3M Speedglas 9100XX Welding Helmet Review

The 3M Speedglas 9100 series is the latest addition to the 3M suite of welding helmets, and is perfect for professional welders who require comfort, top-notch protection and a high quality auto-darkening filter with quick light/dark and dark/light transitions.

The 9100XX welding lens is the largest lens in the Speedglas repertoire, coming in at 2.8×4.2in (72x107mm) and along with the optical quality of the lens that – quite honestly, sometimes makes it feel like you’re not wearing a helmet at all – this top-of-the-range helmet pays back its price many times over due to its comfort and efficiency.

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Auto-Darkening filters offer quick transitions with 3 arc sensors

The 3 arc sensors offer amazing detection for when an arc is struck, immediately starting the light-to-dark transition of the 3M Speedglas helmet, completing within 0.1ms, and allowing an optimal view of the weld puddle at all times. Once the arc is struck the 9100XX returns to light shade 3 within around 40-250ms, ensuring your downtime is minimized and allowing you to inspect the weld puddle immediately.

Greatly reduced chance of overheating and helmet fogginess

Using the 3-channel exhaust vents in the Speedglas mask, breath gets directed outside, reducing the buildup of heat, humidity and fogginess in the helmet and on the lens. The middle channel runs up the center of the helmet and keeps the welding lens fog-free, while the 2 side channels provide fresh air to your nose and mouth, and help expel the air you breath.

Safety above all else

The Speedglass 9100 series offers unparalleled face and eye protection from UV (Ultraviolet) and IR (Infrared) radiation, as well as sparks, spatter and heat. The hood is compliant with AU and NZ standard for high-impact protection, ensuring long durability, even if the helm tends to get thrown around or abused.

Perfect for professional welders

High-quality optics combined with a massive view area, wide side windows with shade 5 filters make this one of the most complete hoods for professional welders, and a huge addition to any professional’s toolbox. The sensitivity adjustments make this an all-use helmet, perfect for TIG, MIG and Stick welding processes, ensuring that this helmet will serve you well no matter what welding project you undertake.

Designed with the wearers comfort in mind

From the ergonomic head-suspension system to the padded headband designed to reduce pressure on vulnerable areas of the head, the Speedglass 9100XX is made with your comfort in mind. The Swivel-mounted, smooth ratchet system allows for precision fitting of the mask to your face, and all adjustments can be made using large knobs on the outside of the hood which can be used even with gloves on, so you don’t need to pause your work even for a moment.

Weight

Despite being relatively light-weight for its size and features, the Speedglas helmet is not the lightest helmet on the market at its price-point. Fortunately the head-straps and adjustment gears will allow you to wear it for hours on end without feeling tired, allowing you to put in a full days work with no problem.

Price

The Speedglas 9100XX is a helmet for professional welders and, due to its abundance of functionality, auto-filtering lens and quality optics, the helmet does not come cheap. Fortunately the helmet does pay for itself over time as it allows a more comfortable work experience, accurate welding and overall satisfaction.

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Despite its hefty price, The Speedglas 9100XX welding helmet is the go-to helmet for professional welders who are looking for a helmet for the long-term, that will offer them comfort, optical clarity, auto-darkening and immeasurable safety features. Hobbyist welders best look for a cheaper alternative, as this is a helmet that deserves to be used constantly, making use of all available features, in order to make up for the price.

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