Welding helmets or hoods come in all shapes and sizes, and they're one of the most important of a welder's tools. Firstly, you want a welding helmet that is lightweight and comfortable. Heavy helmets will tire your neck and back and are awkward and troublesome. There are many different types and styles out there, but the most important thing is that the helmet is light weight and durable. Welding helmets take a beating getting thrown around, kicked, and stacked upon in tool boxes.
Nowadays, if you must wear a hardhat with your welding hood, it is important that the hood be as light as possible. A lot of construction jobs, and even some shops require a hard hat with the welding helmet. There is a specific head gear that allows you to clip the hood to the hard hat. That way you can pop it on and off easily when not welding so you can wear just the hard hat.
On-the-Job Tip: If you are a new hand going out to a construction job, DO NOT go there with a gorilla face, or for that matter, any other kind of novelty welding hood. A basic $30 to $40 welding hood is all you need. The auto-darkening welding hoods available nowadays are the best option; however, they are quite expensive.
Written by Brian Chalmers