Is 1/1/1/1 Really Better? True Color Welding Helmet Test

A welding helmet is an essential piece of safety equipment for welding. Helmets protect your eyes from intense arc light and your face from heat, sparks, and spatter. But a helmet is more than just a piece of protection.

The right welding helmet will help you see and control the puddle better. In addition to adhering to safety standards, your helmet should provide sufficient optical clarity.

But is 1/1/1/1 really better than 1/1/1/2, and is the difference notable in real-world welding applications? Read the article to find out what it means for you as a welder.

Wearing a Welding Helmet During Welding
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIh8kJUdjiI

What is the Optical Clarity Rating in Welding Helmets?

If you browse the welding helmet market, especially auto-darkening helmets, you'll encounter dozens of specifications: shade, switching time, min amps, viewing area, and optical clarity. Beyond the mandatory protection that ensures the helmet protects your face and eyes, you will need sufficient clarity.

The optical clarity rating determines how clearly you can see the welds through the helmet. Looking through layers of protective lenses can yield distorted vision, astigmatism, or color shifts. That's exactly what you want to avoid when buying a welding helmet.

To help welders choose the best helmet, most helmets include an optical clarity rating. Helmets undergo rigorous testing and receive a rating according to one of the two safety standards:

• EN 379 European safety standards for helmets

• ANSI Z87.1 USA helmet safety standards.

These are similar in overall protection, but they measure optical clarity differently. Let's see what the differences are.

EN 379 European Standards for Welding Helmets

For many years, auto-darkening helmets and manufacturers used the EN 379 standard to indicate optical clarity. The tests measure the quality of the light from the welding cartridge and sort it into four primary classes. The results are rated 1-3, with 1 being best and 3 being worst.

You've probably seen the rating of 1/1/1/1, or 1/1/1/2, and here is what it means:

• First class (X/x/x/x) - Optical class (image distortion): The first class qualifies how distorted the image appears through the lens. Rating 1 indicates little to no distortion, while 3 indicates the image is distorted.

• Second class (x/X/x/x) - Light diffusion: Indicates the presence of impurities in the glass. Impurities cause blurred vision and reduce clarity. Rating 1 indicates the lens is uniform and pure, allowing a clear view, while rating 3 reveals imperfections introduced during manufacturing.

• Third class (x/x/X/x) - Variations in luminous transmittance: Auto-darkening helmets usually provide shades #9-#13, and the third class tests whether the shade is uniform across the entire lens. Rating 1 indicates the shade is even across the lens, while rating 3 points lighter or darker spots that can greatly affect clarity.

• Fourth class (x/x/x/X) - Angular dependence: The last class measures the stretching, blurriness, or distortion of the image when looking at an arc at a sharp angle. Rating 1 indicates that the shade and image are consistent across all angles, while rating 3 indicates issues.

ANSI Z87.1 USA Welding Helmet Standards

In the US, any welding helmet must meet ANSI Z87.1 standards to be considered safe. Most importantly, these standards test if the helmet will protect your eyes and face even if the lens fails or is off.

However, ANSI standards also measure optical clarity by the amount of light the welder receives at the given shade. A standardized light transmittance test indicates the amount of light (0-100%) the welder sees through the lens. 0% indicates the arc is not visible at all, while 100% means a naked view of the arc.

Obviously, 0 or 100% are not acceptable values. Too little light and you will barely see an arc, and too much light can cause eye fatigue or damage. That's why there are minimum and maximum safe values for each shade.

To achieve the best optical clarity, look for the highest percent clarity rating within the safe limits. That way, you get the right balance between clarity and safety without sacrificing either.

Clarity And Safety With The Right Helmet
Photo by @mark_decola (TikTok)

Is 1/1/1/1 Really Better than 1/1/1/2 In Everyday Welding?

In theory, yes, 1/1/1/1 is the highest optical clarity rating according to EN standards. It means the helmet, such as the YesWelder M800H, has the highest rating across all four classes.

For you as a welder, 1/1/1/1 indicates that the helmet provides a clear, distortion-free image of the arc, with even shade across the lens, no imperfections in the glass, and a clear image at any view angle. That's why it is often listed as a must-have for professional welders, long-duration welding, and precise work.

But let's look at the bigger picture. In the US, each welding helmet must meet ANSI safety standards, whereas EN 379 is optional.

In a perfect world, a 1/1/1/1 helmet with maximum light safety value of ANSI standards would be an easy choice for most welders. However, that is usually technically impossible. Getting the perfect EN clarity often comes at the expense of visibility, as measured by ANSI light tests.

MIG Welding with a Quality Helmet
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3ss2eWwu_Y&t

That's why 1/1/1/1 helmets don't have to provide the best possible clarity, even though they have the perfect rating. There are other things to consider, such as the ANSI light test or the true color feature.

However, EN standards and optical ratings still prevail on the market, even though they are not mandatory. Many welders buy helmets based on EN ratings and use ANSI ratings only to ensure they are safe.

