Airshield pro or 3m 6900pf

Which should I get?

  • Airshield Pro

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  • 3M 6900pf

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Other

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TLR

TLR

Gold Member
Joined
Oct 5, 1998
Messages
1,568
So the Airshield Pro package I'm looking at is 390 + shipping.
I've seen good reviews here about this unit from people using it but am somewhat hesitant as I hate buying things from small companies that use proprietary supplies and there is no NIOSH rating on this unit.

I've found the 3M 6900pf for $440 + $11 shipping (cheapest price I can find from a reputable company so far)
I generally like 3M masks although I've never used this one or any papr.

Some other general info. I do have a beard. I have a fairly large head and face. I am working out of a garage with less then ideal airflow but always work with the door open when grinding micarta or g10.

Any thoughts or recommendations? Other units I should be looking at?

Thanks
 
I got a Trend Airshield and am happy. Positive air pressure means my beard isn't an issue - and the model I got is generous enough that I can wear my regular glasses inside it. Only issue I have is that I have a fat head and I max out the headband - but it works for me!
 
I now have two Trend Airshield Pros (one for each of my shops, and will be getting a third soon for my new building) I sew prefilters to go over the expensive filters out of 3m Filtrete material which extend the life of the $50 filters

-Page
 
Sunshadow - That's a good idea.

So any idea if the trend filters are as good as the 3M ones?
 
I do not know having not reviewed the two side by side, I know the Trend works, and my filtrete (or generic equivalent) covers extend the life of the trend filters dramatically

-Page
 
I will tell you what I consider the bad part about Airshield products........replacement parts. Little is generally available in the US.
They change models and discontinue things, with no replacement parts after that. 3M is better about parts and filters.

What I like about Airshield products is they work well, and are comfortable. They look like a woodshop/workshop devive.

I have a 6900, and it is much less comfortable......and the neighbors will think you are running a meth lab if you walk out of the shop wearing it.

The Airshield is a particulate filter plain and simple. It does that well, but all it does is remove particles above a certain micron size. If you are just grinding steel and wood, that is all you need.
The 6900 has better filtration, and IIRC, you can get organic filters. If you grind a lot of phenolics, like micarta, then go with a unit you can get formaldehyde rated filters for.

My take on several products:
Trend Airshield - Works well, looks like a space helment, a bit bulky.
Airshield Pro - Looks better, lighter, and has ear flaps available.
3M GPV with L- series hood ( and similar) - Looks better, and more comfortable because the blower is on your belt.
3M 6800/6900pf - Uncomfortable and odd looking.

It is good idea to put the blower and filter on the small of your back or belt instead of hanging in front of your face. You can get a conversion hose for this if the 3M unit you buy isn't made that way.
 
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I'm grinding more g10 then micarta. My understanding is that I still should wear a formaldehyde filter for g10. Am I wrong in this?

Bladsmith you listed the 6800 & 6900 separately. They are simply different sizes of the same mask. Am I missing something in your post?

Count your advice is good and while I should be able to find a 3m to try I have no idea here to find the trend in Iowa.
 
No, you aren't missing something. I was thinking of a different mask, and the wrong numbers came up in my head. It was the GPV with the L-series hood. I changed the post. Thanks for the catch.
 
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