8 Best Coil Tattoo Machines in 2023 under 100$
Tattooing is a delicate art that requires professional skill and high-quality tattoo equipment. The coil tattoo machine is the most important tool for any beginner or professional tattoo artist, enabling them to create perfect tattoo design.
However, choosing the suitable coil tattoo machine with the required features is quite challenging as there are many options on the market. That’s why we tested and reviewed the 8 best coil tattoo machines, which are as follows:
- Dragonhawk Pro Tattoo Machine
- Stigma Complete Tattoo Kit
- Grinder Tattoo Machine By Pirate Face
- ATOMUS Coil Tattoo Machine
- Wormhole Complete Coil Tattoo Kit
- Yuelong Coil Tattoo Machine
- YorkTattoo Coil Tattoo Machine
These machines promise high-quality construction, reliable performance, and versatile settings to create stunning tattoo designs. We assure you that these coil machines will stand the test of time. Also, they’re super budget-friendly compared to rotary and wireless tattoo machines.
Top 3 Pick
Editor Pick
Stigma Tattoo Kit
Overall Best
Dragonhawk Pro
Budget Pick
ATOMUS Tattoo Machine
What is Coil Tattoo Machine?
A coil tattoo machine, also called an electromagnetic tattoo machine, is used by tattoo artists to create tattoos on the skin. These machines use electromagnetic coils to push the tattoo needle up and down, inserting ink into the skin. Usually, these machines are known for their beginner-friendly design, durable quality, power, and affordable price.
Image
Product
features
Price
Mast Coil Machine
- All-Rounder
- Affordable
- Lightweight
Dragonhawk Pro
- Durable
- Easy to Setup
- Premium Quality
Stigma Tattoo Kit
- Stylish Design
- Easy to Handle
- Complete Kit
Grinder Tattoo Machine
- Durable
- 4 Tattoo Guns
- Reliable & Versatile
ATOMUS Coil Tattoo Machine
- Budget-Friendly
- 3.5mm Stroke
- Adjustable Voltage
Wormhole Complete Coil Tattoo Kit
- Two Tattoo Guns
- Decent Quality
- Beautiful & Durable Design
Yuelong Coil Tattoo Machine
- Easy-to-use
- All-round Performance
- Versatile Tattooing Work
YorkTattoo Coil Tattoo Machine
- Solid Build
- Good for Shading & Lining
- Precise Voltage Adjustment
Review of Best Coil Tattoo Machines
Mast Coil Machine
Reason to Buy:
Reason to Avoid:
A mast is a handmade coil tattoo machine that weighs approximately 200g, making it relatively lightweight and easy to handle. The weight is well-balanced, which helps to reduce hand fatigue during lengthy tattoo sessions, such as creating Viking designs.
The design of this handmade machine is fundamental and old, but overall, it looks beautiful. The tattoo power supply is not included, so you must purchase one separately. However, the device is compatible with most standard power supplies.
One of the standout features of this machine is its ability to deliver long and hard-hitting strokes, resulting in excellent outcomes. From a functional perspective, this tattoo machine is equally great for lining and shading work. It comes with one shader tattoo machine and one for the lining.
We often use it for color packing and shading work in the studio to create beautiful tattoo designs, and it works well without causing skin damage. Furthermore, the Mast Coil Machine has ten wrap coils and a 47uf capacitor, which provide an average running speed with hard punching. However, its speed could be higher to set.
Its construction is solid and made of a durable iron frame, making it highly durable and long-lasting. But it’s worth noting that because it’s a handmade machine, there may be slight variations in quality and performance from one device to another. Nevertheless, it is a solid choice for those who value a classic, handmade look and feel.
Dragonhawk Pro Tattoo Machine
Reason to Buy:
Reason to Avoid:
The Dragonhawk Pro Tattoo Machine is an all-in-one tattoo kit that provides everything a tattoo artist needs. It includes a coil machine, clip cord, fake skin, foot pedal, tattoo ink, grip, and disposable needle. The tattoo needles in this kit are made of high-quality materials and provide sharp, accurate results with minimal discomfort.
With the help of this kit, you can start tattooing or practicing your artwork on fake skin to gain hands-on experience. This means you don’t need anything else to get started with tattoo work. Moreover, the price of the Dragonhawk Pro Tattoo machine is relatively low, almost half the price of a mast coil machine, which makes it affordable for anyone.
The machine is made from a sturdy frame that lasts longer. You can easily replace or change any part of the machine. Furthermore, it is designed to minimize hand fatigue. Therefore, you can achieve fine artwork through this machine.
Dragonhawk Pro allows voltage to be set at different speeds, making it an excellent option for various tattooing techniques. For example, you can adjust the voltage for different types of tattoo work, such as lining, shading, or color packing.
However, there is an issue with the power as the voltage fluctuates randomly, going up and down automatically. And also, it gets warm at a higher voltage. But overall, the tattoo power supply is easy to use and provides consistent power output. As a tattoo artist, you can achieve the desired speed and precision in custom tattoo designs.
Furthermore, it includes a shader and liner machine with an adjustable stroke length. These stroke lengths help provide excellent control and precision during the tattooing process. This coiling machine is super lightweight and is easy to hold during tattooing sessions without causing discomfort and fatigue.
Stigma Complete Tattoo Kit
Reason to Buy:
Reason to Avoid:
The next item on our list is the Stigma Complete Tattoo Kit. This kit includes two tools: coils and a rotary tattoo machine. You can use both machines as a liner and shader. Both of these machines are built with high-quality materials that are highly durable and excellent in performance.
