One of the trickiest things to do when starting out as a tattooist is choosing the right machine for the job. With so many different options available, picking one can be a major challenge. To make things simpler, it would be ideal to take a look at the best tattoo machine brands in the market first.
It can be particularly difficult to find your match especially if you don’t know where to start looking.
This way, you can have an idea which makers are the most popular and reliable. With such information, you’ll be able to narrow down your options and prioritize the machines that are proven to be worth one’s while.
To help you with this, we’ve rounded up some of the most popular tattoo machine companies in the market today. Check them out below.
Best Tattoo Gun Brands Reviews
Which brand are worth looking into, you might be wondering? Here are a few that lots of tattooists recommend and can vouch for.
1. Cheyenne- Best Tattoo Machine Brand for Beginners
Cheyenne is one of the most popular tattoo machine rotary brand in the market today. They’re best known for their quality craftsmanship as well as product quality. With a tagline declaring that their pieces are ‘made for artists’, you can easily tell that this brand means serious business.
Quick Summary
- Cheyenne Hawk Pen is one of the most popular product
- Their machines mainly made in Berlin, Germany
- Build Material: Anodized Aluminum
- Fantastic performance
- Low Vibration
Established in 2006, Cheyenne isn’t exactly an old brand but it was able to propel itself to the top through its hard work and strong grasp on the tattoo industry. They know what the market needs and are always looking for ways to improve the tattooing process for the artists who are always hard at work.
This explains why Cheyenne is widely known for its innovation. One of their most popular tattoo equipments, the pen machine, is highly recommended for this very reason. Its award-winning and modern design make it very easy to use and handle that it’s considered as the ultimate tattoo rotary machine for beginners. Lots of veterans and experienced tattooist love it, too, further affirming its fantastic performance.
Since Cheyenne collaborates with expert tattooists, they also get to develop and tweak their tattoo machine according to the market’s demands. These partnerships ensure that the brand gets to manufacture rotary tattoo guns that suit and answer the needs of actual tattooist. As a result, their items are usually replicated and imitated by other companies.
Another major draw of the Cheyenne brand for many is their product quality. Their tattoo equipment are made in Berlin, Germany, so they come with the promise of German ingenuity. As most of us know, items made in Germany are manufactured and tested to meet high standards that they sometimes surpass American-made items. With this, Cheyenne tattoo guns tend to have a major edge over its competition.
The only downside to this brand is its pricing. Cheyenne tattoo machines rotary or coils are definitely considered top-of-the-line so they are quite expensive. You should look at them as investment pieces, however, as their quality will surely make you realize that they’re worth the splurge.
2. Dragonhawk – Best Coil Tattoo Machine Brand
If the Cheyenne feels too intimidating for you with its fancy German make and hefty price tag, then the Dragonhawk brand might be more up your alley. This company is on the other end of the scale, so if you don’t think you’re ready to spend an arm and a leg on a tattoo coil gun just yet, you should check out their offerings.
Quick Summary
- Japanese motor with a complex gear system working like efficient machine
- Foot press to control the power supply
- Space aluminum frames, carbon fiber, and cast iron
- Kits come with tattoo needles, razors, and ink cartridges
Founded in 2001 by two tattoo artists in Hong Kong, the primary goal of the Dragonhawk Tattoo Supply brand is to offer affordable tattoo coil machines to the public. It took them a while to take off and start offering their wares but once they got a good foothold, the company soared greatly. By 2008, they were already operating globally by opening warehouses in the US, Europe, and China which exponentially expanded their operations.
By 2012, Dragonhawk further solidified its standing in the tattoo industry when it released the Compass. This coil tattoo machine became a major hit for its excellent performance and friendly price tag that lots of experts and tattooists fell in love with it.
What should be noted about Dragonhawk’s coil tattoo machines is that they’re usually considered as dupes for more expensive machines. Their performance is comparable with high-end machines, so with their friendlier price tag, their items truly make a solid case for themselves.
