Description

Speedglas G5-02 – 3M Curved Auto darkening Welding Helmet

The 3M Speedglas G5-02 Welding Helmet is a worlds first with a curved auto darkening lens. Featuring a magnificent 150mm curved glass ADF filter for an outstanding panoramic view (100% wider than 3M’s previous model).  The curvature of the ADF allows the helmet to be slim, with the ADF close to your eyes for a wide view.  Large, wide flat auto darkening filters means larger helmets – The G5-02 rectifies this problem.

Featuring Natural colour technology ADF filter for an extremely clear view of the weld pool or grind.  Colours appear brighter and more realistic in both light and dark states.  A better view increases the control of the welding arc and the weld puddle.  With a lowest light state of 2.5, reviews of the G5-02 have been amazed by the brightness.

4 arc sensors and advanced electronics ensure the Speedglas G5-02 switches reliably even at very low (eg 1 amp) TIG settings, easily exceeding other welding helmets out there.

Features:

• Natural colour curved ADF
• Dark/Light state constant lock.
• 4 point sensors
• 150 x 76 mm viewing area
• 6 point adjustable head band for premium comfort
• Centre of gravity closer to your head
• Curved filter and slimmer helmet reduces reflections and light glare inside the helmet.

3M Connected Equipment App

Securely pair your smartphone to your 3M equipment to record your settings and track your statistics. The app’s memory function can remember up to 10 settings of your choosing, so you can quickly and instantly use your equipment, hassle-free. View your equipment statistics (track usage, date of activation, etc.) so you can better understand the way you work. Easy, instant access to your equipment’s user manuals and lists of parts.

Why choose 3M?

3M have been the trusted brand of engineers internationally for decades. A universally revered name among welder fabricators, 3M came from humble origins and grew to become one of the best on the market for quality assurance, longevity, and efficiency. Since their founding in 1902, innovation has been 3M’s purpose, making grand strides in the worlds of science, technology, and engineering. 3M have corporate operations across 70 countries and sell to over 200, so they really are the very definition of an international company.

Of all the equipment 3M manufactures, their PPE and Air Fed PAPR systems are among the most coveted in the industry. Their Speedglas range of helmets and air fed systems have become universally recognised across the industry, known for their quality, technology, and ease of use. These helmets are highly desirable.

TBWS also do Helmet Spare Parts (Ring for availability)

What to look out for when buying a welding helmet:

• Weight – added weight in a helmet can cause neck fatigue, particularly when used for long periods of time
• Welding lense size – A larger filter area allows for extra peripheral vision
• Number of arc sensors – Cheaper helmets tend to have less arc sensors.  These are the sensors which detect the arc and switch from light to dark mode.  Fewer sensors mean if for whatever reason, they are covered, the helmet wont switch as quickly, exposing your eyes to the hazardous UV light.
• Switching speed – This is the time it takes for the helmet to detect the arc and switch to the darker light state to protect your eyes.  The quicker the switch, the more protection the helmet offers.
• True colour or not?  Many newer helmets are equipped with true or natural colour technology.  This is a nice feature to have as it provides the welder with a “truer” to life view of the weld puddle even in the darker shade.  Gone are the blue or green tints and this true colour can help the view of the weld puddle considerably.
• Headgear – Cheaper helmets tend to come with basic headgear which adjusts around the circumference of the head only.  Often, the better helmets have multi point adjustment for added comfort during welding.
• Optical clarity – This is a big one…  filters are rated by their optical clarity.  The lower the number, the better the clarity.  For example, a rating of 1/1/1/1 is a filter with the best rating possible.  Cheaper shields
• Grinding modes – Many welding visors have a grinding mode.  At the touch of the button, the auto darkening filter will switch to its lightest shade so the user can see whilst grinding and still have face and eye protection.  On the flip side, if you forget to switch from grinding mode, you can wind up getting flashed when starting a weld.
• Price – Price really varies depending on brand and quality.  At TBWS, we would recommend going for a good quality helmet and avoiding the cheap ones that are out there.  Your eyes are valuable so its worth protecting them!
• Size – HSE now require anyone undertaking welding to have extraction and respiratory protection.  We have touched on this elsewhere on the site so wont go through it again.  However, it is a consideration when buying welding helmet….  Is there room to fit a face fit mask underneath, or should you invest and get an air fed helmet?
• Process – Are you using very low amp TIG welding or high amperage MIG welding?  Low amp work will need a lighter shade, where as higher amperage welding will require a darker shade.
• ADF or fixed shade – Very cheap fixed shade handheld masks are available and often supplied as a freebie with cheaper welders.  Some people prefer to use a fixed shade screen with a flip front.  Auto darkening filters (ADF) changed the market some time back and have become the most popular.  Strike an arc with an ADF filter and the lens does the work – no need to remember to flip your hood down.