Unlike other pieces of safety equipment, such as steel-toed work shoes or hardhats, a welding mask needs to be as light as possible to provide comfort and protection to the wearer. Heavier headgear would eventually cause muscle fatigue. The facial visor containing all of the auto-darkening and light sensitivity controls should be the heaviest part of a welding mask. Do not let the relative thinness of the material be a dealbreaker.