Name: Metal Man ATEC8735SGC Professional Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet
Item: Metal Man ATEC8735SGC Professional Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet
Rating: 9.7
Author: Adam Clapton

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If welding is a part of your profession or hobby, then you should invest in a welding helmet that will provide you with adequate safety and a custom design. In case you do not wear a protective helmet when welding, it is likely that your eyes might suffer from temporary or permanent damage.

In our quest to find the best custom welding helmet, we reviewed thirty products and picked six best hoods with the most outstanding features and design. There are certain factors that we took into account when evaluating each helmet. The viewing area will determine how much of the working area you will be able to see when you are working, while the shade range will determine the amount of protection you get. The power source is also an important consideration if you are serious about energy conversation. We hope that the in-detail reviews below will be handy in picking the best helmet for you.

Quick Summary

Editor’s Choice: Metal Man ATEC8735SGC Professional Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet

"A cool-looking five-point adjustable helmet with a wide viewing area and a long 2-year warranty. Viewing area: 7.75in. Sensors: 4. Switching speed: 1/25,000 sec."
Best Value: Geelife Solar Powered Welding Helmet

"An impressive welding helmet that offers excellent optical clarity and features an adjustable sensitivity setting. Viewing area: 6 sq. in. Sensors: 3. Switching speed: 1/25,000 sec."
Best for Occasional Welding: DEKOPRO Welding Helmet

"Another helmet offering great value for the money, this welding hood with sensitivity and delay settings. Viewing area: 7 sq. in. Sensors: 3. Switching speed: 1/25,000 sec."
Best for True Colors: YESWELDER True Color Solar Powered Auto Darkening Welding Helmet

"Darkening Welding Helmet This helmet features the True Color Technology that ensures better clarity and real color view. Viewing area: 6.5 sq. in. Sensors: 2. Switching speed: ≤1/10,000 sec."
Best for Design: Tekware Welding Helmet with Adjustable Shade Range

"Another auto-darkening welding mask with convenient controls and comfortable design. Viewing area: 5.5in. Sensors: 2. Switching speed: 1/25,000 sec."
Upgrade Pick: Jackson Safety Insight Variable Auto Darkening Welding Helmet

"An upgrade helmet with a larger viewing area and four independent sensors. Viewing area: 9.2in. Sensors: 4. Switching speed: 1/10,000 sec."

Top 6 Custom Welding Helmets Review 2021

Metal Man ATEC8735SGC Professional Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet – Editor’s Choice

Features

Viewing area: 7.75sq. in
Sensors: 4
Shade range: 9–13
Switching speed: 1/25,000 sec.
Power source: CR2450 Lithium battery + solar cell

More features: five-point adjustable; ANSI and CSA approved; 2-year warranty

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9.7

This Metal Man Welding Helmet will be a great investment if you are a professional welder. Featuring cool graphics, this helmet is definitely an attention-grabber. It comes with upgraded lens features as compared to previous models from the company, and your eyes will receive better protection. Powered by solar energy, this helmet uses CR2450 batteries as its source of power.

The helmet comes with four arc sensors. This means that the lens on the helmet will remain dark even when it is blocked partially by the object that you are using the machine on. The sensors are technologically advanced and work fast. With this helmet, you will have access to a wide viewing area. You will be able to see your entire work area in just a glance.

This helmet will allow you to change the shade control in a range of 9 to 13. You can also use the Grind mode if you want to prevent the darkening of the lens when you are grinding. This custom helmet will fit you like it was made especially for you. The 5-point adjustable headgear will let you make all the necessary adjustments for the correct fit. ANSI and CSA approved, this helmet offers security and functionality together. It responds very swiftly to the light emitted from the electric arc. The removable sweatband is comfortable and washable. You will be able to wear the helmet for long periods at a time.

What we liked:

Wide lens
Shade Control can be adjusted
Personalized fit
Auto-darkening lens
Good warranty

What could be better:

Prone to scratches

Geelife Solar Powered Welding Helmet – Best Value

Features

Viewing area: 6 sq. in.
Sensors: 3
Shade range: 9–13
Switching speed: 1/25,000 sec.
Power source: CR2450 Lithium battery + solar cell

More features: sensitivity and delay settings; weights 1 pound; up to 5000-hour battery life; 1/2/1/2 optical clarity

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9.8

If you are looking for maximum eye protection, then you will be really impressed with this helmet because it comes with an auto-darkening filter that will keep your vision secure. It can switch from its lit state to dark in just 1/25,000 seconds. Moreover, the filter will block UV and IR radiation so that your eyes do not suffer any damage because of sunlight. This helmet operates on a lithium battery.