Unlike other companies, Dragonhawk’s coil and rotary guns are also well-known. This is a huge plus as it can make things simpler for a lot of budding tattooist. Instead of looking at other companies to give you great options, you can just stick with Dragonhawk for all types of tattoo machines.
Finally, with the world-famous Gabe Shum endorsing Dragonhawk, it’s really hard to shun such a brand. Shum is arguably the most popular tattoo artist in Hong Kong with a very posh clientele that includes Lebron James and David Beckham. So if such a big-shot tattooist trusts such a brand, there’s really no reason not to give Dragonhawk a shot.
3. Bishop- Best Tattoo Machine Manufacturers
Another best tattoo machines company that is a solid choice for those who don’t want to compromise is Bishop Tattoo Supply. With their streamlined product line, outstanding quality, and reliable performance, it’s not surprising that they have secured a top spot in the industry despite being a relatively new player in the game.
Quick Summary
- Best known for its tattoo rotary machine
- Runs a Maxon, Swiss motor
- Most of the materials are made with billet alu
- Awe-inspiring in both form and function
- Quite stylish and appealing
Created in 2008 by Franco Vescovi, Bishop Tattoo Supply was born as a result of his long-running love affair with the tattoo industry. As a veteran tattooist with 25 years of experience, creating his own products was a logical next step for Vescovi. As he became obsessed with the idea of creating equipment that will help tattooist further explore and perform at their highest potential, he created Bishop, the brand.
Bishop is well known for its rotary tattoo machines. In fact, they are also widely known as Bishop Rotary. They focused on creating some of the best varieties of this type of machine and became famous for it. So if that doesn’t really spell excellence to you, nothing will.
The best thing about Bishop’s rotary tattoo guns is that they’re awe-inspiring in both form and function. While they did not re-design rotary tattoo guns into pens to make them easier for newbies to handle, they still made sure that they’re very powerful and easy to wield. As a result, they offer the best of both worlds for beginners and experienced tattooists alike.
Bishop’s rotary tattoo guns are also nice on the eyes. They have this edgy look to them that makes them quite stylish and appealing. So if you’re a big fan of the swirls and Western-style of aesthetics, their tattoo machines will surely tickle your fancy.
Guaranteeing Bishop’s product quality is the fact that its items are made in the US. They also use Swiss motors, German bearings, and high-grade aircraft aluminum for their frames. As a result, they promise to come with top-notch construction and materials.
4. FK Irons – Best Tattoo Gun Brand
FK Irons is one of the best tattoo machines manufacturers in the market today and it’s not hard to see why. Many tattoo artists choose this brand for their everyday equipment, affirming the many praises that the brand has received over time.
Quick Summary
- Made in the USA
- Made with aircraft-grade aluminum
- Anodized for ultimate durability
- Silent during high or low voltages
- Lifetime warranty
Established in 2007 by Gaston Siciliano, the success of FK Irons can be greatly attributed to the background of its founder. Unlike the other tattoo artists that created their own rotary tattoo machine companies on this list, Siciliano is also a design engineer aside from being an experienced tattoo artist. As a result, he knows more about how rotary tattoo machines are designed and engineered. This gave him a leg up in the competition, as he was capable of tweaking and customizing his rotary tattoo machines. With his knowledge and experience, we can dare say that FK Irons’ tattoo mchines are expertly designed in every aspect.
To prove the superiority of FK Irons’ machines, their first rotary tattoo machine, the Spektra Halo continues to be a very popular pick amongst tattooists all over the world. They have also exhibited their innovation with all of their tattoos items with the Spektra Xion Pen as another famous testament to their craftsmanship.
FK Irons’ success can also be attributed to the main focus of their tattoo accosories design. Siciliano crafted his tattoo machines with the artists’ comfort in mind. As a result, their machines are easy to work with, making them highly desirable for tattooists of all skill levels.
