10 Best Jackson Welding Helmet – Reviews Of Top Models And Complete Buying Guide

Welding is dangerous, which is why many people look for the best Jackson welding helmet. In fact, Jackson is one of the leading manufacturers of helmets. It recognized the needs of the market. And according to that, it introduced multiple models. They can be bought at affordable prices. This is very helpful to welders on a budget and beginners.

In general, it’s clear that you shouldn’t start welding without a proper welding helmet to cover your head. This is because a lot of damaging rays and flashes are released in the process. Therefore, there can be various health implications. For starters, your eyes may be affected. To make sure you stay out of it, it’s best to pick a welding helmet for you.

Jackson’s models that we’ll uncover here will fit this purpose. You should just analyze which of them match your preferences. So, let’s start!

Reviews Of The 10 Best Jackson Welding Helmet Models

When you look at the prices, it’s clear that Jackson’s helmets are affordable. Both homeowners and professional welders can buy them. Of course, the specifications may not be the best on the market. But they are still satisfactory. They match the lower price, too.

When it comes to the features, Jackson aims at incorporating useful things. Starting from the lenses to the durability, users get plenty of details. Not to mention that the design is made easy and light. As with everything, there are some downsides. Yet they aren’t in any way serious.

Overall, these are worthy models. They last long and are reliable. This is what you need in order to stay protected while welding. So, in the following paragraphs, we’ll clearly present the top models of this brand. Also, we’ll discuss their features, pros, and cons. Enjoy!

1. Safety TrueSight II – Top Pick

With 4 arc sensors, the model’s response time is swift and efficient. Three modes are supported. Welders can easily see the task before them thanks to a big view area.

They can adjust the model according to their preferences. That’s done effortlessly with the digital controls even with gloves on. These controls are meant for sensitivity, shading, and delay. The turning on and off is done automatically, too.

The overall design is pretty lightweight. Also, it’s meant for everyone as the size is one-size-fits-all.

A slight negative aspect is the sense of front-heaviness that first-time users may experience. After using it more, the sense wears off.

Some other specifications are:

 Weight: 2.75 pounds
 View area: 3.25 x 4 inches
 Variable shades from #5 to #13
 Digital controls
 Number of sensors: 4
 Supports 4 modes – weld, torch, grind

2. Safety W40 Insight Variable

The filter that darkens automatically helps users to operate in all welding surroundings. The four arc sensors help in that direction, too. 

Together with the digital controls, the helmet is adjustable to increase the feeling of comfort. The helmet’s very lightweight is another reason why this helmet is one of the company’s more comfortable models.

Moreover, the grind and weld modes can be used for some of the most popular welding types. 

Some customers report that the hood appeared flimsy to them. It would also be nice if the model had a few more light shades. However, for the price, welders get an excellent helmet.

Among the features and specifications welders can also find:

 Warranty: 2 years
 View area: 3.93 x 2.36 inches
 Weight: 1 pound
 Digital controls
 Variable shades from #9 to #13
 Number of sensors: 4

3. Jackson Safety Insight Variable HaloX(46130) – Arc Angel

With a standardized view area, you’re very much capable of seeing your work area as well as the task you’re performing. Plus, the lens switches from light to dark in no time to secure the essential safety. Welders should consider the shade range from number nine to thirteen, too.

The pattern and the color are a bit provocative yet eye-catching. Modifications regarding the delay and sensitivity among others are quickly made. Also, the controls are digital and provide multiple options for adjustments. The model is very affordable.

One of the cons is that the lens is a bit darker even when the user isn’t welding.

Check out the following specifications and features of the model:

 View area: 3.93 x 2.36 inches
 Size: 13.6 x 9.6 x 8.1 inches
 Number of sensors: 4
 Digital controls
 Variable shades from #9 to #13
 Material: nylon
 Weight: 2 pounds

4. Jackson Safety BH3

BH3 is one of the company’s leading models for clarity of the displayed visuals.

What’s more, the whole design, including the one of the front plate, is aerodynamic. As a result, the helmet doesn’t heat up and prevents any fog and reflections from entering. While we’re still talking of the front plate, it’s modifiable into three stages. So, the welder can make the necessary modifications regarding the particular task.