Since this helmet is lightweight, you will have no problem wearing it for extended periods of time. This custom welding helmet features a colorful graphic design that will catch everyone’s eye. The rounded perimeter ensures that you are comfortable while wearing the helmet. The edges are smooth, and your skin will not suffer any marks. You will be able to make as many adjustments as needed in order to find your perfect fit. You can experiment with different combinations until the helmet fulfills your personal preferences.

The viewing area measures 7 square inches and you will get a wide view easily. The advanced optics will not let you down. The helmet comes with luminous transmittance and angular dependence. You can view your subject clearly from all different angles.

The battery can be charged with the help of solar panel technology, which is an excellent feature. If you want a versatile helmet at an affordable price, then this is the product for you.

What we liked:

Excellent optics
Offers a relatively wide view
Features auto-darkening filters
Clear view from different angles

What could be better:

The auto-darkening feature can be unreliable

DEKOPRO Welding Helmet – Best for Occasional Welding

Features

Viewing area: 7 sq. in
Sensors: 3
Shade range: 9–13
Switching speed: 1/25,000 sec.
Power source: CR2032 Lithium battery + solar cell

More features: sensitivity and delay settings; weights 1 pound; up to 5000-hour battery life; 1/2/1/2 optical clarity

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9.6

It does not hurt to look super cool when you are working on your welding project. Featuring a vibrant skull graphic, this helmet will surely get you some compliments. Equipped with an auto-darkening filter, it will protect your eyes from all kinds of damage. The lens can transition from light to dark within just 1/25,000 sec. If the electricity supply is cut off for some reason, your eyes will still be protected against harmful UV and IR radiations.

The helmet comes with several options for manual adjustments so that every user is happy. The sensitivity and delay settings are meant to boost the adaptability of the helmet in different environments. If you know that your task will take up a very long time, you can make the necessary changes. The enhanced visibility offered by the helmet will give you complete control over your work. Your color recognition will not be affected.

The standard visor will give you a clear view of your working area. The combination of light diffusion, angular dependence, and changes in luminous transmittance will allow you to view your project from different angles. This helmet is so light that your head will feel no pressure when you are wearing it for a long time.

The Auto Darkening Filter controls the shade of the lens so that your eyes can adjust to different environments easily. The battery can be powered by solar energy.

What we liked:

Lightweight and comfortable
Offers great optics and a wide viewing area
Auto-Darkening filter
Offers many custom settings

What could be better:

Darkening feature is not dependable

YESWELDER True Color Solar Powered Auto Darkening Welding Helmet – Best for True Colors

Features

Viewing area: 6.5 sq. in
Sensors: 2
Shade range: 9–13
Switching speed: ≤1/10,000 sec.
Power source: Lithium battery + solar cell

More features: True Color technology;1/1/1/2 optical clarity

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9.4

If you prioritize a wide field of view when you are welding, then you will truly appreciate the 14 square inch screen on this helmet. It is ideal for giving you a view of your work table when you are welding a big object. The best part is that the helmet is still lightweight, which means that you will be comfortable wearing it for long stretches at a time. The design of this helmet feels luxurious, and you will get value for your money.

This unique helmet features an oversized cushion so that your head feels supported. The cushion also increases the adjustability of your helmet. Since this product is meant to be a custom helmet, the idea is that you will get the perfect fit for yourself after making adjustments.

The most important feature of this helmet is that it is equipped with True Color Technology, which means that you will have a clear vision of everything you are doing. The improved visibility boosts the clarity of every image that you see, and there will be no unnecessary distortions. Moreover, the technology is supposed to minimize the coloring on the view screen so that your eyes suffer less strain and can hence work longer.

The external control panel of this helmet is easily navigable and can be accessed easily. Powered by a Lithium-ion battery, the helmet comes with two auto-darkening sensors to increase the response time of the lens against the bright arc.

