3M Speedglas Welding Helmets

[Wamsutta]

If you own one of those helmets:

Do you buy the genuine 3M replacement clear lens covers, or do you buy aftermarket?

The genuine 3M lens covers are at least double the price, but I'll gladly pay it if the quality is better and the clarity is better.

 

[scooby074]

Am I dreaming or was this thread just posted?

 

[Jswain]

Am I dreaming or was this thread just posted?

I think this is the third one

3M Speedglas cover plate rip-off?

I mean, I know everything 3M is a premium price, but I thought this was ridiculous. I've been having increasing trouble seeing when welding lately. I bought a new 3M helm about a year ago as my old one died, but damn, were my eyes getting that bad? After arranging and carefully following a...

www.garagejournal.com

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/3m-speedglas-clear-lens-covers.531711/

 

[Wamsutta]

Am I dreaming or was this thread just posted?

I posted the same question over in General Tools Discussion. I figured some of the fabrication guys never go over there.

I sure wish somebody would make a recommendation.

 

[rlitman]

I bought my first SpeedGlas in 2004, and bought genuine packs of replacement inner and outer cover lenses to go with it. In the years since, I've picked up a second SpeedGlas on CL as a spare, and have washed and re-used my lenses and headgear quite a bit, but I still haven't scratched up enough of them to finish that first pack. I don't get much spatter on my lenses, so the worst they see is lots of condensed smoke, and that comes right off in a Dawn bubble bath.

At the time I bought the lenses, the OEM protection plates were required for the Z87 safety rating, but I don't remember if there were aftermarket ones (I don't think so, because this was before 3M bought the lineup). Did the aftermarket ones you found carry the same Z87 rating?

So sorry, but that's the best answer I can give.

I see they now offer high temperature plates at 3x the price. What's up with that?

 

[Wamsutta]

I went ahead and ordered a set of genuine 3M inside covers. $19.44 shipped for a pack of 5 off eBay.

Kind of pricey, but at least I won't have to worry about the clarity. And they're made in USA.

 

[flicker]

genuine 3M replacement clear lens covers for me