Classic welding helmets

Non-automatic welding hoods, also known as passive/classic welding hoods, are a type of personal protective equipment (PPE) used by welders. These helmets are designed to protect the welder's face, neck, and eyes from welding-related hazards such as intense light, heat, sparks, and harmful ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) radiation.

The most striking feature of non-automatic welding hoods is the fixed shade lens. This lens provides a constant level of darkening, usually around shade #10 to #14, making it suitable for a variety of welding processes. The lens blocks harmful UV and IR radiation, ensuring that the welder's eyes are always protected.

Some non-automatic welding hoods come with a flip-up lens feature that allows the welder to lift the dark lens for a clearer view when not actively welding. This can be especially useful for inspection and setup tasks.

The advantages of non-automatic welding hoods are simplicity, reliability and cost at the expense of uncomfortable welding. Without electronic components, conventional welding hoods are easy to use and less prone to technical malfunctions. They are highly reliable and durable, making them a staple in many welding environments.
In general, these helmets are more affordable compared to automatic models. 

A major disadvantage of conventional hoods is the potential for eye strain, because the lens shade is fixed, it may not be optimal for all welding conditions, which can lead to eye strain if the shade is too dark or too light for a particular task.