What’s even better is that they’re made in the USA with great quality, as well as cutting-edge design and technology. With this, you’re guaranteed that your tattoo gun will last you a long while and can be your most reliable everyday workhorse.
The price can be a bit of a drawback but with the lifetime warranty their tattoo machines come with, it all evens out. You can certainly rest assured that their tattoo guns are worth the investment.
5. Stigma- Best Tattoo Machine for Shading
Those who are interested in the best of the tattoo shading machines should also check out the Stigma Rotary Tattoo brand. Like the Cheyenne, it boasts of German engineering and manufacturing so its products are reputed to be cut above the rest.
Quick Summary
- Ergonomic design
- Impressive appearance
- Made in Germany
- Made with Aluminum alloy
- Professional tattoo artist prefer to use more often
Stigma-Rotary was established in 2005 by a couple of tattooists who have been in the industry for over 20 years. Their tattoo guns were designed, built, and invented by rotary pioneer and famous tattoo artist Artemis Rosakis, now also known as the father of every Stigma-Rotary in existence.
While there are tons of innovative brand in the market, Stigma-machines were set apart by their groundbreaking adjustable hit. Unlike other tattoo shading machines, you can select how you want your needle to hit the canvas. You can adjust it to become soft or hard depending on the part you’re working on.
As a result, such machines can be used for lining, packing in color, and shading. With this versatility, a Stigma– Tattoo machine can be the only thing you need to complete a piece.
Combined with an ergonomic design, top-notch precision, and an impressive appearance, the first Stigma-Rotary guns wowed the industry and helped the new brand make a mark in the trade.
To be very honest, even if you don’t know that Stigma Rotary’s guns are German-made, the sheer number of clones their tattoo machines have will clue you in on the fact that it’s one of the excellent tattoo guns brands in the market today. Even reputable brand have patterned their Stigma Hyper, and actual knock-offs are available online. It really doesn’t help that these tattoo shading machines are always out of stock as well, highlighting the fact that they’re extremely popular.
The beautiful thing about Stigma-Rotary is that they never stop innovating and improving their products. They have frequent releases that revamp of their older models, providing better tattoo shading machines to artists.
6. Solong – Best Wireless Tattoo Machine
When it comes to a no-frills budget option, Solong Tattoo could be the best choice for you. This company has a solid background in providing tattoo machines even without a prestigious background in the field. It can be a little iffy for some but since the company is very honest and straightforward about their credentials, it’s not hard to see them as a reliable brand.
Quick Summary
- Country of Origin: China
- Established: 2008
- Made with stainless steel
- They have machines of three categories, Coil , Rotary & Pen machines
- Personal Patent Brand
- Between the stage of Cheap and affordable
Founded in 2008, Solong Tattoo claims to be one of the biggest tattoo manufacturers in China. They have a solid foundation in the country’s beauty and tattoo industry which they are now trying to expand globally.
It’s very fascinating how Solong Tattoo isn’t shy about how they do business. They’re actually very open about how they make OEM and ODM items for other manufacturers around the globe. They’re also very open about making their own versions of the most popular rotary tattoo machines in the market today like the “Stigma” and “Tornado”.
With their unbelievably low prices, Solong’s tattoo rotary and coil machines are considered as some of the best dupes for the most well-known tattoo guns on the market. Most of them look exactly like the real thing and perform much like them as well. These helped Solong get on the world stage, breaking out from the confines of the Chinese wholesale e-commerce marketplace.
Being incredibly cheap, Solong’s tattoo machines are gaining a lot of traction lately. As quality and performance don’t always have to come with a steep price tag, this brand is slowly but surely making a name for itself nowadays. Coupled with good reviews, they are proving themselves to be great alternatives to the most expensive, high-performing tattoo guns.
7. Dragonfly- Best Rotary Tattoo Machine Brand
Dragonfly isn’t exactly a brand of its own but as the most popular range from Ink Machines, the line created a following and became widely known on its own. Despite this odd turn of events, it still proves that Ink Machines’ creation made its mark in the industry.
