They say that when it comes to artistry, it’s more about the skill rather than the tool used. If you really have the knack for it, you don’t need the fanciest or some cutting-edge equipment as you have the talent to back you up. While many tattoo artist will agree, most will also say that it wouldn’t hurt to have the best tattoo machines on hand.
With the most reliable tattoo kit or tattoo machines, your job as a tattooist can become easier. Your lines and strokes can become more precise, allowing you to create the magical skin art your clients desire. Your tool can also help determine your efficiency in doing your work, so why not choose the best starter tattoo machine for lining one, right?
To help you to pick the best color packer tattoo machines for you, here’s a lengthy guide and a number of top-notch product recommendations that we guarantee won’t let you down. Check them out below.
Our Top 9 Picks for the Best Tattoo Machines
There are so many amazing, high quality tattoo kits or tattoo machines available in the market today so choosing just one may seem impossible for many. To help you narrow down your options or at least give you an idea on what are considered to be the best products available today, here are 10 top best tattoo machines that you can check out:
1. Hummingbird Bronc Pen- Best Rotary Pen Tattoo Machine for Beginners
Starting off this list is an affordable pick that has impressed a lot of experienced tattoo artist. Made to provide a versatile and highly functional rotary tattoo machine, the Hummingbird bronc pen rotary tattoo machine nicely executes everything that the manufacturer aimed to offer.
Quick Summary
- 4V DC starting working power
- 5-7V DC operating voltage
- Swiss motor
- 5mm available stroke range
- 154g weight
- RCA cord connection
Some may have doubts because of its friendly price but once you tried using this rotary machine, you’ll know that the price is actually a great price. It’s proof that great things don’t always have to break the bank as this otary machine performs really well despite being very affordable.
One of the biggest draws to this rotary machine is the way it’s constructed. It was made to feel like a regular pen so users will have no issues with its handling. Bronc managed to pull it off nicely. It will feel like you’re just using a somewhat heavier best pen type rotary tattoo machine to draw on your client’s skin when using this rotary tattoo machine.
1. Friendly Price Tag
For its low price point, a lot of buyers expected it to have some flaws. Most users were pleasantly surprised, however, once they got to use it. This one of the best rotary tattoo gun brands performs really well that it’s easily comparable to professional-grade rotary machines.
2. Suitable for Beginners
Since this item is fashioned after regular pens, it’s a lot easier for beginners to use while they’re still trying to hone their tattooing skills. It’s simpler to use while you transition from a true pen to a rotary tattoo machine.
3. Ease of Use
Just how easy is the Hummingbird Bronc to use, you might be wondering? The fact alone that it has a true pen feel should clue you in that it’s very easy to use. Operating this rotary machine is also very simple. You just need to pop cartridges in and out and you’re good to go.
Handling is also not too fussy. It has a good weight and the motor doesn’t vibrate. As a result, your hand and arms won’t tire out quickly.
4. Lines, Packs, Shades, and Blends
This pen style rotary tattoo machine can already do everything in one nifty package. As such, you’re offered a practical and highly functional pick.
- Pen-like handling
- Works with most kinds of tattoo needles
- Available in various colors
- Lightweight
- Fantastic price
- Suitable for beginners
- Requires lubrication every 2 to 3 weeks
- Need to buy the power supply unit separately
- Cartridge grip is sold separately
2. Stigma Hyper V3- Finest Tattoo Machine Brands for Dot Work
Being one of the best selling pick from one of the most popular brands for rotary tattoo machine, the Stigma Hyper V3 definitely deserves a spot on this list. One look at this rotary machine and you’ll know that it means serious business.
Quick Summary
- Precision adjustable tattoo needle stabilizer
- Vertical Swiss aluminum alloy adjustable motor
- RCA and hookup dual interface
- 20000-25000 minutes frequency
- 115g weight
- 3,000-10,000 stitches per minute
- 2 hex wrenches
While it may seem intimidating at first, you can have it on good conscience that this product is a good fit for both pros and beginners alike. Its innovative design allows it to be easy to maneuver and operate, so even if you haven’t been inking for years, you won’t struggle too much with this particular tool. Since it’s also deemed as the most flexible rotary tattoo machine in the market today, it might really be a good match for lots of tattoo artists.
