Not because you’re a beginner does it mean that you should settle for less than stellar equipment. In fact, it might even be better that you go for the finer options as they can help you focus on the learning process instead. For this, you might want to get the best tattoo gun kit available to you.
But as a newbie, where do you look for the right products? Here’s our quick guide that’s sure to point you in the right direction.
8 Best Tattoo Gun Kit
1. Wormhole Tattoo Kit 2pcs- Best Budget Tattoo Gun
Starting off our list is the Wormhole Tattoo Kit for Beginners Tattoo Artist. As its name suggests, this starter kits is specifically made for beginner tattoo artist, guaranteeing that it will suit the needs and requirements of a newbie. What makes it worth considering are its friendly price tag, the inclusion of the basic items needed by a beginner tattoo artist, and the machines’ reliable performance.
Quick Summary
- 2 coil tattoo machines for lining and shading
- 10 wraps
- Copper coil
- Tattoo Power supply
- 10 x Tattoo ink cups
- Stainless steel Foot pedal and clip cord connection
- Disposable gloves
- Attachments, accessories, and tattoo supplies
- Practice skin
- Online guide
1. Friendly price tag
Most Chinese-made tattoo kits come with friendly price tags so this product positions itself in the forefront of the top budget-friendly picks in the market today. As most newbies are not ready to splurge on a high-end piece of equipment just yet, this tattoo kit might already do the trick for many.
2. Quality machines
Despite the low price, this Wormhole product guarantees quality and reliability. So if you want to make sure that you’re putting your money in the right place, this can be a good choice.
3. Made for beginners
Most tattoo kits are made for beginner tattoo artist, so this shouldn’t be surprising. However, it’s not just the machine and the set itself that makes it beginner-friendly. Those are the primary factors that make this a suitable choice for newbies since it will let you equip yourself with everything to get started but its online guide tends to add a flourish to this tattoo kit.
With the online guide, you can further learn the ropes of tattooing. This will come in handy to those who are yet to find an apprenticeship. It will teach you some of the most basic steps in tattooing, giving you an edge from the competition.
- Kit comes with all of the basic items you need to get started
- Easy to set up
- Sturdy build
- Highly functional digital power supply
- Affordable price tag
- Comes with an online guide
- Inks are best used for practice skins and other materials only
2. Pirate Face Tattoo Kite 4- Best Quality Tattoo Machine Gun
Next up on our recommendations of the best tattoo kits to buy is the Grinder Tattoo Kit by Pirate Face Tattoo. This tattoo kit is like an expanded version of the previous item since it comes with 4 coil tattoo machines, providing more specialized functionalities to professional tattoo artist.
Quick Summary
- 4 tattoo machines for lining and shading
- 10-wrap coils
- 7 Radiant Colors tattoo ink bottles, made in the USA
- 1 power supply
- Clip cord connection
- 4 grips
- Stainless steel Foot Pedal
- 100 x Ink cups
- 1 x Tattoo Practice Skin
- Other attachments, accessories, and supplies
- Carrying case
- Basic Fundamentals of Modern Tattoo book
- Welcome to Tattoo DVD
- Access to an apprentice portal website
But it’s not just the number of components that make it different. This grinder tattoo kit also stands out because even if it’s perfect for beginners, it was designed with a professional in mind. With this, you are guaranteed that you’ll get high-performing starter kits.
1. Suited for beginners but made for professionals
Tattoo kits are definitely made for beginners as they offer a quick and convenient way to build an arsenal. However, many tattoo kits are very basic that you’ll soon find yourself in need of purchasing additional items to get the results you want.
This Grinder Classic tattoo Kit addresses that issue by creating a kit that even professionals can find useful. This means that there’s a very good chance that you’ll be able to grow with this kit as every tattoo artists.
2. Includes informational materials
While many tattoo kits come with instructional and introductory materials about tattooing, the Grinder Classic tattoo Kit tends to take things up a notch with the titles and materials it comes with. It includes the Basic Fundamentals of Modern Tattoo book which is a great source of knowledge about the art, process, and even business of tattooing. It will provide a good insight to those who are just taking their first steps into the craft.