What we liked:

Offers wide visibility
Affordable
Two auto-darkening sensors
True Color technology

What could be better:

Problems with holding charge

Tekware Welding Helmet with Adjustable Shade Range – Best for Design

Features

Viewing area: 5.5sq. in
Sensors: 2
Shade range: 9–13
Switching speed: 1/25,000 sec.
Power source: Lithium battery + solar cell

More features: sensitivity and delay adjustment; 1.1-pound weighе

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9.2

The Tekware Welding Helmet offers a standard viewing area, but your vision will be absolutely clear. You can view the object from different angles without any distortion, and that can prove to be convenient for achieving preciseness in your work. The extra two lenses provide us with more quality assurance.

The helmet is equipped with an auto-darkening filter, which means that you will not have to manually darken the screen before welding. The lens can make the transition from light to dark in just 1/25,000 seconds. This quick response is crucial to giving your eyes the best protection. The helmet also blocks dangerous UV and IR radiations so that your eyes remain safe.

Powered by solar energy, this helmet benefits the environment. The solar cell takes up a significant amount of space, but it plays a role in changing the harmful arc so that the lens can receive enough power to change the screen. This feature, in combination with the highly sensitive probe, leads to the emission of a signal that darkens the screen instantly. The solar panel technology can increase the life of the helmet longer and allow you to make a contribution towards energy conservation.

The lightweight fit makes the helmet comfortable for long working periods. The Auto Darkening feature ensures that you suffer no injury during your welding operation. Its streamlined design and four direction adjustment functions ensure that you have the right fit.

What we liked:

Auto-darkening lens
Supports battery-powered solar technology
Offers clear vision
Comfortable fit

What could be better:

Not durable, according to some users

Jackson Safety Insight Variable Auto Darkening Welding Helmet – Upgrade Pick

Features

Viewing area: 9.2in
Sensors: 4
Shade range: 9–13
Switching speed: 1/10,000 sec.
Power source: Cr2450 Lithium battery + solar cell

More features: sensitivity and delay adjustments

Check price

9.1

The Jackson Safety Insight Variable Welding Helmet is an excellent investment if you want your eyes to receive the best protection possible. You will not have to make any manual adjustments in order to turn the lens dark when you are welding. The auto-darkening feature of the lens will take care of that for you. The variable shade range is between 9 and 13. As soon as the helmet detects the light arc, it will make the visor turn dark, and your eyes will adjust to the new condition easily.

When you are welding, it is crucial that you have a clear and unobstructed view of your working space. If you are working on a big project, you will not want to lift the hood time and again in order to get a glimpse of the object with the welder in your hand. This helmet offers you a viewing area that measures 3.93 x 2.36 inches so that you can view your surroundings without any problem irrespective of how far you are into the welding process.

The helmet comes with digital controls that are easily navigable. You will have no problem learning how to use the helmet. Since the helmet is a custom product, it will allow you to necessary adjustments so that it fits your perfectly every time. You can experiment with the sensitivity and delay settings so that the helmet is suitable for a particular task.

The helmet comes with four independent sensors so that your eyes are under no risk.

What we liked:

Lightweight shell
Allows you to make sensitivity and delay adjustments
Four sensors provide excellent protection
Value for money

What could be better:

The head band can be uncomfortable

Things to Consider

Investing in a custom welding helmet will prove to be beneficial in the long run because your eyes will not become injured during the welding process. All the helmets that we have mentioned above will do the job for you. However, you have to make a choice which is why we have attached this buying guide to help you out.

Why get a custom welding helmet?

6 Awesome Custom Welding Helmets – Reviews and Buying Guide

The perfect welding helmet should provide you with a combination of style and functionality. Custom welding helmets look attractive and will give you the power to make necessary adjustments and changes so that you can transform a regular helmet into your ideal helmet. If you have to wear it for long stretches of time, you need to ensure that it fits comfortably.

Features to consider when choosing a welding helmet

Before you purchase a custom welding helmet, make sure you go through its specifications. You can judge the efficiency of a helmet on the basis of these factors.

If it’s auto-darkening

An auto-darkening lens will spare you the trouble of changing your lens manually every time you start welding. The auto-darkening feature will ensure that the lens turns dark as soon as you start working so that your eyes are never exposed to the intense light.

