A machine is the most essential equipment in tattooing. There are different types of rotary tattoo machines available in the market but we have to choose the one that is best on behalf of colour, size and performance.

So here we have reviewed best rotary tattoo machine that are available in the market and together with this, we will provide you with an in-depth buying guide that will definitely refine your purchasing decision.

Also check:

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What is Rotary Tattoo Machine?

It is the small and handy tattoo machine that works on a small motor that moves the needle of the machine in up and down direction. The machine injects the ink in the second layer of the skin i.e. dermis.

This machine is mainly used for making picture tattoo as it is perfect for lining and shading.

12 Best Rotary Tattoo Machine Reviews (Top Picks)

1. Dragonhawk Mast Rotary Tattoo Pen

Dragonhawk is the most trusted brand in the tattoo machine industry and that’s the reason we have placed this machine on number one position.

It is made up of Space Aluminum frame that gives premium feel to this machine. This is the most affordable option that comes with all useful things that are essential for tattooing i.e. Mast tattoo pen, dc cord.

You will feel more accuracy and control while using this tattoo machine. The best part is that the shape of the machine provides proper grip and feel of an actual pen that helps to make a perfect tattoo.

The weight of the machine is so light that you don’t even feel while holding it in your hands. It is made up with a custom mast motor that comes with gear shift system that helps to perform a quiet operation without any vibration.

Pros Comes with aluminium frame

Comes with aluminium frame Affordable option

Affordable option More accuracy and control on the machine

More accuracy and control on the machine Pen size tattoo machine provide proper gripping

Pen size tattoo machine provide proper gripping Light-weighted Cons They sold ink separately

They sold ink separately Some people need grip tape while using this machine

2. Bishop Authentic Rotary Tattoo Machine

If you need one solution that comes with everything that you can expect from a rotary tattoo machine then trust me Bishop Tattoo Machine provides everything that you want.

It comes with billet aircraft aluminium hand polish that provides a super professional feel and durability to this machine.

The best thing about this machine is that every part of this machine is assembled by hands so they take care each and everything that is essential in making a perfect machine and that’s the reason the company is providing a lifetime warranty.

Although the price of the machine is a little high if you consider the performance and quality of this machine then it is all worthy. So if you need a tattoo machine to make a detailed tattoo then this machine is worth buying option for you.

Pros Comes with billet aircraft aluminium hand polish

Comes with billet aircraft aluminium hand polish All parts of the machine are assembled by hands

All parts of the machine are assembled by hands Lifetime warranty

Lifetime warranty Best for detailed tattoo crafting Cons Price of the machine is high

3. Yilong Rotary Tattoo machine

Yilong is the best two in one solution that is best for lining and shading. This machine is designed for comfort and safety that are adjustable for custom performance.

The kit includes everything you can expect from a tattoo machine i.e. power supply, tattoo pedal, tattoo line, tattoo power line and 50 blue tattoo needles and if you consider these things with its price then it’s all worthy.

Every part of the machine is assembled by hands that ensure the durability of the product. Other than this, the machine is best in term of weight and performing the silent operation. The machine includes a 3.5mm stroke length that is perfect if you are going with black and grey shading.

The best part of this machine is that by design of this machine is that it is so much comfortable that your hand veins will not get tired even in a long tattoo session.

Pros Made for comfort and safety

Made for comfort and safety All in one package

All in one package Every part is assembled by hands

Every part is assembled by hands Best in performing the silent operation Cons The machine is not recommended for beginners

4. Dragonhawk Raven Rotary Tattoo Machine

If you are looking for an option that perfectly lines the difficult skin areas of the body than Dragonhawk Raven Rotary Tattoo Machine is the most prescribed option for you. It is a simple and classic tattoo machine that performs well in solid colour picking.

The dark colours of tattoo are difficult to manage on the body but this tattoo machine provides exceptional performance with black and grey ink so if you are blackwork tattoo artist then you will love this machine.

It is designed to operate over a variable voltage that depends upon your personal preference or the requirement of your tattoo design.

Pros Perfect for blackwork artist

Perfect for blackwork artist Simple and Classic tattoo machine

Simple and Classic tattoo machine Affordable price

Affordable price Exceptional performance Cons Ink is not included in the package

5. Solong Tattoo Pen Rotary Tattoo Machine

Salong is another best pick in our bucket list. This rotary machine is made up with space aluminium alloy frame that provides premium look and durability to this machine.

It runs on a 10W motor that creates no noise so you can perform a large tattoo session with this machine. The packaging includes 1 Hybrid Tattoo Pen, 1 Connection Line, 1 Jack plug adaptor, 1 needle cartridge that is sufficient to perform a tattoo session.

This is all in one tattoo pen that is mainly used for permanent eyebrows makeup, eye line, lip line. The best thing about this machine is that it gives you a very handy pen feel that you can hold for a long period of time without any problem.