If you’re looking for drawbacks, the head strap of the model can easily slip. Yet it’s still nice to wear. Replacing the lens may also give you a bit of headache. There is no grinding mode.

Additional specifications are:

 Optical clarity: 1/1/1/1
 Switching time: 0.15 milliseconds
 Variable shades from #9 to #13
 Supports MIG, TIG, arc welding
 Weight: 2.1 pounds
 Warranty: 5 years

5. Jackson Safety SmarTIGer Variable Auto Darkening

Being lightweight and aerodynamic, welders can use it in different types of environments. The plastic design shields the whole face as well as its upperparts and even the neck.

Once the welding commences, this Jackson helmet is quick to darken. Thanks to the Balder technology, the visuals the welder gets are clear, precise, and detailed. The range of shading protects the eyes from ultraviolet and infrared rays.

The helmet has all the adequate certifications and standards for immediate operation at the workplace. 

Note that even though the size of the headgear is standard, welders with larger heads may feel that it’s a bit tighter. Also, the model doesn’t support a grind mode.

Here are some more aspects and specifications of this model:

 Variable shades from #9 to #13
 3 headgear adjustments
 Weight: 2 pounds
 Supports MIG, TIG, arc welding

6. Jackson Safety Fixed Shade W10 HSL 100

What stands out about this helmet is its narrow design. Shaped like a shell, it’s suitable for welding in small spaces. To ensure the sparks don’t reach your face it has extended protection at the throat area. Thanks to this, hazards can’t reach your throat.

Connected to the outside, this helmet is hat adaptable and comfortable at the same time. That’s why it lasts longer and welders can wear it without feeling any strain. Also, its field of view is wide and clear. That’s how you know what you’re working on.

As downsides people state the reflection of the light and the green tint on the lenses. Moreover, if there is a light behind the welder, it can reflect off the lenses.

Some more specifications are:

 Standard filter with shade 10
 Installed cover plates
 Extended throat protection
 Hat adaptable

7. Jackson Safety Insight Variable HaloX (46100) Gold Wings

At first glance, this helmet is special because it has an interesting design over it. As the name suggests, there is a gold wings graphic on the sides. This enhances its appearance. So, if you want to look cool while welding, this one is for you.

It provides a large field of view. And the shades are variable between 9 and 13. What comes in very handy is the option to pick whether you want the grinding or welding mode. To provide absolute safety, this model possesses an auto-darkening feature. As soon as the arc is detected, the helmet will react in 1/10000 of a second. Moreover, for additional security, it allows you to put hard hats.

As a con, people present the fact that adjustments can be made only on the inside.

Here are more features and specifications:

 Weight: 2 pounds
 Height: 8.1 inches
 Length: 13.6 inches
 Shades: #9 to #13
 Viewing area: 3.93×2.36 inches
 4 sensors for auto-dimming

8. Jackson Safety Insight Variable HaloX (46101) Stars and Scars

This one looks like it came out of a movie. This is why many welders love it. It comes with similar features as Jackson’s other models. Only it has a more comfortable 370 headgear. Thanks to this, you can wear it for a longer time. And you won’t feel any pain or strain.

Alongside this, people receive digital controls and auto-darkening. So, you can weld without worrying about sparks jumping in your eyes. Also, there are two modes – grind and weld one. To accompany this, there are the variable shade lenses and the wide view area.

If we have to name a con, it would be the way the lenses are changed. Furthermore, you should open the whole darkening unit in order to do so.

More precise specifications and features are:

 4 independent sensors
 Weight: 2 pounds
 Digital controls
 View area: 3.93×2.36 inches
 Adjustments for delay and sensitivity

9. Jackson HSL-2 Lift Front Black Shadow

This black model looks good over people’s heads. It has a lower and competitive price. But when it comes to safety, it’s not worse than the other models.

For easier usage, its front can be lifted. To accompany it, the front goes to the throat. This extension increases the protection from sparks and flashes. Also, the helmet is able to resist the excessive heat. This is thanks to the thermoplastic it’s made of. As it has a narrow design, you can use it in tight spaces with ease.

The only downside worth mentioning here is the smaller view area.