Welding with a Compliant Helmet
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCprWGOVQV4

1/1/1/2 Auto Darkening Helmets - A Suitable Alternative

If we look at EN ratings, there is a slight difference between ratings 1 and 2. Yes, there is a bit of distortion or blurriness, which is noticeable to professionals but not to less-demanding welders. So, if you don't want to pursue perfect clarity, you can sacrifice the fourth class (x/x/x/X) angular dependency and go with a 1/1/1/2 helmet.

A perfect 1 rating means the shade is consistent at any angle, which is crucial for anyone in out-of-position welding. However, for DIY hobby welders, welding enthusiasts, and even most fabricators, the last class is not that important. These applications often involve welding in a flat or horizontal position, so you won't be seeing the arc from an angle.

Horizontal Position Welding
Photo by @AngryAnvil-Chris (TikTok)

One advantage of the 1/1/1/2 auto-darkening helmets is that they provide shade #3 for grinding. Meanwhile, most 1/1/1/1 helmets only go down to shade #4, so they offer a bit darker grinding image.

In addition, experts state that rating 2 in the fourth class also provides better results on ANSI light testing. Miller claims that 1/1/1/2 helmets offer better optical clarity, as evidenced by higher ANSI Z87.1 visibility scores in testing.

MIG Welding with a 1/1/1/2 Auto-Darkening Helmet
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_gizqVcHK4

1/2/1/2 Welding Helmets

The least demanding, typically occasional, DIY, and hobby welders can get away with 1/2/1/2 helmets. These are typically less expensive than the previous two while still providing good results.

According to 1/2/1/2 ratings, these helmets have slightly worse light diffusion and angular dependency. There are some imperfections in the glass that may cause blurriness and shading when viewed at a sharp angle. However, they still provide a distortion-free image and uniform shade across the lens.

But keep in mind that there is a big difference between ratings 1 and 3. While you could get away with a 1/1/1/2 or even 1/2/1/2 helmet, we don't recommend going lower.

The primary reason you could consider lower clarity is the lower price of 1/1/1/2 or 1/2/1/2 helmets. However, technological advancements have made auto-darkening helmets with perfect clarity available at a reasonable price. YesWelder is a perfect example, so make sure you check out some of our amazing welding helmets.

True Color View

A true-color view is a feature offered by many newer auto-darkening helmets, including the YesWelder Q800D Panoramic View. This feature improves the optical clarity by eliminating the traditional green tint.

True color technology provides advanced auto-darkening filtering (ADF) that enhances visual clarity. Instead of traditional lime green, filters let through a more natural color spectrum.

The working principle is simple. Traditional filters block 99.9% of UV/IR radiation by creating a green tint that obscures details. True-color lenses let through more red and blue light, while still blocking the radiation.

Traditional Filter and True-Color Lens

Simply put, technology transforms the narrow, yellowish-green viewing peak of traditional filters into a broader, flatter spectrum. As a result, welders get a clearer, high-definition view of the weld pool.

That's why most modern auto-darkening helmets pair high optical clarity with true color. A combination of these two offers unmatched clarity, allowing welders to see and control the weld perfectly.

So if you are looking for a helmet, we strongly recommend considering ones with true color view. Older welders who are used to fixed-shade, green-tinted helmets were mind-blown the first time they tried true-color, auto-darkening helmets.

MIG Welding with a True-Color Helmet
Photo by @AngryAnvil-Chris (TikTok)

Quick 1/1/1/1 vs 1/1/1/2 vs 1/2/1/2 Clarity Comparison Chart

Feature	1/1/1/1	1/1/1/2	1/2/1/2
Image distortion	Minimal	Minimal	Minimal
Image clarity	Very clear	Very clear	Potentially blurry due to some imperfections
Shade uniformity	Even shade across the lens	Even shade	Uniform shade
Angular dependency	Uniform image at all angles	Slightly distorted or shady image at a sharp angle	A distorted or shady image at an angled view
Light shade	#4	#3	#3
Price	Pricier than the other two	Less expensive	Least expensive
Best for	Professionals looking for the highest clarity, even in out-of-position work	Less demanding welders working in flat and horizontal positions	Occasional, hobby, and DIY welders
ANSI clarity	Often limits the available light, affecting the clarity	It can provide more light for a clearer image	It can release more light
True color	Almost always available	Often available	Usually present

Why is Optical Clarity Important For Welders?

Clarity is an essential but often overlooked part of welding helmets. Being able to see the weld clearly is critical for safety, productivity, and comfort. Especially if you spend long shifts under the hood. However, clarity is particularly important for beginners who are learning to control the puddle.

Welding Helmet Clarity for Better Puddle Control
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIh8kJUdjiI&t

Therefore, whether you are a beginner or a professional welder, a clear view of the weld is a must. Key benefits of optical clarity in welding helmets include:

• Reduced eye strain and fatigue: A clear view of what's going on reduces eye strain and fatigue. Your eyes work less to focus the image, so they tire less, especially when working longer shifts under the hood.

