The 10 Best Face Shields
Special Honors
Gizda Hooded Face Shield Combining fashion with personal protective equipment is certainly apropos in 2020, and the Bulgarian company Gizda does this beautifully. A plastic face shield zips onto the front of a black cotton hood, which straps on like a backpack, making it a great winter option, as it can be worn under coats or sweaters. etsy.com
Editor's Notes
December 03, 2020:
If you’re looking for a face shield to guard against Covid-19 and other airborne illnesses, lightweight models that offer full-coverage are your best bet. The ArtToFrame PPE is a smart choice, as it comes with multiple, easy-to-clean screens that are wide enough to cover the sides of your face. Goofy animals and other kid-friendly designs are also available. Another option in this category is the Bio-Mask B-101, which comes with 10 plastic shields. An open forehead area lets in plenty of fresh air, though this feature may expose you to aerosol droplets. Alternatively, the Christmas By Krebs is a very economical choice, and it's available in bulk packs, making it ideal for large organizations. If you want even greater protection, take advantage of the included face masks.
If you’ll be wearing a guard for extended periods of time, like during front-line shift work, the OMK FaceShield S 2Pack may be the best choice on our list. It's user-friendly, has easy-to-clean shields, and weighs only 5 ounces, so you won’t feel burdened by the end of the day. As a bonus, it is also one of the most affordable options on our list.
If you want a face shield for industrial purposes, like woodworking and construction projects, look for one that’s ultra-durable and has additional protective features. The Sellstrom S30120 incorporates a full-sized helmet, which can be helpful when working around falling debris. Similarly, the Lincoln Electric OMNIShield also has an attached helmet, and features an impressively durable, scratch-resistant lens. Additionally, it has an anti-fog coating for maximum visibility, which is important to avoid injury when using blades and hammers. The most protective models on our list are the high-quality UVex Bionic, which features durable chin and forehead guards, and the TR 88011, which includes a set of earmuffs to safeguard against auditory damage. The latter also has a mesh screen that provides ventilation, essential for cooling off on hot days. Likewise, the Zenport FS825 has a breathable mesh barrier, though does not offer a full-coverage helmet.
For those of you who have multiple-usage needs, the 3M Ratchet is both safe enough for industrial environments, and convenient enough for coronavirus PPE. It is a helmet-less, lightweight face shield that is comfortable to wear to the store or while running errands. However, it doesn't have a thin, flimsy screen, instead sporting an ultra-durable plastic shield that can stand-up to flying sheetrock.
April 09, 2019:
We looked for options that would provide a high level of safety, but we'd like to remind wearers: face shields are usually worn in addition to, rather than instead of, safety spectacles for an even greater degree of protection. Also, most (if not all) ship with protective film covering both sides, so if your visor seems especially foggy, you probably need to remove this film. That said, we still believe that the UVex Bionic and Sellstrom Headgear are top choices. Both are clear and offer enough adjustability to make most wearers completely comfortable. Plus, the Bionic is totally dielectric, so you'll have no worries in electrical environments. For a more affordable alternative, we suggest the Sellstrom Advantage Series or the 3M Ratchet. We also selected an option for those involved in martial arts, the Pro Force Thunder, and one for light-duty protection against the weather, the SA Multipurpose, which is popular with fishers. And, unfortunately, the Salisbury Flash has become tough to find, so we removed it.