Auto-darkening welding helmets were released by Speedglas for the first time and continue to set professional standards in the field.
Welding helmets from Speedglas are one of the most reliable in the market. In today’s market, many different helmets range from the Series 100 helmets to the many Series 9100 helmets. No matter how skilled a welder is, they will all be helpful.
Speedglas 9100XXi auto-darkening welding helmet is in a class of its own, with its advanced arc detection down to 1 amp, external memory, grind mode, and aerodynamic exhaust vents that remove exhaled air.
Speedglas 9100xxi Review
The 9100XXi welding helmet from 3M delivers unmatched protection by featuring exceptional optical quality and a wide viewing. The Speedglas 9100 offers an unmatched view thanks to the new Speedglas True-View system, which offers enhanced color recognition and contrast and peripheral SideWindows.
Viewing Angle
The welding helmet’s viewing angle plays a crucial role. Welders prefer a wide-angled welding helmet. When working in a complex environment, it is essential.
Speedglas from 3M uses three arc sensors to darken the viewing area automatically. By improving the clarity of the viewer, the accuracy of vision will improve improv by ten times. Lens adjusting light levels is known as “accuracy of vision.”.
The helmet is equipped with three arc sensors, which detect when an arc is selected and initiate the light-to-dark shift within a millisecond. It takes 40-250 milliseconds to switch from dark to light.
This allows the welder to focus on the task at hand. Thanks to the 3M auto-darkening feature that eliminates the need to adjust the lighting manually.
The shade Ranges
When choosing welding helmets, the shade is of utmost importance. Using the shade button on the helmet, the shades can adjust to a preferred level of sensitivity. There is a range of shades from 5,8 and 9-13, depending on the circumstances.
Users will see a series of shadows when they select a shade. It is possible to choose a shade of the screen based on the nature of the work. Three levels of sensitivity are available on this helmet. There are different kinds of welding work for each of them.
Comfort
It is designed to provide comfort with an ergonomic suspension design, making it one of the best helmets on the market.
The smooth and adjustable shield is a versatile feature, so no worries about adjusting it all the time. Welders can change suspension and strap settings. A helmet with an ergonomic design will not put pressure on your head, neck, or shoulders and will fit most heads measuring 50 cm to 64 cm. It also relieves nerve pressure. 3M innovation has made this possible.
Breathing is made more accessible by exhaust vents, which prevent humid conditions. In addition, fogging on the helmet’s glass is controlled by improved air quality.
Weight
The welding helmet may not be sleek, but it’s up there with the best of them. Weighing less than 2 pounds, it is highly portable and lightweight.
Based on its size and features, the 3M Speedglas 9100XXi is moderately lightweight. Although significantly lighter than similar helmets sold for the same price, Speedglas safety helmets aren’t the lightest option. However, it is good to know that the head straps and changing equipment will allow the machine for hours without getting tired.
Aerodynamic Vents
The helmet must have exhaust vents. A three-channel system eliminates excessive humidity and keeps welding lenses fog-free with exhaust channels exhausting heat.
Two side channels are designed to allow fresh air into the helmet while directing the user’s breath outwards. Meanwhile, the middle channel maintains airflow inside the lens, preventing it from fogging up.
Using this masking feature will improve the quality of the air inside and ensure the view area is clear.
Grind Mode
It’s painful to remove the hood mid-weld, especially after doing so several times. On the 3M Speedglas 9100XXi helmet, there is an external grinding mode and a memory mode button.
With this configuration, work without having to flip helmets throughout the day. Switching to grind mode requires only pressing the button added to the outside of the helmet.
Battery Performance
Batteries for the helmet are CR2032 lithium cells. It has a battery life of 1,800 hours (no solar cells charged), so much more welding can be done.
The new pair is extremely easy to find at a low price; Even if one pair runs out, the another can easily be replaced.
Pricing
There are not many cheap options, but many expert workers prefer 3M Speedglas 9100 xxi. The price tag is justified by the functionality it provides. Therefore, those who are in need of a premium product like this will purchase it regardless of its price.
Safety SideWindows for Welding
Shade 5 side lenses (conventional shade 13 protection) will now allow workers to be aware of previously hidden peripheral hazards (beams, obstacles, and other workers).
1/1/1 Optical Rating
Welders benefit from Speedglas welding helmets with optical classification (1/1/1) that comply with AS/NZS 1338.1.
Unrivaled Arc Detection and switching
Photo-sensors for TIG applications with an industry-leading 1 amp capability to detect an arc.
Auto-OnOur welding helmets are immediately ready to work, programmed to the most recent welding setting used.
Multiple Modes
There are shades 3, 5, 8, 9-13 and multiple modes for welding, cutting, grinding, and tacking, both indoors and outdoors, and even with a hidden arc.
What’s included?
- Gas line
- Trigger switch
- 110 v plug adaptor
- Foot pedal
- Argon regulator
- 9 feet ground clamp
- 9 feet stick holder
- 14 feet Tir torch with WP17 head
- Consumables for the torch
- NEMA 6-50 Plug Wire on cord end
Specifications
- Weight: 1 Pound
- Dimensions: 11 x 11 x 10 inches
- Viewing Area: 2.8″ x 4.2″
- Shades: 5
- Filters: 8-13
- Variable Dark Shades: Shade 5, 8, 9-13
- Batteries: 2 Lithium Metal Batteries
- Battery life: Approx. 2000 hours
- Grinding Feature: External One-Touch Grind
- Auto Darkening Lens Classification: 1/1/1 & TrueView
- Light State: TrueView Shade 3
- UV Protection: Shade 13 (permanent)
- Delay (switching time, dark-light): 40-800 ms
- Switching time, light-dark: 0.1 ms (+23 C)
- Response time (light to dark)– 0.1 milliseconds.
- Sensitivity – Adjustable low/high.
- TIG Amperage – <1 A.
- Power on/off – Fully automatic.
- Battery Life – Up to 1800 hours.
- Relevant Welding Helmet Standards: Face Protection – AS/NZS1337.1 (High Impact), Eye Protection – AS/NZS1338.1
What is the procedure for changing the battery in my Speedglas 9100?
It is as simple as inserting the blade. Simply pull out the battery holder. The drawer will pop out. The battery can be removed from the bottom. Install the auto-dimming filter to replace the battery drawer.
Conclusion
Based on our Speedglas 9100xxi reviews, this is the best pick for expert welders. The system ensures safety as well as productivity. It features adjustable sensitivity levels and is extremely comfortable. Clarity and shade levels are automatically adjusted.
The price of this product is justified by its features, such as auto-darkening, five shade filters, and ergonomic design. No matter the type of welding technique used, 3M Speedglas 9100 products are a great choice for MIG/TIG welding, Stick welding, or even plasma cutting. With a silver front and a shield on top, it has a very modern look.

It’s been years since I got into welding as a side hustle. It’s been so long since Doing All kinds of welds for business and pleasure as this is my hobby. Being in this field I have learned from hands-on-experience also came to know what gears work and what doesn’t. The Tig Welder is my own platform where I use to share my experience.
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