Lincoln Electric Viking 1840 vs. Viking 1740: What's the Difference? (2026)
Affiliate Disclosure: WC Safety earns a commission on qualifying Amazon purchases. All recommendations are editorial.
The Lincoln Electric Viking 1840 and Viking 1740 share the same 4C lens technology and 1/1/1/1 EN 379 optical clarity rating — the highest achievable. Both have four arc sensors and ANSI Z87.1 certification. The 1840 adds three features over the 1740: shade 5–13 range (plasma cutting capability), grind mode, and a 5-year warranty. If you don't plasma cut and don't need grind mode, the 1740 delivers identical optics at lower cost.
Quick Verdict
The Viking 1840 for multi-process work and plasma cutting. The Viking 1740 for TIG and MIG welders who do not plasma cut and do not need grind mode.
Optical quality is identical — 1/1/1/1 EN 379 on both. The 1840 costs more because of shade 5–13, grind mode, and the extended warranty. If those three features don't apply to your welding, the 1740 gives you the same puddle clarity for less.
Side-by-Side Specs
| Spec | Viking 1840 | Viking 1740 |
|---|---|---|
| Shade range | 5–13 | 9–13 |
| Arc sensors | 4 | 4 |
| Optical clarity | 1/1/1/1 EN 379 (4C lens) | 1/1/1/1 EN 379 (4C lens) |
| Grind mode | Yes | No |
| Plasma cutting | Yes (shade 5–13) | No |
| Warranty | 5 years | Standard Lincoln warranty |
| Weight | Standard | Standard |
What They Share: Identical Optics
The defining feature of both Viking helmets is the 4C lens with 1/1/1/1 EN 379 optical clarity — the highest rated optics in the Lincoln lineup and among the clearest in the WC Safety welding helmet collection. Four arc sensors provide reliable arc detection in all positions including overhead, out-of-position, and confined spaces. Solar plus battery power, ANSI Z87.1 certification, and Lincoln's build quality apply equally to both.
Shade Range: 5–13 vs. 9–13
The Viking 1840 covers shade 5–13; the Viking 1740 covers shade 9–13. The difference matters only for plasma cutting — plasma cutting at 20–80A requires shade 6–9, which falls below the 1740's shade 9 minimum. For all arc welding processes (MIG, TIG, stick, FCAW), both helmets cover the required shade range. If you do not own a plasma cutter and don't plan to, the shade range difference is irrelevant to your purchase decision.
Grind Mode and Warranty
The Viking 1840 adds grind mode (switches the lens to light state for grinding without removing the helmet) and a 5-year warranty. The Viking 1740 has neither. For fabricators who alternate between welding and grinding between passes, grind mode is a meaningful workflow feature. For welders who remove the helmet when grinding — a common habit in training programs — grind mode is irrelevant.
Buy the Viking 1840 if:
- You plasma cut alongside welding — shade 5–13 is required
- You alternate between welding and grinding and want grind mode
- You want the 5-year Lincoln warranty
- You weld all processes including plasma cutting in one helmet
Buy the Viking 1740 if:
- You TIG or MIG weld only — no plasma cutting
- You want the same 1/1/1/1 EN 379 optics at lower cost
- Grind mode is not part of your workflow
- You're a professional entering the trades who doesn't yet have a plasma cutter
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Lincoln Viking 1840 and 1740?
Three differences: (1) The 1840 covers shade 5–13; the 1740 covers 9–13 — the 1840 adds plasma cutting capability. (2) The 1840 has grind mode; the 1740 does not. (3) The 1840 carries a 5-year warranty vs. the 1740's standard warranty. Both have identical 1/1/1/1 EN 379 (4C) optics and four arc sensors.
Is the Viking 1840 worth the extra cost over the 1740?
Only if you need what it adds: plasma cutting range, grind mode, or the extended warranty. If none of those apply to your welding, the 1740 delivers the same optical quality and sensor performance for less money. The optics — which are the primary reason to buy either Viking — are identical.
Can the Viking 1740 be used for TIG welding?
Yes. The Viking 1740 has 1/1/1/1 EN 379 optics and four sensors, making it an excellent TIG helmet. The shade 9–13 range covers TIG at 15–300A. See the best welding helmets for TIG welding guide — both Viking models appear in the top picks.
Does the Viking 1740 have grind mode?
No. Grind mode is exclusive to the Viking 1840 (and Viking 2450) in the Viking lineup. The 1740 does not include grind mode.
Which is better for MIG welding?
Both perform identically for MIG — same optics, same sensors, same shade range for MIG amperages. The 1840 adds grind mode which is useful in fabrication shops where grinding between passes is routine. For pure MIG without grinding, the 1740 is the more cost-effective choice.
What is the difference between the Viking 1840 and Viking 2450?
The Viking 2450 has the same shade range (5–13), optics (1/1/1/1 EN 379), and sensors (four) as the 1840, but with a larger extended-shell viewing area — designed for pipe welding and confined-space work. The 2450 is heavier. See the Viking 1840 vs. Viking 2450 comparison.
Is the Viking 1840 or 1740 better for beginners?
Neither is a beginner helmet by price or features — both are professional-tier. For beginners, see the best welding helmets for beginners. For a first professional helmet as skills develop, the Viking 1740 is the more practical entry point into the Viking lineup.
Do both Viking helmets work with all welding processes?
Both cover MIG, TIG, stick (SMAW), and FCAW — all standard arc welding processes. The Viking 1840 additionally covers plasma cutting (shade 5–13). Neither is rated for oxy-acetylene welding (which uses shade 4–6 and requires welding goggles, not an ADF helmet).
Which Viking helmet has the best warranty?
The Viking 1840 carries a 5-year warranty — the longest in the Lincoln welding helmet lineup and one of the longest available in the market. The Viking 1740 has Lincoln's standard warranty terms.
Where can I compare all Lincoln Viking welding helmets?
See the best auto-darkening welding helmets guide for a full comparison across all 13 helmets in the WC Safety lineup, or the complete welding helmet guide for process and selection guidance.
Related Guides & Reviews
- Complete Guide to Auto-Darkening Welding Helmets (2026)
- Best Auto-Darkening Welding Helmets (2026)
- Best Welding Helmets for MIG Welding (2026)
- Best Welding Helmets for TIG Welding (2026)
- Welding Helmet Shade Number Chart (ANSI Z49.1)
- Lincoln Electric Viking 1840 Full Review
- Lincoln Electric Viking 1740 Full Review
- Shop All Welding Helmets
Written By
Steven Eaton
Safety Products Specialist, WC Safety Editorial. OSHA 10, AWS CWI. 10+ years industrial PPE.
Reviewed By
WC Safety Editorial Team
Standards
ANSI Z87.1-2015 · ANSI Z49.1:2012 · EN 379 · OSHA 29 CFR 1910.252
Affiliate Disclosure
WC Safety is an Amazon Associate. Commissions on qualifying purchases.