If you’re a tattoo artist, your tattoo gun is probably an essential tool that you have. So what is the best tattoo gun for beginners?
An artist should have the right device to express the art and style and reach the top of the class. It’s the one thing you NEED to be a tattoo artist (along with skill).
Before discussing the best guns, we should discuss the types of tattoo machines and their defining features. Two types of guns are used in tattooing: a rotary motor and a coil-driven one.
Table of Contents
Different Types Of Tattoo Machines
The current runs through the coils in coil guns, which derive the armature bar attached to the needle. As a result, the needle injects and retracts into the client’s skin. As a result, they are pretty noisy and do vibrate a lot.
Coil machines come with one, two, or three coils, with two standard ones. They are mounted, in most cases, on an iron body, making them heavy and difficult to use for prolonged periods. However, they have a softer hit on the skin and a more significant error margin, making them suitable for beginners.
The rotary guns use a small electric motor, which moves the cam and the needle up and down. As a result, they are quiet and less vibrating than coil machines. Also, they’re faster, resulting in a smaller error margin, so professionals rate them as the best tattoo gun.
Rotary guns are usually light and easy to use, suitable for big pieces and long work hours. In addition, the tattoos made with these heal faster due to their smooth work and high speed. Unlike coil guns, rotary guns are used extensively for lining and shading.
Another thing to consider, especially if you’re a beginner, is buying a tattoo equipment kit. Every artist has a set of equipment they use. Kits are sets of essential equipment that could be useful to a beginner serious about becoming a tattoo artist.
The Best Tattoo Guns For Beginners Reviewed 2023
Before buying something, assessing your needs and what you’re looking for in a tattoo gun is best. It would help to speak with your mentor before rushing out and buying something you won’t need. Wasting money on wrong or unnecessary equipment is of no use. Ultimately, if you are a beginner, take your mentor’s advice on what to buy.
4.5
Introducing the Dragonhawk Extreme, the tattoo gun that's a cut above the rest. With its direct-drive DC motor, you'll experience continuous operation without pesky noise emissions. And let's talk about durability - this gun is built to last, with a reliable and sturdy design that'll keep up with your artistic vision.
But what sets this gun apart is its ease of use. With its ergonomic design and feather-light weight, you'll feel like a pro in no time. And thanks to the rotary motor, you'll maximize your efficiency and control your work style with adjustable voltage.
The needle protrusion is a versatile 0-4.5mm stroke length of 3.5mm, making it perfect for any tattoo work you have in mind. And let's not forget about safety - this gun was designed with it in mind, so you can focus on creating your masterpiece without any worries.
In short, the Dragonhawk Extreme is the ultimate tool for any tattoo artist looking to up their game. Don't settle for anything less than the best - try it out and see the difference for yourself.
Pros:
- Incredibly easy to use
- Easily adjustable
- Very safe
Cons:
- The power supply could be a little better.
3.5
$69.99
Ahoy there, mateys! If you're looking to embark on a tattooing journey, look no further than the Pirate Face Tattoo kit. Seasoned sailors and new swashbucklers alike trust this treasure trove of equipment.
With four lightweight steel guns equipped with 10 wrap coils, you can easily line and shade your way to artistic success. And don't worry; these guns are easily customizable to let your creativity run wild.
But what's a pirate without their ink? The kit includes seven bottles of Radiant Colors ink and all the necessary needles, grips, gloves, and ink cups. And to power it all, an LCD power unit with 1.5V – 18V output and a foot pedal to keep you in control.
And the best part? It all comes in a convenient carrying case, perfect for taking on the high seas or just to your local tattoo parlor. So whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting, the Pirate Face Grinder Tattoo Kit is the perfect treasure to add to your collection.
Pros:
- Great value
- Lots of accessories
- It comes with instructional books
Cons:
- Poorly made ink
11/28/2024 09:30 am GMT
4.0
$89.99
The SAIKOYA tattoo machine pen is a professional rotary tattoo gun made of aluminum alloy by precision CNC Technology.
The body is made of space-grade aluminum alloy, CNC milled for increased precision. As a result, it's a highly durable frame, making this gun a sound investment for a professional artist.
With the built-in stronger coreless motor, the maximum working power supply is 12V, and the speed can be up to 12000 rpm. The needle can spring back, and the stroke can reach 3.5 MM. In 2 hours, this tattoo gun can already be fully charged and can last up to 8 hours - perfect for a piece that takes hours to finish.
The overall design of this model is that of comfort and safety.
With a natural feel and an easy-to-use design, you'll have no issues with this gun. It's excellent for both professionals and beginners.
