Lincoln Electric Viking 1740 Welding Helmet Review

The Lincoln Electric Viking 1740 Welding Helmet is designed for Professional and serious hobby welders wanting pro-grade optics without the Viking 1840 price; TIG and MIG welders who do not need plasma cutting; apprentices entering the trades. It is not the right choice for plasma cutting below 300A (this helmet’s floor is shade 9; OSHA requires shade 8 there), and welders who want low shades for gas processes (the Optrel Crystal 2.0’s 4–12 range covers those). If you are evaluating this helmet for a specific process, check the welding helmet shade chart to confirm the shade range covers your amperage.

The Lincoln Electric Viking 1740 Welding Helmet covers 9–13 variable auto-darkening. This range is appropriate for TIG (GTAW) at 15–300A, MIG (GMAW) at 60–250A, stick (SMAW) at 60–250A, FCAW at 60–400A. For plasma cutting, the OSHA light-plasma minimum is shade 8 (below 300 A) — this helmet's floor meets it. See the full shade number chart for process-specific minimums.

The Lincoln Electric Viking 1740 Welding Helmet has 4 arc sensors. Four sensors provide 360° arc detection coverage and are the professional standard for complex welding positions, confined spaces, and overhead work. Two-sensor helmets can miss the arc in restricted positions, leaving the lens in the light state when the arc fires. See the complete welding helmet guide for sensor count guidance.

No grind mode. If your workflow requires frequent grinding between welds, consider a helmet with grind mode such as the Miller Classic VSi or Lincoln Viking 1840.

No — shade minimum too high for plasma cutting. OSHA sets shade 8 as the light plasma-cutting minimum (1910.133(a)(5)); this helmet's floor meets or exceeds it. The Lincoln Viking 1840 (shade 7–13) or Optrel Crystal 2.0 (shade 4–12) are appropriate for plasma cutting.

Yes — this helmet is among the top choices for TIG welding. 1/1/1/1 EN 379 (4C lens) optical technology provides the clarity needed to track the small, precise TIG puddle. Four sensors ensure reliable triggering at low TIG amperages. See the best welding helmets for TIG welding for full TIG picks.

Yes. The Lincoln Electric Viking 1740 Welding Helmet covers MIG welding at 9–13 shade, which handles all standard MIG amperages (60–250A). Four arc sensors provide reliable detection across all MIG welding positions. See the best welding helmets for MIG welding guide for the full MIG comparison.

The Lincoln Electric Viking 1740 Welding Helmet uses 1/1/1/1 EN 379 (4C lens) technology. The EN 379 1/1/1/1 rating is the highest achievable optical clarity score — measuring optical class, diffusion of light, variation in luminous transmittance, and angular dependence. This translates to the clearest, most distortion-free view of the weld puddle possible. The complete guide to auto-darkening welding helmets covers EN 379 ratings in detail.

Yes. The Lincoln Electric Viking 1740 Welding Helmet is ANSI Z87.1 certified, which meets the OSHA 29 CFR 1910.252 requirements for arc welding eye protection. OSHA requires filter lenses to meet ANSI Z87.1 minimum shade standards for the process in use. The Lincoln Electric Viking 1740 Welding Helmet's shade range of 9–13 covers the OSHA minimum for MIG at 60–250A (shade 10 minimum) and stick at 60–250A. See the full OSHA shade requirements in the shade number reference.

MIG and stick welding produce 90–100 dB — above the OSHA 85 dB action level requiring hearing protection. Use foam earplugs with NRR 29 or higher inserted before putting the helmet on. Avoid earmuffs under a welding helmet — the shell compresses the cushion and reduces effective NRR significantly.

Yes. When the helmet is raised between welds or during repositioning, your eyes are exposed to spatter, UV from nearby welders, and grinding debris. OSHA 1910.133 requires eye protection in welding environments at all times. Wear ANSI Z87.1 safety glasses under the helmet.

Set the shade based on your process and amperage: MIG at 75–150A → shade 10–11; MIG at 150–250A → shade 11–12; TIG at 15–75A → shade 10; TIG at 75–150A → shade 11–12; stick at 60–160A → shade 10–11. Adjust one step darker if eye fatigue occurs; one step lighter if puddle visibility is poor. Never set below the ANSI Z49.1 minimum for your amperage. Full chart at welding helmet shade numbers.

The Viking 1740 shares the same 4C lens and 1/1/1/1 EN 379 optical rating as the Viking 1840 at a lower price. The key difference: the Viking 1840 adds a lower shade floor (7–13, covering the plasma-cutting minimums), an external shade dial, two extra arc sensors, and a 5-year warranty. For welders who do not plasma cut and do not need grind mode, the 1740 delivers identical optics at reduced cost. The Lincoln Viking 1840 (shade 7–13, 1/1/1/1 EN 379, grind mode, 5-year warranty) is the benchmark multi-process helmet. See the best auto-darkening welding helmets guide for a full multi-helmet comparison.

The Lincoln Electric Viking 1740 Welding Helmet is a professional helmet — it is capable for beginners but priced above entry-level needs. For beginners, the Jackson Safety Rebel or 3M Speedglas 100V are more cost-appropriate starting points. See the beginners guide.

Complete welding PPE includes: welding helmet, ANSI Z87.1 safety glasses (when helmet is raised), hearing protection (NRR 29+), leather welding gloves, FR welding jacket or sleeves, and steel-toed boots. For respirator needs when welding galvanized or coated metals, see the WC Safety PPE collection.

The Lincoln Electric Viking 1740 Welding Helmet is reviewed on WC Safety. You can also purchase through Amazon (affiliate link). WC Safety reviews the full welding helmet collection — compare all options before purchasing. See the best auto-darkening welding helmets guide for a full side-by-side comparison.

The Lincoln Viking series typically carries a 5-year warranty — one of the longest in the welding helmet market. Verify current warranty terms at the Lincoln Electric Viking 1740 Welding Helmet product page or with the manufacturer.