The Welcome to Tattoo DVD is another useful addition to the tattoo kit as it can provide a more visual walk-through for beginners. Some folks may not have the patience or attention span for reading the book, so this DVD may be a great alternative.
Finally, this tattoo kit will also let you access an apprentice portal website which can also help you learn the ropes in tattooing. This website can give you a glimpse of what to expect from one and will teach you some of the basics while you’re at it.
- Well made machines
- Made for beginners
- Designed for professionals
- Quality build
- Comes with lots of accessories and supplies
- Some opt to swap out the power supply
3. Solong Tattoo® Complete Tattoo Kit 2 Pro- Best Cheap Tattoo Machine Gun Kit
This next beginner kit is a popular choice for the best tattoo kits. With the extremely friendly price tag of the Solong Tattoo Complete Tattoo Kit 2 Pro Machine Guns, it’s not easy to see why many are willing to give it a shot. And once they have it on their hands, they get amazed by the great performance of the coil tattoo machines that come with it.
Quick Summary
- 2 coil tattoo machines for lining and shading
- LCD power supply
- 54 bottles of different color tattoo inks, 1 bottle of black ink
- 100 ink cups
- Disposable gloves
- Accessories, attachments, and supplies
- Tools
- Practice skin
- Manual
With Solong Tattoo best known for its wonderful and budget-friendly dupes, it’s not surprising that this complete tattoo kit comes with everything the brand is famous for. It can certainly be worth a shot for beginners and those who want something to play with as they get the hang of using a coil machine.
1. Low price
As mentioned above, Solong is widely known for its low-price offerings that are shockingly impressive. This is one of those brands that will take you by surprise as their products don’t cost much but they deliver more than what many would expect. This, and the fact that they fashion their products after high-end ones, make it quite a popular brand for dupes and alternative options for expensive tattoo machines.
You can expect the same things from this complete tattoo kit. It’s very affordable but the machines included are well made and perform nicely. As a result, you can get so much value out of your purchase with this pick.
2. Comes with a lot of inclusions
Another notable thing about this product is the amount of inclusions it has. The tattoo machine kit in itself is pretty basic since there are only 2 coil machines but the extras can totally boost its value.
How? For starters, it comes with 54 tattoo ink colors. That’s definitely a lot even if some may argue that they’re not of a top-notch quality. With the price of this tattoo kit, such a number of add-ons can be mid-blowing.
Then, there are also the other supplies, accessories, and attachments included in the box. 10 tattoo grips, 60 tattoo tips, 50 tattoo needles, and 100 ink cups among many others are not exactly what you’d expect from a product at its price point. So, once again, it can give you everything you need and more.
- Reliable performance
- Excellent value for your money
- Includes a lot of ink
- Perfect for beginners
- Highly functional power supply
- Includes everything on the listing
- A solid setup
- Instructions need some improvement
- Ink is best used for practice skins and other materials
4. DragonHawk Complete Tattoo Kit 2- Best Beginner Tattoo Machine Gun Kit
Those who’d prefer to learn with coil machines should check out this Dragonhawk Complete Tattoo Kit instead. Dragonhawk complete comes with 2 coil machines, 1 for shading and 1 for lining so it will cover all your bases at the most basic level. Since lots of professionals prefer coil machines over others, apprentices may want to opt for a tattoo kit like this as one of their first investments.
Quick Summary
- 2 coil tattoo machines for lining and shading
- 10 wrap
- LED power supply
- Stainless steel Foot pedal and clip cord connection
- Attachments, accessories, and supplies
- 20 bottles of ink in different colors
1. Affordable price tag
True to what the brand is known for, this Dragonhawk Complete tattoo kit is another affordable best tattoo kit. This makes it a solid choice for everyone on a budget, whether they’re beginners or professional tattoo artist. Its friendly price tag makes it a solid choice for many since the brand is also popular for its quality make and performance.
2. Reliable performance and quality
Speaking of quality, Dragonhawk established a name for itself through the positive feedback its products received over the years. Even if they started out offering lower-priced clones of high-end tattoo machines, they were able to build a good reputation because of how well their starter kits perform. Dragonhawk complete is definitely a good sign that you’ll get great value for your money with this very beginner kit.
