Welding masks are personal protective equipment (PPE) and are designed to protect the eyes from the bright light of an electric arc. The mask body protects the welder's face from ultraviolet and thermal radiation, as well as flying scale.
We have prepared a rating of the best welder masks based on reviews from experts and ordinary customers. The material takes into account the technical characteristics of the goods. All this will help to acquire a reliable remedy in which it will be convenient to work.
Best Chameleon Welder Masks
The chameleon mask has a special filter that is able to automatically change the degree of dimming, responding to the brightness of the light. This is convenient because in an inactive state the welder sees objects through a viewing glass without removing the mask. Thanks to this, he can quickly change the location and accurately bring the burner or electrode to the beginning of the docking point, which reduces the number of arc traces on the metal.
There is no need to raise the mask and lower it every time you grind the seam with a grinder - time for operations is saved. When welding begins, the glass darkens, protecting the eyes of the worker.
But such masks are more expensive than usual. Chameleons require more gentle handling, because in addition to fragile glass, they have an electronic unit with microcircuits. They need maintenance, which includes replacing the batteries and wiping the windows to power the solar panel.
This type of mask is suitable for professional activities using argon, plasma and semi-automatic welding. They are useful for creating products in which a neat appearance and quick subsequent machining by the same worker is important.
If the budget allows, then welding in the country with it will be much more comfortable. We did not describe the TOP 10 chameleon welding masks, but limited ourselves to the four best models for various activities.
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| Aurora Chameleon A998F BLACK COSMO 11258 | Bars MS 307 with ASF-707 | FUBAG Chameleon OPTIMA TEAM 9-13 SILVER | PATRIOT 350D | |||||||
| Degree of dimming, Din | 9-13 | 5-8/9-13 | 9-13 | 9-13 | ||||||
| Weight, kg | 0,45 | 0,589 | 0,5 | 0,48 | ||||||
| Screen size mm | 95x36 | 98x87 | 95x36 | 90x35 | ||||||
| Cartridge Size, mm | 115x90x9 | 114x133x9 | 110x90x9 | 110x90x9 | ||||||
Aurora Chameleon A998F BLACK COSMO 11258
Convenient and simple mask of domestic production of a chameleon. It has a viewing window of 96x36 mm and a degree of dimming of 9-13 din. All adjustments (response speed and dimming) are placed on the outer side parts.
+ Pros Aurora Chameleon A998F BLACK COSMO 11258
- Convenient switches that are easy to find and adjust even with coarse welding gloves.
- You can adjust the progress of the hinges on the head mount, changing it from light to tight.
- There is a soft lining on the forehead so that the mount does not rub your head.
- It is allowed to work outdoors at temperatures from -20 to +70 degrees.
- Setting the dimming tempering delay to 0.8 s helps to avoid blinding from bright cooling metal.
- Two optical sensors that respond to flashes of light.
- Holds comfortably on the head.
- Cons Aurora Chameleon A998F BLACK COSMO 11258
- In the normal state (inactive), the degree of dimming is already 4 din, so in a room with poor lighting through it it will be difficult to make out small objects and delicate details.
- Some users turn off the dimming during welding despite a good battery and work in a bright room.
- Creak mounts when lowering and raising the mask.
Output. This is the simplest representative of chameleon masks with a dimming adjustment range from 9 to 13 din, which is designed for outdoor use with a current strength of 50 to 200 A.Well suited for welding in a private house or in the country, to make a gate, a gate or a tank for a shower.
Bars MS 307 with ASF-707
Another mask from the Russian manufacturer, characterized by the size of the viewing window 98x87 mm. It is made of refractory plastic and has an aggressive design with the image of a leopard.
+ Pros Bars MS 307 with ASF-707
- Suitable for all types of welding (MMA, MIG, TIG).
- The set includes two interchangeable outer glasses that extend the period of use of the mask with good visibility.
- A particularly wide dimming adjustment range from 5 to 13 din allows you to cook both in a dark room and in bright sunlight on the street, as well as low currents from 10 A and high currents up to 400 A.
- A very large viewing window provides good visibility when welding close to a wall or floor, with ceiling and vertical seams.
