Best Pipe Welding Helmet & Pancake Hood Reviews 2022

To find the best pipe welding helmet and pancake hood we researched several models in the market. We assessed these welding helmets and pancake hoods after considering problems that a pipeline welder has to face during his job.

A pipeline welder has to move in awkward positions around the pipeline during his job. So, the proper balancing of a lightweight helmet on your head is very important. Secondly, the welder needs full protection from welding spatters during the bottom side welding of the pipeline. So, the welding shield must cover your face, hair, throat, and ears properly.

best pipe welding helmet

For outdoor pipeline welding, the welder needs glare-free vision when the sun position is directly behind the welder. For this situation, the pancake welding hood offers the best solution. With the help of a Balsa box, a pancake hood can seal out all the surrounding light that causes glare in the shading lens. If you want to choose the auto darkening pipeliner welding hood then choose one with 4 arc sensors. Auto darkening helmet with 2 arc sensors does not work well as pipeline welding. Moreover, choose an auto darkening pipeliner welding helmet thatt comes with interference suppression technology. This technology reduces the false shade triggering phenomenon due to sunlight.

 

Best Passive

fibre-metal pipeliner 110WH

Fibre-Metal 110WH

Best Pancake

Sarge’s Pancake

Contents

Best pipe welding helmets and pancake hoods

Below listed helmets and pancake hoods are provided with their genuine information. Furthermore, I described each item with its pros and cons. If you choose anyone of them according to your working conditions then it will be a good decision.

Pipe HelmetWeightView AreaRatingPrice
Fibre-Metal Pipeliner
(110WH)
1 lb.2" x 4.25"
(flip-able)
4.7/5
Sarge's Pancake Black
Welding Hood
0.78 lbs.2" x 4.25"4.7/5
HZXVOGEN  True Color
Auto Darkening
1.7 lbs.3.64"X1.67"4.4/5
Original Pancake
Welding Hood
0.75 lbs.2" x 4.25"4.6/5
Fibre-Metal by
Honeywell 906BK
1 lb.2" x 4.25"
(flip-able)
4.3 / 5
Sellstrom Passive Nylon
Hood S29411-08E
1.2 lbs.4.25” x 2”
(flip-able)
4.3/5
DEWALT DXMF 21011
Auto-Darkening
1.5 lbs.3.86" x 2.44"2.4/5
National Safety Apparel
Flame Resistant Hood
0.1 lb.n/a4.0/5

1. Fibre-Metal Pipeliner Fiberglass Welding Helmet (110WH)

Specifications/Features

  • Product Dimensions:14″ x 10″ x 9″
  • Weight: 1 pound
  • View Area = 2″ x 4.25″ (flip-able)
  • Headgear: Ratchet type
  • Thermoplastic material (can resist heat & abrasion)
  • Smooth surface
  • Curve corner design can deflect sparks
  • Roomy interior design can adopt respirator
  • Lens shade DIN 10 with 100% UV/IR protection
  • Customer rating: 4.1 / 5
  • Black color
  • Warranty 1 year

OverviewFibre-Metal Pipeliner Fiberglass Welding Helmet (110WH)

This best pipe welding helmet is designed by Honeywell. It has everything a pipe welder needs in a helmet. Moreover, its curve corner design allows you to do welding in a confined space. Curve corners with an ultra-smooth surface can deflect welding spatters during the bottom-side welding of pipelines.

It comes with ratchet headgear, which allows frequent adjustment of headband with stability and comfort. This lightweight helmet with comfortable headgear help to minimize your neck strain.

This helmet has a non-flip-able shade front. But overhead with a free-floating arm helps in balancing of the helmet. This hood is also adaptable by other safety hats after little modification.

Fiber-glass plus material is lightweight and has a smooth surface that can resist impact. This material also remains free from cracks, chips, and splits.

Caution

Honeywell passive helmets don’t have extended shape front. So, you need flame-resistant safety apparel to protect your throat and head from the welding spark.

Pros
  • Best pipeline welding helmet
  • Compact design allows accessing small space
  • Lightweight & tough material
  • Smooth surface to deflect spark coming from welding
  • Shade DIN 10 lens, filter out 100% UV/IR radiations
  • Ratcheting headgear allows frequent re-adjustment
  • Overhead with Free-floating arms
Cons
  • Relative small view area
  • Need safety apparel for throat & head protection from welding sparks

 

2. Sarge’s Pancake Black Welding Hood

Specifications/Features

  • Weight: 0.78 pounds
  • Lens holder dimensions: 2″ x 4.25″
  • Front Face shield diameter: 10.5″
  • Side shield dimension: 5.8″ x 8″
  • Available model: Right hand & Left hand
  • Elastic headband of 1.5” width
  • Shield material: phenolic Formica
  • Balsa material: wood
  • Color: black

Overview

sarge best pancake welding hoodThis best pancake welding hood can stand up to the heavy workload. Moreover, it is also lightweight and comfortable for extended wear.