3. Ease of use
Tattoo coil machines aren’t the first kinds of tattoo machines that you’ll think of if you’re after something that’s easy to use. However, for a coil tattoo machine, this product is quite easy to set up and use.
So if you’re intimidated with tattoo coil machines but still want to give them a try, save yourself from the hassle and opt for products like this from Dragonhawk Complete kit. It can ease you into the use of these traditional tattoo starter kits and you might just find yourself preferring them over other types of tattoo equipment like other pros.
- Great bang for your buck
- Offered by a reputable brand
- Easy to use and set up
- Good for folks of all skill levels
- Ink is best used on practice skin and fruits
5. Dragonhawk Atom Cartridge Kit- Best Starter Tattoo Machine Gun Kits
Another solid pick from the brand mentioned above is the Dragonhawk Cartridge Tattoo Kit. This starter kit features the Atom Tattoo Pen which is one of the most famous picks from this manufacturer. It will remind you of your more expensive options not because it looks like one but because it operates and handles like one.
Quick Summary
- Atom rotary tattoo machine
- 6-9V working voltage
- Japan motor
- 20 pcs cartridge needles
- Digital power supply
- Stainless steel Foot pedal and RCA connection
- Carrying case
1. Ease of use and handling
The Atom pen is designed to have a pen-like feel so it promises great ease in terms of handling. Transitioning from traditional pens to this machine will not be too difficult even if it is chunkier than actual pencils or tablet pens.
The important thing is, you hold it like you will an actual pen and that there’s not a lot of weight on top of the machine. This makes it easier to get used to while drawing.
Aside from handling, using this item is also pretty easy. Its operation is pretty straightforward and you can pop the cartridge in and out with great ease. This makes it a very convenient option for a lot of tattoo artists.
2. Great bang for your buck
Since this item is from a famous budget-friendly manufacturer, you can expect this tattoo kit to offer you great value for your money. It comes with all of the essentials and a reliable tattoo machine kit for a fraction of a price of some of the most popular tattoo pens. And since the performance of the Atom pen is comparable with its more expensive counterparts, you can count on it to be worth your while.
3. Suitable for experts and beginners alike
While this item is hailed as one of the best tattoo kits because of its easy handling and use as well as its pen-like feel, it’s not necessarily just for newbies. In fact, a lot of experienced and even pro tattoo artists love this item.
Why? Because it’s an affordable pick that performs well. Lots of professionals who want to try using tattoo pens without spending an arm and a leg on a unit that they’re not sure if they’ll love turn to this item. More often than not, they are blown away by the experience that they end up either sticking to the Atom pen or investing on other high-end tattoo pens.
- High-quality tattoo pen
- Comes with almost everything you need to get started
- Great value for your money
- Easy to work with
- Suitable for beginners and experts alike.
- Tattoo Inks and other supplies need to be purchased separately
- Power supply might need to be replaced after a while
6. Dragonhawk Mast Pen Rotary Tattoo Machine 1013-10- Best Tattoo Machine Gun Kit for Beginners
Still from the same manufacturer is the Dragonhawk Mast Pen Tattoo Kit. This pick is a nice alternative to the Atom Pen tattoo kit since it also offers a tattoo pen that is very affordable but famous for its reliable performance.
Quick Summary
- Mast tattoo pen
- 120g weight
- Custom motor, 6-9V operating voltage
- Digital Power supply
- Foot pedal and RCA connection
- WJX brand cartridges needles
- Carrying case
1. Easy handling and use
Like other tattoo pens, the Mast Pen is also very easy to use. It may not look as streamlined as the Atom but some actually prefer the tapered stainless steel tip of this item. It’s said that it’s easier to control and move around, while some say that it’s easier to see what they’re working on with its design. Because of this, it can be said that this item is easy to wield and work with.
Of course, the pen-like feel is also worth mentioning. The balance of this item makes it more comfortable to handle, especially for long hours. Beginners will also have an easier time getting used to how this machine feels on their hand as the feeling isn’t too foreign.
