The Face Mask Store · UK guide
The G5-01VC and G5-01TW are options for the same G5-01 helmet platform. VC provides Variable Colour Technology, while TW adds a tack welding comfort mode. Both are available in supplied listings with an Adflo powered air system, but the right choice depends on your welding tasks and viewing preference, not a claim that one filter is universally better. [1] [4] [3]
The one-minute guide
The G5-01VC and G5-01TW use the same G5-01 helmet platform, but their welding filters differ. 3M describes VC as offering Variable Colour Technology with dark shades 5 and 8–14. TW offers dark shades 5 and 8–13, plus a tack welding comfort mode. Neither is presented by the manufacturer as the best option for every welder. [1]
For a complete setup, compare the helmet, exact filter, Adflo system, battery and storage contents rather than buying a replacement welding filter by mistake. The supplied VC listing identifies filter part 610031, while the TW listing identifies 610020. However, the TW description contains VC wording, so confirm the filter part number and the included components before ordering. [4] [3]
A welding filter choice does not establish respiratory suitability by itself. HSE recommends reducing exposure first, using local exhaust ventilation where possible, and selecting suitable RPE when controls are insufficient or impracticable. The task, workplace and duration should inform that assessment. [2]
Availability checked 17 September 2026: The listed G5-01TW kit is currently out of stock. The technical comparison below remains useful; the purchase recommendation shown here is the available VC kit. Choose the filter for your task rather than stock availability alone.
Explore suitable options
3M Speedglas G5-01VC Welding Helmet with Adflo PAPR System – 617830 (Carry Case?: TFMS Custom Rucksack)
Choose this VC kit if Variable Colour Technology suits your viewing preference and you want a complete Adflo setup with a wearable rucksack or an official carry-bag upgrade.
View product & options
The full guide
What differs between VC and TW
Both options are lenses for the 3M Speedglas G5-01 heavy-duty welding helmet. The manufacturer-supported distinction is that G5-01VC offers Variable Colour Technology, while G5-01TW offers a tack welding comfort mode. The stated dark-shade ranges also differ: 5 and 8–14 for VC, and 5 and 8–13 for TW. [1]
Variable Colour Technology is the defining VC feature in the supplied manufacturer description. Tack welding comfort mode is the defining TW feature. These represent different viewing and operating preferences, not evidence that one filter is universally safer, clearer or more suitable for every process. [1]
The G5-01 helmet itself has a curved 104 x 170 mm clear protective visor, adjustable airflow direction and a flip-up function for moving between welding, grinding and inspection. These shared helmet features should not be confused with the filter-specific VC or TW functions. [1]
- Choose VC when Variable Colour Technology and the stated 5, 8–14 dark-shade range match your viewing preference and welding requirements. [1]
- Choose TW when the tack welding comfort mode and stated 5, 8–13 dark-shade range are more useful for your work. [1]
- If the exact welding process, settings or filter generation are important, confirm the current manufacturer documentation and filter identification before purchase. [1] [3] [4]
Complete Adflo kit or replacement filter
The supplied complete-kit listings identify a G5-01 helmet, a specified VC or TW welding filter, and an Adflo system with a heavy-duty battery. That is materially different from buying only an auto-darkening welding filter, which does not provide the helmet or the rest of the listed powered-air configuration. [4] [3]
The supplied VC kit identifies the G5-01VC filter as part 610031 and the Adflo system as part 837731. The supplied TW listing identifies the TW filter as part 610020 and also lists the Adflo system as part 837731. The TW page nevertheless includes several VC references, so confirm that the order is for the TW filter and check whether hose, charger and any other components are included in the specific variant. [4] [3]
An auto-darkening filter controls the welding view; it does not, on its own, establish that respiratory protection is suitable for a particular fume, process or workplace. Respiratory selection must consider the task and the effectiveness of workplace controls. [2]
- For a complete setup, check that the listing includes the G5-01 helmet, the intended VC or TW filter and the Adflo system with heavy-duty battery, then verify the remaining components and storage option. [4] [3]
- For a spare or replacement, match the filter part number and helmet compatibility rather than relying only on the product title or image. [4] [3]
- Do not assume that a filter-only purchase provides respiratory protection or the same configuration as a complete Adflo listing. [2] [4] [3]
Available kit and carry-case choices
The supplied VC option is listed as a G5-01VC Adflo PAPR system, product 617830, with filter part 610031 and a TFMS Custom PAPR Rucksack selected. The listing also describes an upgrade to the official Speedglas 790105 carry bag. The rucksack is described as having storage for the helmet, turbo, hose, battery, charger and filters; confirm the selected storage variant and which items are actually supplied with the kit. [4]
The supplied TW option is listed as the G5-01TW Adflo starter kit 617820 with helmet part 611100, TW filter part 610020 and Adflo system part 837731. Its selected variant is marked as having a carry case, while the description says the Speedglas carry bag is an optional extra. Because those statements do not fully align, confirm whether a case is included and which case it is. [3]
- VC with TFMS Custom PAPR Rucksack: suits buyers who want wearable storage for transporting the complete kit and who are willing to verify the exact filter and storage contents before purchase. [4]
- VC with official Speedglas 790105 carry bag upgrade: suits buyers who specifically want the manufacturer-branded storage option, subject to confirming the selected variant and any additional charge. [4]
- TW with carry-case variant: confirm whether the case is included, whether it is the official Speedglas bag, and that the filter supplied is TW part 610020 rather than the VC part described elsewhere on the page. [3]
| Option | Filter and kit facts supplied | Storage point to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| G5-01VC Adflo kit | VC filter part 610031; Adflo system part 837731; kit 617830 | TFMS Custom PAPR Rucksack selected, with official Speedglas 790105 carry bag described as an upgrade |
| G5-01TW Adflo starter kit | TW filter part 610020; helmet part 611100; Adflo system part 837731; kit 617820 | Carry-case variant is selected, but the description calls the Speedglas carry bag optional |
3M Speedglas G5-01VC Welding Helmet with Adflo PAPR System – 617830 (Carry Case?: TFMS Custom Rucksack)
Choose this VC kit if Variable Colour Technology suits your viewing preference and you want a complete Adflo setup with a wearable rucksack or an official carry-bag upgrade.
View product & optionsHow the Adflo choice fits fume control
HSE places welding-fume control in an order: first consider whether the work or process can avoid or reduce exposure, then use local exhaust ventilation to capture fume at source, and use suitable RPE where those measures do not provide adequate control or are not reasonably practicable. [2]
Examples of controls identified by HSE include changing the joining or cutting method, reducing the amount of welding, using a lower-fume process where appropriate, and using on-torch extraction, extracted benches, booths or movable LEV. Outdoor welding cannot use LEV in the same way, so the RPE assessment remains important. [2]
The supplied product descriptions mention an Adflo powered air system and adjustable airflow. They do not, by themselves, establish suitability for every contaminant, work environment or task. Confirm the required filter configuration and obtain task-specific RPE advice where the hazard assessment is not clear. [4] [3] [2]
HSE also identifies wearer considerations including clean-shaven faces for relevant RPE wearers and face-fit testing. Apply the appropriate assessment and instructions for the selected respiratory system rather than using the welding lens specification as a substitute for RPE selection. [2]
- Assess the welding process, materials, duration, location and existing controls before choosing respiratory equipment. [2]
- Use suitable LEV or other exposure controls where appropriate, then select RPE for the remaining risk. [2]
- Ask the supplier or manufacturer to confirm the exact filter configuration and kit contents when the product description is inconsistent. [4] [3]