Viewing area

The viewing area provided by a helmet will determine how much of your workspace you can see at a glance. If you are working on a big object, then it will be easier for you to take the view in at once. The Metal Man ATEC8735SGC will provide you with an impressive viewing area of 7.75 sq. in to make your life easier.

Optical clarity

In order to complete your project flawlessly, you must have a clear vision of what you are doing. Make sure that the lens of the helmet provides you with optical clarity so t at you can view your work area from all angles without any distortion. For example, the DEKOPRO Welding Helmet uses light diffusion and variations in luminous transmittance to give you an unobstructed vision.

Reaction time (switching speed)

The reaction time of the helmet lens is an important consideration, especially if it has an auto-darkening lens. The switching period refers to the time taken by the lens to change from light to dark when you start working. The lens of the DECOPRO Solar Powered Welding Helmet can make the transition in just 1/25,000 sec so that your eyes are not temporarily exposed to the light arc.

Sensors

6 Awesome Custom Welding Helmets – Reviews and Buying Guide

The sensors attached to the helmet lens are able to detect the light and change the shade quickly. The number of sensors varies from helmet to helmet. Industrial grade welding helmets have up to four sensors. You will get better coverage if your helmet has more sensors when you are changing your position constantly. The YESWELDER True Color Welding Helmet has just two sensors, but the Metal Man ATEC8735SGC comes with four sensors.

Power source

You will find battery-powered welding helmets on the market, but they tend to use up a lot of electricity. Moreover, you will have to change the battery often. On the other hand, solar-powered welding helmets have built-in solar panels, and they come with a non-disposable lithium battery. They aid in energy conservation without compromising their efficiency. All the helmets we chose are compatible with solar cells.

Weight

You must take the weight of the welding helmet into consideration when you are making a purchase. Wearing a heavy welding helmet for extended periods of time can lay pressure on the shoulder and cause damage. On the other hand, lightweight welding helmets feel comfortable even if you are working long shifts. The DECOPRO Solar Powered Welding Helmet weighs just 1 pound.

Warranty

The warranty is an indication of the company’s faith in its product. Do not settle for a helmet that comes with no warranty. Most welding helmets have a warranty period of one to two years.

Safety tips

Choose auto-darkening helmets that come with full-coverage shells that can resist the light.
Wear the helmet immediately when you enter a welding space because a second’s exposure can cause lasting damage.
Go for a helmet with a variable shade range if you know that you will be working in different conditions.
Make sure that the fit is snug, and there is no space left through which the light can penetrate the eyes.
Experiment with the sensitivity and delay settings until you find what is suitable for you.

Can I make a custom welding helmet myself?

If you want to paint certain graphics on your helmet, feel free to do so after buying a solid colored helmet. However, if you are looking for a custom fit, you should invest in a helmet that allows you to make multiple adjustments until you get the correct fit.

FAQ

Can I use any helmet with a hard cap?

If you want your eyes to be protected during your welding project, it is essential that you use a welding helmet that comes with a protective lens and a dependable hood. You are at liberty to pair a hard cap with your helmet, but you have to ensure that the cap does not obstruct the hood or the lens when you are welding.

Will auto-darkening work if I work at night? Will the solar energy still power the helmet?

The auto-darkening feature will still work when you are working during the night because the sensors will detect the electric arc and darken the lens adequately. You cannot charge the helmet with the help of solar energy at night because of obvious reasons, but you can simply charge the battery during the day if you know that you will work at night.

Our Verdict

All the products that we mentioned are excellent, but we do have our favorites.

The Metal Man ATEC8735SGC Professional Welding Helmet comes with the five-point adjustable feature so that you can get your best fit. With four arc sensors, the lens on the helmet remains dark even when you change your angle of vision. The wide lens will give you an unrestricted view of the space.

The Geelife Solar Powered Welding Helmet offers a viewing area of 6 sq. in. and comes with three sensors, which is a good offer for the price. It has an auto-darkening lens with high switching speed, which means that your eyes will always be protected. Lightweight and comfortable, the helmet will provide you with ultimate optical clarity.

The DEKOPRO Welding Helmet allows you to make changes to the sensitivity and delay settings so that your helmet performs well under all conditions.

Now that you know what your options for the best custom welding helmet are, take your pick!