2. High quality performance and build
With a custom-built motor, the performance and quality of this product is also promised to be top-notch. Many experts are very fond of how this item works, so if you want something that is affordable and performs well, this might appeal to you.
The build of the machine itself is notable, too. It’s housed in high-quality space aluminum so you can also be sure that it’s quite durable.
3. Great price
On top of it all, the price of this machine is also a great reason to give it a shot. It’s not necessarily cheap but it’s also not that expensive. And since it also comes with everything you need, you can definitely get a lot from your purchase. Of course, the reliable performance adds more value to the mix, giving people more reason to give it a try.
- Works like a dream
- Comparable performance to more expensive models
- Very affordable
- Will suit newbies and experts alike
- Their customer service is quick to resolve any problems
- Comes with all of the basics you need to start tattooing
- Easy to use and handle
- Some find the grip a bit slippery
7. Stigma Complete Tattoo Kit Pro- Best Professional Tattoo Gun Kit
For the best professional tattoo kit, check out the Stigma Complete Tattoo Kit. This product features the famous Stigma tattoo machine which is one of the few rotary machines that won over the hearts of many veteran tattoo artists. This affordable version is available at a fraction of the price, so if you’re on a budget or just don’t want to spend a lot on a rotary just yet, this might work for you.
Quick Summary
- Stigma-Tattoo Rotary machine
- Digital Power supply
- Foot pedal and RCA jack connection
- Tattoo Needles
- Grips with stem and stainless steel tip
- Ink bottles
- Ink caps
- Disposable gloves
- Practice skin
- Carrying case
1. Offered by a top-rated brand
Stigma-Rotary is one of the most famous manufacturers of rotary tattoo machines right now. They’re deemed as one of the pioneers in the industry, offering some of the first rotary models in 2005. Their German engineering also contributed largely to their reliability and success, guaranteeing that you’ll get great results with their offerings.
The same can be said for this rotary tattoo kit since it features a Stigma Rotary Tattoo Machine. It may be one of the more basic options but its performance and quality stays true to the brand’s reputation.
2. Very affordable
One of the most amazing things about this product is its very affordable price. It costs a fraction of the price of other Stigma-Rotary products as well as other top-rated rotary tattoo machine models. And since this is a tattoo kit, you’ll definitely get a lot more out of your purchase.
3. Solid performance
With everything said above combined with a solid performance, you can be sure that this item is worth your while. This makes it a good choice for beginners as they won’t struggle with a finicky machine and would be a reliable option for experts who need consistency when working.
- Affordable price tag
- Smooth and consistent performance
- Comes with the basic necessities you need to get started
- Comparable performance to more expensive models
- Their customer service is quick to resolve any problems
- Machine can handle daily use
- Suitable for beginners and experts
- Inks included are not recommended to be used on human skin
8. Solong Tattoo Complete Tattoo Kit 2 Pro- Best Tattoo Gun Starter Kit
Last but definitely not least is the Solong Tattoo Complete Tattoo Kit 2 Pro Rotary Tattoo Guns. This features 2 rotary tattoo machines from Solong which will remind you of a more expensive model.
Since the brand is also known for producing more affordable versions and alternatives of high-quality products to tattooists on a budget, this isn’t surprising. What surprises many is the fact that they don’t just look like the more expensive models but their performance is comparable to the high-quality picks as well.
Quick Summary
- 2 Solong rotary tattoo machines
- 1 Digital power supply
- Foot pedal and RCA jack
- 1 x Tattoo Practice Skin
- Grips
- Accessories, attachments, and supplies
- 7 bottles of ink
1. Affordable versions of high-quality tattoo machines
As mentioned above, the two tattoo machines that come with this product can be said to be fashioned after more expensive products. While they don’t look like exact copies, Solong is known to provide cheaper alternatives of high-quality brands so it’s easy to assume that the same is true for this starter tattoo kit.
The comparison also has a lot to do with the performance of Solong’s tattoo machines. Despite their friendlier price tag, the tattoo machines in this tattoo kit are known to provide smooth and consistent work. So if you want to get a lot out of your budget, this might be an attractive option.