A front face shield of 10.5” diameter covers and protects your entire face front.

While, the right side shield, protects the side of your face when you bend down for pipeline welding. This pancake shield offers a high level of protection by cover 2 sides of your face.

There are left and right-hand models for this pancake hood available in the market. So, get the right match according to your need. The right-hand model covers your left side of your face.

The flat covering sheet of this pancake hood is made of phenolic Formica. Formica contains a metal sheet of the right thickness to reduce weight. This lightweight protective cover can withstand heat, acid, alkali, and alcohol.

Other than protection, the balsa box is the most unique thing in pancake hood. It’s Balsa wood eyepiece is lightweight and comfortably sits on your face. It can seal out all the sunlight that causes glare in the shading lens. If you have any issues you can smooth and reshape the edges of Balsa wood with sandpaper.

Its View area 2” X 4.25” is of standard size. You can easily buy a new lens of this size from any shop. You can also fit an electronic shade lens in this hood. This hood can also accommodate the magnifying lens.

Last but not least, its 1.5” elastic headband maintains a perfect fit for every shape of the head.

Pros
  • Lightweight
  • Comfortable fit
  • Standard size view area
  • Ensure fog-free vision
  • Can accommodate cheater lens
  • Easily replaceable shade lens
  • Excellent protection level
  • Elastic headband fit everyone
  • Can stand against offensive use
  • Best for outdoor welding
  • Glare-free vision
Cons
  • Easily get screeches
  • Metal shield bend easily

 

3. HZXVOGEN  True Color Auto Darkening welding Helmet

Specification/Features

  • Dimensions :11.8″ x 10″ x 7.8″
  • Weight:1.7 pound
  • Front View Area : 3.64″X1.67″
  • 2 independent arc sensors
  • sensitivity speed (light to dark) : 0.00003 sec
  • dark to light speed: 0.1 – 1 sec
  • adjustable sensitivity & delay control
  • Optical clarity: 1/1/1/2
  • Replaceable Lithium Metal batteries + solar assist
  • Made of PA/PP thermoplastic material (has properties like high temperature and corrosion-resistant, flame retardant and durable)
  • Slag and splash-proof exterior protection lens made of polycarbonate
  • Shade range DIN 4/9-13
  • External switch for grinding mode
  • Adjustable shade control from 9-13
  • UV/IR protection according to DIN 16
  • Silver color
  • Life expectancy 10 year

OverviewHZXVOGEN  True Color Auto Darkening welding Helmet

This auto darkening pipeliner welding hood specially designs for overhead welding. It comes with extended throat protection. Furthermore, its aerodynamic shape made for spatters deflection when you do welding bottom-side of the pipeline. Its curve corner also helps you to do work in confined space. Helmet shell material has high-temperature resistance and flame retardant property. So, the shell can stand against spatters for a long time. Moreover, it’s lightweight and adjustable headgear provides comfort and a better fit. So, you can move easily around the pipeline.

The only drawback in this hood is that it has 2 arc sensors. If your work field has not excessive abstractions then this auto darkening pipeliner welding helmet is suitable for you.

High-quality liquid crystal coated shield protects welder from being injured by UV/IR radiation. This hood comes with the lens of true color technology, which can improve visibility and reduces eye strain by minimizing the traditional lime green coloring. Thus, this helmet has all the features that a pipeline welder required in the field.

Pros
  • Lightweight & comfortable
  • best pipeliner welding hood
  • Coated shield offer protection from UV/IR radiation
  • Extended throat protection
  • Separate switch for grinding mode
  • Adjustable shade control
  • Adjustable sensitivity and delay setting
  • Affordable price
  • A lens with True color technology
  • Adjustable headgear with a sweatband
Cons
  • 2 arc sensor cannot work properly in excessive abstraction

 

4. Original Pancake Welding Hood

Specifications/Features

  • Weight: 0.75 pounds
  • Lens holder dimensions: 2″ x 4.25″
  • shield dimension: 25″ x 8.25″ x 11.75″
  • Available model: Right hand
  • Adjustable Elastic headband
  • Shield material: Phenolic
  • Balsa material: pine wood
  • Color: Yellow

Overview

Original Pancake Welding HoodOriginal pancake brand manufacture top quality pancake welding hoods that have been used extensively in the pipeline welding industry. This best pancake welding hood has spread throughout the world among hobbyists and professional welders.

Its flat shield is made of very lightweight phenolic material. Phenolic material has excellent impact-resistant properties. If you have to lie on the ground for a welding job then the left side shield guards your ear and face against welding spatters. So, this shield provides more face coverage than a helmet. Moreover, its lightweight makes it very comfortable for long working hours.

