Top 10 “chameleon” welding masks: budget and professional masks

It is not easy to choose a chameleon welding helmet, especially given the large selection on the market. The material in this article will help you avoid annoying mistakes by purchasing a high-quality and functional protective accessory.

It is impossible to carry out welding work without protective equipment. One of its important elements is a mask intended for the face and eyes. There is a wide range of welder masks available on the domestic market. Chameleon-type models are very popular.

Types, device and principle of operation

There are two types of chameleon-type protective welding helmets:

1. 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.
2. 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.

Filter classification

The light filter is the main element of the chameleon helmet. The European standard EN 379 dictates the parameters of light filters according to the regulations, which denote qualities using a slash: 1/1/½. So, let's analyze in detail the meaning of each marking point.

1. The first value determines the optical class of the product. This means clarity and geometric accuracy of the transmitted image through the filter lens. The minimum marking value determines the high class of the product.
2. This indicates the transparency of the optical lens. The higher the value, the lower the quality of the optical lens.
3. Lens Shade Index is measured in DIN or SHADE and indicates the uniformity of the filter tint. The old markings look like C 4−7, the modern version is 4−9 DIN.
4. The ability to darken the lens at a certain viewing angle, the normal value is within 15˚.

What to look for when choosing

Due to the fact that the range of products is very large, difficulties may arise when purchasing a welding helmet for private use. The choice will be much easier if you first weigh your needs and the main offers on the market. First of all you need:

• Decide on the manufacturer. Branded products certainly meet the required quality standards. It’s more difficult with less famous manufacturers. If you purchase a mask from a little-known company, you need to pay attention to the certification information. The accompanying documents must indicate the warranty, as well as the numbers of certificates of conformity. The absence of such information, or a pronounced smell of plastic, indicates poor quality of the specimen.
• Number of settings. Modern professional models have three degrees of adjustment. The user can change the dimming, sensitivity and response speed of the light filter. Some masks have a dimming option. They are suitable for working with grinders and other potentially dangerous tools. The location of the settings control panel can be internal or external. In cases where adjustments to the settings are expected to be made during operation, it is better to choose masks with external controls.
• If the description of a professional mask states that it can be used for working with argon welding, this means that it is suitable for working with other types of welding equipment: inverters, manual welding, semi-automatic and automatic.
• It is better to choose models with the largest filter range.
• The shield should be convenient for the welder - light in weight and of appropriate size.

General recommendations

When choosing a mask, you should pay attention not only to the markings and quality of the filter, but also to some other factors. Thus, masks from some manufacturers do not withstand tig welding. This is especially true for masks from Chinese manufacturers. There are known cases of the filter of such masks opening during the welding process.

When choosing a filter, you also need to pay attention to where and by whom it was made. High quality filters will definitely have information about this. In practice, there are situations in which the filter and the mask as a whole are manufactured by different manufacturers. If the seller refuses to provide documents for the filter, this should raise doubts about its origin.

Also, when choosing a mask, you must remember that in practice there may be a situation where the light source is poorly positioned. If the location of the source is unsuccessful, the sensors, if they are located in a specific place, may not work and, accordingly, may not activate the filter. Different manufacturers deal with this problem in different ways. A way out of the situation may be to use several layers of filters (in this case, the light is refracted several times and the sensor is unambiguously triggered). Also, some manufacturers install sensors in different parts of the mask.

When choosing, you need to pay attention to the appearance of the mask. This is not due to aesthetic characteristics, but to the safety and convenience of the welder. Thus, the regulators can be located both on the inside and on the outside of the mask. In addition, you need to pay attention to neck protection and the streamlined shape of the mask. The streamlined shape of the mask is necessary due to the threat of creating windage. With a high windage (which was the case with old-style masks), the welder runs the risk of inhaling harmful gases that are released during the welding process.

Rating of inexpensive welding helmets

Most of the options on the market are shields designed for short-term use. They are suitable for amateurs to perform household tasks. And among other pieces of equipment there are quite worthy specimens that will be of interest to many welders.

