Introduction
Optrel is a leading manufacturer of highly advanced welding helmets worldwide. These helmets are renowned for their cutting-edge technology and thoughtful design. However, given the higher price point of Optrel helmets, it’s crucial to select the right model that suits your specific needs. In this comprehensive guide, we will provide you with an overview of the Optrel range of welding helmets. We’ll also present a list of the best Optrel welding helmets available in the market and offer detailed reviews for each model.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Image | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Optrel Crystal 2.0 |  |
Gradually brighten, Auto Shadow Level, Lightweight and comfortable |
| Optrel Panoramaxx |  |
USB charging, Sparse field, Auto Shadow Level |
| Opry E684 |  |
Heat reflective paint, Best optical clarity, Respirator ready |
| Optrel Liteflip |  |
Flip camera, PAPR capability, Lightweight |
| Optrel VegaView 2.5 |  |
Fastest activation, Lightweight, View in true color |
Best Optrel Welding Helmets with Reviews
1. Optrel Crystal 2.0 Auto Darkening Welding Helmet
- Automatic welding helmet
- Shade Level 2.0/4-12
- Crystal Lens Technology
- ShadeTronic
- FadeTronic
Advantages:
- Powered by a lithium battery and solar energy
- Includes a grinding mode
- Comes with a hard hat adapter
- Features an external control dial
Shortcomings:
- Some reports of arc flicker
- Grinding button is easy to damage
Overview:
The Optrel Crystal 2.0 Auto Darkening Welding Helmet is a top-of-the-line helmet designed specifically for professional welders. In contrast to other helmets that have a shade level of 3 or 4 in grind mode, the Crystal 2.0 rests at shade level 2, providing sharper and brighter visibility. Users appreciate the comfort of its headgear. The helmet’s auto-darkening functionality encompasses shade levels ranging from 4 to 12. Additionally, the Optrel Crystal 2.0 features a “twilight” feature that gradually illuminates the viewport after welding. Autopilot adjusts the darkness level automatically based on the arc’s light level, while the sensor slides to prevent activation by nearby welders. This helmet also allows for manual adjustment of the darkness level and includes external controls for latency and sensitivity settings. Boasting a 1/1/1/1 optical clarity rating and True Color technology, the Optrel Crystal 2.0 ensures exceptional visual quality, making it one of the best options on the market.
2. Optrel Panoramaxx Auto Darkening Welding Helmet
- 10 square inch viewport
- Cut to fit nose
- True Color Technology
- Automatic shade level 5-12
- 5 arc sensors
Advantages:
- USB charging power pack included
- Comes with a helmet bag
- IsoFit Padded Headband
- Features an ultra-light grinding mode
- Backed by a 2-year warranty
Shortcomings:
- Poorly written manual
- Curved Lens Reflection
Overview:
The Optrel Panoramaxx Auto Darkening Welding Helmet offers a spacious 5″ by 2″ viewport filter specifically designed to fit the bridge of your nose. This design brings the filter closer to your eye, resulting in a broader field of view. In grind mode, the helmet operates at a shade level of 2.5, which is lighter than the typical grind mode of 3. It features a true color filter with 1/1/1/2 optical clarity, providing an extensive field of view. The Optrel Panoramaxx utilizes an autopilot system that automatically adjusts shade levels based on arc brightness. This system can be disabled for manual shadow level control. Additionally, FadeTronic gradually brightens the filter after welding stops, reducing eye strain. The IsoFit headgear, found on all Optrel helmets, resembles a bike helmet design and offers outstanding balance and comfort.