Its biggest claim to fame, however, is its claim to be the softest rotary tattoo machine in the market. So even though it also does a great job in lining, you can also count on it to be fantastic at coloring and shading. Switching from one setting to another is also perfectly easy and will only take you a couple of seconds. As a result, you can be quite efficient in completing your work.
1. Ease of Use
It may not look like it but the Hyper V3 is designed to be very easy to use. For starters, it’s updated to have a more ergonomic design. With this, you can count on it to be easier to handle. Combined with its well-balanced construction, it’s also easy to maneuver and won’t easily tire your hand and arm out when doing a large piece.
Tweaking its settings is also very easy to do. Switching from super hard to super soft lines will only take seconds so you don’t have to stop or struggle with your rotary tattoo machine.
2. All-rounder
As mentioned above, this device will also let you do different things with great ease. You can line, color, pack, and shade with just one tool making it a convenient and practical machine to have.
- Available in various colors
- Ergonomic frame design
- Doesn’t use elastic bands
- Lightweight
- Lines, shades, and colors
- Improved design
- Suitable for all kinds of users
- Deemed as the softest rotary tattoo machine in the market
- Runs smoothly
- Has plastic parts
3. Cheyenne Hawk Thunder- Best Beginner Tattoo Kit for Apprentices
Tattooing can be brutal on a tattoo artist’s wrists so a lightweight tool is always welcome. So with the 9.5g of the Cheyenne Hawk Thunder, it might just be one of the lightest options available.
Quick Summary
- Anodized aluminum body
- Adjustable needle depth
- 5-12 V operating voltage
- 70-160 Hz stitch frequency
- 95g weight
Being spectacularly lightweight is definitely one of the strongest draws of the Cheyenne Hawk Thunder. Not a lot of rotary tattoo machines can promise the same thing without compromising their motor and frame quality. The Cheyenne Hawk Thunder gets to balance everything thanks to its great material choices, allowing it to be very light but still powerful and durable.
Despite being light as a feather, no one should doubt the Cheyenne Hawk Thunder’s performance. It’s touted as one of the most powerful rotary tattoo machines for beginners available thanks to its Precision DC motor. It also makes some of the crispest lines, making it the best knock off rotary tattoo machine pick for the lining. It can still pack in color and shade, though, so it’s also a versatile rotary tattoo machine.
1. Easy to Handle
With its pen-like design, it’s easy to tell that you won’t struggle in handling this rotary tattoo machine. With the fact that it’s ergonomically designed, you can better rest assured that it’s rather easy to use. It will nicely fit in your hands so you can wield it without too much fuss.
Of course, being lightweight also further make sure its ease of use. Since it’s very light, you don’t have to worry about tiring your hands, wrists, and arms quickly. As a result, you can be sure to complete tattoo work with consistency and great results.
2. Best for Lines
The Hawk Thunder is most popular for its ability to make crisp and clean lines, so if you’re after a liner and shader rotary machine, this will be the best budget rotary machine tattoo kit for black and grey option. As mentioned above, it can also do shading and coloring, so it’s still pretty versatile. Some find it quite tricky, though, so you might need to tweak your techniques a bit if you want to use it for such purposes.
- Good for dot and line drawing
- Lightweight
- Customizable with grips of different sizes
- Available in various colors
- Ergonomic design
- Makes clean, crisp lines
- Low volume
- Need to buy the power supply unit separately
- Some technique adjustment is a must if you think it hits too hard
4. Dragonfly X2- Best Cheap Direct Drive Rotary Tattoo Machine for Lining and Shading
Another lightweight option that might tickle your fancy is the Dragonfly X2 Tattoo Machine. This bad boy is quite a head-turner, thanks to its appealing design. Some say that it has a ‘badass’ vibe, making it a beautiful addition to many tattooists’ collections.
