If you’ve been following ProWeldingHelmets.com for a while, you’ve probably heard me say at least a hundred times that the ESAB Sentinel A60 auto-darkening welding helmet is a HUGE upgrade over the older A50 model.
It’s packed with more features and comes with some seriously cool technology. But here’s the thing—I haven’t really talked much about how it actually feels to use.
So, does that mean the A60 model is harder to use? Is it something a new welder can jump into without pulling their hair out?
Now, if I just told you it’s super easy to use, let me show you instead. How about I walk you through exactly how to use the ESAB Sentinel A60 auto-darkening welding helmet, step by step?
Let’s dive in!

Unboxing ESAB Sentinel A60
When I unbox any welding hood, I’m always super careful. The auto-darkening filter (ADF) is delicate, and I don’t want to risk damaging it, so I make sure to unbox it on a flat, cool, and smooth surface—usually a wide table.
With the Sentinel A60 helmet, you have to be especially cautious. It features a 40% larger viewing area with a unique curved design (why it matters), which, while offering excellent visibility, also makes it more vulnerable to scratches. These scratches can interfere with both the performance and the longevity of the welding helmet. If you notice any damage, don’t hesitate—contact your supplier or the manufacturer immediately and get it replaced.
Using a damaged helmet isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about safety. A compromised lens or filter could affect your vision and protection during welding, putting you at risk. It’s always better to be safe and take the necessary steps to ensure your gear is in top condition and replace the lens if required.

Positioning The Headgear
Before I even strike an arc, I make sure my ESAB Sentinel A60 fits just right. A poorly fitted hood is more than just uncomfortable—it can shift at the worst moments, mess with visibility, and even throw off my welds. Over the years, I’ve learned that taking a minute to fine-tune the fit makes a world of difference, especially on long jobs.
The A60’s HALO headgear is one of the most adjustable headgear I’ve used, and dialing it in is pretty straightforward. Here’s what I do:
- If it feels too loose or tight: I adjust the knob at the back of the headband to get the perfect fit. One thing I love about this headgear is that I don’t have to take it off to tweak it—I can make adjustments on the fly, even with gloves on.
- If it’s sitting too high or too low: A hood that rides too high makes me feel like it’s floating, and if it’s too low, it messes with my line of sight. I use the strap over the top of my head to balance it out. A well-positioned welding mask means less strain on my neck, which I appreciate after hours under the welding helmet.
- If it’s too close or too far from my face: This one’s critical. If the hood is too close, it feels restrictive, and if it’s too far, I lose that immersive, full-field view of my weld. The side sliders let me move it forward or backward until it feels just right. Press, slide, release—done.
And here’s something I always check before getting to work: I make sure the viewing lens is level with both of my eyes. If it’s even slightly off, I’ll notice uneven shading in the auto-darkening filter, which can be distracting and strain my eyes.
I’ve learned that when my helmet fits right, I don’t have to think about it—it just does its job, letting me focus on mine. Get your A60 dialed in, and you’ll see the difference too.
Adjusting The Viewing Angle
You can adjust the tilt angle or view angle using the headgear tension knob on the right side of the auto-darkening welding helmet. The lever moves backward and forward when you loosen the knob and stays fixed once you tighten it.
While adjusting your headgear, you might notice that once you set the height and tightness of the helmet, the front and rear headbands AUTOMATICALLY conform to the shape of your head. To ensure a proper fit, try lifting the mask off your head. You may also want to tilt or shake your head to check that it stays secure.

Using The ESAB Sentinel A60 Welding Helmet
The ESAB Sentinel A60 hood is perfect for all types of welding, whether it’s plasma and oxyfuel cutting, MIG/MAG welding, plasma arc welding, or stick welding. But in my experience, it feels especially comfortable when I use it for TIG welding.
Step 1: Assembling and Turning On the Helmet
- Start by making sure the battery is properly installed—its positive side should face upward in the slot. (more details here)
- To turn on the LED display, simply press any button on the digital ADF control panel or use the external GRIND mode button on the hood. The display will automatically turn off after 10 seconds if no button is pressed.
Read More: How To Assemble Any Welding Helmet?
Depending on the welding task at hand, you’ll need to adjust the lens shade, delay, and sensitivity settings through the digital control panel.
Step 2: Adjusting Variable Shade Control
- To switch between shades, press the SHADE button to toggle between 5-9, 9-13, or GRIND mode.
- Once you’ve picked the shade that works best for you, press the SET button to lock it in. If you want to fine-tune it, use the UP and DOWN arrows to get the perfect shade for your needs.