Patriot 400S

An inexpensive model with external adjustments is suitable for home use. It is equipped with a small filter (92x42 mm) and has a high response speed. The darkening range of the filter is 9-13 DIN. The dimming control and the mode off toggle switch are located on the left. On the right side of the mask there are buttons that allow you to select the filter response time and its sensitivity.

The weight of the shield is 500 grams. There are also disadvantages. The headband is poorly made. It has minimal adjustments and can cause inconvenience to the specialist during operation. Another drawback is the sliders, the position of which will be extremely inconvenient to change in the leggings.

Foxweld 5895

One of the lightest masks belonging to the “chameleon” class. Its weight is only 370 grams. The filter is adjustable within the dimming range from 9 to 13 DIN. Can be powered either by battery or sunlight.

According to the manufacturer, the crystal layer operates very quickly - within 0.1 seconds after the flash of the welding arc or the appearance of sparks. But it has not yet been possible to confirm this indicator in practice due to abrupt changes in the light transmission capacity of the filter. The model is not equipped with other options.

Quattro Elementi Delta

Another budget “chameleon” is suitable for an amateur or an experienced specialist for short-term use. It is equipped with a medium-sized filter - 98x35 mm, but there is no ability to change its adjustment. Even such settings as changing the sensitivity and filter response delay are not provided. But the shade range of the model is relatively good and varies from 4 to 11 DIN. All settings changes occur automatically. The welder will not even be able to turn off the filter darkening. When working with an angle grinder, you will have to remove the mask, otherwise it will constantly “blink.” The uncomfortable headband is compensated by the low weight of the mask - 400 grams.

Resanta masks

Welding helmets of this brand are quite often found in ratings of the best models in the budget segment. A good option for a beginner. The following “chameleons” are worthy of attention:

• Resanta MS-1 . It is endowed with a very modest filter response speed (about 1 second) and a small viewing window. However, the filter provides excellent protection against flashes and radiation from the welding arc. Combined power supply is provided - from the built-in battery and sunlight. The shade can be adjusted in the range from 9 to 13 DIN. Among the advantages of the model are its original design, comfortable fit on the head and low weight (less than 500 grams). If necessary, you can install additional protective glass.
• Resanta MS-4 65/34 . A high-quality and sought-after product. This is confirmed by many Chinese counterfeits from unknown and little-known companies. The original has only one fixed shade - 11 DIN, but provides the welder with the ability to adjust the sensitivity. The lightening mode delay is half a second. Mixed power mode - from the built-in battery and solar energy. The main disadvantage of the model is that in cold weather all settings change and a specialist cannot influence this.

Fubag Optima

An excellent model, which is endowed with good functionality and is made of high-quality components. The mask has 4 regulators and the ability to check the light filter by a welder. The dimming activation time is no more than 0.4 seconds. You can change the dimming density in a wide range of values ​​- from 4 to 13 DIN. As a disadvantage, users note the lack of protection against melt splashes and the adjustment sliders placed inside the case.

Safety precautions

Before putting it on, check the settings, operating mode switches, and battery charge.
Always check to see if the filter is getting dark. If it turns off during welding, the protective glass protects the eye to a small extent from IR and UV rays. But it’s safer to stop working immediately. It is dangerous to use a faulty mask. If a defect is found or the filter does not respond, the malfunction is serious and welding cannot be continued. It must be remembered when working that the powerful radiation of the arc and molten electrodes is destructive. In addition to discomfort, this threatens to damage the retina. To prevent loss of vision, it is necessary to correctly adjust the degree of darkening of the filter.

Top professional masks

They are in demand at serious production sites, factories, construction and many other industries. They have a high degree of protection and are designed for frequent and long-term use.