Quick Summary
- Aircraft aluminum frame
- Swiss X2 motor
- 0-13V input voltage
- 6W mechanical output
- 0 – 8000 rpm stitches per minute, 130 per second
- 80g weight
- Wireless-ready
- RCA or clip cord hookup interface
Aside from its looks, though, this complete tattoo machine has a whole lot to offer. For one, it’s very lightweight. It’s lighter than the previous item, so that’s very impressive. It’s also smaller than the other tattoo machines on this list, so if you prefer such a size, it might be a better option for you.
This item is also popular for its energy-efficiency. Despite their size, rotary tattoo machine can consume quite a lot of power, so this one might be a more practical option for some users.
1. Adjustable Settings
Due to the uniqueness of designs and clients, having a piece of tattoo equipment that will allow you to tweak its settings will always be an attractive option. They can let you skip adjusting your techniques, letting you focus on your work and minimizes possible errors.
The X2 has this very quality as you can adjust its stroke length and hitting force with great ease. With 3 stroke length settings, it will allow you to set it up for efficiency. With these, you don’t have to worry too much about changing how you wield the device as the setting can do most of the work for you.
2. Easy to Use
With its ergonomic design and small size, you can expect this unit to be very easy to use. Combined with being lightweight, it won’t tire out your arms and wrists right away.
It’s also fairly easy to use as its controls aren’t too fussy. You can also easily swap out standard and cartridge needles, letting you set up your unit without breaking a sweat.
Lots of users also like to note that the X2 stops in an upper position. This makes it even more convenient to use as you don’t have to time when you should stop or lift the machine away from the canvas.
3. Wireless-ready
The X2 is also compatible with the Tattoo Ink RPS-600 so you can set it up as a wireless tattoo machine with the additional purchase.
- Very lightweight
- Adjustable settings will allow you to tweak the machine according to your specific needs
- Durable materials and construction
- Compatible with all types of standard
- Available in different colors
- No rubber bands required
- Stops in upper position
- Easy to convert from cartridge to standard needles and vice versa
- Quiet
- Runs smoothly
- Small size
- Attractive design
- Power-efficient
- Some think that it vibrates a bit too much
5. Dragonhawk Essence- Best Quality Tattoo Machine
Not yet ready to splurge on a tattoo machine? Or maybe you just want to try whether a pen-style device is a good match for you? Then Check out the Dragonhawk Essence. This complete tattoo machine is one of the most affordable options available in the market today so it can be the best tattoo machine pick for novice tattoo artists or those who are just trying to expand their horizons but can’t shell out for a pricey unit yet.
Quick Summary
- Japanese motor
- 6V–9V working power
- Advanced gear system
- RCA connection
- Soft fabric grip
- 140g weight
Its price isn’t indicative of its quality and performance, however, as this item has surprised many newbies tattoo artist and veterans alike. It performs really well, so with its friendly price, many consider it to be a good buy.
In terms of durability, you can also count on this product to last a while. With its choice of materials and sturdy construction, it promises to handle regular use.
1. Ease of Use
If there’s one thing that this list may have already established, it might be the fact that tattoo pen rotary machines are possibly the easiest kinds to use. Most tattoo artists are already familiar with how to handle their shape and make art with a similarly shaped tool so there’s a very good chance that you’ll quickly get the hang of its handling.
2. Bang for Your Buck
Rotary Tattoo machine can be very affordable but without great features and solid performance, they aren’t really worth anything. The Dragonhawk Essence, however, offers great value for your money as it offers great results despite its low price. For this, it can really be the most attractive option for many.
3. Shades, Colors, and Lines Flawlessly
Versatility is another thing this product can offer. It can work as a liner and shader at the same time, allowing you to make the most out of it. Again, for its price, this capability makes it a major steal.
- Pen-style design makes it easy to use
- Hard-to-beat price
- Ideal for beginner tattoo artist
- Sturdy construction
- Lightweight and easy to wield
- Can still be a bit tiring on the wrists
- Need to buy the power supply unit separately
- Most suitable for small pieces that won’t take hours to complete tattoo work
7. Bishop- Best Cosmetic Rotary Tattoo Machine
Those who want to invest in their equipment should check out the Bishop brand. Widely known for the excellent quality and performance of their products, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that we’ve included their Classic rotary tattoo machines for beginners on our list. This is possibly the one of the best representations of the brand as it embodies their dedication to creating quality products in the market.
