---
title: The Key Differences between the Speedglas G5-01 and 9100 FX Air
description: 3M Speedglas 9100 FX Air launched in 2011 and quickly became the professional welder’s powered air respiratory helmet of choice.
image: https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/hubfs/undefined-Oct-11-2022-04-55-12-24-AM.png
---

[Skip to the main content.](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/what-are-the-key-differences-bbtween-the-speedglas-g5-01-and-the-speedglas-9100-fx-air#main-content)

[![Blackwoods Expert+](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/BWMA26-0681%20Blackwoods_Expert%20Plus%20(1).jpg?width=2073&height=493&name=BWMA26-0681%20Blackwoods_Expert%20Plus%20(1).jpg "Blackwoods Expert+")](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/expert-plus)

[![Blackwoods Expert+](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/BWMA26-0681%20Blackwoods_Expert%20Plus.jpg?width=2073&height=493&name=BWMA26-0681%20Blackwoods_Expert%20Plus.jpg "Blackwoods Expert+")](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/expert-plus)

- [Safety](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/safety)
- Industries 
    - [Manufacturing](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/manufacturing)
    - [Utilities](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/utilities)
    - [Construction](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/construction)
    - [Mining](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/tag/mining)
- Content Types 
    - [Articles](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au)
    - [Videos](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfA8meUWjOmhLQKsUGnLOsQ/featured)
    - [Catalogues](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/catalogues)
    - [Events](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/tradeshows)

Search

[Shop Now](https://cta-service-cms2.hubspot.com/web-interactives/public/v1/track/click?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJKBRVYGEi1kYk6Tr%2FeYuxC38seJfDvw6eoTuOvNyFXrnfbrRzHMycjkDLjD9uDKzBW%2F0rzTTcMAy5MhxouRBWDIHdBEPgdURPs5K8yM3IgUlJVYC0wgLaNPID3rGfSIl%2BZe4I3AOl1nwRrdsN0MD7ScauvzV%2BbOLU6ejZWSYT9Ew%3D%3D&portalId=7298381)

Toggle Menu

Search

Toggle Menu

[Shop Now](https://cta-service-cms2.hubspot.com/web-interactives/public/v1/track/click?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJKBRVYGEi1kYk6Tr%2FeYuxC38seJfDvw6eoTuOvNyFXrnfbrRzHMycjkDLjD9uDKzBW%2F0rzTTcMAy5MhxouRBWDIHdBEPgdURPs5K8yM3IgUlJVYC0wgLaNPID3rGfSIl%2BZe4I3AOl1nwRrdsN0MD7ScauvzV%2BbOLU6ejZWSYT9Ew%3D%3D&portalId=7298381)

- [Safety](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/safety)
- Industries

    - [Manufacturing](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/manufacturing)
    - [Utilities](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/utilities)
    - [Construction](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/construction)
    - [Mining](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/tag/mining)
- Content Types

    - [Articles](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au)
    - [Videos](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfA8meUWjOmhLQKsUGnLOsQ/featured)
    - [Catalogues](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/catalogues)
    - [Events](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/tradeshows)

 2 min read

# The Key Differences between the Speedglas G5-01 and 9100 FX Air

[![Picture of AWS](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/hubfs/1519871717954.jpg) AWS](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/author/aws) :  11 October 2022

 

The **3M Speedglas 9100 FX Air** with the award winning **Adflo PAPR** launched in 2011 and quickly became the professional welder’s powered air respiratory helmet of choice. Over the last 9 years, the Speedglas 9100 FX Air has been employed within thousands of Australian businesses. If you are one of the tens of thousands of Aussie welders who own a Speedglas 9100 FX Air, you may be wondering what the key differences are between your current kit and the **new Speedglas G5-01**.

To this end, we have created a quick list of key benefits that set the new G5-01 apart.

**Variable Colour Technology**

**![Picture3](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Picture3.jpg?width=549&name=Picture3.jpg)**

Both helmets feature Speedglas TrueView technology, however, the Speedglas G5-01 takes colour technology one step further by giving you control over the colour tone of your dark state.

