Speedglass 9000X

You can get the newer and better 9002-X for $268 from the dealers on eBay.

The new 9002 series is all pushbutton, so no more little knobs.

I have the SW model and like it. Standard magnifying lens fits with a little loss of viewing area. The side windows are nice, but I consider them a minor feature. The face vent seems hokey to me, though I have to admit that this helmet has yet to fog up, where my old one did plenty of times. Adjustable sensitivity is nice, my previous helmet only had a shade adjustment, so working outdoors, or at low amps, or with TIG could be pain sometimes. I give the Speedglass a thumbs up. Hopefully someone who's used all the competitive models will post as well.

Wayne

I have one and like it. I've used it for the last year or so. My major complaint is the sensitivity control knob is on the inside of the helmet which is kinda a pain in the ass. I mainly weld bicycle frames so some stuff I do on my welding table while other stuff I weld is in the middle of my shop so I end up adjusting the sensitivity a few times during each welding session. I've also run into a problem where sometimes a tube or something is inbetween the sensor and the welding area so sometimes the shade doesn't switch to dark when I need it too. so you could say I use the helmet and like it, but it has it's flaws and if I could find a better hood I would probably buy it.

dave

All I could find was $299 Buy it now.

Is the only difference the buttons over the knobs? Maybe that's significant, I guess not having used one I can't make that judgement.

I would like to support my local, as they have been SUPER helpful in my latest quest of knowledge and skills. When I didn't know exactly what size of filler I wanted and told him I was just playing around trying to learn he pulled about 1# of various size filler rods off the rack and handed them to me. No charge.

Unless there is a real good reason, I feel somewhat obligated to give them my business and they seem fairly competitive.

JW

The 9000-X is a very good helmet. I just never liked the little knob because it requires you to remove your glove to adjust your shade and you have to remove you helmet from your head while doing it..

The new 9002-X goes back the system I loved on my old Speedglas XL hood. Pushbuttons you can set while wearing gloves and see with the hood on.

Guess I'll never know. When I stopped tonight the only 9000X they had was the display model. Everything in inventory was the 9002X. Have to say, I like it so far!

Little issue, that I remember seeing reference to somewhere in the archives is that if I lift a little, or short the Tungsten w/ the filler the extra bright light makes the shade seem to light. I will have to play with settings and work on my technique....

JW

Try lengthening the delay so the hood switches back to light slower. It can save a lot of accidental flashes.

It's not that it's going light, it's more like the helmet isn't dark enough. I was running a continuous bead, but it was like running an O/A w/o goggles on. When I was done with it, I was seeing spots. The helmet was on and "dark", but it didn't seem like it was dark enough. I have it set to 13.

JW

Could be a faulty lens.

Speedglas is really good on warrantee issues. They usually send you a replacement lens and you send your original back in the same box.

Call Speedglas Tech support, they should be able to help.

I played around w/ the delay setting, and the problem seems to have abated. Whether it is the helmet actually, or my welding has improved I am not actually sure.