. If necessary, the welder can replace it on his own. There are special connectors that allow you to additionally install a magnifying glass. You can also connect a respirator to the mask. There are mounts that allow you to connect it to the helmet.
The filter works on liquid crystals, which makes the mask very effective when working with all types of welding. The headband has a soft forehead; there is an adjustment of the distance from the mask to the welder's face. The mask has four optical sensors at once, it is distinguished by an increased area of the light filter. The removable battery itself is supplemented by a solar battery. The model has a certificate of compliance with the highest European and American standards. The mask is made of high-quality non-combustible polyethylene, which is additionally covered with a special protective film.
Benefits:
- Very fast dimming;
- Wide viewing angle;
- It can be attached to a construction helmet or a respirator can be connected.
Disadvantages:
- Decent enough weight.
5. ROSOMZ NN12 Crystaline Standart FavoriT
This product is suitable for use both indoors and outdoors, including in the cold season. In particular, it can be operated at temperatures from -20 to +70 degrees. The case is made of non-combustible material SUPER Termotrek, which perfectly withstands not only the effects of high and low temperatures, but also their significant differences. The degree of dimming is adjusted manually. Mounting on the head is quite convenient, so the size of the mask can be easily adjusted to the diameter of the head. The light filter is powered by a solar panel, but a lithium-ion battery is provided in the mask.
The handle, which is responsible for the degree of dimming, is located outside, which is very convenient during operation.The weight of the mask is small - it is only about 0.5 kg. The viewing window is quite large 110x90 mm. The light filter is reliably protected from all possible damage with the help of plastic glasses.
Benefits:
- Very comfortable;
- It is made from high-quality and durable materials;
- Easy to adjust.
Disadvantages:
- From time to time it is necessary to purchase safety glasses.
4. Esab Warrior Tech
The Swedish company has been manufacturing its products for quite some time, it has been on the Russian market for welding equipment for about 17 years. The body of the mask is made of lightweight plastic of increased strength, which throughout the entire period of operation will retain its original shape and beautiful appearance. All adjustment elements are located directly above the viewing window. The mask has a large number of settings, allowing you to tightly fit it to the size of the head. All this is done by rotating special controls. The product is quite light - its weight is a little more than 0.5 kg.
The mask is a universal product: it can be used for almost all types of welding work, and in any conditions. It reliably protects the skin of the face and organs of vision from negative influences. The picture in the review window is as clear as possible, largely due to the excellent optical characteristics of the filter, which can automatically darken when the arc is ignited. The degree of dimming can be changed. If necessary, you can purchase a mask equipped with diopter lenses. The functionality of the product is very high, the same can be said about operational characteristics. The mask is of high quality, meets all the requirements of operator comfort and safety.
Benefits:
- The headband is very comfortable during use;
- Good eye protection;
- Advanced functionality.
Disadvantages:
- Pretty expensive;
- Changing the battery if necessary will not succeed.
3. Fubag Optima 5-13 Panoramic
The mask has become widespread among professional welders, largely due to its versatility, but there are two types of welding that are not suitable for it - laser and oxygen-acetylene. However, they are quite expensive, so they are rarely used in production, and never at all in domestic conditions. The mass of the product is standard - 510 grams. The case is made of high quality polymer material, which is flexible, but quite durable. Such a mask can fall from a great height without any consequences. The manufacturer recommends the use of such products indoors or outdoors, if the ambient temperature is not lower than -5 degrees. The front of the product has four autonomous sensors in the corners, which ensures instant dimming. You should carefully monitor their condition and remove contaminants in a timely manner, otherwise they will trigger with a delay.
The view is simply perfect due to the large size of the viewing window 100x90 mm, while the thickness of the filter is 9 mm. The degree of sensitivity and level of dimming can be adjusted from within the mass. At the same time, all adjustments are smooth, but not stepwise, as with most products included in our review of the best welding masks. The delay time can also be changed - this indicator will allow the filter to turn off a few seconds after the completion of welded work. Accordingly, the afterglow of the bath will have time to leave. The range in this case is from 0.15 to 0.8 s. The filter operates on the basis of a solar battery or a replaceable lithium-ion battery.
Benefits:
- The viewing window is very large;
- Combined power system;
- Unique case;
- Long period of operation.
Disadvantages:
- Expensive;
- The main controls are located inside the mask.
2. Fubag Optima 9-13
Very convenient design, which is perfect for both home craftsmen and experienced welders working in various fields of industrial production. The sensitivity is external, it is possible to change the mask dimming from 9 to 13 DIN units. This model is equipped with a rotary system, that is, it is not necessary to remove it - just lift it up. Like all similar designs, this mask can be adjusted to fit the size of the head. There is a mode switch - grinding or welding. In the first case, the light filter is simply turned off, the mask can be used as usually eye protection when working, for example, with a grinder.
Such a model is based on solar panels, so before the first direct operation it will need to be charged for about half an hour. The sensitivity of the light filter is quite high: with certain settings, it will be able to respond to the light of a bright lamp. A replaceable external lens is supplied. The manufacturer provides a very long warranty period - two years.
Benefits:
- For professional products is cheap enough;
- Shockproof housing;
- The filter works instantly.
Disadvantages:
- Pretty modest functionality.
1.3M SpeedGlass 9100XX
This is one of the most dimensional masks in our entire review of the best similar products. However, the product was in the first place not only for this reason. First of all, this mask is very convenient to use. The light filter is very reliable, through it in a non-shaded format everything is visible just perfectly, albeit in greenish-yellow tones. Dimming is provided instantly, regardless of the angle at which light from the welding arc will fall on the light filter. The viewing angle is quite wide. It has a constant dimming of 5 DIN. The headband is very comfortable, a system for comfortable exhaust of expired air is also provided.
The mask is characterized by excellent strength in relation to mechanical stress. In addition, it is stable in terms of exposure to high-speed particles, it protects the eyes well from ultraviolet and infrared radiation, regardless of the welding mode used. The size of the viewing window is 107x73 mm - quite enough for a comfortable job. The weight is slightly higher compared to other similar designs - 591 grams. The light filter is powered by a solar battery or replaceable batteries.
Benefits:
- Extended functionality
- The product uses only high-quality modern materials;
- It is possible to provide a high level of comfort during the performance of all work.
Disadvantages:
- Except for the high price was not found.
In conclusion, a useful video
Well, our review of the best welding masks has come to an end. We tried to collect the maximum information on each of the models so that you can easily choose the best products for yourself. If you still have some questions or if you decide to share your impressions about the use of such products, then welcome to comment on our article.