Passive Shade Welding Helmets

Passive Shade Welding Helmets

Passive shade helmets are often the first helmet of beginning welders – largely because they’re the most affordable welding helmets on the market. However, there are other reasons to consider a passive shade helmet over an auto-darkening helmet.

Many welders believe starting out with a passive shade helmet cultivates a more acute awareness of the joint and electrode. Passive helmets also weigh less than auto-darkening helmets, so they’re more comfortable—unless you’re doing work that requires you to constantly nod the helmet up and down to get a better look at your work. The one downside to passive shade helmets is that it can be hard to see where the tip of your torch is when you start the arc, which can cause bad starts on welds.

For many welders, one of the biggest benefits of passive helmets their optical quality. Most have significantly better optical quality than auto-darkening lens helmets. The lenses are inexpensive and easy to swap out as needed. Another thing many welders like about passive helmets is their sheer simplicity—they don’t require batteries, and there are no sensitivity controls to be distracted by.

Is a Passive Shade Helmet for You?

It all depends on your preferences and the kind of welding you do. If you’re just starting out in welding, or are hard-core, old school with a disdain for gadgetry, a passive shade helmet may be just the ticket. Hobbyists and farmers who do occasional welding in the garage also gravitate toward passive shade helmets. On the other hand, if you do a lot of GTAW and SMAW welding and need precise control when starting your arc, you’ll be better off with an auto-darkening helmet.

Best Passive Shade Welding Helmets

Welders Supply stocks what we believe to be the two best passive shade welding helmets for the price: the Miller MP-10 and the Jackson W10 HSL 100. Both are lightweight, have excellent optical quality, and are priced under $40. These helmets both come equipped with a #10 shade lens, and both are adaptable for use with a hard hat. The Miller MP-10 offers the flexibility of upgrading to an auto darkening lens.

Lowest Prices on Miller and Jackson Passive Shade Helmets and Free Shipping on Orders over $300

Welders Supply offers unbeatably low prices on both Miller and Jackson welding helmets, plus free shipping within the continental US on all orders over $300.

Because these passive shade helmets are priced so low, consider adding a few more items to your cart to take advantage of our free shipping offer. If you’re just starting out, you probably need some welding apparel and filler metal. And if you’re on the lookout for a great deal on equipment or accessories, be sure to check our Specials page.

Browse our selection of quality welding helmets and shop the entire selection of welding gear available from Welders Supply Company, the premier online source for welding equipment online.