Ok, thanks for all of your replies, especially helmet recommendations. I didn't pay much for the one I have, so it had occurred to me that a better one might be the answer. Guess I didn't really have a good grasp of the sensitivity and darkness settings. I'll try tweaking the settings again and add ...

I've had my MIG welder for a few months and feel like I'm getting the hang of it. I can lay down a pretty good bead but I still feel like I can't see what I'm working on very well. When I start welding I can see the puddle just fine but the joint itself is barely visible. Helmet is set on the lowest...