Welding is a hazardous job. Hence, professional welders need specialized protective gear. Among different items, a welding helmet is a must.
Two of the best-known welding helmets are the Lincoln Viking as well as the Miller Digital Elite. Both are high-end welding helmets and sport the auto-darkening feature.
Choosing one or the other is not an easy decision. Both are excellent choices.
To help potential buyers to make an informed decision, we have prepared this side-by-side comparison.
We highlight the similarities as well as the differences between the two products. With this information, welders will be able to identify the most convenient features for their specific work. Let’s begin.
The Differences between the Helmets
- The Lincoln helmet is more expensive;
- The Miller helmet is nearly half-pound lighter;
- The Lincoln helmet has a wider viewing area;
- The Lincoln helmet offers higher clarity of the lens.
The Similarities in the Helmet Types
- These two products have 4 arc sensors;
- Both welding helmets offer a different shade levels;
- You can use any of these welding helmets for any welding technique;
- A grinding mode is common to both welding helmets;
- Both helmets function with batteries. When possible, they can utilize solar power;
- A magnifying lens option is available in each of these welding helmets.
Things in Common
The Lincoln Viking 3350 and Miller Digital Elite welding helmets have many features in common.
High-end helmets
They both boast auto-darkening technology. This feature selects automatically the proper shade level for the lens when an arc is detected. To enable fast detection, both welding helmets are equipped with 4 arc sensors.
Grinding mode and multiple shades
When you aren’t welding, the lenses in both helmets remain with a shade level 3. This is the so-called grinding mode.
When an arc is detected, the lens shifts to a shade level between 5 and 13. After you stop welding, the lens goes back to the grinding mode.
This feature and the wide selection of lens shades make both mentioned helmets suitable for absolutely all types of welding. The protection to your eyes is very much the same in both welding helmets.
Auto-darkening
Professional welders benefit greatly from the auto-darkening feature. It allows them to focus on their welding work. This feature is possible through advanced electronics.
To power the control circuit, both helmets have Lithium-Ion batteries.
Also, both welding helmets harvest solar energy through a photocell. This device will make the auto-darkening feature function when you weld in the sunshine. This way, you’ll save battery power.
Superior comfort
This is another characteristic that professional welders appreciate very much in a welding helmet. These two helmets will not let you down.
Both have ergonomic designs and distribute the weight effectively on several points. This reduces the fatigue to your neck after several hours of welding. Hence, both welding helmets offer good performance in this department.
Magnifying glass option
Depending on the type of welding, you may need to use a magnifying glass. Again, both helmets allow the use of a magnifying glass.
With so many similarities, it seems that choosing one or the other could be done by flipping a coin. Well, it’s not so simple. These helmets also have their differences and this can be decisive for your choice.
Product Differences
Before we discuss the differences between these two products, we should stress that both are excellent. For the hobbyist, any of them would be a great choice.
However, for professional welders, even little details make a difference. These subtle differences are discussed below. This information will help you to decide which one is the right welding helmet for the tasks that you routinely perform.
Price
The Lincoln Viking 3350 is more expensive than the Miller Digital Elite.
The price is an important factor for most people to decide whether to buy one product or the other. As already mentioned, both welding helmets are ranked among the most advanced in the market.
A hobbyist or DIY enthusiast would choose the welding helmet with a lower price. No doubt. After all, it wouldn’t make any sense to pay more when both helmets have features that exceed his or her requirements.
However, for a professional welder, paying extra money for additional features would make perfect sense. The question is, does the Lincoln Viking 3350 have features and advantages that justify its higher price? Let’s find out.
Weight
For a professional welder, the weight of a welding helmet is quite important. Lighter helmets reduce fatigue of the neck, especially after several hours of continuous welding.
Both the Lincoln Viking 3350 and Miller Digital Elite are lightweight. However, at just 2.8 lb (1,3 kg) , the Miller Digital Elite is 0.4 lb (0,2 kg) lighter.
Is this difference significant? Well, only you can answer it. You probably could not tell the difference if you wear the Lincoln Viking 3350 for a short time.
But after several hours, the 0.4 lb (0,2 kg) extra can represent more fatigue on your neck. In this department, the Miller Digital Elite is the winner.
Viewing Area
The wide viewing area is highly appreciated by professional welders. It allows you to have a better sense of how your work is advancing.
If you have worked using a welding helmet with a narrow viewing area, you know exactly what we mean. In this aspect, the Lincoln Viking 3350 is the winner. With a viewing area of 3.74”×3.24” (9,5 × 8,2 cm) , it easily outperforms the Miller (3.85”×2.38”/9,8 × 6 cm).
Lens Clarity
The lens of the Lincoln Viking 3350 has the maximum rating possible (1/1/1/1). This means that the lens will show you all images in real colors, even when a shade is used. This, together with a large viewing area, offers the best viewing experience available.
The lens in the Miller Digital Elite is also very clear. But it is not as clear as the lens in the Viking 3350.
Verdict
After assessing all the similarities and differences between the two welding helmets, we can declare the Lincoln Viking 3350 as the winner. It has features that would make it slightly more functional for the professional welder.
Any of these two helmets is a good choice for the novice welder or DIY enthusiast. But if you look for the ultimate welding helmet, the Lincoln Viking 3350 won’t let you down.