Other than this, the machine is compatible with all tattoo power supplies so you don’t need to worry about the power option of this machine.

Pros Comes with space aluminium alloy frame

Comes with space aluminium alloy frame No noise tattoo session

No noise tattoo session Handy pen

Handy pen Compatible with all brand tattoo power supply Cons Less adjustability for the needle part

6. Mast Tour Rotary Tattoo Pen Machine

Mast tour rotary pen machine is another best-recommended product in our buying list.

The first thing that attracts is the shape of the machine as it comes in a different shape that exactly doesn’t look like a tattoo machine. The size of the machine is 3.5 inches that is very easy to carry while travelling.

The gripping of the machine is very easy and soft that your hand veins will not get tired even after using for a long time.

The machine performs best in terms of performance and durability and that’s why it is recommended by many tattoo artists. The best thing about the machine is that it comes with Japanese coreless motor that provides the power to machine up to 3000 hours.

The machine comes with an LED light that will indicate the connectivity of the machine with the current. Tattoo artists, who want to deal with the deepness of the skin, will defiantly love this machine.

Pros Easy to handle for long tattoo session

Easy to handle for long tattoo session LED light indicates the connectivity

LED light indicates the connectivity Easy to carry

Easy to carry Helps to deal with the deepness Cons Price is comparatively high

7. Hommii Professional Alloy Tattoo Machine

If you are looking for the top-rated product with an affordable price then this machine is for you.

Hommi is getting popularity because of the performance of the product that comes with a good price tag and the reason behind this low price is that it not a popular brand and that’s why they providing value so that they can beat the completion of the market.

The machine contains a weight of 150 gram that is very easy to handle for every tattoo artist. Along with this, it provides ease with minimal vibration that helps in making perfect artwork on the body.

The machine doesn’t get hot even after a long tattoo session. The catchiest thing about the machine is that it is made with aluminium alloy that makes the efficiency and stability of the machine in the long run.

The manufacturer provides 90 days replacement guarantee in case if you face any issue regarding this machine.

Pros Light weight

Light weight Most affordable price

Most affordable price It creates very less vibration during operation

It creates very less vibration during operation Easy gripping

Easy gripping Build with high quality aluminum alloy Cons The company is new in market so doesn’t have high brand value

8. Cheyenne Hawk Spirit Tattoo Machine

Cheyenne hawk is another great recommendation to consider while buying a rotary tattoo machine.

Although the price of the machine is a little high if you compare the machine with features and build then it’s a worth buying option. The machine is very easy to access so you don’t have to panic about the heavy setup like coil tattoo machine.

The machine provides a hustle free tattooing experience with its ultimate hand gripping that doesn’t trouble your hand veins even after a long tattooing session.

It will help to refine your tattooing skill and dealing with fine lines. Other than this, it also helps in shading, colouring and mostly preferred for black and blue work on the skin.

Another best thing is that it provides two grip sizes, so you can choose the one that is more compatible as per your requirements.

Pros Easy Setup

Easy Setup Easy to handle

Easy to handle Light weight

Light weight Best option for deep and fine work

Best option for deep and fine work Provide many color options Cons Not suitable for heavy lining

Not suitable for heavy lining Price is higher than other machines

9. Hawink Rotary Tattoo Machine

Hawkin Pen machine is highly recommended by professional tattoo artist as it provides everything that you may expect from a rotary tattoo machine. The machine provides amazing build quality along with high performance.

It also provides a low noise operation and doesn’t overheat even after a long time continuous use.

The best thing about the machine is that it comes with an affordable price tag that is easy to access even for a beginner tattoo artist. The motor of the machine is constructed in Germany. Along with this, the professional-grade metal is used in the manufacturing of the machine that provides durability to the machine.

Other than this, the machine provides a feel of an actual pen so it is very easy to handle so there is no doubt that you can easily access a long hour tattoo session. So if you are a beginner then it is something that will really help you in taking your skill to the next level.

Pros Low noise operation

Low noise operation Recommended for beginner tattoo artist

Recommended for beginner tattoo artist High performance and durable motor

High performance and durable motor The machine doesn’t heat in long session Cons The machine needs lubrication after few days

10. FK Irons Spectra Direkt2 Tattoo Machine

It is another highly recommended option on our bucket list. The machine is specially made for a professional tattoo artist in order to achieve excellence in the field of tattooing. The appearance and build quality make it different from other tattoo machines.

Although the price of this machine is a little high but trust me! You will never regret spending on this machine. It is made from heavy-duty material that enhances the durability of the machine.

Along with this, the machine also provides an adjustable stroke setting that is rear in tattoo guns. So you can easily change the setup according to your choice and requirements.

The best thing is that it provides a fine gripping that provides full control on the machine. The machine will help you in crafting the fine lines and refine the deepness of tattoo skin.