- The mount is adjustable in four positions - you can customize to any size of the head.
- Cons Bars MS 307 with ASF-707
- Does not work on the brightness of the flame of gas welding.
- The chameleon weighs more than other masks - almost 600 g.
- The adjustment of the dimming is located inside the mask, so to change the indicator you need to remove it from the head, which is not always convenient with frequent rearrangement of the current strength.
- Instead of the battery, a battery is installed inside - it will have to be changed periodically (it is not recharged during welding).
- The glossy surface quickly gets dirty, which spoils the appearance.
- To extend the battery life you must remember to switch the dimming to grinding mode every time after the end of work.
Output. This instance is included in the rating of welding chameleon masks due to its excellent fastening with two upper arches and the ability to change their positions by rearranging the side hinges. It will be convenient to work all day. The viewing window 98x87 mm is one of the largest in the category and is suitable for welding in hard-to-reach spots in order to have greater visibility with minimal head rotation.
FUBAG Chameleon OPTIMA TEAM 9-13 SILVER
German chameleon mask in silver color with a window size of 95x36 mm and a dimming of 9-13 din. It is equipped with an external switch for quick setting of the welding mode at high current.
+ Pros FUBAG Chameleon OPTIMA TEAM 9-13 SILVER
- Blackout works at a speed of 0.00004 s, well protecting the eyes from blinding.
- Two sensors ensure the chameleon works even in hard-to-reach places, when pipes or other objects can block one of them.
- Inside, a non-removable battery designed for the entire life of the mask (constantly charged from the light of the arc).
- There is a soft forehead pad.
- Comfortable fit on the head with volume adjustment.
- All controls are outside.
- Cons FUBAG Chameleon OPTIMA TEAM 9-13 SILVER
- On the street you can work only at a temperature of -5 degrees - then the crystals of the screen freeze and the mask does not perform its functions.
- Light plastic quickly gets dirty from dirty gloves.
- The switch for welding with high current is small - it is difficult to hook it with gloves.
- The cost is very high.
- The response speed loses to cheaper models.
- In the inactive state, 4 din complicates the examination of structural details in a poorly lit room.
Output. This is the best option for use in a stationary workplace, such as a factory. The chameleon mask is made of high impact plastic and will last a long time. The silver color of the mask reflects the rays well and the surface heats up less. The welder in it will always be clearly visible to other workers (crane operators of overhead cranes, drivers), which increases safety.
PATRIOT 350D
A quality chameleon mask with a window size of 90x35 mm and a weight of only 480 g. It has external adjustment with a range of 9 to 13 din. The headband is set according to the depth of landing and volume.
+ Pros of PATRIOT 350D
- You can work outdoors at a temperature of -10 degrees.
- Clear response of the filter.
- Reliable fastening withstands many cycles of raising and lowering.
- The batteries will withstand the downtime winter and will still be alive for spring work.
- Bright orange color will not be lost in the garage or among the construction site.
- Cons PATRIOT 350D
- At startup, it uses energy from AAA batteries, which need periodic replacement.
- One of the smallest viewing windows is inconvenient for welding vertical and ceiling seams, because you have to turn your head very much.
- When buying, it may not respond to the sun (this is usually checked) - for another test, you can use sparks from a lighter, which should be with you.
Output. The mask is lightweight for the chameleon category - 480 g, and will be convenient for long wear every day. The optical class of lenses 1/1/1/2 gives a clear picture without distortion, which is useful for thin seams with argon. A dimming vacation delay of up to 1 s is suitable for surfacing shafts and other parts at high current.
The best masks of welders with a conventional filter
Masks without automatic dimming must be raised each time after the end of the seam to see the result. At the beginning of a new connection, it is necessary to precisely install the burner at the docking point and only then lower the shield. Often, welders adapt and do so with a nod of their heads so as not to engage their hands. This requires constant manipulation, which makes the neck tired, but such masks are cheaper.
They can be operated at any temperature, and the degree of dimming is selected by the number of the installed filter. They are suitable for welding in a country house or small production, where the welder is only doing his job, and all other processes are distributed among the locksmiths (cutting edges, machining). Here are the best welding masks with a conventional light filter for such tasks.
