Welding helmets are an important part of the welder’s toolkit, as it allows the welder to see what type of welding he/she is doing without damaging their vision. It is, therefore, very important to shop for a helmet which gives the required performance and ruggedness along with maximum protection against the flashes and fumes of the welding process. Many companies make welding helmets to cater to various budgets, but today, we take a closer look at 3M’s SpeedGlas welding helmets range, which promises to give the best performance which is second to none. Our sole purpose with this guide is to introduce you to the Speedglas brand as well as show you the best Speedglas welding helmets on the market today.
In case one didn’t know, 3M is a US-based company specializing in industrial equipment, tools and implements, ranging from simple adhesives and tapes to complex electronic products. They’ve been in business since 1902 heavily invest in the research and development of their products so that it stands the test of time while retaining its build quality. Like their other products, their welding helmets also feature the end product of tons of research and feedback from their users, which shows in every new iteration of the product.
Below are the Speedglas Welding Helmets to be reviewed
| Product Name | Customer Reviews | Editor Note |
|---|---|---|
| 3M Speedglas Welding Helmet 9100 FX | Most popular | |
| 3M Speedglas Welding Helmet 9100 XX | Huge viewing area | |
| 3M Speedglas Welding Helmet 9100 V | Front lifts up without needing to take off Mask | |
| 3M Speedglas Welding Helmet 100 | Old school |
Speedglas Welding Helmet Reviews
3M Speedglas Welding Helmet 9100 FX
The 9100 FX SpeedGlas welding helmet by 3M is probably the best SpeedGlas helmet, featuring all the bells and whistles in a compact package. For starters, it features an auto-darkening filter which activates itself with 0.1 milliseconds of detecting flashes of welds. The viewing area has the dimensions of 2.1 inches in length with 4.2 inches in width, which gives a clear view on the welding work being done without causing any damage to the eyes.
It also features user-selectable dark ranges from 5,8 to 13. The welding helmet also consists of filters to protect against the harmful IR and UV rays emanating from the welds. The flip-up design of the helmet allows to lift up the shield for other tasks to get a clearer view without lifting off the whole helmet. The helmet offers selection modes to make it ready for different kinds of welding like arc welding, MIG welding as well as TIG welding.
The helmets have ventilation holes to allow for easier breathing as well as to keep the head cooler and free of sweat. It also features straps which support the neck and allow the welder to weld with ease. The battery in the helmets have a life of around 2500 hours and are easily replaceable.
Video credits to 3M Worker Health and Safety. It discusses the #M Speedglas Welding Helmet 9100FX
3M Speedglas Welding Helmet 9100 XX
The 3M SpeedGlas Welding Helmet 9100 XX features a large viewing area, with a length of 2.8 inches and a width of 4.8 inches. It also features auto-dimming technology and like other 3M welding helmets, dim within 0.1 milliseconds of detecting an arc weld flash. It also features a dark range from 5 and 8 to 13 which can be configured by the user of the helmet.
The helmet features the similar flip-up design to allow for lifting up the front part of the helmet without lifting the whole helmet off the head. It also has vents, to allow for passage of air for ventilation as well as for temperature control.
The battery of the SpeedGlas Welding Helmet can run up to 2000 hours with ease and are user replaceable to reduce stress and costs.
Video credits to 6SpeedFab. It’s a review of the 3M Speedglas 9100XX.
3M Speedglas Welding Helmet 9100 V
The SpeedGlas Welding Helmet 9100 V by 3M features viewing area spanning from 1.8 inches in length to 3.7 inches of width. It also has an auto-dimming filter like other 3M SpeedGlas welding helmets, which allows the display to be tinted within 0.1 milliseconds, protecting the eyes of the user in an instant. The helmet features a dark range from 8 to 13 which can be set according to the user’s preferences.
The front part of the helmet can lift up when not in use, allowing the welder to see other things easily without lifting off his helmet. It also has vents to allow for the warm air to get out of it and for cool air to enter allowing for better temperatures inside the helmet for the welder.
The helmet has a battery life of around 2800 hours and can be replaced without hassles by the user himself/herself.
3M Speedglas Welding Helmet 100
The 3M SpeedGlas Welding Helmet 100 is a helmet with a classic design. It features an auto-dimming filter, which automatically dims the display when any arc weld flash is detected. It also features a dark range from 8 to 12, which is configurable by the user.
The helmet has viewing dimensions of 1.73 inches length and 3.66 inches of width. The vents provide for ventilation and for keeping cool. The helmet also has a flip-style function to see nearby things easily without lifting off the complete helmet.
The battery of the 3M SpeedGlas Welding Helmet is rated for around 1500 hours and is user replaceable.
Video credits to iEngineer. It talks about the 3M Speedglas 100.