Its Balsa eyepiece is made of pine wood that can accommodate a standard size lens of 2” X 4.25” dimension. Furthermore lens 1-inch depth of lens box can accommodate an electronic shade lens.

Its Balsa box has a customized fit on your face. You will also get a sandpaper piece with it to smooth and reshape the balsa wood for comfort level.

For outdoor pipeline welding, its balsa box offers glare-free vision by sealing out all the light when the sun position is directly behind the welder.

Last but not least, the elastic strap holds the hood position perfectly on your head during all awkward positions. The elastic strap is also adjustable for different shapes of heads.

This best pancake welding hood is designed in the United States of America.

Pros
  • Lightweight & comfortable
  • Ensure fog-free vision
  • Joint-free durable shield
  • Adjustable elastic headband
  • Z-87.1 ANSI & OSHA certified protection
  • Easy accommodation of shade lens
  • Cheater lens adoptable
  • You can use eyesight glasses
  • Best pipeliner welding hood
  • Ear guard design
  • Suitable for long working hours
Cons
  • A little expensive
  • Shade lens has to purchase separately

 

5. Fibre-Metal by Honeywell 906BK

Specifications/Features

  • Product Dimensions: 14″ x 10″ x 9″
  • Weight: 1 pound
  • View Area: 2″ x 4.25″ (flip-able)
  • Headgear: Ratchet type
  • Thermoplastic material (can resist heat & abrasion)
  • Smooth surface
  • Curve corner design can deflect sparks
  • Roomy interior design can adopt respirator
  • Lens shade DIN 10 with 100% UV/IR protection
  • Customer rating:4.1 / 5
  • Black color
  • Warranty 1 year

Overview
best pipeline welding helmet

It is the best passive welding helmet for overhead welding. Most of the professional welders choose Honeywell brand for pipeline welding. This helmet material can stand against high temperatures. Moreover, its ultra-smooth surface and curve corner design can deflect welding spatters during the bottom-side welding of pipelines. Furthermore, this thermoplastic shell is very durable. It can resist chipping, peeling, and fading of the surface with passage of time.

Its roomy interior design promotes air circulation. it can also adopt a respirator. Ratchet headgear with free-floating arm helps in balancing of the helmet when welder needs to move around the pipeline. Moreover, its headgear comes with sweatband to absorb moisture.

You should use the Honeywell helmet with flame-resistant safety apparel for overhead welding. Because these hoods do not have extended shape design for throat and head protection from welding sparks

A shade DIN 10 lens holds in a flip-up lid. So, you don’t need frequent, ups & down nodding of the shell to inspect the welding. Moreover, there is a clear protective lens in place when shade lid flip-up. Clear protective lens allows you to do grinding with standard vision. it meets all safety standards of ANSI Z87.1 and CSA Z94.3. Overall it is the best pipeline welding helmet.

Pros
  • Best for overhead welding with safety apparel.
  • Roomy interior design.
  • Heat resistant material.
  • Ratchet type headgear.
  • Can be used with a respirator.
  • Flip-able shade lid.
  • Sweatband to absorb moisture.
Cons
  • Relative smaller view area.
  • Don’t have extended shape for throat and head protection.

 

6. Sellstrom Passive Nylon Hood S29411-08E

Specifications/Features

  • Product Dimensions :5″ x 10″ x 6″
  • Weight:1.20 pound
  • View Area:4.25” x 2” (flip-able)
  • Headgear: Ratchet type
  • Nylon material
  • Neck & head extension with leather bib
  • Lens shade DIN 10 for welding with 100% UV/IR protection
  • Customer rating 4.3/5
  • Gray in color
  • Warranty 1 year

Sellstrom Passive Nylon Hood S29411-08E

Overview

This is the best pipeline welding helmet with Leather bib to protects neck and head from welding spatters during pipeline welding. Furthermore, this is also the best rated welding helmet for hot and confined workspace.

Its super cool silver coating keeps the helmet temperature 30% less than a standard helmet. Moreover, head and chin cover with leather bib allows more air circulation to improve ventilation. Furthermore, the headgear with sweatband also adds comfort to the welder in hot working environment.

Its unique dimensions with Leather bib also allow the worker to access small space. This helmet is also the best option for people who have a long neck. Moreover high impact nylon material has excellent heat & abrasion resistance

You can also fit the auto-darkening filter of the same size in the lid. Moreover, It’s comfortable fit due to ratchet headgear helps welder to move easily around the pipeline. It meets all safety and technical standards of ANSI Z87.1.

