Best Speedglass Welding Helmets

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)

Standard 9100
Standard 9100See prices on Amazon.com
Standard 100
Standard 100See prices on Amazon.com
XL 9100
XL 9100See prices on Amazon.com
3M 100 Fixed Shade
3M 100 Fixed ShadeSee prices on Amazon.com
Blaze 100
Blaze 100See prices on Amazon.com
Quick Release 9100
Quick Release 9100See prices on Amazon.com
ADF 9100X
ADF 9100XSee prices on Amazon.com
Sidewindows 9100X
Sidewindows 9100XSee prices on Amazon.com
SL With ADF
SL With ADFSee prices on Amazon.com
ADF 100
ADF 100See prices on Amazon.com
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1

Standard 9100

Standard 9100
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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.

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Pros

  • No fogging
  • Great value
  • Easy to replace batteries
  • Long battery runtime

Cons

  • Has smaller filter than other models
Michael's TakeMichael's Take

The 9100 model is a great welding helmet.

It is a comfortable and durable helmet in a shade five.

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2

Standard 100

Standard 100
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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 TakeMichael's Take

The 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.

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3

XL 9100

XL 9100
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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 TakeMichael's Take

If 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.

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4

3M 100 Fixed Shade

3M 100 Fixed Shade
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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.

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Pros

  • Great optical clarity
  • Arrives fully assembled
  • Comfortable

Cons

  • Small viewing area
Michael's TakeMichael's Take

This 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.

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5

Blaze 100

Blaze 100
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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 TakeMichael's Take

This 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.

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6

Quick Release 9100

Quick Release 9100
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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.

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Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Comfortable
  • Delivers consistent results

Cons

  • Somewhat complex assembly
Michael's TakeMichael's Take

The 3M products, including this helmet, comply with international and national safety standards.

This lightweight helmet is a solid purchase.

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7

ADF 9100X

ADF 9100X
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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.

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Pros

  • Allows peripheral vision
  • Comfortable
  • Easy to get used to

Cons

  • The peripheral windows can be too dark in some workspaces
Michael's TakeMichael's Take

This ADF 9100X welding helmet is suitable for beginners.

The helmet is of excellent quality and offers the right protection.

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8

Sidewindows 9100X

Sidewindows 9100X
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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.

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Pros

  • Has a flip-up feature
  • Comfortable
  • Two sizes available
  • Good ventilation

Cons

  • Slow response time
Michael's TakeMichael's Take

The 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.

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9

SL With ADF

SL With ADF
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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.

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Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Includes  grinding option
  • Easy back and forth adjustment

Cons

  • Thinner than other helmets
Michael's TakeMichael's Take

Yes, 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.

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10

ADF 100

ADF 100
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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.

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Pros

  • Budget-friendly
  • Reduce eye-strain
  • Protects the neck

Cons

  • Only 2-shade variations
Michael's TakeMichael's Take

The 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.

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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.


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