**Larger welding lens and clear grinding visor**

The Speedglas FX Air exploded onto the market with the largest viewing area available. The Speedglas G5-01 lifts the bar with the largest Speedglas welding lens viewing area ever (73 x 109mm). The clear grinding visor is also over 15% larger.

**More Narrow Profile**

The Speedglas G5-01 has taken the FX Air profile and improved it by offering greater coverage and protection while decreasing width. The Speedglas G5-01 offers welders a narrower profile for tight spaces.

**Airflow Climate Control**

![Picture2](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Picture2.jpg?width=549&name=Picture2.jpg)

Did you ever get dry eyes, dry mouth or runny nose from the constant flow of clean air provided by your powered air protection? Guided by welders’ feedback, the G5-01 now allows you to control where the air is directed within the welding helmet with complete flow control – as easy as controlling the air conditioning in your car.

**Highest Global Respiratory Rating - APF 1000**

The North and Latin American APF 1000 respiratory rating is the highest possible global respiratory rating possible and the Speedglas G5-01 has achieved this rating. Please note that this rating is not used in Australia.

**Removable Flip-Up Welding Component**

A new innovative feature allows you to quickly remove the flip-up welding visor of the G5-01, leaving you with the clear grinding visor for continuous powered air respiratory protection. For welders who undertake extended non-welding work, this function allows you to decrease the weight of the helmet by over 35%.

**Configurable Extra-Protection Options**

Heavy-duty welders have asked for the ability to configure their protection to their needs and requirements. The Speedglas G5-01 allows you to fully customise your head and neck protection with nine different options.

**New Head Harness with More Stable Fit**

The 9100 head harness changed the game with the 6 point welding helmet head harnesses. The Speedglas G5-01 takes the head harness to a new comfort level, making the most heavy-duty work feel like a breeze.

**Shade 14 for High Amps**

Designed for heavy duty welders, the G5-01 gives you a wider dark shade range (3/5,8-14) with a new high amperage shade 14 for the heavy, high amp applications.

**Simplified Face Seal Connection**

Ever changed a face seal? The new Speedglas G5-01 makes this necessary task simple with an innovative face seal connection.

**Mobile connectivity**

Securely pair your welding helmet to your smart phone to control all the action from your phone. Plug-in your lens settings (shade, sensitivity, delay), benefit from 4 programmable memory modes and review your statistics.

**Optional task light**

![undefined-Oct-11-2022-04-55-12-24-AM](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/undefined-Oct-11-2022-04-55-12-24-AM.png?width=549&name=undefined-Oct-11-2022-04-55-12-24-AM.png)  
The optional helmet mounted task light gives welders even light distribution while casting a wide light on the work piece. Configure the light intensity to your environment. 

Blackwoods Code: [0088 4633](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/welding-gas/welding-safety/welding-helmet-spare-parts/speedglas-task-light-inc-mounting-parts-and-cables-g5-01-169200/p/00884633)  
<https://www.blackwoods.com.au/welding-gas/welding-safety/welding-helmet-spare-parts/speedglas-task-light-inc-mounting-parts-and-cables-g5-01-169200/p/00884633>

 

­­­­­**Two-Time Award Winner**

The G5-01 Welding Helmet took home the internationally recognised **Red Dot Design Award.** This means the award winning G5-01, when combined with the award winning Adflo PAPR, becomes a two-time award winning system.

 

If you are already an ADFLO PAPR customer, the most economical way to upgrade to the G5-01 system is to purchase the G5-01 upgrade kit which will give you the new helmet and lens to connect to your existing ADFLO unit.