3. Optrel E684 ADF Welding Helmet
- Automatic shade level 5-13
- 1/1/1/1 Optical Clarity
- True Color Technology
- Solar charging
- Twilight fading
Advantages:
- Heat reflective paint for added protection
- Shade Level 4 Grinding Mode
- Impressive 3000-hour battery life
- PAPR compliant
- External control for convenience
Shortcomings:
- Doesn’t always stay elevated
- Viewport groove reflects light
Overview:
The Optrel E684 ADF Welding Helmet is a professional-grade helmet with top-notch optics and 1/1/1/1 optical clarity. It features an automatic shade control ranging from 5 to 13, with the option to override the automatic adjustment and manually set shadow levels. The E684’s grind mode offers four shade options. External controls for delay, sensitivity, and grind mode allow for seamless helmet operation. True color technology enhances weld seam vision, improving overall weld quality. The Optrel E684 ADF welding helmet runs on solar energy, utilizing both solar and welding arc light to charge its batteries, resulting in a remarkable 3000-hour runtime. Some users have reported instances of the helmet not staying elevated as desired, and others have noted distracting reflections from the viewport’s shelf-like illustrations. This helmet is PAPR compatible and features a silver heat reflective paint that minimizes heat transfer from the environment to the interior.
4. Optrel Liteflip Autopilot Auto Darkening Welding Helmet
- Flip camera
- Automatic sunshade 5-14
- PAPR compliant
- True Color Viewport
- 1/1/1/2 Optical Clarity
Advantages:
- Lightweight at just 1.2 lbs
- Twilight slowly fades from darkness
- Shadow Level Correction
- Grinding Mode Shadow Level 4
- Comes with a helmet bag
Shortcomings:
- Does not seal when closed
- Non-standard lens cap (only available from Optrel)
Overview:
The Optrel Liteflip Autopilot Auto Darkening Welding Helmet boasts flip-up lenses and True Color technology, providing true-to-life colors while welding. The helmet utilizes Autopilot automatic shade levels, adjusting darkness based on the arc’s brightness and lighting conditions. Users have the flexibility to manually adjust the shadow level up to two levels higher or lower according to preference. The Optrel Liteflip features an expansive 8-inch square viewing area on the flip lens and a 10-inch square viewing area on the clear viewport below. While the flipped lens does not sit flush against the viewport, leaving a gap that can allow smoke to envelop the lens, this design choice minimizes viewport wear and tear. The non-standard lens cap may require sourcing from Optrel. Weighing just 1.2 lbs, this helmet is remarkably light and comes equipped with an IsoFit helmet and hood. The flip-up lenses feature a micro-light system that gradually illuminates the lenses after welding, reducing eye strain.
5. Optrel VegaView 2.5 Auto Darkening Welding Helmet
- PAPR option available
- 4 times more light
- 1/1/1/2 Optical Clarity
- True Color Viewport
- Automatic shading 8-12
Advantages:
- Ultralight at only 17 oz
- Grind Mode Shadow 2.5
- IsoFit helmet for superior comfort
- 1/1,000,000 second activation
- Comes with a helmet bag
Shortcomings:
- Narrow shade range
- Occasional issues with mitigating glare
Overview:
The Optrel VegaView 2.5 Auto Darkening Welding Helmet holds the distinction of being the world’s fastest auto-darkening welding helmet, with a response time of one millionth of a second. This helmet employs Optrel’s Autopilot system, which relies on automatic shading levels ranging from 8 to 12. While this shade range may be narrower than some prefer, Optrel achieves lightning-fast reaction times with this compromise. For high-current welding, class 13 hoods may be recommended, which is an area of concern for some owners. The Optrel VegaView 2.5 is equipped with true color lenses that provide exceptional weld seam visibility, boasting a 1/1/1/2 optical clarity rating. The grind pattern offered is 2.5 shades, which is more than four times lighter than the industry average. This auto-darkening welding helmet comes with a helmet bag for convenient storage and transport. Users have reported occasional issues with the helmet not reliably lighting up after the arc stops without pressing the reset button. The IsoFit helmet design ensures lightweight comfort, weighing just over a pound.
About the Author
Jeff Grill, a skilled welder hailing from Long Island, New York, has been passionate about welding from a young age. His body bears testament to his early experiences with various metals. As an expert in the field, Jeff imparts industry knowledge and research support to readers through his contributions on Weldguru.com.
Remember, selecting the right welding helmet is essential to ensure your safety and productivity. With this comprehensive guide, you can make an informed decision and choose the best Optrel welding helmet that perfectly suits your requirements. Happy welding!