When deciding between Esab Sentinel A50 and 3M Speedglas, a welder may first get puzzled, as these two are presented with positive customer feedback and both are ergonomically capable.
At the same time, two welding helmets may offer distinctive features when it comes to auto darkening, viewing area and types of welding operations they fit.
We have compared it all for you, so consider the main similarities and differences between these helmets when shopping.
The Key Differences between Esab Sentinel A50 and 3M Speedglas
- Esab Sentinel A50 is constructed with 3. 93 x 2. 36 inches (10 x 6 cm) in the viewing area, while 3M Speedglas has 2.8 x 4.2 inches (7.1 x 10,6 cm) of it.
- Esab helmet is much lighter with 1.4 pounds only (640 g), while Speedglas is 2.09 pounds (950 g) in weight.
- Esab’s switching speed is 0.04 ms, while Speedglas works within 0.1 ms.
- Esab Sentinel A50 has both solar cells and lithium batteries, while Speedglas works only with lithium ones.
- Esab’s shade range is 5 to 13 and Speedglas’ is 8 to 13.
- The key difference also lies at the actual price.
The Key Similarities between Two Top Welding Helmets
- Both welding helmets are made of Nylon and designed as auto-darkening ones.
- Two may equally fit the majority of welding operations including Stick, MIG, TIG grinding among others.
- Esab and Speedglas helmets are decent-looking in appearance.
- These welding helmets coincide in the protective factors, as these two provide a welder with protection against splashes of molten metal, heavy falling objects, as well as UV/IR rays.
Esab Sentinel A50 vs 3M Speedglas – Things in Common
Auto-darkening welding helmets
Esab Sentinel A50 and 3M Speedglas come as auto-darkening helmets by default. The adjustment of the filter response sensitivity is smooth, so you rapidly have your eyes protected against bright lights.
Even though the speeding switch slightly differs, both helmets easily deal with shade ranging. When we tried them both, there was no visible difference in filtering though some may have sensitive eyes and require the immediate shade change.
Material
The shells of two helmets are made of high-impact resistant Nylon, which extends the actual durability of their lifecycle and protects you against heavy falling objects, if you work in areas exposed to such risks.
Stick, MIG, TIG grinding welding operations
When reviewing the functionality of these two helmets, we have come across their fit for the majority of works in welding including Stick, MIG, TIG, grinding, as well as plasma cutting, oxy-fuel cutting, plasma arc welding among others.
Nevertheless, based on customers’ experience, Esab Sentinel may not be the best choice for works where extreme hot temperatures are involved, as the lenses may be easily warped or even damaged in direct contact with fire.
Appearance
When we first took a look at both welding helmets, it was clearly understood that 3M Speedglas reminded us of something futuristic, or better to say Star Wars though it is cool and non-trite.
The ergonomic design of two helmets helps you to adjust it naturally to your head, so it won’t be loose when you work. When moving them to the up position, there is an enhanced head clearance.
Protection factors
Both Esab and Speedglas are excellent when it comes to your protection, as no splashes of molten metals, heavy falling objects, debris, UV/IR rays may deprive you of working productively and safely.
Their headgears also provide one with protection for arteries and nerves located across the head and neck, so a welder minimizes the risks of fatigue.
Esab Sentinel A50 vs 3M Speedglass – Product Differences
Difference 1: Viewing area
It is always a good idea to go for a wide viewing area, so 3M Speedglass is at your service with 2.8 x 4.2 inches (7.1 x 10,6 cm), while Esab Sentinel A50 comes with 3. 93 x 2. 36 inches (10 x 6 cm).
Esab is additionally featured with an anti-scratch finish as well as a curved lens design allowing you to have an eye on more working areas. Speedglass itself offers a minimal distortion within the whole filter of the viewing area.
Difference 2: Weight
Logically to mention that the lighter a helmet is, the easier work is, though when experiencing both Esab Sentinel A50, and 3M Speedglass, they two resulted in comfort despite the difference in pounds.
Esab’s helmet is 1.4 pounds, (640 g), while 3M Speedglass is 2.09 (950 g). Beyond that, Esab comes with 5 point head gear functionality which helps to distribute the load equally across the head.
Nevertheless, the factor which we paid the highest attention to was a correspondence of weight to pressure, and two helmets have been linked to extreme balance. Thus, weight, in their case, is only a number but pressure on your nerves, and arteries are limited with both.
Difference 3: Switching speed
Esab’s switching speed is 0.04 ms, while Speedglas works within 0.1 ms. Again such a difference has not been much visible when wearing a helmet, so both switch the shades almost instantly.
Difference 4: Battery
Esab Sentinel A50 and 3M Speedglas differ in their batteries, as Esab is powered with solar cells and lithium batteries together, and Speedglass is quite sufficient only with lithium ones.
Another question is the expected durability of battery life. So, Esab is expected to serve you for around 9 months with a single charge (again based on customers’ experience).
The Speedglass helmet’s battery life is approximately 2,000 hours. Both batteries are replaceable, and you do not need to replace them with the manufacturer’s batteries only like it is with Miller’s welding helmet where other batteries do not fit.
Difference 5: Shade range
Esab’s shade range is 5 to 13, and Speedglas is 8 to 13. Beyond that, the Esab welding helmet comes with an LCD screen which, in turn, helps you to select/adjust shade painlessly for both daylight or darkness.
Moreover, it is funny to mention but if you are interested, both fit eclipse viewing, as they correspond to Nasa’s requirements.
Difference 6: Price
Last but not least is the price matter.
Esab’s costs less, however, we would like to mention that their differences are not so impactful when it comes to welding operations, so it is worth saying that overpaying to get 3M Speedglass may not be necessary.
Verdict on Esab Sentinel A50 and 3M Speedglass – What is Better?
After reviewing both helmets on functionality, their differences, and similarities, we want to say that both Esab Sentinel A50 and 3M Speedglas may find their customers.
Esab is definitely a cheaper variant to go for, however, 3M Speedglas is worth its price because of its battery life. All the rest you may find with Esab Sentinel A50, and you won’t overpay. So, Esab might be an excellent and cost-effective choice for any welder.