2. Comes with the basics
Like all of the other items on this list, this Solong tattoo starter kit also includes almost everything you need to start tattooing. The list of inclusions may seem shorter than the others above but since this set has two rotary machines, it doesn’t really need lots of other attachments and accessories. Aside from the disinfecting solutions, you don’t really need to purchase other stuff separately.
3. Great for beginners
This item is hailed by many as the best tattoo starter kit due to its ease of use and the fact that it comes with all of the essentials. Since it also features rotary tattoo machines, you don’t need to go through a complicated tuning and set up process. This makes it simpler to work with which might be preferred by those who are just about to learn the ropes of tattooing.
- Affordable price tag
- Comparable performance to more expensive options
- Easy to use
- Comes with everything you need
- Beautifully designed machines
- Inks included are not recommended for use on human skin
Buyer’s Guide: What You Need to Know About the Best Tattoo Kit
Now that you know 8 great options for the best tattoo kit, the next thing you might need some help with is in narrowing down your options. To help you out in this area, we’ve listed down some of the most important things to consider when choosing the right tattoo starter kit for you.
How to Build Tattoo Machine Coils
Did you know that you can build your own tattoo machine? This is actually a common practice in prisons, so it wouldn’t be impossible to do the same thing if you’re a free individual.
The easiest way to build a coil tattoo machine is by finding a manufacturer that will let you customize your own tattoo machine. Quite a number of brands offer such a service, so you won’t have a hard time finding one. The most challenging part would be in getting to know which parts are the best.
You can also put together a coil tattoo machine on your own. You can order the parts from different retailers and manufacturer websites. This will give you more freedom in choosing which parts you want for your machine. There are lots of tutorials that you can find online to help you do this, so if you’re interested, you can look some up.
What do ‘wraps’ on a tattoo machine refer to and which is better: an 8, 10 or 12 wrap coil?
The ‘wraps’ on coil tattoo machines refer to the number of times the magnetic wire is wrapped around the metal core from the top to the bottom. It affects the speed, power, and strength of your needles.
However, the number of these wraps is not the only thing that plays a part in the performance of your machine. The height of the coils also has a huge role in all of these tattoo kits.
Generally speaking, however, experts recommend that newbies start with 10-wrap coils because they’re easy to tune and are not too fast for effective control. 8-wrap varieties are a nice mid-way option that is great for experienced tattooists. 6-wrap ones are best for experts who are already skilled with such devices.
Fixing Electrical Problems in a Coil Tattoo Machine
Since tattoo machine guns are pieces of electronics, users are bound to experience some electrical problems with it. If you suspect an electrical issue with your coil machine, here are some of the easiest fixes for the most common problems:
- Poor quality power cord. You may have one of the best coil shader tattoo machines in the market but if the attachments are of poor quality, you won’t get the best performance from them. Use a more reliable power cord and your issues may go away.
- Low-quality power supply. This is a very common fix for some of the most annoying electrical issues with many tattoo machines.
- Bend the solder lug away from the frame. This part shouldn’t touch the frame as it can create another pathway for the electricity and cut out the movements of your machine.
Choosing the Proper Type of Tattoo Kit
Choosing the best kind of tattoo kit for you should be among the first things you decide on when you’ve made up your mind about purchasing your first tattoo equipment. This detail will help you narrow down your options considerably and will let you focus on specific items.
How do you choose, however, among the different types of tattoo machines? Here are some of the most important points that might help you get to know your options better:
Rotary tattoo kit
Why should you consider getting rotary tattoo kits? Here are a few good reasons:
- Rotary tattoo machines are some of the most convenient picks because they’re versatile. They can shade, line, and pack in color so a good pick will already let you handle all of the tasks required by certain designs.
- They do not require tuning like coil machines. This makes their use and upkeep less fussy.
- They come in different sub-varieties that will further offer you more options to choose from. You can get tattoo pens, direct drives, and regular rotary machines.
- They come in a wide range of price points so there’s a very good chance that you’ll find something within your budget easily.
Shader and liner tattoo kits
Coil tattoo machines’ advantages are the following:
- They’re preferred by professionals because of their power and performance. So if you’re going to be an apprentice, there’s a good chance that your mentor will make you use these kinds of tattoo kits.