Blackwoods Code: [0040 7919](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/welding-gas/welding-safety/welding-helmets/speedglas-helmet-upgrade-kit-g5-01-heavy-duty-611130/p/00407919)

 

If you are a new customer that required the complete G5-01 system with ADFLO PAPR

Blackwoods Code: [0040 7902](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/welding-gas/welding-safety/welding-helmets/speedglas-respirator-papr-g5-01vc-heavy-duty-617830/p/00407902)  
<https://www.blackwoods.com.au/welding-gas/welding-safety/welding-helmets/speedglas-respirator-papr-g5-01vc-heavy-duty-617830/p/00407902>

 

- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)

## **Read related articles**

[![Welding fume regulations are changing in Australia](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/hubfs/Picture1-3.jpg)](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/welding-fume-regulations-are-changing-in-australia)

#### [Welding fume regulations are changing in Australia](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/welding-fume-regulations-are-changing-in-australia)

![Picture of AWS](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/1519871717954.jpg?width=30&name=1519871717954.jpg) [AWS](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/author/aws) : 6 October 2026

Australia is facing further regulatory tightening around welding fume exposure, and this will require many workplaces to reassess their current...

[Safety](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/tag/safety) [Fabrication](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/tag/fabrication)

[Read More](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/welding-fume-regulations-are-changing-in-australia)

[![Nederman GoMax captures welding fume at the source](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/hubfs/EOFY%20AWS%20(1).jpg)](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/nederman-gomax-captures-welding-fume-at-the-source)

#### [Nederman GoMax captures welding fume at the source](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/nederman-gomax-captures-welding-fume-at-the-source)

![Picture of AWS](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/1519871717954.jpg?width=30&name=1519871717954.jpg) [AWS](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/author/aws) : 6 May 2026

Engineering controls, such as fume extraction systems, can be instrumental in reducing welding fume exposure for not only the welder, but also for...

[Construction](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/tag/construction) [Fabrication](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/tag/fabrication)

[Read More](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/nederman-gomax-captures-welding-fume-at-the-source)

[![Smarter welding safety in manufacturing: How integrated controls improve efficiency and compliance](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/hubfs/Industry%20Insider%20AWS%20Header.png)](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/smarter-welding-safety-in-manufacturing-how-integrated-controls-improve-efficiency-and-compliance)

#### [Smarter welding safety in manufacturing: How integrated controls improve efficiency and compliance](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/smarter-welding-safety-in-manufacturing-how-integrated-controls-improve-efficiency-and-compliance)

![Picture of AWS](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/1519871717954.jpg?width=30&name=1519871717954.jpg) [AWS](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/author/aws) : 28 January 2026

Manufacturing is one of Australia’s most welding-intensive sectors, accounting for over 20% of national demand for steel fabricated products (Weld...

[Manufacturing](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/tag/manufacturing)

[Read More](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/smarter-welding-safety-in-manufacturing-how-integrated-controls-improve-efficiency-and-compliance)

###### **Blackwoods**

[About Us](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/about-us/)

[Contact Us](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/contact-us)

[Our Branches](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/branches)

[Help](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/help)

###### **Customer**

[Track Order](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/trackorder)

[Trading Account](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/trading-account)

[View Invoices](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/help/invoices-payment)

[Product Recalls & Notices](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/product-recalls-notices)

###### **Resources**

[Product Corrections](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/product-corrections)

[Safety Data Sheets](http://www.csinfosafe.com/CSIau/Security/account_login.aspx?ClientID=EC85EF3A-D08F-4F01-84A6-55B8391F1B59)

[Delivery Details](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/delivery-details)

[Blackwoods Expert+](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/)

###### **Resources**

[Supplier Portal](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/supplier-portal)

[Policies](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/policies-terms)

[Terms & Conditions](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/terms-conditions)

[Terms of Use](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/terms-of-use)

**Get our latest articles straight to your inbox!**

[![Blackwoods](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/hubfs/G2M/Blackwoods%202024%20Logo%20WHITE%20NO%20BACKGROUND.png)](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/expert-plus)

© 2026 J. Blackwood & Son Pty Ltd, trading as Blackwoods. All Rights Reserved

[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/BlackwoodsAU/)[Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/blackwoods/)[YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfA8meUWjOmhLQKsUGnLOsQ/featured)