Hornell International, a company from Sweden, first introduced a speedglass auto-darkening filter back in 1981.
It was the first LCD electronic shutter that was capable of auto-darkening after bright arc detections.
The auto-darkening made a lot of changes in the welding industry.
For example, welders didn’t have to lift or lower the helmet over the face for adjustments.
Therefore, the filter ensured consistent positioning and better safety properties.
Since 2004, a company 3M holds the rights to the Speedglass products, including all speed glass welding helmets.
Let’s take a closer look at them.
Highest Rated Best Speedglass Welding Helmets (by Customer Reviews)
- 1Standard 9100
- 2Standard 100
- 3XL 9100
- 43M 100 Fixed Shade
- 5Blaze 100
- 6Quick Release 9100
- 7ADF 9100X
- 8Sidewindows 9100X
- 9SL With ADF
- 10ADF 100
1
Standard 9100
The Standard 9100 model has well-positioned vents.
Therefore, there are no fogging issues.
The model 9100 has a quality battery with extended runtime.
It has been rated at 2.800 hours.
On the other hand, it uses CR2020 batteries, and the batteries are easily accessible and replaceable.
The 9100 model offers great value for the money.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- No fogging
- Great value
- Easy to replace batteries
- Long battery runtime
Cons
- Has smaller filter than other models
Michael's TakeThe 9100 model is a great welding helmet.
It is a comfortable and durable helmet in a shade five.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
2
Standard 100
The 3M welding helmet by 3M, model Standard 100 has a basic headband.
Once you first set it up, you should leave it on that setting.
If you share a helmet with different people, and you all adjust it every day, the helmet can break sooner.
While you won’t experience fogging with this helmet, you may expect to see your breath from time to time.
You can make it darker by 8-12 shades.
Overall, model 100 is a solid purchase that comes with a slightly less expensive price tag.
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Pros
- Inexpensive
- Well-built
- Can darken up
- Great optical quality
Cons
- Slight fogging issues
Michael's TakeThe Standard model 100 by 3M is great for all TIG, MIG, and Stick welding disciplines.
It is a classic black helmet, with great auto-darkening properties.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
3
XL 9100
The XL9100 model is a great welding helmet, and it makes it possible to observe the surrounding area due to increased peripheral vision.
Therefore, welding in this helmet is more comfortable, because you don’t have a feeling that you are welding in a tunnel.
The viewing window is large and nice a night quality as well.
The XL9100 is one of the best 3M welding helmets, it is comfortable, stays in place, and suitable for almost all welding tasks.
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Pros
- Enables peripheral vision
- Comfortable to wear long hours
- Easy to set sensitivity adjustments
Cons
- Pricey
Michael's TakeIf you want to invest in a quality welding helmet, you can pick this 3M XL 9100 helmet.
It is great for Stick, MIG, TIG welding with grinding, and torch modes.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
4
3M 100 Fixed Shade
Welders, who prefer fixed shade helmet that is slightly darker than standard helmets, will appreciate this 3M model.
The helmet has a shade #11 fixed lens and comes without any assembly required.
Therefore, you can start using it straight from the box.
It is also equipped with a grinding shade and can be used for MIG, TIG, and Stick welding.
The helmet has outstanding optical clarity, but the viewing window is slightly smaller.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Great optical clarity
- Arrives fully assembled
- Comfortable
Cons
- Small viewing area
Michael's TakeThis 3M helmet is safe to use for a variety of setting in the MIG, TIG, and Stick welding discipline.
It features a classic welding helmet design and is well-built.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
5
Blaze 100
Welding helmet from 3M, model Blaze 100 is suitable for welders who want to add a burst of colors and creativity into their workspace.
It is a cost-effective welding helmet because it has three sensitivity rating with an ADF lens.
Therefore, you have a full range of shading in one helmet, and you can use it for different tasks.
It offers great optical clarity and features self-adjustment options.
Overall, this welding helmet can significantly improve your welding work.
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Pros
- Suitable for different tasks
- Variety of shades
- Convenient self-adjusting features
- Cool design
Cons
- Headgear isn’t very durable
Michael's TakeThis all-in-one welding helmet might cost you a bit more money, but it is a versatile helmet.
An interesting design is also a plus.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
6
Quick Release 9100
The Quick Release 9100 is a lightweight helmet with improved design agility.
It weighs less than two pounds and offers a quick-release from the back of the head.
Therefore, you can move from task to task much quicker.
The helmet is designed to step in for the hard hats welders are required to wear, which are commonly uncomfortable and heavy.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Lightweight
- Comfortable
- Delivers consistent results
Cons
- Somewhat complex assembly
Michael's TakeThe 3M products, including this helmet, comply with international and national safety standards.