For more specifications and features, check these out:

 Meets ANSI standards
 Extended front for extra protection
 Adaptable for hard hat
 Weight: 1.97 pounds
 Shade 10 lenses
 Size: 2×4-1/4 inches

10. Jackson Safety Element Fixed Shade 10 ADF (23286)

With this helmet, you don’t need to worry about batteries. It’s solar-powered, so the sun will do everything for you. In case, you don’t need protection in multiple shades, it’s a good idea to purchase one with fixed shades. This model has fixed shades of 10. To provide optics that darken fast, it incorporates a grinding mode.

Aside from this, the helmet is sensitive to sunlight and hazard. This is due to the 2 independent sensors. Not to mention that it’s lightweight and affordable. So, you can get efficiency and save a few bucks.

A possible con may be the fact that the view is a little light regardless of the darkening.

Some more specifications are as follows:

 Color: Silver
 Weight: 1 pound
 Material: Thermoplastic
 2 independent sensors
 Size: 3.5×4.33 inches

Buying Guide

Vision

When we talk about the welding helmet’s vision, we mean about the range of the vision and the overall quality of the image.

Seeing far on the sides of the helmet isn’t very important. What matters for the view area is to accurately depict the welding task before the user. In fact, every welding helmet before it’s released on the market has to undergo optical tests.

Furthermore, four categories are examined. They are clarity, consistency of the angles, distortion, and shade equality. Each category is graded with numbers from one to three. One is the best and three is the lowest rating. Of course, if a welding helmet has a rating of 1/1/1/1, then the vision has the highest quality.

Knobs

There are helmets that have internal or external knobs. These knobs come in different sizes, too. So, you should see which one may be right for you.

For instance, the knobs, which are placed on the inside, don’t give the welder any hassle and won’t bother them. On the other hand, welders have to the adjustments before they start or even before they wear the helmet as they’re placed inside.

External knobs can be used for modification at any time. Further, smaller knobs may not be the most suitable ones for welders who use protective gloves.

Type of Lens

Whether it’s a variable or fixed type of lens, potential buyers have to factor that in their final decision, too.

As the name points out, the variable shade of lenses varies in accordance with the welding task at hand. There are some helmets whose shade range is more than five different shades. All of that in order to shield the eyes and protect the welder during multiple welding processes.

The fixed shade means that there’s only one lens shade no matter the welding technique. The most common fixed shade lens is number ten among popular brands.

Warranty

The warranty period definitely means something for the overall quality of the helmet. But users shouldn’t blindly trust that and ignore the reviews.

Most welding helmets on the market have warranty periods of two or three years. And that’s something you can aim at. Be careful as users sometimes have to register their product online so that the warranty period can commence and have an effect.

Another thing is that the warranty is usually connected to how much you pay. You wouldn’t want to pay a fortune for a helmet that has only a year or so of warranty. Instead, try to get the best value for the money.

Sensors

There’s a general unofficial rule that users shouldn’t settle for less than two sensors. You can also look for ones that have a maximum of four sensors. Perhaps you’re wondering why that’s important.

In fact, more sensors mean that the helmet is more capable to detect arcs as well as lights and flashes from the welding task. Thus, its reaction time is swifter with more sensors available.

In Conclusion

All things considered, Jackson is a brand that produces quality helmets. Yes, it sells them at lower prices and it doesn’t include many premium specifications. But the models are great, nevertheless. And they offer full protection. Also, they are made of durable yet lightweight materials. Because of this and the narrow design, some of them can be used in small places, as well. Not to forget, many helmets feature extended throat protection. This increases the welders’ safety further. Another notable feature is the view area. Jackson is focused on making helmets with a wide area and clear views. The auto-darkening feature is here, as well. Thanks to it, the helmet can detect the danger at once and darken the lenses. Connected to this, Jackson uses Balder technology. It’s responsible for the thin optical filters and the quality optical vision. In this guide, we tried to bring all of these details closer to you and help you buy the right model for you. We hope it achieved this purpose.

So, whether you are a professional on a budget or enthusiast, these models are worth checking out. Tell us here which one you picked. We’d love to hear your thoughts and opinions regarding this matter.