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If you weld, or are anywhere near someone welding, you need real eye protection.
I once glanced at someone welding briefly and had a headache the rest of the day. I picked up these Tarvol flip-up welding goggles for about $6.99 around the solar eclipse, when eclipse glasses were hard to find. Here is a close look at how they are built and how dark the lenses are.
- Very dark lenses: I could not see my hand through them
- Flip-up design with a simple pivot that holds the lenses up or down
- Comfortable, flexible frame with vents and a nose bridge
- Cheap
- Mostly plastic construction, including the hinges and riveted parts
- Non-adjustable strap
- No shade number shown in the video
▶ Watch the full review on YouTube
Why eye protection matters
Do not just shield your eyes with your hand or rely on your eyelids. Welding light can damage your eyes, and even a brief look gave me a headache.
Frame and fit
The frame is a bright neon green and pretty flexible. It holds its shape, but it is not hard plastic or soft rubber. There are vents on the sides and bottom for humidity, a nose bridge to stop light leaking in, and an elastic strap that is not adjustable.
Lenses and flip-up mechanism
On the front are two circular dark welding lenses. Behind them are thin clear plastic lenses I can flex with a tap, which could still stop debris if you are grinding.
The dark lenses stay up or down thanks to a simple triangular pivot. Everything, including the hinges and rivets, is plastic, so it is not the highest quality in the world, but it is clever.
How dark are they?
Looking through them, I could not see my hand waving in front of the lens. Pointed straight at a ceiling light, I could just see the light.
That is what you want: with welding goggles or a helmet, you should not be able to see anything until the arc lights up.
A note on the eclipse
I bought these when eclipse glasses were sold out. I do not know their shade rating, so if you plan to look at the sun, use proper solar viewers rated for it rather than relying on these.
FAQ
How dark are these welding goggles?
Very dark. I could not see my hand through them, and could only just see a bright ceiling light.
Do the lenses flip up?
Yes. A simple triangular pivot holds the dark lenses up or down.
Is the strap adjustable?
No. It is an elastic strap.
Can I use them for a solar eclipse?
I bought them around an eclipse, but I do not know their shade rating. Use certified solar eclipse viewers for looking at the sun.
Is this an affiliate link?
Yes. The buttons are #ad affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. It costs you nothing extra.
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