It is always a struggle for professional welders to find the best welding lens. Many prefer the auto-darkening welding lens because of their versatility. What then is the best 2×4 auto darkening welding lens?
The reason most welders prefer auto-darkening welding lens is because they automatically respond to generated light from welding. Your auto-darkening welding lens will automatically adjust within less than a microsecond to the required shade you need for the protection of your vision.
Features of the Best Welding Lens
Here are some qualities to look out for in determining the best auto-darkening welding helmets and lens:
Comfort
Headgear should be easy to adjust, flexible and comfortable.
Weight
A heavy helmet will make you easily develop fatigue.
Power Source
Auto-darkening welding helmets are available with various power sources. Some come with replaceable lithium batteries. Some use solar-based cells. Some come with a combination of solar-based power and a battery pack.
Reaction Time
Response or reaction time refers to the time it takes the lens to recognize the arc and change from light to dark.
Lens Clarity
Lens, as stipulated by the EN379 standard include vision clarity, light diffusion, consistent shade, and angular dependence. The auto darkening welding helmet should have a rating of 1/1/1/1.
Lens Size
2” x 4” is the standard lens size off auto-darkening welding helmets.
Arc Sensors
Arc sensors provide protection so you do not get flashed. There could be 2-4 arc sensors.
Sensitivity and Delay Settings
Most welding helmets will have sensitivity and delay settings but the best auto darkening welding helmets come with adjustable settings.
Shade Range
The best welding helmets should have light and torch modes for ease in performing different how tasks.
Ease in Using Controls
Auto-darkening welding helmets with digital controls are precise but difficult to adjust with your gloves on. Analog controls are easy to adjust with your gloves on but can be a bit tricky to adjust.
How Auto Darkening Welding Lens Work
Auto-darkening welding lens is equipped with sensors which detect an arc. The arc is what will trigger the lens to automatically darken and protect your eyes. These lens change shade in as fast as 1/20,000 seconds so there is no delay.
To help you make an easier choice here are the best 2×4 auto darkening welding lens:
ArcOne Horizontal Single Auto-Darkening Filter for Welding, 2 x 4″0
This ArcOne auto-darkening filter measures 2 inches by four inches with an active viewing area of 5.25 square inches. It has a shade range of 10 and a 16 UR/IR 16 protection. It has a reaction time and switches from light to dark in 0.5 milliseconds. It goes from dark to light in 0.2 seconds.
This auto-darkening welding lens has 2 independent sensors for better protection of your eyes. It also provides a high definition view for a clearer vision to the welder. It does not need any batteries as it is solar-powered.
A user says he has been a union boilermaker for over 15 years and considers this ArcOne welding lens as the clearest one he has ever had because it is high definition. He said he only got flashed when an arc striked when battery level was low. With a full battery charge, he never had any issues each time he struck an arc.
The ArcOne Horizontal Single Auto-Darkening Filter is dust and water resistant. Reaction time and dark shade do not get affected whether you are working in extreme hot or cold conditions.
ArcOne Tradesman Horizontal Auto-Darkening Filter for Welding 2 x 4.25 x 0.2″
This ArcOne Tradesman auto-darkening filter for welding helmets measures 2 inches by 4.25 inches by 0.2 inches with a viewing area of 5.25 inches. It is a versatile auto-darkening filter with a horizontal shape. It is equipped with a 10.5 single shade and a 3 light state to better protect your vision while welding.
This auto-darkening lens is accurate, fast and has great color and clarity. Peripheral vision is maintained in both transition modes for seamless visual attention. It also comes with an amazing tint – yellow with a bit of green. This auto-darkening welding lens does over-darken or under-darken.
A user says that he has tried other brands of auto dark lenses but was not satisfied with speed and clarity. He loves this ArcOne auto-darkening filter because he feels that he does not need to re-acquire his focal point.
This ArcOneTraddesman Horizontal Auto-Darkening Filter for Welding is ideal of do-it-yourself hobby enthusiasts. It is highly recommended for those learning to master the art of welding. It also comes with great value and quality.
Gimiton Solar Auto Darkening Welding Helmet/Mask Lens Filter, 4-1/4” x 2”
This Gimilton solar powered auto-darkening welding lens filter is lightweight at only 1.3 ounces. At a size of 4 1/2 inches x 2 inches, it has a viewing area of 3.5 inches x 1.18 inches. It comes with a dark shade of DIN11 (10) and a light shade of DIN3.
This auto-darkening welding lens is easy to operate with its auto ON/OFF controls. It does not come with a power supply switch as a power source is from a lithium battery and solar battery.
A user says this auto-darkening welding lens darkens quickly and ha a pretty nice delay – not too long, just enough time for the glow not to blind your eyes. He also says the short arc is of bright clear blue and the dual shield is more than the range of an even color.
The Gimiton Solar Auto Darkening Welding Helmet/Mask Lens Filter, 4-1/4” x 2 automatically shades welding states to filter out bad light. It uses an LCD and multilayer optical filter for a clear view. It is available in packs of 3 and fits most standard window openings of welding masks and helmets.
Antra Solar Power Auto Darkening Welding Helmet
This Antra Solar Power Auto Darkening Welding Helmet – AH6-260-0000 is a helmet with four premium sensors with a reaction time of 0.00004 seconds. It comes with response time from dark to light of between 0.1 to 1 second. It is also equipped with power off delay of 10 minutes. It reacts fast to the electric arc from the TIG, MIC, and MMA plasma applications.
This welding helmet is equipped with a 3.86” x 1.73” viewing lens giving you a wide angle view. Its lens features a 4/5-9/9-13 shade range. This welding helmet is equipped with automated ON/OFF controls and also comes with a battery indicator and testing feature.
A user says this is a good helmet with a comfortable band. The delay and sensitivity work well and the darkening range is simply awesome. He also likes the fact that the front of the plastic lens comes with a standard size for easy replacement to any power lens.
This Antra Solar Power Auto Darkening Welding Helmet is ideal to use in your welding, grinding and cutting tasks. It is lightweight and versatile and can be used in environments with 140F-1310F temperatures. It is compatible with the cheater lens and magnifying lens ideal for integrating UV/IR protection for your safety.
Conclusion
In choosing the auto-darkening welding lens top priority should be given to lens size and clarity, a number of arc sensors, sensitivity and delay settings, and shade range.
Based on these features the ArcOne Horizontal Single Auto-Darkening Filter for Welding is the best 2×4 auto darkening welding lens. This welding lens works well to provide your vision with protection with its 2 independent arc sensors, its shade range of 10 which comes with 16 UR/IR for your total protection. The reaction time of this lens is also quick at .5 milliseconds and switches from dark to light in 0.2 seconds.