• Improved precision and quality: Clear view and weld puddle control improve precision. Better precision, especially in delicate work such as TIG and micro-TIG applications, yields the highest quality results. In addition, optical clarity helps you detect defects early, improve quality, and reduce rework time.

• Enhanced welding safety: Clear image across the lens helps you see what's going on around you. It helps you identify potential hazards and reduce the risk of accidents before they happen. Seeing clearly in both light and dark states is crucial for keeping you and your colleagues safe.

• Increased productivity: Reduced eye fatigue helps you weld longer. Uninterrupted work yields higher productivity and greater efficiency, which is crucial in large-scale applications.

Thus, optical clarity is as important as safety. Always try to strike the right balance between these two, and you'll have a suitable helmet for your application.

Other Things to Consider When Choosing a Welding Helmet

Yes, optical clarity is important, but don't choose the helmet solely on it. Besides clarity, essential factors when choosing a welding helmet include:

• Safety standards: First and foremost, ensure the helmet meets ANSI Z87.1 in the United States and CAN/CSA Z94.3 in Canada.

• Dark shade: Choose the shade based on the amps of your process. For most hobby applications up to 250 amps, you won't need more than shade #12 or #13.

• Light shade: You need to see through the helmet even if you are not welding. Helmets often offer light shade #3 or #4 to provide enough protection when grinding or cutting, while still being able to move around the shop and see the work before starting an arc.

• Switching time: Auto-darkening helmets must switch fast to avoid eye damage. Most high-quality lenses have a switching speed of 1/10,000 to 1/25,000 seconds.

• Viewing area: Helmets with a small viewing area let you solely focus on the arc. However, a larger viewing area with side windows provides you with peripheral vision of your surroundings, keeping you safe in the workshop.

• Number of sensors: Auto-darkening helmets use sensors to detect arc light. The more sensors the helmet has, the better it can detect the arc, especially in out-of-position work and cramped spaces.

• Sensitivity: Auto-darkening helmets turn on once the sensors detect arc light. Sensitivity helps you adjust the helmet so it turns on only when the arc light is on, not when other light sources in the shop or garage are on.

• Delay: Adjusting the delay keeps the auto-darkening lens dark for a few seconds after the arc is turned off. Using delay reduces eye fatigue, but it can be annoying when making shorter, tack welds.

• Power options: Rechargeable batteries, solar-powered, and non-replaceable batteries can all make welding more convenient.

3 Welding Helmet Power Options

Our Pick - YesWelder M800HP

If you need a perfect balance of safety, optical clarity, and adjustability for any work, we recommend checking out the YesWelder M800H. This is an auto-darkening welding helmet with perfect 1/1/1/1 optical clarity and a true-color view, available at a reasonable price.

The helmet offers adjustable #9-13 dark shades and #4 light shade, which will cover most of your everyday MIG, TIG, or Stick welding. Response time is fast (1/30000 seconds), and you can adjust sensitivity or delay.

Most importantly, M800HP is safe, comfortable, and offers a super large viewing area. It features 4 sensors and a fully automatic darkening function, for reliable protection every time. With a perfect optical clarity rating, you don't need to sacrifice vision or protection.

Weld Clearly and Stay Protected with LYG-M800H
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fic0-zISZT8

Final Thoughts

Optical clarity is an essential factor to consider when buying a welding helmet. The ability to clearly see the puddle, without distortion, shades, or blur, is as important as welding safety.

Good vision is crucial for both beginners learning to weld and professionals. A clear sight yields precise, high-quality results, reduces eye fatigue, and increases productivity. Also, it helps beginners see and learn how to control the puddle.

Clear Vision for Better Welding
Source: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/EhAKlc5XFIU

🧐 Is 1/1/1/1 Really Better? True Color Welding Helmet Test FAQ

1. Does a 1/1/1/1 rating automatically mean true color?

No. Optical clarity and color reproduction describe different lens properties. A helmet can have a 1/1/1/1 rating while retaining a green tint, so check whether true-color technology is listed separately.

2. Does a 1/1/1/1 rating guarantee reliable low-amperage TIG performance?

No. The optical rating does not tell you the lowest arc current the sensors can detect. Check the manufacturer’s minimum TIG amperage rating, including any differences between AC and DC welding.

3. Do all 1/1/1/1 welding helmets have a shade #4 light state?

No. The optical rating does not determine the light-state shade. Some 1/1/1/1 helmets have a #3.5 light state, so compare this specification separately when checking visibility between welds.

4. Can I wear prescription glasses under my welding helmet?

Yes. Use prescription safety eyewear or suitable protective eyewear that fits over your glasses. Ordinary prescription glasses alone do not provide the required workplace eye protection.

5. How should I clean a true-color welding helmet lens?

Follow the helmet manual and use a soft, lint-free cloth with the recommended cleaning method. Avoid abrasive cleaners and strong solvents, and never immerse the electronic filter cartridge in water.

6. Can I upgrade an older helmet with a true-color filter?

Only use a replacement filter that the manufacturer specifies as compatible with your helmet. Matching the viewing-window size is insufficient; confirm compatibility with the filter holder and protective cover lenses before replacing the cartridge.