Try before you buy - how to test-drive a auto darkening welding helmet

Buying a new auto darkening helmet can be a daunting task. There's a lot of choices out there that make finding something that suits your budget and safety requirements easy. However, when you're choosing something that will potentially be worn 6-9 hours a day, 5 days a week, and can have a direct effect on the quality of work produced, you need to make sure you make the right choice.

Here's a few things to check before you test drive:

• Safety compliance - make sure any potentials meet the highest safety standards. Your helmet should have the following safety standards:
  • AS/NZS 1338.1 (Auto-Darkening)
  • AS/NZS 1337.1 B (High Impact)
  • AS/NZS 1715:2009 (Respiratory Protection)
• Shade options - check to make sure the helmet has enough shade variations to protect against the type of welding it will be used for. Click here to learn more about setting the right lens shade on auto-darkening helmets.
• Lens quality - ask about the quality rating. The best is 1/1/1/1 (perfect), the worst 3/3/3/3. Learn more here.
• Reviews - there are advantages and disadvantages of a lot of features. Have a listen to what fellow welders have to say about their experience with the helmet.

Here's the things to check for when taking your auto-darkening helmet for a test drive:

For the best of the best, look for a 1/1/1/1 rated lens (perfection). Depending on how much of an upgrade the new lens is, you may want to have your old helmet on hand for comparison. Test for the following:

• Accuracy of vision - try the helmet on and test how clearly you can see a weld. A 1 rating should provide next to perfect clarity.
• Imperfections - look around the lens and check for any imperfections such as chips or scratches.
• Shade consistency - start welding so the lens changes shade. Now look around all parts of the lens to ensure there are no noticeable variations in shading.
• Angle shade variations - if you need to weld in hard to reach areas, test the lens where you need to look on an angle. Once again, check to make sure there is no shade inconsistencies across any areas of the lens.

The heaviness of the helmet is a critical component while considering getting another helmet. For anybody welding extensively, an overwhelming head protector can essentially increase exhaustion. You will develop fatigue easily. Lightweight head protectors make welding more secure, less demanding and more comfortable.

For something you're going to be wearing for long periods of time, you need something light. Comfort is everything, and it can also save you from neck or back injuries.

A good helmet will have delay and sensitivity controls:

• How easy are the controls to adjust with the helmet on?
• Sensitivity - try welding at your lowest amp and adjust the sensitivity settings to test the sensor's ability to adjust when you need it to.
• Delays - have a play with the delay controls. Try stopping welding, making some adjustments to your work, and starting up again.

If you're welding all day, every day. Or even just for a few hours at a time, the comfort level of a welding helmet can make a world of difference.

• Does the headgear have a cushioned front strap?
• Can it be adjusted up, down, forward and back to provide a good fit?
• How easy is it to adjust?
• Is it comfortable?
• Does it fit well with other PPE you usually wear? (eg. ear plugs/muffs)
• Can you get into tight spaces wearing the helmet?

If you've got a helmet with an air purifying unit:

• Can you breathe comfortably with the helmet on?
• Is the air consistent?
• Where does the air flow into the helmet?
• Are the air speeds adjustable?
• Does the air flow prevent the lens from fogging?
• Are controls easy to turn on and off?

• What are the cost of consumables like?
• What is the quality of consumables like?
• Are the consumables easily available from the supplier?