Lincoln Electric VIKING 3350 White Tail Camo Welding Helmet

Welding is not my trade but I’ve been welding for 35 years and this is a decent helmet I have zero complaints it’s comfortable and has good view

I did a lot of research, and results indicate from reviews to not even think about other auto-darkening helmets - and for this helmet, those reviews are spot on (correct). Stay away from Harbor-Freight, YesWelder, even Miller Digital Elite 2.0, etc. I'm not stating this Lincoln is better than Miller Digital Elite 2.0, but rather for the weekend DiYer, this is your go-to helmet for Flux-Core, MiG, etc. As soon as I opened the box, I set the shade to 10 (for thin sheet metal flux core), and set the lag-time for becoming clear (after the arc distinguishes) to short "S", and went to the garage and fired up the new Lincoln 90-iFC flux core welder (110 Volts AC). Before I struck the arc, the lens was very clear. Once I struck an arc, the lens auto-darkened within 1/25,000 seconds, which is 200 times faster than the human "look away" reflex time when accidentally looking at the sun (1/125 second). The look-away reflex is a natural response built into the eye (central nervous system) from preventing retinal burns and burning the eyes out from bright lights. Amazingly, the arc appears very small and is not inflated like cheap lenses will do. The diameter of the visible arc during flux core (0.035 Lincoln flux wire) on 1/8" steel was about 1/8", so very small. As a result I could run a small bead like a micro-surgeon. The color of the arc is a blue-white color, and the small molten bead looks like liquid mercury, so there's no messing up on whether the bead is gluing together both side of the lap or butt being welded. The helmet's very comfortable when tightened around my head with a Lincoln do-rag on - yes, you need a do-rag for flux core, since it's spatter on steroids - everywhere. Be sure to wear long sleeve shirts - no matter how hot it is outside, as well as pants, and full suede gloves. The bright arc releases a lot of UV, which has proven to be a strong carcinogen - we're talking BCC (basal cell carcinomas) and other skin melanomas. Basically, the skin cancers that result in a horrible death - so don't be a fool.

Great quality. Very happy with it.

First off let me say that the true color display is a real game changer for me, being able to see the area and weld pool in more realistic (not just green) colors is fantastic. AND the larger viewing screen area - that's just phenomenal. The new headgear is extremely comfortable and has great adjustability to get the fit just right for you. Scratch covers for the front and inside are super easy to replace and it comes with several of both. The carry bag is nice because now I'm not storing my helmet in a plastic bag anymore and it is easy to carry backpack style if you are going somewhere. I won't say it's made me a better welder but being able to really see what's going on in the weld, around the weld makes it SO MUCH EASIER to correct and keep a good weld going than is has been for me in the past. Technology certainly has improved welding helmets. And I feel like my eyes are protected, super fast switching, NO distorting in the view at all, and adjustable hold times so you are not getting flashed by still red hot metal. Thinking about buying one for our son if he decides he wants to get into welding more.

fit is great, view is great, sure is nice to be able to see clearly when welding

Great starting hood! Almost done with my Applied Science Degree! This hood served me well during my lab time!!

Very well made, great quality, highly recommend!

My welding has improved with the improved visibility offered by the Lincoln Electric K3034-4 Viking 3350 helmet. I am a beginning welder and after struggling to visualize the puddle with my cheap auto-darkening helmet I finally took the leap and bought the Viking. It is definitely worth the price to upgrade if you can swing it. The helmet is very well made and comes with good instructions.