Pros:
- Consistently accurate
- Doesn't overheat
- Compatible with all standard needles, tubes, and grips
Cons:
- The power supply cable could be of a better quality
11/28/2024 07:30 pm GMT
4.0
$39.99
Thanks to its professional-grade design, using the Dragonhawk, you can quickly draw precise lines and pack solid colors. In addition, it shows exceptional performance with black and grey ink, making it great for blackwork tattoos.
The metal frame is light, weighing only 3 pounds. This makes the gun easy to control and handy to use. It's run by a coreless motor that offers more torque while consuming less power. Operate on different voltages according to your preference.
Another great feature is the hit adjuster, which helps you adjust how hard or soft the needle hits the skin. The overall design allows for extraordinary quality, faster color packing, and minor trauma to the skin.
Dragonhawk Raven is a fantastic machine that can refine your work and make it more impressionable.
Pros:
- Very sturdy
- Runs flawlessly
- Pretty quiet
Cons:
- The hit adjuster could be a bit better.
11/28/2024 10:32 am GMT
4.0
Introducing the STIGMA Classic rotary tattoo machine pen, the black beauty that will take your art to the next level. With its sleek Space Aluminum frame and Japanese motor, this pen-style machine is not only ergonomic and lightweight but also a reliable workhorse that guarantees precise line work and grey shading without any vibration.
It won't overheat even after long hours of use. Say goodbye to trauma and hello to quality with STIGMA premium tattoo cartridge needles, the ultimate 20-piece set that includes the most commonly used models. And to top it off, we're throwing in 7 bottles of tattoo ink sets and an LED tattoo power supply that will make your studio shine brighter than ever.
Pros:
- Ergonomic design
- Includes 7 bottles of ink
- Designed for a variety of techniques
- Powerful yet quiet
Cons:
- The power cord could be more sturdy.
3.5
$18.99
If you're in the market for a tremendous new liner/shader machine, YorkTattoo Coil Liner is a great option. But is this the best tattoo machine for beginners?
Unlike heavy tattoo guns that can be difficult to work with, this machine offers a lightweight, non-slip design. This allows you to maintain a steady hand while working on a tattoo, reducing fatigue. The frame is made of iron and is durable and handsome, sporting 10 wraps of copper coil.
This gun is well-suited for all types of needles and grips, so your gear won't limit your style. Accompanying this machine, you get two more grips and two tips in an iron box. We like this as one of the best tattoo guns for beginners.
Pros:
- Great for lining and shading
- Coil offers incredible performance
- Lightweight and non-slip
Cons:
- Can overheat if working on a large piece
11/28/2024 10:31 am GMT
4.0
STIGMA is a professional tattoo supplier, and professional tattoo artists have designed and tested each of their machines.
This one is lightweight yet very powerful. Its low-vibration design offers excellent heat dissipation and low noise. This is very important, allowing you to avoid discomfort during use. In addition, you can use all the standard needles, grips, tubes, and power supplies since the machine is compatible with most of the gear.
The powerful motor requires 2-3V to start and 8-10V for stable work. But, despite high power, it runs calm and quiet. You'll get the job done with a needle protrusion range from 0-4mm and a comfortable design.
STIGMA is an excellent machine for professional artists and the best tattoo gun to start on.
Pros:
- Great for beginners and professionals
- Low-vibration, smooth work, and lightweight design
- Impressive quality and solid build
Cons:
- Not a high-end product.
FAQ About Tattoo Guns
What Does A Good Beginner Tattoo Gun Cost?
It depends on what you consider to be ‘good.’ If you’re talking about the bare essentials for an excellent working gun that can get ink into someone’s skin, you can pay as little as $50. You could spend up to $1000 or MUCH more for a super high-quality tattoo gun. The best tattoo machine for a beginner will cost up to a few hundred dollars.
It also depends on whether it’s a coil or a rotary machine and what parts you have. There are many variables, and that’s why it’s such a confusing product to shop around for and buy. You have to know the type of gun you want, but most tattoo artists prefer or learn to develop one as they get experience.
To be aware is that the cheaper the gun, the more work you’ll need to keep it in working order. On the other hand, the more expensive, higher-quality guns don’t require much maintenance; they work well.
What’s Better, Coil Or Rotary Tattoo Guns For Beginners?
Well, it depends on what you want. A coil tattoo gun is more common and uses an electromagnet to push the needle back and forward. Coil guns are a lot noisier than their rotary counterparts.
It also depends on the style of tattoo you’re doing as well. For example, rotary machines have a better/more extended needle range, whereas the coil machines, being noisier, are also choppy and jerky with their motions.
The Best Tattoo Gun For Beginners?
A good-priced high-quality coil tattoo gun will get the job done for beginners. After that, something like York will get the job done.
You need to ensure you’re aware of the reviews and that you do your research, though. Ensure you’re getting the right gun for you and your skill level. We hope you’ve found your best tattoo machine if you are a beginner.
If you want to design your next series of tattoos, check out our laptop review for artists.
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