Pros
  • Lightweight
  • 30% less heat-up
  • best pipe welding helmet with Leather bib
  • Allow sweat to evaporate
  • Allow access to confined space
  • Sweatband
  • Ratchet headgear
  • Flip-able shade lid
  • Patented Sel-Snap lens retention system
Cons
  • Complain about auto-darkening shade filter fitting

 

7. DEWALT DXMF 21011 Auto-Darkening

Specification/Features

  • Dimensions: 13″ x 9.8″ x 7.5″
  • Weight: 1.5 pound
  • Front View Area: 3.86″ x 2.44″
  • Two side view area with permanent shade DIN 5
  • 4 independent arc sensors
  • Sensitivity speed (light to dark): 0.00006 sec
  • Dark to light speed: 0.1 – 1 sec
  • adjustable sensitivity & delay setting
  • Optical clarity: 1/1/1/2
  • 1 replaceable Lithium Metal batteries + solar assist
  • Made of Strong elastic nylon material which can stand up-to 150’C
  • Glass made exterior lens and poly-carbonate made interior lens
  • Shade range DIN 4/5-8/9-13
  • Three darkening modes for grinding, cutting & welding
  • Adjustable shade control
  • UV/IR protection according to DIN 16
  • Yellow & black in color
  • Lifetime warranty

OverviewBest Pipe Welding Helmet

This helmet design suite perfectly to a pipeline welder. Its extended shape design protects welder throat and head from welding spatters. Moreover, its curve shape exterior lens helps in the deflection of welding spatters during the bottom-side welding of pipelines. Its comfortable fit help welder to move easily around the pipeline. This hood is made of nylon material that can stand against the high-temperature working condition.

It comes with 4 independent arc sensors with high sensitivity. Sensitivity and delay setting is also adjustable. This feature helps welder to do work efficiently in the excessive abstraction work field.

Three different mode settings make this welding mask usable in multiple roles like grinding, cutting, and welding. DIN 4 shade for grinding mode, DIN 5-8 for cutting mode, and DIN 9-13 for all types of welding.

This auto darkening pipeliner welding hood comes with a multi-point adjustable rig and sweatband. Sweatband helps welder to remain focus on work without wasting time to wipe sweat from eyes. it meets all safety and technical standards of ANSI Z87.1, CAN/CSA Z94.3. Furthermore, this best pipeline welding helmet comes with a lifetime warranty, which ensures its durability and effectiveness.

Pros
  • Lightweight and comfortable
  • Multi-mode settings
  • Adjustable sensitivity and delay setting
  • Extended shape front
  • 4 independent arc sensor
  • Wide view area with 2 side view
  • Curve corner help to access confined space
  • Work efficiently in a hot work environment
  • Lifetime warranty
Cons
  • Relatively expensive

 

8. National Safety Apparel Flame Resistant (FR) Ultra-Soft Knit Hood.

Specification/Features

  • Product Dimension:11″ x 8″ x 0.5″
  • Fabric type 88% cotton 12% nylon
  • Weight:0.1 pound
  • Elasticity allows one size to fit all
  • Flame and abrasion resistance ultra-soft material
  • Moisture absorbable material
  • Navy color
National Safety Apparel Flame Resistant (FR) Ultra-Soft Knit Hood.

Overview

Some professional welder chose a passive helmet as best pipeline welding helmet. But many of the good quality passive helmets does not have extended throat and head protection. So, if you use this safety apparel with these helmets then it offers excellent throat and head protection from spatters, fumes, slag, and cuts.

This safety apparel designs with comfort and flexibility in mind. It covers the head and neck with a fire-resistance layer. Moreover, this moisture absorb-able fabric keeps you dry and warm. Its material will not melt and ignite. This apparel is made of a material that has a lifetime flame resistance guarantee.

It meets all technical and safety standards. It Compliant to NFPA 70E for Arc Flash, UL Certified to NFPA 2112, Compliant to ASTM F1506 for Arc Flash, Compliant to CSA Z462 for Arc Flash (Canada) and Complies with OSHA 1910.269

Pros
  • Affordable
  • One size fit to all
  • Comfortable fit
  • Lightweight
  • Offer good breathability
Cons
  • It does not keep you warm in the extreme cold weather environment
  • It can become hot in sunlight due to its dark color

 

Conclusion

In this article, I have discussed the reasons, why to choose these 8 helmets & pancake hood for pipe welding. Pipeline welding is one of the hardest jobs in the welding field. So, choosing the right hood is a difficult task. Therefore, I selected these 8 best pipeline welding helmets after taking reviews of professional pipeline welder. So, I am sure one of these helmets will suit your taste, budget, and working condition.

If I share my experience, my top pick is DEWALT DXMF21011 Auto-Darkening pipeliner welding hood. And I hope after reading this article, you have found your best pipe welding helmet.

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