Also known as pancake welding helmets, these helmets have a flat face so you can get close to your welds. They’re often used when welding pipes, but are also useful where a standard welding helmet would be too bulky. These helmets extend further on one side than a standard welding helmet does for increased face protection from UV light, sparks, and spatter. A balsa wood box mounted inside the helmet fits around your face and eyes to block all light, even when working outdoors. Sand the box for a customizable fit. Designed for all-day comfort, they’re made of lightweight carbon fiber and have an open back for plenty of airflow.

These helmets have a large viewing area for a clear view of your workspace. The instant you start to weld, the lens darkens. Solar cells recharge the helmet’s battery while you work.

Choose a helmet based on which hand you use to hold your torch—they’re designed to protect the side opposite your welding hand, where sparks are most likely to fly. This means that left-hand helmets extend further on the right while right-hand helmets extend further on the left.

Optical clarity measures how clearly a welder can see through the lens based on four categories: visual accuracy, light diffusion, consistency, and distortion. Each category is given a rating on a scale of 1 to 3. The lower the number, the better the clarity. Better optical clarity allows for precise welds, reduces eye strain, and improves focus.

Warning: These helmets are made of carbon fiber, a conductive material. Never let them touch the welding rod holder and the material your ground cable is on at the same time. This could result in electrical shocks, burns, or eye injuries.