This lightweight helmet is a solid purchase.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
7
ADF 9100X
The ADF 9100X helmet from 3M has a response time of 1/10,000 of a second.
It is suitable for home use and newbies in welding.
The helmet has side windows that ensure a better peripheral view, and they come in standard dark shade.
Further, the helmet provides UV and IR protection, with great optical clarity.
It has 3-arc sensors and offers a comfortable fit.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Allows peripheral vision
- Comfortable
- Easy to get used to
Cons
- The peripheral windows can be too dark in some workspaces
Michael's TakeThis ADF 9100X welding helmet is suitable for beginners.
The helmet is of excellent quality and offers the right protection.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
8
Sidewindows 9100X
The Sidewindows 9100X model from 3M has a large viewing area.
It features user-selectable shades #3, #5, and #8-13.
The field of view is improved, compared to some of the previous models.
Besides, the helmet is comfortable for wearing, and it provides a high level of protection.
It has a flip-up feature that makes it convenient and a time-saving option.
The helmet does have a slightly slower response time than some other premium helmets, but it provides advanced protection from spattering and sparking.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Has a flip-up feature
- Comfortable
- Two sizes available
- Good ventilation
Cons
- Slow response time
Michael's TakeThe helmet is available in large and extra-large sizes for a customized fit.
Overall, it is a great welding helmet, and I strongly recommend it.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
9
SL With ADF
If you are tired of heavy, exhausting helmets, I recommend you to check if the model SL with ADF meets your preferences.
The helmet is one of the lightest welding helmets of all time, and still, it has excellent flash protection.
It features shading #8-12 and has a grinding option as well.
As far as the design goes, the helmet isn’t bulky, and it is more narrow than some other 3M helmets.
The helmet is strong and non-absorbent.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Lightweight
- Includes grinding option
- Easy back and forth adjustment
Cons
- Thinner than other helmets
Michael's TakeYes, the SL helmet with ADF is thinner than other helmets, but it offers the same amount of protection, packed in less weight.
It is a great helmet, but it has a narrow design.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
10
ADF 100
The ADF 100 is a budget-friendly welding helmet that provides excellent neck protection.
It also features variable shading.
The helmet has a fixed shade of #10, but it offers a grinding transition as well.
Also, the helmet reduces eye strain and neck fatigue.
It is listed as full ADF but only has 2-shade variations.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Reduce eye-strain
- Protects the neck
Cons
- Only 2-shade variations
Michael's TakeThe ADF 100 helmet is a budget-friendly option for everyone who looks for a comfortable helmet.
Overall, it is a good helmet, but it isn’t suitable for all applications.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
Best Speedglass Welding Helmets Buying Guide
Let’s talk more about Speedglass welding helmets.
3M offers a wide range of welding helmets that are suitable for almost every welding needs.
These are quality helmets with different features.
For example, the 9100 series has the option to include respiratory support.
Therefore every series offer quality helmets with various features.
Let’s talk a closer look at all series, which might be helpful to you in choosing the right one.
Standard 9100 Series
Helmets from the 9100 Standard series are suitable for both professional welders and experienced and skilled home welders,
It is an excellent total solution for professional welders or high capacity home welders.
9100 Air Welding Helmet
The Air series includes helmets with respiratory support but without a flip-up feature.
9100FX Welding Helmet
FX helmets are the widest helmets with a fuller design.
These helmets have a flip-up option for grinding and cutting and don’t need extensive shading.
9100FX Air Helmet
These are suitable for welders who seek full protection and a comfortable fit.
9100MP Welding/Safety Helmet
The 9100 MP model is a convenient all-in-one helmet suitable for professionals and hobbyists.
Speedglass Helmets in General
Modern 3M helmets are comfortable and designed to fit head sizes from 50 to 64.
Besides, the helmets offer size adjustments to provide a better fit.
Because of it, there is less pressure on the sensitive head areas, and the helmets have better balance.
Speedglass helmets with auto-darkening have seven dark shades for improved eye support.
You can lock each shade down.
Further, when used for TIG welding discipline, the performance is enhanced.
Best Speedglass Welding Helmets Price Range
The price depends on the features and the helmet series.
For example, Speedglass welding helmets from Series 100 are the most affordable and often priced around or below $100.
These are suitable for beginners and offer basic protection.
As the list of features extends, the price tag also arises.
Therefore, the series 9100 come with a starting price of $200 and can reach $500.
Conclusion
There you have – a complete overview of the best Speedglass welding helmets by 3M.
Have you tried them?
Is comfort the first thing that comes into your mind related to Speedglass helmets, or you noticed something else?
Share the list with your coworkers, as they might find it useful.