Quick Summary
- Faulhauber precision German motor
- 5 – 8.5V shading voltage
- 7-9V lining voltage
- Double-needle clip
- RCA connection
- 107g weight
While it is quite pricey, this product can be worth every penny because of its sturdy construction, beautiful design, and wonderful performance. It’s versatile, consistent, powerful, and easy to use.
1. Handcrafted
The most charming thing about the best tattoo ink liner machine is the fact that it’s finished by hand. It’s hand-assembled to ensure precision in terms of its fit and function. It’s also hand-polished to have a mirror finish which helps give it a more expensive and beautiful appearance.
2. Made in the USA
Guaranteeing its solid construction and top-notch quality is the fact that it’s made in the US.
3. Smooth Performance
With its powerful motor, you can also be sure that this new tattoo machine performs smoothly.
- Available in 12 different colors
- Highly popular
- No rubber band needed
- Made in the USA
- Runs smoothly
- Won’t tire you out quickly
- Lightweight
- Lines, shades, and colors
- Compatible with traditional tubes and needles
- Can be a bit hard to find
- Quite pricey
8. Dragonhawk Raven- Best Budget Tattoo Machine
With its injection-molded scratch-resistant ABS frame, the Dragonhawk Raven offers another alternative to tattoo artist. The unique choice of material can be an easy deal-breaker or maker as it has its own pros and cons. This is why you also shouldn’t miss out on what it has to offer.
Quick Summary
- Japan coreless motor
- Injection-molded scratch-resistant ABS frame
- SpringBoost
- One-Touch Technology
- 304 stainless steel traditional tattoo grip
- RCA or clip cord hookup
- Special IC chip for needle sizing
- LED light
- 88g weight
The Raven may not have a metal body like the rotary machines listed above but it has a few things it offers instead. For starters, its One-Touch Technology that makes voltage adjustment a breeze. Its hard plastic frame also allows it to be a lot lighter than lots of other rotary tattoo machines.
What really sets it apart from the other items listed here, however, is its performance. It’s commonly used by tattooists in more delicate areas like the face because it causes minimal skin trauma. As a result, it’s a great all-rounder tool for areas that are most painful to ink.
1. Affordable Price
With its very friendly price, this product can easily be an attractive option for tattooists of all skill levels. As it can also do everything, it offers great value for your money.
2. Lightweight
Its material choices ensure that the Raven is lightweight. This makes it easier to handle and maneuver.
3. Typically Used in Tricky Spots
Thanks to being a soft tattoo machine, it’s also a good pick for tattooing delicate areas. It won’t leave you bruised and battered after getting inked.
- Very light-weight and easy to maneuver
- Doesn’t cause serious skin trauma
- Suitable for lining shading, coloring and packing
- Quiet operation
- Smooth running
- Buy practice skin and other accessories separately
- Knob adjuster takes a bit of getting used to
9. Danny Robinson’s- Best Coil Liner Tattoo Inks Machines for Beginners
When you see a Danny Robinson coil Machine for the first time, you will never expect it to be as affordable as it is. With its pure copper wrap coils frame, you’ll certainly think that it’s a vintage item that costs quite a bit. Surprisingly, this coil machine most affordable and one of the best lightweight coil tattoo machines on this list, so if you’re after a budget option, this might do the trick.
Quick Summary
- Pure copper frame
- Red copper spring contact
- 3-10V working voltage
- 7-8V lining voltage
- 6000/m speed
- 10 wrap coils machines
- 28mm coil height
This coil machine is available in liner and shader varieties, you certainly have a choice when completing your tool arsenal. Both run smoothly and flawlessly, so you can be guaranteed of great results with ample skill.
The only drawback of this coil machine is its heft. Due to its solid construction, it can get tiring to hold for long periods. If you don’t mind beefing up your wrist and forearm, though, this shouldn’t be an issue.
1. Lifetime Warranty
An amazing thing about this coil tattoo machine is that it apparently comes with a lifespan warranty.
