TREND AIR/PRO Airshield & Faceshield Dust Protector - Battery Powered Air Circulating Face Mask for Woodworking, Sanding, Sawing & DIY Projects - Respiratory Protection Against Dust & Particles

I have used this for several months. I can confirm that it is heavy with the battery that sits awkwardly on top. However, it provides air movement and filtration, while providing a decent face shield. I use it for lathe work and sanding mostly. It is easily warn over glasses and a beard (I have both).Overall, I think the positives outweigh the negatives. It is costly, but about $800 cheaper than lighter comparable units. I don't know why they don't have a simple belt battery pack, that would make this a five star review. I'm working on a battery hack to make my own, but with the complaints, not sure why Trend hasn't. Still glad I bought it. Rather not inhale that dust (and it does filter wood dust) or get clobbered in the face if the lathe fights back.I chose the ear protection version of this product figuring that it would be a handy addition when using this item. Initially I liked the design of the ear pieces as they clip into the helmet to swing down when the helmet is on. As I have begun to use the helmet it delivers on all the promises and is comfortable to wear - BUT, every time I take the helmet off the ear pieces need to swing up so that the helmet can be removed. So the ear pieces have not failed to pop off the helmet when I try to swing them clear. This necessitates re-clipping them back into the helmet.I've thought that it might be good to glue them in place so that they won't pop-off. I have so far not done this as I'm fearful of discovering an application that would be better without the ear protection. Besides, it should work the way that it is designed - namely to clip in place and stay there. They just won't do that.I've examined the clips on the ear pieces and the slot/loop on the helmet. I cannot detect a flaw in the plastic or a deformation. They just don't hold as designed. The motion of pulling the ear piece away from your ear simply unclips it from the helmet.I'll probably glue them in soon.The helmet would have gotten a 5-star from if a) the ear pieces stayed in place (a major issue for me); and b) were a little more comfortable to wear (this is minor).The filters on this are rated at .06 microns, which is not adequate for the woodworking I do. The smaller particles are the ones that are hazardous to your health. The hood is well made, doesn't fog up, and it's quite comfortable, a bit heavy (the battery is mounted on top) and the hearing protection isn't quite up to a loud dust extractor or larger saw. Unfortunately, I need something with better filtration, so I had to return it. The 3M Versaflo hoods use a belt pack but there's a reason they're three times the price of these. I've sadly gone back to my respirator with a face shield, which is far from ideal, but it's safe.For me it worked well, and i have a beard and wear glasses. My only complaint is that the fan is a bit loud and the add-on ear defenders make it louder.Very pleased with this mask, I like the airflow over the shield to keep it from fogging up.I really like this Airshield, and it works great, but it is way overpriced for what it is. It’s like paying $450 for a toaster. Some good competition is in order.Excellent concept and takes awhile to get used to the top heavy feeling, but overall the unit is very comfortable and not that heavy.I am so happy I got this shield. It is the first time I can turn and breath clear and pure air. It is so comfortable that you forget about it. I had other shields, and I got an expensive 3COM with mask included, the problem is when I started to need glasses! This one is the ONLY one I found where I can wear my reading glasess, and put it on and off very completely effortless!!! I only regret not having it purchases long time ago!People complained about battery duration...I guess they got a faulty one, I am attaching a picture of ALL the vases I turned with the one and only charge I did so far, and the thing is still running!!! Of course I followed the instructions: let it charge first time for 24 hours, not less not more. And now I want to follow with the next charge of 14 hours but it still keeps running!!!Be aware of the flow meter, that is an accessory I was glad I read the manual and found out it was already in the trash...I was able to pull it out again.I know there is another one out there, but it costs 3 times as much. This one does the job, and I would say, no hose nothing hanging, makes it more comfortable. I also do not feel it is heavy at all. I think I will get another battery and charger, just not be caught in the middle of a turning job. Will also use it for routing and many other things where the dust collection does not properly catch all debris.First off, this item is well balanced when worn! I'm sure I could use this longer than 8 hours in the shop. The positive Air Pressure ensures my Lungs breath AIR, and not my wood dust / shavings. Since the battery is in the helmet, rather than via a waist belt, sure there will be a little extra weight placed on your neck. If you can't figure this out, buy a cheap face shield then. In my case, this item was purchased as an investment for my Lungs! I've been wanting this for more than 5 years now! Thanks to Amazon.ca, I am the very proud owner of this item. Remember... This is an INVESTMENT, not a purchase! If your lungs are worth it, you'll figure it out.Took me a minute to get used to putting it on over my prescription glasses, but well worth it. I'd bought a number of other dust masks which all fogged up my glasses...leaving me with a choice between being able to see or to save my lungs – this solves the problem. I found it a bit louder than I thought it'd be, but I didn't really know what to expect. Just a good reminder to wear my ear plugs while working with machines.I have used this in my workshop for a week now and the Airshield and Faceshield Dust Protector works as advertised. I really like this unit and I would have given 5 Stars if the Ear Protectors for the unit had not been discontinued by the manufacturer. I did not find this out until after I purchased the Airshield.Also there is no indication of the state of the battery when charging, as the red light on the charger stays on all the time the unit is plugged in, regardless of the charge state of the battery. The charging unit should have been a smart charger that would report the state of the battery when fully charged. Not knowing this could result in overcharging the battery and shorting its life or still worst damage the battery.Yes it is expensive. It's still cheaper than horrid lung ailments. It works well, doesn't interfere with your work AND it is well-balanced on the head. Highly recommendedEven though the unit is a little top heavy ( don't spend a lot of time looking at the floor) I find it works perfectly. Light enough so I don't notice I'm wearing it when I'm busy, and quiet enough too. Cool, clean air keeps the shield clear and the battery is lasting longer than I expected, given other comments I have seen. I've done a fair bit of work over four days and no need to recharge yet. I originally though of buying one of those 3M two part units but found them just too expensive. Glad I chose this one.