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| LAMBDA QUATTRO ELEMENTI 037-442 | EURO 110x90 SIBRTEH 89118 | Source MAC-001 | |||||||
| Degree of dimming, Din | 11 | 10 | 12 | ||||||
| Weight, kg | 0,35 | 0,49 | 0,4 | ||||||
| Screen size mm | 108x89 | 110x90 | 110x90 | ||||||
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LAMBDA QUATTRO ELEMENTI 037-442
Normal welding mask from an Italian manufacturer. It has a viewing window of 108x89 mm with a din 11 filter installed. The glass is recessed inward, which protects it from accidental damage when it hits the welder’s head or when the mask is placed on the table.
+ Pros of LAMBDA QUATTRO ELEMENTI 037-442
- Stylish mask design.
- Adjustable head in height and volume, as well as the clamping force of the hinges.
- The soft, perforated forehead pad absorbs perspiration well.
- Good view through the viewing window.
- Light weight does not tire the neck.
High-quality plastic is resistant to bends and fractures.
- Cons LAMBDA QUATTRO ELEMENTI 037-442
- Cost is one of the highest in the category of masks with a conventional filter.
- For several months of active use, the limiter in the mount is sewn off - the mask ceases to be fixed in the upper position and leans far back to the neck itself.
- The din 11 dark filter is included, so you will need to buy lighter ones for work.
- To fix it in the upper position, it is necessary to twist the tight lamb, but so it does not fall from the nod of the head.
Output. A worthy option for small production, so that the welder can clearly see the details. It weighs only 350 g, which is the lowest indicator in the category of high-quality plastic (there are also paper ones, but they are fragile and serve less). It will be comfortable to wear on your head all day.
EURO 110x90 SIBRTEH 89118
Russian welding mask made of plastic with a window size of 110x90 mm. It has a triple head adjustment and a semicircular design. Replacement of filters is carried out from the inside.
+ Pros of EURO 110x90 SIBRTEH 89118
- Excellent viewing window.
- Affordable price from 160 rubles.
- Setting the stiffness of lowering the mask.
- Thomas shield protects well the head and neck.
- It is equipped with a 10 din filter, optimal for most work at an average current of 100-200 A.
- Cons of EURO 110x90 SIBRTEH 89118
- Mask weight 490 g is the heaviest in the category.
- Replacing the glass and filter requires unwinding the indoor unit, which takes time.
- Hard plastic - if something accidentally heavy falls on it, then it can crack.
- Flimsy headband.
- The large size of the mask makes it difficult to climb into hard-to-reach spots for welding.
- When lowering with a nod, slips the stops and hits the chest.
Output. A good mask for giving and periodic works. The shield provides reliable protection against light and splashing of scale thanks to thick plastic.The 110x90 mm viewfinder will be convenient for welding in a stationary place, as well as when installing heating and water pipes near the walls.
Source MAC-001
The simplest Russian-made mask with a streamlined shape that facilitates access to bottlenecks. It is equipped with a viewing screen of 110x90 mm and an internal mount for replacing the filter.
+ Pros Source MAC-001
- The headband and the black case are not easily soiled - with regular adjustments in working gloves, they remain normal for a long time.
- Soft plastic - gives in to pressure and does not prick.
- You can get a light filter and use it as a protective mask for grinding.
- Cons Source MAC-001
- Very simple design.
Weight 440 g is great for this category of masks. - The filter is made of plastic - it’s hard to see through it (cloudy) and you’ll have to buy another one (glass).
- The lower edge of the flap is flat, without a cutout, so when lowering it hits the collarbone.
- After a year of continuous operation, the upper position locks are erased and the mask falls off when thrown up.
- Inconvenient headband.
Output. Another good mask for work in the garage or yard of a private house. Suitable for welding a fence, greenhouse, small works. Differs in the cheap price. If accidentally damaged, it will not be a pity and you can always buy a new one.
The selection of goods was carried out on the basis of reviews, opinions and ratings of users posted on various resources on the Internet. All information is taken from public sources. We do not cooperate with manufacturers and trademarks and do not call for the purchase of certain products. The article is for informational purposes only.