Fubag brand products

A well-known German company specializes in equipment for the construction and renovation of buildings. Along the way, its workshops produce welding masks with automatic darkening. Some of the most popular models:

• Optima series . The Visor and Team models have identical characteristics. They differ only in the lightening range. For Visor products it is 4-8 DIN, and for Team it is 9-13 DIN. There are no differences in all other parameters. A specialist can change the filter delay time in the range of 0.25-0.8 seconds. The filters are powered by a combination of built-in batteries and solar energy. Light weight and a convenient fastening system make it possible to work for a long time without breaks without removing the mask.
• Blitz Visor . The flagship model of the series is equipped with a large screen and original design. Settings are changed using four sensors. Comparison with other models in the series is clearly in favor of Visor. It has an increased degree of lightening (4 instead of 3.5 DIN). The filter response time varies over a wide range of values: from 0.1 to 1 second. Despite the fact that the glass is medium in size, the mask has the best visibility of all representatives of this series. This was achieved due to the successful design of the case.
• Fubag Ultima Visor . The model is equipped with dual-range brightening – 5-18 DIN. It has a large light filter measuring 100x67 mm. The latest product in the series has reduced latency - up to 0.15 seconds. In other versions it is 0.25 seconds. The user can adjust the dimming, brightening delay, and sensitivity. the interior space is ventilated through side air intakes. Thanks to the elongated shape of the mask, the face and neck are protected from sparks and splashes.
• Ultima 5-13 Panoramic . The model is a leader in terms of functionality, quality and price. The functional adjustment is located on the outside, and thanks to the presence of special notches, it is convenient to use. Combined power supply: from two replaceable batteries and a solar energy conversion panel.

Aurora masks

The group of companies specializes in the production of welding helmets of various levels for the Russian and European markets. The most popular of the “chameleons” are:

• Aurora SUN-7 Tig . The mask is universal and can be used with all types of welding machines. It is equipped with a light filter measuring 99x55 mm, a protective plate 123.5x99 mm and four sensors for adjusting settings. Additionally, the mask comes with a spare glass. The model is certified not only for the European, but also for the American market.
• Aurora Sun-9 Max Expert . Experts note the uniformity of the darkening of the filter. Among the advantages are the ability to use the mask in combination with a builder’s safety helmet, a wide range of transparency, and ease of use. The filter response time is 0.04 seconds. Timely dimming is ensured by the synchronous operation of four built-in light sensors.

Esab Warrior Tech

One disadvantage of this option is the high cost. But in contrast, the buyer receives equipment for which there can be no complaints about consumer qualities. The filter adjustment is smooth and varies in the range from 9 to 13 DIN. The filter response time is 0.08 seconds.

The specialist is not only reliably protected from the welding arc, but also from splashes of molten metal, infrared and ultraviolet radiation. The headband is adjustable to a specific size, and the position of the body can be fixed in any of five options. The adjustments are located outside. Power is supplied from a solar energy converter.

How to choose

Light filters for welding masks can be selected by marking. It has 4 digits. Each of them characterizes a certain indicator.

1. Optical class number. Determines the clarity of the image through the filter.
2. Level of light scattering. As the value of the number increases, the image received by the eyes deteriorates, the picture becomes cloudy. Best seen with marking value 1.
3. The level of darkness and the uniformity of its distribution over all glass surfaces.
4. Angular dependence of darkening, its degree when rotated by 15⁰.

Welding glass markings indicate how well the arc will be visible and the degree of eye protection while welding, including turning your head slightly.

Who produces

In stores and on the Internet you can find chameleon masks from manufacturers from China and Korea, but buyers need to be very careful - there are a lot of low-quality products.

Popular chameleon brands include:

• Tecmen was the first to receive a DIN Plus quality certificate for similar products; Chinese filters protect 100% from various types of radiation, but there is no insurance against spontaneous reset of dimming parameters.
• The stable and high cost of models from European manufacturers is confirmed by their high reliability in operation.
• Svarog and Resanta, produced in Russia, are characterized by stable quality, but spontaneous shutdowns of the protection are possible when performing argon welding.
• Korean filters become covered with spots and webs of small cracks during active use.

Important! For professional activities, you need to choose among European models; they are more expensive, but as a result you get a high-quality model with excellent protection and easy to use.