Pros Made with heavy duty material

Made with heavy duty material Comes with adjustable stroke setting

Comes with adjustable stroke setting Machine is highly recommended for pro tattoo artist

Machine is highly recommended for pro tattoo artist It provides easy and fine gripping Cons Sometimes you need to adjust plastic pop

11. Dragonhawk Extreme Rotary Tattoo Machine

It is another great recommendation from Dragonhawk. The machine offers great gripping that will help to perform a long tattoo session. The best thing is that the machine is affordable in price as if we look at the performance and features.

It contains a clip cord connection that will allow you to move freely during the tattoo session.

The machine is perfect for deep lining and shading work so if you are looking for a machine for deep black and grey shading then this rotary machine is highly recommended for you.

Pros Affordable Price Option

Affordable Price Option Best for lining and Shading

Best for lining and Shading High Brand Value

High Brand Value Great gripping Cons Springs of machine can’t replace

12. Rogue Pen Rotary Tattoo Machine

If you are looking for affordable rotary pen machine along with great feature and performance then Rogue is the most appropriate option to go with.

It includes standard DC electric motor containing 9800 RPM that provides great performance to the machine. Along with this, it includes an adjustable needle depth that is most convenient for shading.

The best thing is that the machine can work with all cartridge needles and power supply so you don’t need to face the adjustability issue.

The machine contains 90-day warranty that will defiantly initiate your buying decision.

Pros 90 Days Warranty

90 Days Warranty Includes Standard DC electric Motor

Includes Standard DC electric Motor Adjust will all power supplies and cartridge needles Cons Machine heats up in long session

Buying Guide

As we promised here is the buying guide that will let you know everything about rotary tattoo machine.

How to set up your Rotary tattoo machine

Here are the steps that will help you in setting up a rotary machine.

Step 1: Disassemble tattoo machine and Clean properly

Step 2: Clean your hands and workspace

Step 3: You have to attach the rubber nipple to the needle bar

Step 4: If you have needle then bend them and insert them into the tube.

Step 5: Fit needle bar in the nipple and make sure it should come together tightly

Step 6: Hold and Press the needle bar in the downward direction.

Step 7: Attach needle-bar and connect it with the retainer ring by tuning retainer screw and adjust the needle-bar retainer

Step 8: Tight until needles are firmly placed and don’t wobble from their location.

Step 9: Adjust the supply of power according to your preference.

Note: Every machine comes with a user manual that describes the setup process. So it is advised to read that before setting up so that you will get the exact idea of the process.



Benefits of Using Rotary Tattoo Machine over Coil Tattoo Machine

Many professional Tattoo Artists recommend using the rotary machine over coil because a rotary tattoo machine can effectively provide smooth lining and shading. There are many other factors that make a rotary tattoo machine are listed below.

Weight: The coil machine contains two coils and an iron rod that increase the weight of the machine. On the other hand, rotary tattoo machine is operated by motor so it is quite light weighed.

Shape: The shape of the rotary tattoo machine is not handy so it becomes quite difficult to make proper gripping and in case of the rotary machine, it comes in pen shape that is quite easy to operate.

Noise: The machine operates on the motor so that the noise of the machine is lower than the rotary tattoo machine.

Pros and Cons of Rotary Tattoo Machine

Pros Easy in setup

Easy in setup It requires very low maintenance

It requires very low maintenance Parts of the rotary tattoo machine are less expensive

Parts of the rotary tattoo machine are less expensive It performs quite tattoo operation

It performs quite tattoo operation Very handy to use

Very handy to use It is convenient for colouring and filling

It is convenient for colouring and filling The most preferred option for lining and shading

The most preferred option for lining and shading It doesn’t damage the skin Cons Doesn’t fit for deep tattoo art

Doesn’t fit for deep tattoo art Need a good power supply for batter performance

FAQ

Q. Do Rotary Tattoo Machines hurt more?

The pain of a tattoo has not any direct significance with the particular type of machine. However, the sound of a rotary tattoo machine is lower then coil tattoo machine so the mind perception of the client will comparatively make the tattoo session less painful

Q. How much does a good tattoo gun cost?

The price of tattoo gun depends upon various factors like size, brand and performance but if you are a beginner tattoo artist then you should spend approximately $50 to $200 on buying a tattoo gun. On the other hand, if you are intermediate or professional tattoo artist then you should choose the machine between price ranges between $500-$1000.

Q. What should be the speed of rotary tattoo machine?

The speed basically depends upon the work that you are performing with the machine. So for shading and color picking work you should run the machine between 7.5 to 8.5 Volts. On the other hand, for lining you should fix between 8 to 9 that depends upon the situation and hand speed.

Final Verdict

So these are our top recommendation of the rotary tattoo machine. We hope you got the answer to all your queries and with the help of reviews, you can choose the best option available in the market.

We have reviewed all machines on behalf of features, price and performance so now it’s your time to purchase the best fit option for you.

Resource:

https://www.tattoo.com/blog/tattoo-machines-coil-or-rotary

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tattoo_machine