Step 3: Using ADF Shade Lock
The ADF shade lock is a new feature in the Sentinel A60 welding helmet, and it’s a game-changer. With this feature, you can lock any shade level so the filter won’t automatically revert to a lighter state.
- To enable the “Lock Shade” mode, press and hold the LOCK button for 2 seconds.
- Choose the DIN number from 5 to 13 using the UP and DOWN arrows.
- To turn off the shade lock, press the LOCK button again for 2 seconds, and the ADF will return to normal operation.
Step 4: Setting Proper Lens Sensitivity
You can adjust the sensitivity of the A60 auto-darkening helmet in WELD mode, but only after selecting your desired ADF shade level.
- To do this, press the SET button until the SENSI symbol starts flashing on the screen.
- Then, use the UP or DOWN arrows to increase or decrease the sensitivity, depending on your welding environment. The hood offers 5 sensitivity levels, which are clearly displayed on the control panel.
I usually recommend setting the sensitivity low if you’re working in bright environments or with high-amperage FCAW and SMAW. You could also try what I do—set it to maximum sensitivity initially and gradually decrease it until the ADF responds only to the welding arc and not to ambient light. I’ve found this to be safer for the eyes.
Step 5: Controlling Delay Time
The delay settings are only active in WELD mode after you’ve selected your desired ADF shade.
- Press the SET button until the DELAY symbol flashes on the screen.
- Now, adjust the delay time using the UP or DOWN arrows to a range between 0.1 and 0.9 seconds. This is the time it takes for the auto-darkening welding helmet to transition from the dark shade back to its light state.
Here also, I would suggest using a SHORTER delay for stick welding operations, while a LONGER delay time works best for high amperage welding that is typically accompanied by an intense afterglow of the arc.
Step 6: The Memory Settings
The ESAB Sentinel A60 can store up to 9 memory settings, each tailored to different welding profiles. This lets you quickly switch between presets depending on your welding conditions.
- To set a memory, press the MEMORY button on the control panel, then use the UP or DOWN arrows to select memory slot 1.
- Set your preferred ADF shade, sensitivity, and delay by following the previous steps. After 10 seconds, these settings will automatically be saved in memory position 1. You can repeat this process for memory slots 2 to 9.
- To select a memory setting, just short-press the MEMORY button and use the arrows to choose your desired profile.
Step 7: Using GRIND Mode
You can activate or deactivate the grind mode using the external GRIND button located on the top-right of the helmet. Alternatively, you can press the GRIND button on the ADF control panel. When grind mode is activated, the ADF shade is locked at 3, and you won’t be able to change it unless you switch back to WELD mode.
More Details: How To Adjust A Welding Helmet?
Cleaning ESAB A60 Welding Helmet
The A60 auto-darkening helmet, much like the ESAB Sentinel A50, is super easy to maintain—and I love that about it! Keeping it clean is simple; just use a soft, dry cloth and don’t forget to dust off the ADF cartridges regularly.
If dust and grime build up, it can cause the hood to malfunction, so I recommend following a regular cleaning schedule. My workshop manager, Oliver, has set up a “helmet cleaning routine” (as a part of daily upkeeping) that we all stick to here in the workshop.
One thing to keep in mind: never use any cleaning solutions. These can corrode the material and damage the important parts, so it’s best to avoid them.
Pro Tips To Use Sentinel A60 Welding Hood
Before you assemble your A60 welding helmet, always take a moment to check the user manual. It contains some really valuable information.
When storing your hood, keep it in a cool, dry, and dark place. And if you don’t plan to use it for a while, make sure to remove the batteries.
To protect the curved outer lens of ESAB’s Sentinel A60, never place your helmet face down when it’s not in use. A little care goes a long way in preventing damage.
Only use the genuine replacement parts mentioned in the manual—using anything else could void your warranty and lead to denied support from the manufacturer.
Lastly, avoid using liquids to clean the ADF, and never dip it in water. A dry cloth is your best friend here!
Now that I’ve walked you through the steps for using your brand-new ESAB Sentinel A60 auto-darkening hood, I think you’ll agree—it’s surprisingly easy to use, even with all those great features!
I’m confident you’ll be able to figure it out on your own just by following the steps I’ve shared. Once you do, you’ll really enjoy using this welding helmet and get the most out of your welding experience.
Happy welding, and cheers!
Key Takeaways
Handle the ESAB Sentinel A60 with care to protect its large, curved lens from scratches that could affect both performance and safety. Always check for damage before use.
The A60’s HALO headgear offers easy adjustments for a comfortable fit, ensuring better visibility and reducing neck strain. Fine-tune it to suit your needs, even while wearing gloves.
With features like tilt angle adjustments, sensitivity settings, and memory presets, the helmet is versatile for various welding tasks. Use the ADF Shade Lock for consistent performance and adjust delay times to suit your welding conditions.
Clean your helmet regularly with a dry cloth and avoid cleaning solutions. Protect the lens by storing the helmet properly when not in use and following manufacturer recommendations.
Always refer to the user manual for important information, and remember to use only genuine replacement parts to maintain your warranty.