Lincoln Electric K3034-4 VIKING 3350 Auto Darkening Welding Helmet with 4C Lens Technology, Matte Black, extra large

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.

This is a very nice Helmet very comfortable. There’s so many features making the job a lot easier and faster the auto adjust is very nice the head band is extremely comfortable this is a must have if you don’t already have. Lincoln electric did a very nice job producing this model. On the plus side Amazon had the cheapest price I could find even the company I work for which gets price breaks ordering from company’s like miller and Lincoln couldn’t beat the Amazon price for this helmet I’m very happy

I rarely leave a product review but this welding helmet is the best one I have ever purchased. The features I find exemplary of this helmet include:-Best quality in terms of visibility I have worked with. Is almost like night and day to other, typical welding helmets. You can clearly see your weld pool and the work piece during operation. Easily the best feature.-Fit is extremely nice. Has multiple points of adjustment and the band that is circumferential is easily adjusted with a knob adjuster.-Best price for a welding helmet with all of these features. I was able to pick this up on sale but it is on par or out competes helmets that cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars.Again, I rarely leave a review but this helmet is so nice, especially for the costs, I recommend it for amateurs and professionals alike.

Well worth the money!!! I'm a professional welder with 21yrs of experience behind a hood. I must say this is by far the best hood I've ever owned. The visibility and clarity is way better than I expected it could ever be. The head gear feels cheap but is extremely comfortable so we'll see. I showed 6 other guys at work this morning and every one of them was highly impressed. I don't know the durability or longevity of this hood but if it only lasted a yr I would buy one every yr. This hood is a game changer for sure. I highly recommend spending the extra cash

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.

Your eyes are worth it

This helmet is a huge upgrade from my old Miller. I needed the larger viewing area because I wear bifocals. The view is a lot clearer than the Miller too.I added a 2x magnifier lens that slipped right in and I can finally see to weld again.

I weld every day and I've had this helmet for a few years now. The helmet itself performs flawlessly. But I have to constantly retighten the head gear. If I had to weld for long periods of time I would've trashed it by now or retro fitted better head gear. Also the grind mode button can be pushed unintentionally when getting your head into thght spots, it always sucks to get flashed. Lincoln! Get better head gear!