What is the difference between
the Speedglas G5-01VC and G5-01TW welding helmets?
The G5-01VC and G5-01TW are the PAPR (powered air purifying respirator) helmets from 3M Speedglas' 5th generation of welding helmets (their newest range). Launched to continue Speedglas' domination of the welding helmet space, the G5-01 has been built based on real welders' feedback and the result is the most comprehensive helmet on the market.
Designed for professional welders, the G5-01 has a number of notable improvements on the previous 9100 series (which had been the leading respiratory welding helmet in the market for ~15 years prior to the G5-01 being released).
In appearance, the G5-01VC and G5-01TW are identical, so we've taken the time to break down what features are shared across both helmets and what are unique to each helmet.
The World's Best Heavy Duty Welding Helmet
The G5-01 range at a glance
- Brand:
- Summary:
Heavy-duty flip-up welding helmet designed for professional use.
- Powered Air Respirator:
Comes with the 3M Adflo PAPR system, which provides respiratory protection by filtering the air and supplying it to the user.
- Flip-Up Functionality:
Flip-up mechanism with clear grinding visor underneath that allows the user to quickly switch between welding and non-welding tasks without removing the entire helmet.
- Designed for safety and comfort:
The G5-01 range is designed to protect welders as well as provide them a super comfortable experience during use.
Features |  3M Speedglas G5-01 TW | 3M Speedglas G5-01 VC |
|---|
| Shades | (8-13) | (8-14) |
| Delay (50 – 1300 ms) | | |
| Bluetooth with use analytics | | |
| 73 x 109 mm viewing area | | |
| 3M Speedglas True-View4 | | |
| Comes with HD (12 hour) battery | | |
| Easy to detach lens (reduced weight)3 | | |
| Air flow control2 | | |
| Thinner than 9100XXi FX Air1 | | |
| Available with task light (optional extra) | | |
| Tack mode (to reduce eye fatigue when tacking) | | |
| Variable colour mode (3 colour options to best view welds)5 | | |
5
VARIABLE COLOUR TECHNOLOGY
So which one is right for me?
The decision of which G5-01 welding helmet (the G5-01 TW or the G5-01VC) is right for you really depends on 2 things; budget and what you're using the helmet for.
If money was no object, we would always recommend the G5-01VC, because of how good the variable colour technology is.
However for welders tacking all day, the tack mode is very handy and will help reduce eye fatigue over the course of the day (and you'll save a few dollars compared to the G5-01VC)
Both helmets are the high quality you would expect from Speedglas, and we rate the G5-01VC and G5-01TW as the two best welding helmets with PAPR currently in the market (by quite a long way).