Quick Summary
- Durable Swedish motor that is high-performing
- 7075 aluminum aircraft materials fabricated in the construction
- Anodized frame finish
- Top-notch quality and performance
Ink Machines is a Swedish tattoo tattoo machine manufacturer. They take pride in offering tattoo guns that are extensively tested and created in close collaboration with expert tattooists. With these, they promise some of the finest tattoo equipment in the market.
The Dragonfly line makes the perfect representative for the brand as they embody what Ink Machines are all about. As their goal is to provide tattoo artists unique tools that can make tattooing more enjoyable, they have designed the Dragonfly line in a way that makes it powerful but still easy to use. They’re lightweight, ergonomically designed, and have low vibrations, promising your comfort without sacrificing the results.
With Swiss motors being some of the excellent components for tattoo rotary machines, this brand certainly draws customers in for their tattoo machines’ quality. Since these items are made in Sweden, they get to guarantee that their motors are locally made and of the highest quality. Housed in aircraft-grade aluminum, customers can be sure that these products are durable and well-built.
While Ink Machines’ Dragonfly range is quite pricey, they’re considered as an investment. Their top-notch quality and performance will surely make them worth every penny.
Things To Consider When Buying The Best Tattoo Machine Brand
Based on our list above, there are lots of amazing tattoo machine manufacturers to choose from. So how do you take a pick from them? This choice can be just as overwhelming as choosing the very tattoo machine to get started with. So to help you out, here are a few things that can point you in the right direction.
What to Look for in a Tattoo Machine Brand
What makes a tattoo machine brand a good one? Here are a few qualifications that they should have.
1. An expert background.
A lot of expert tattooists will tell you that the best tattoo machine brands are the ones established by actual tattoo artists. Why? Because they know exactly what professionals like them need and want in a work tool. So if you’re after the finest tattoo machines, look for something that is made, designed, or developed by an actual tattoo artist.
As our list above shows, there are quite a few tattoo brand that is started by tattoo artists. They’re often commended for their performance and comfortable use, making them worth looking into.
2. Reasonable pricing.
As most of us know, pricing is never a reliable indicator of quality or performance. Not because a product is expensive does it automatically mean that it’s a superior item. This proves true even for tattoo machines, so you shouldn’t just buy the first expensive machine you come across with.
However, a brand’s pricing can still tell you a lot about their tattoo machines. It’s easy to tell if a brand sells overpriced stuff or if their pricing is reasonable for their wares.
Take the high-end brand in our list above, for example. They’re quite expensive but as they come with innovative designs and unique features, it can be considered that they’re worth their steep price tags. Combined with sturdy construction and high-quality components and materials, then you can be guaranteed that your splurge is worth every penny.
3. Good brand reputation.
Established and even emerging companies build their reputations through their tattoo guns. So if a certain manufacturer produces great tattoo machines, then their reputation will also be positive. Their tattoo accessories can speak for them in many cases, so it’s best to do some research about brands, too, aside from taking a look at individual products.
The best thing about the tattoo community is that the members are very vocal about their opinions on the available tattoo kits in the market. You can find lots of reviews on product pages and discussions on forums and community boards about specific products and brands. With these, you can gather the information you need to find the top tattoo machine leading the brand list for you.
How To Evaluate a Tattoo Machine Brand
Aside from looking for certain traits and characteristics in a tattoo machine brand, learning how to evaluate a tattoo machine brand is also essential. Doing this will help you further gauge their merit and whether their tattoo machines are worth getting.
How do you do this, though? Here are a few techniques that you can try.
1. Read product reviews
Among all of the techniques in gauging a brand’s worth, reading product reviews is possibly the best but trickiest of all. It’s the best because reviews contain details and information that you won’t get straight out of the brand’s marketing materials. They contain anecdotes and facts straight from the products’ users, giving you a good insight into what the brand offerings are really like.