2. Solid Construction
Made with pure copper, you can count on this item to look and feel solid. This is also why it’s not surprising that the machine coil comes with a lifespan warranty.
3. Amazing Value
Almost everyone is blown away with its low price as it’s so affordable. It’s definitely a steal as it performs really well and is highly durable.
- Durable and solid copper frame
- Runs smoothly
- Speed Armature Bar
- Easy to use
- Beautiful vintage look
- Buy practice skin and other accessories separately
- Quite heavy
10. Hawink Pen- Best Permanent Makeup Tattoo Machine
Last but not least is our final best tattoo machine on the list Hawink pen style new tattoo kit Machine. As its name suggests, it sports a pen-style design which makes it very easy to use. Designed to feel as close as possible to an actual pen, this item will free you from the need of getting used to this device if you’re already adept at using a pen rotary tattoo machine for illustrating.
Quick Summary
- Aluminum-based frame
- Faulhaber motor
- 4V start voltage
- 5-10V operating voltage
- RCA wire connection
- 128g weight
1. Pen-style Design
Like all of the other pen-style tattoo kit or rotary tattoo machines here, this item is also very easy to use and wield when inking someone else’s skin.
2. Powerful Performance
Equipped with a German Faulhaber motor, you can also count on this item to run smoothly and without a hitch. This tattoo kit also powerful enough that it can run for hours nonstop without overheating.
- Solid construction
- Durable
- High-grade materials used
- Very easy handling
- Easy to clean
- Suitable for continuous use
- Need to buy the power supply unit separately
- Buy practice skin and other accessories separately
- Short stroke length isn’t efficient for making large tattoos
Best Tattoo Guns Buying Guide and Additional Information For Tattoo Artists
Pros and Cons of the Different Kinds of Tattoo Machines
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Tattoo Machine
Since there are tons of options to choose from, finding one of the best tattoo machine for you can be an overwhelming task. So to help you make it simpler, here are some of the most important factors to take into consideration when choosing a unit to get:
1. Top-notch quality
This should go without saying but just to emphasize the importance of this pointer, we’re still going to mention that you shouldn’t settle for anything less than a high quality tattoo machine. The absolute one of the best tattoo machine equipment to buy will always be the ones made of high-grade materials and solid stainless steel construction. They guarantee durability, great performance, and great results. They also will not put your clients in any kind of danger, so you should only opt for such.
2. The right size and shape
In order to get fantastic results from your tattoo machine, you need to be able to wield it effectively. Because of this, you should also be very particular about the size and shape of the unit you’re getting.
Make sure that you can handle the device nicely as it will help you make the strokes and lines you need to make beautiful body art. If you ended up with something that’s too bulky, you might not be able to be precise in your hand movements. This will result in errors and a lot of discomfort for your client.
3. Ample heft
This is quite tricky a lightweight device can be easier to handle and won’t tire you out easily. However, if it’s too light, it might not give you ample resistance which can make your work a bit difficult. Going for something that sits in between is ideal.
4. The right variety
As the list above suggests, there are kinds of tattoo kits and rotary tattoo machines meant for specific purposes. Liners and shaders are two very different rotary machines. Pneumatic tattoo machines and some rotary tattoo machine varieties can line and shade, so keep those in mind as well. Choose one that will suit your needs so you can get your desired results.
Consider the type of device as well. Rotary tattoo machine techniques vary from coil tattoo machines techniques so you might want to take that into close consideration.
Picking the Best Tattoo Gun for Tattoo Artists
The happy news is, there are tons of best rotary tattoo machines for color packing options when it comes to tattoo machines so you won’t run out of choices. On the other hand, all of these amazing picks.
Starting from our 10 recommendations, can make it hard to choose just one. Our list above is a proof of this, as all of our product suggestions will suit lots of people’s requirements.
So which one should you choose? If it’s up to us, we’ll go for the Stigma Hyper V3. This all-rounder of a tool can do everything a tattoo machine should and more. It might be a bit pricier than others but it’s a worthy investment as it’s durable, highly functional, and beautiful. It also ticks all of the boxes of what makes the best pmu tattoo machine for lining.