- They have specific functionalities that they excel at. Most pros actually still prefer using coils for lining because they’re just so good at it.
- There are lots of amazing coil machines that are very affordable. Many of the top-rated beginner rotary machines are very pricey but you can find high-performing coil machines at a fraction of the price.
- There are coil machines that you can configure to function as both a shader and liner.
Professional tattoo Kits
Ready to splurge? Here are the best reasons to go for professional tattoo kits:
- They’re made for heavy use, so you can count on their durability and solid build.
- They promise excellent reliability, so you don’t have to worry about inconsistent stitches and needle movement.
- There are usually lots of innovative features that come with them which makes the tattooing process simpler and faster.
Consider Size and Shape of the Tattoo Machine
Once you’ve decided on the type of machine you want, the next step would be to decide the look, size, and shape of the very device you’ll handle. Doing this will help you make sure that you’ll be able to wield the machine properly and effectively.
As you would notice from our list above, these tattoo kits come in different shapes and sizes. This is particularly true for rotary machines although coil machines can also have some slight differences. Even if you won’t hold the actual machine while you draw since you’ll be holding on the grip, the shape and size of the device still makes an impact on its handling.
If it’s too big or if its shape isn’t a good match for how you hold the grip, you’ll have a hard time wielding it. This can affect the quality of your results significantly.
Consider the Weight of the Different Tattoo Machine
The weight of the tattoo machine is another important detail to take into account. While some people prefer heavier machines so they can feel even the most minute movements of the device, it can take a toll on your arms and wrist. Weigh these options closely so you can also be sure to get the right kit for your needs and preferences.
Consider the Size of the Tattoo Designs
This might surprise the newbies but the size of the designs you want to make should also affect your choice of tattoo kit because not all machines can handle long working hours. Since these items are equipped with small motors, they can heat up when overused. So if you’re thinking of making huge pieces, it would be better to invest in a machine with a heavy-duty motor.
Consider the Materials You are Using
Aside from the machine itself, the other materials in the kit should also be taken into consideration. They’re not exactly just add-ons, they’re a part of the kit. They should add value to the product because you’re paying for them, too.
Take the inks, for example. Our list above shows that many of the best tattoo kit come with equally cheap inks. This isn’t a problem as long as they are clear that you shouldn’t use it on your skin. For your safety, however, it’s better to stick to inks with good reputation. Just use the ones from your kit on practice skins and fruits instead.
Consider Appliances Needed for the Tattoo Machine
In addition to the materials, you should also pay close attention to the appliances included in the kit. Again, they should add value to your purchase.
Unfortunately, lots of these items are where manufacturers and sellers go cheap, so it can be hard to find reliable attachments when you buy a kit. If you read enough tattoo kit reviews, you’ll easily find out that the power supply, foot pedal, and power cord often cause the issues with the tattoo machines.
The uninitiated think that it’s the actual machine’s fault but in most cases, swapping them out with more reliable attachments solve the problem. So if you want to make sure that you’ll get the most reliable kit out there, pay attention to these other appliances as well.
Consider Your Skill Level
While most tattoo kits are made for beginner tattoo artist so they don’t have to purchase each attachment, accessory, and supply separately, you should still be mindful of your skill level when choosing a tattoo kit. Why? Some might have tattoo machines that are too advanced for you.
This might not sound like a serious issue but if a machine is too complicated for a newbie, you might end up getting frustrated about your purchase. It can also discourage you from using the machine since operating it can get stressful. So if you’re a newbie, it’s best to stick with the tattoo kits that feature machines that are easy to set up and use.
Picking Best Tattoo Gun Kit for You
It might not seem like it but finding the best tattoo kit for you isn’t that hard to do. You just need to know what you want and need and you’ll set off in the right direction. With the right information and having some basic knowledge in tattooing, these details shouldn’t be hard to obtain.
If you need an extra stainless steel tip from us regarding our top picks, we’ll emphasize that our top pick would be the Dragonhawk Atom Kit. The machine alone in that kit will already give you great value for your money, so the other items in the mix are just convenient bonuses. We believe that this would be a great choice for beginners and experts alike.