Using this method is tricky, however, because product reviews can be greatly conflicting. While most of them can be true, there’s also no way to prove their credibility. Fake and paid reviews are abundant nowadays with manufacturers and distributors wanting to pad their reputations. This is why you have to be very discerning with what you believe.
To get credible brand information from product reviews, make sure to read the feedbacks closely. Anger and frustration tend to cloud lots of people’s judgment but upon closer reading, you can easily discern whether their issue is caused by user error or not. These are not reliable reviews, so steer clear from them.
Lots of folks also write objective reviews nowadays so you should look for those instead. They will most likely contain the product’s pros and cons, so take note of such.
Keep your eyes peeled for their feedback on customer service as well. This will let you know whether the brand has a good support policy and whether they stand behind their products. If a brand is notorious for providing poor aftersales service, even with impressive tattoo machines, they can’t really be considered as a good tattoo machine brand.
Also, be wary of the brand that only have positive feedback on their websites and product listings on e-commerce sites. There’s a high likelihood that they’re paying or exchanging items for positive reviews. You can’t really trust such a brand as doing this can only mean that their tattoo machines aren’t of good quality.
2. Look at their offerings.
Aside from the reviews, a manufacturer’s product range can also clue you in whether it’s a good brand or not. Most items will not shine even with the fluffiest of descriptions and well-decorated listings. If they don’t have a special offering, they really won’t stand out and grab people’s attention. So if you want to make sure that you’ll end up with a good brand, look for one with a solid product selection.
However, you should also be careful not to be blinded by a brand that seems too impressive. Having impeccable branding is a good sign of business but sometimes it doesn’t translate to the quality and performance of the products. Make sure to look closer at the products themselves to really gauge the caliber of a specific brand.
Another way to evaluate a tattoo machine brand is through its product warranty. As mentioned before, a manufacturer that stands behind its tattoo accessories indicates that a brand is worth your while. It’s bad business practice to offer a lengthy warranty on a product that won’t last. They’ll just bleed money if they have to repair and replace units every so often.
So if a manufacturer is confident that their machines will last a lifetime, they’ll be willing to put an extensive warranty duration on them. Some companies above offer lifetime warranty on theirs which is really impressive. It also says a lot about their certainty in their product craftsmanship.
Important Questions to Think About
What else should you know in order to find the top tattoo rotary or coil gun companies in the market today? The answers to these questions should be of great help to you:
1. What is the best machine brand?
This is possibly one of the most frequently asked questions in the tattoo community. And to be honest, there’s no one answer to this question. Even experts will tell you this.
Why? Because the best tattoo gun brand differs from one user to another. The best tattoo rotary or coil gun for one artist doesn’t have to be the same for a different tattooist, so there’s no definitive answer to this question.
However, it’s possible to know what is the best machine brand for you. A manufacturer that makes tattoo machines that match your needs and preferences will be the right fit for you. As not all manufacturers use the same design and techniques in creating their tattoo machines, there will be significant differences in their offerings. By finding the one that suits you best will help you find the right tattoo coil or rotary machines brand for you.
2. What is the best budget tattoo gun brand?
When it comes to the best budget tattoo gun brand, you have to be more generous when judging. The most you can expect from them is that they perform well and are made of decent quality materials and components.
You shouldn’t expect them to be identical with pricier models as that just doesn’t make any business sense. As you often get what you pay for when it comes to equipment of this kind, you should manage your expectations well if you’re opting for a tattoo gun brand.
FAQs
Final Verdict
There is, without a doubt, lots of amazing tattoo gun companies in the market today that choosing just one can be a great challenge. However, if you know what you need and prefer, you shouldn’t have too much of a hard time making a choice.
You just need to be a bit thorough in making your search, however, as there really are quite a lot of impressive options out there. Use our guide above as a starting point and you might just find yourself easily navigating your search for the right tattoo gun.