Get this helmet. https://www.eastwood.com/panoramic-view-welding-helmet.html
I promise, it will change your life!
I’m a horrible welder and this helmet makes me feel like I know what I’m doing! My biggest problem was exactly what you’re explaining in your inquiry.
I can see the puddle clear as day, the path is just as clear. You won’t regret it.
Remember, it needs a battery, don’t try it until you put a battery in. (I made this mistake)
What was it about that helmet that made the difference to you?
I could clearly see every detail of the weld. The puddle, my path and the gap filling properly. It truly helped my welds look more like a knew what i was doing. Before that, all I could see was the arc!
If you buy a cheap helmet, expect less.
I’ve had some cheap ones and also a top of the line middle of the road brand and it’s the best I’ve had yet. My next one will be a Lincoln 3350.
You should expect to spend between $3-450 on a good helmet. Anything under 200 is……not a good hood. Proven time and again.
i use an Esab Savage. it incorporates"truview" which removes the green tint that most of the older helmets imparted to the view. this helps a lot in my opinion, the next most important aspect is keeping the plastic protective shields that cover the glass lense inside and out outside clean and replaced as necessary. they are cheap and make so much difference.