The best cool and custom welding helmets have evolved over the years into a performance tool that every welder can use. With the next generation of custom helmets, you can weld almost anywhere, perform any type of welding, and enhance your safety for an affordable price.
Could you save some money by purchasing one of those cheaper helmets which comes equipped with fixed batteries – or no batteries at all? Of course, you could! For many welders, these basic helmets still serve a protective purpose in specific situations.
Your custom welding helmet, however, is an all-purpose tool. You won’t be stuck with a difficult battery replacement in 12 months. You can charge the batteries with solar energy if you want. You’ll also find some of the best warranties in the industry with the modern customized welding helmet.
If you’re thinking about making the investment, here are some of the key pros and cons of custom welding helmets to consider.
List of the Pros of Custom Welding Helmets
1. A custom welding helmet is an economical choice.
Custom welding helmets are designed to meet your specific requirements. That might cause them to cost more than a standard passive helmet at purchase, but you’re also able to do more with the project. You get to choose the features that are needed, the fit that you want, and the external graphics that show off your personality. You’ll end up paying less over the long-term thanks to the customization.
2. Custom helmets usually weigh less.
If you are sensitive to weight being placed on your head and neck, then a custom welding helmet is your best option. The customization process gives you the opportunity to create a helmet which sits on your head in a specific way to limit the strain you encounter. They also weigh less than standard helmets, provide you with the auto darkening features you need, plus the other items you might want.
3. You can incorporate an auto-off function.
With a customized welding helmet, you can include an auto-off function for every feature that is included with the product. That means you can switch to a grinding mode right away instead of waiting for the day to clear your lens. This type of feature will also save your battery, which means fewer overhead costs to pay over the long-term life of the helmet.
4. You can incorporate solar elements to a custom helmet.
When your custom welding helmet includes a solar charger, you gain the ability to charge the battery in your helmet whenever you strike an arc. That means a longer battery life for your helmet, easier maintenance, and less power consumption. You can also charge your helmet when you’re working out in the sun. Because solar helmets are equipped with a battery, you can also work indoors, or on cloudy days, without worrying about a lack of performance.
5. You gain extra versatility.
Custom welding helmets are designed to be an extension of who you are. They might be considered a personal protective equipment item, but they’re much more than that. These helmets work hard to magnify your productivity. You get to decide the final design, the features, and the quality of the elements which are included. That helps you be able to avoid the issues that entry-level and some mid-level helmets sometimes cause, like failing to darken the lens when you strike an arc.
6. There’s a larger viewing area available to you.
Custom helmets improve your visibility when the shield is down. You can equip the helmet with a larger viewing area, which offers some access to peripheral vision. Many standard helmets prevent this with their design, which means you’re forced to torque you neck to look at different areas. The larger viewing area gives you a better look at the joint, your weld puddle, and the general work environment.
7. You decide on the shell color.
Did you know that the color of your welding helmet impacts how it keeps you cool and comfortable? When your custom welding helmet is a lighter color, such as silver, then it will reflect more of the energy produced by the arc. Wearing a helmet that is primarily black will absorb more of that energy, which means you’re stuck with the heat. Even if your helmet comes equipped with an interior fan, a simple change in color may make a world of difference.
8. It will work with your other personal protective equipment.
When you’re welding, the light from the arc is not the only hazard you must protect yourself against. There are burn and radiation issues to consider with the ultraviolet and infrared light spectrum exposure. You are using shielding gases, which may create an environment that is not conducive to breathing. The metals with which you are working may cast off fumes while you set a bead that could be damaging to your air passageways. A custom welding helmet allows you to comfortably wear the personal protective equipment that will guard against all these issues.
9. You can purchase a welding helmet which actually fits your head.
The headgear in a custom welding helmet might be its one true overall advantage compared to the cookie cutter models that are available today. If your head doesn’t meet standard sizing protocols, then it can be difficult to find a welding helmet that is comfortable. If your hair is long, you’ll want a helmet that can accommodate how you keep it up. When your head is a size 8 or larger, a custom welding helmet is your best option. You’ll receive a secure and flexible fit that forms to the exact dimensions of your head, which improves your overall comfort.
10. Custom welding helmets promote better clarity.
When there are fewer impediments to your viewing area, then you have better clarity to enjoy when working. Just make sure that you remove those stickers or film that protect the lens during shipping before you start working. You can even have your helmet designed to work with your prescription glasses or contact lenses without worries of damage when you make this investment.
List of the Cons of Custom Welding Helmets
1. There is no guarantee of an extended lifespan.
Even with today’s battery technology, you’re going to get 1 to 3 years of good performance from your custom welding helmet. That can be extended if you can replace the batteries once they begin to underperform. Some models allow this, while others do not, so make sure you build a helmet that doesn’t feature a built-in, non-rechargeable battery for best results.
2. You’re going to pay more for the customization.
If you’re shopping for a basic welding helmet with fixed shading, there’s a good chance you’ll find something for under $50 that will meet your needs. A cool and custom welding helmet, on the other hand, will cost you anywhere between $300 to $1,000 for the best models and features. Although the long-term costs even themselves out in 5-10 years, there is the initial capital cost to consider when shopping.
3. A lightweight helmet often means thinner materials are being used.
Custom welding helmets may prevent fatigue and strain since they don’t sit heavy on your neck and shoulders, but they also have some safety issues to consider. The next-generation helmets that fit in this category are often made from the lightest, thinnest materials which are available. They’ll protect your eyes, prevent slag and spatter impacts, and provide other safety benefits when constructed with a high-impact resistance nylon. If it is made from anything else, then you’ll want to avoid the product.
4. For some helmets, customization equates to a nice paint job.
You must pay attention to the overall listing of the best custom welding helmet models you’re looking at if you want a customized product. Although there are some manufacturers which allow you to customize features and qualities, some equate customization to a fancy paint job. Your helmet might look fantastic, but it won’t do any good if it doesn’t give you the correct level of eye protection.
5. The warranty on the product may be questionable.
Custom welding helmets are usually guaranteed for the quality of the materials and the craftsmanship used. Because you are creating the helmet for yourself, you may find that it is difficult to return the helmet if it doesn’t meet your expectations. Some warranties may even be voided if you weld certain items or use the helmet in specific environments. Always double-check your guarantees before working with your new welding helmet for the first time.
The pros and cons of cool and custom welding helmets will help you find the right size, fit, and quality that you need for your work. You’ll get to choose the features you want, with the protective qualities you require, at a price you can afford.
As long as you don’t take shortcuts on quality to save a few bucks, the modern custom welding helmet is designed to serve your needs for a decade or more. That’s why it is definitely worth the investment.