The Stigma coil tattoo machine is sleek and excellent from a functionalist perspective. Additionally, the machine is lightweight and easy to handle, which helps to reduce fatigue during lengthy tattoo sessions.
Furthermore, it comes with a decent quality starter kit that includes a bit of everything to get started with tattooing work. The kit accessories include a power supply, grips, tattoo ink, needles, and a foot pedal.
In Particular, it has seven tattoo inks and 20 needles of different types. However, this tattoo ink is of low quality for professional work. Regarding the price, it may be expensive for some tattoo artists. However, the high quality and superior performance make this kit a worthwhile investment for those serious about their craft.
Grinder Tattoo Machine By Pirate Face
Reason to Buy:
Reason to Avoid:
The Grinder by Pirate Face is a premium quality coil tattoo machine for professional tattoo artists. This machine features a 10-wrap coil that balances power and precision to deliver consistent and reliable performance.
Crafted from a stainless steel frame and steel springs, this machine is designed to be durable and long-lasting. Furthermore, it is lightweight and easy to handle, providing a solid grip. Also, you can easily set up and use this machine, requiring only a small adjustment.
Like the Dragonhawk Coil Tattoo Machines Pro, the Grinder tattoo machine also comes with a complete starter tattooing kit, which includes accessories such as a power supply, gloves, needles, tattoo ink, grip, and many others.
However, the price of this coil tattoo gun is higher than most coil machines available in the market. This means budget-conscious individuals should look for other cheaper options.
ATOMUS Coil Tattoo Machine
Reason to Buy:
Reason to Avoid:
This is the cheapest tattoo machine on the list, making it the best budget-friendly option for those starting in the tattoo industry. It is also an excellent option for newbies needing a tool to practice their work. ATOMUS is designed with high-quality materials and an adjustable needle depth, allowing for precise and customized tattooing.
The ATOMUS Coil Tattoo Machine is lightweight, making it easy to handle and maneuver during tattooing. It is installed with a speed of 23000r/m, which provides smooth and consistent performance. However, it may be less powerful and durable than more expensive coil machines, which means it is not a quality machine for professional work.
It features a 10-wrap coil that offers a good balance of power and precision, making it a reasonable choice. Further, this tattoo machine is suitable for lining, shading, and coloring and can be used with various needle groupings.
Although it is a low-quality machine, it still has another notable feature that needs to be mentioned. For example, the ATOMUS allows you to set the voltage from 6v to 9v. Furthermore, it has a 3.5mm stroke length and is compatible with major high-quality tattoo cartridge needle brands.
Wormhole Complete Coil Tattoo Kit
Reason to Buy:
Reason to Avoid:
This is a complete tattoo kit from the Wormhole brand. This Kit includes two coil tattoo machines, a power supply, a foot pedal, tattoo ink, a clip cord, and other important tattooing accessories. However, the Kit does not have an ink cup.
From a functional perspective, the Kit is equally great for all tattoo artists. It has one tattoo machine for lining and one for shading work, with an adjustable voltage between 5v and 8v. The shader performs consistently and steadily, while the liner seemed inconsistent in our testing.
The machines are lightweight, making them easy to hold for long sessions without hurting the wrist. It is perfect for newbies to practice with fake skin tattoos. Further, their outer frame and body are made with high-quality material, making them super durable.
Furthermore, this machine works at minimum vibration without creating extra noise. The Kit also includes a good quality dual power supply, which can simultaneously deliver power to both devices. Considering the price, it is affordable for everyone with so much valuable stuff.
Yuelong Coil Tattoo Machine
Reason to Buy:
Reason to Avoid:
Yuelong Coil Tattoo Gun is a highly reliable, easy-to-use, and versatile tattoo machine for beginner artists at an affordable price. Like other machines, this Kit includes all the necessary accessories to get started. However, compared to Wormhole, this Kit has more tattoo supplies, such as ink caps, O-rings, and needles.
Furthermore, like Wormhole, its body frame is made with cast iron, making its design lightweight and durable, enabling comfortable holding and easy control. Further, it is compatible with significant grips and needles.
Yuelong Coil Tattoo Machine has 10 wrap coils providing enough electromagnetic power to smooth needle up and down movements. This makes it the best tattoo machine for lining and shading work.
Further, this feature makes it an excellent all-around choice for tattoo artists who need a machine that can do it all. However, it cannot be quiet during operation and generates some extra vibrations.
Now, let’s discuss its power supply, which is of high quality. For example, this digital supply provides consistent voltage to the machine for smooth operation. However, the power supply does not have a button to turn it on and off; it only works by directly plugging it in with a switch.
YorkTattoo Coil Tattoo Machine
Reason to Buy:
Reason to Avoid:
If you’re looking for a cheaper coil tattoo machine, this one should be your top choice. YorkTattoo has almost half the price compared to others mentioned on the list. But being cheap doesn’t mean it doesn’t have the required features.
YorkTattoo has a solid build quality and is perfect for learning, especially practicing on fake tattoo skin. Further, like Yuelong, this one also has 10 wraps coils, providing equally good shading and lining performance. However, in the long run, the machine tends to heat up.
Furthermore, this tattoo machine operates at a voltage range of 4-8 V. This means you’ll have great control over voltage. For example, 4V is good for beginner learning tattooing art at low speed. And 8V allows you to perform a bit of everything, such as lining and shading.
FAQs on Best Coil Tattoo Machines
Which is the best coil tattoo machine?
A stigma tattoo machine is the best coil tattoo tool due to its precision, durability, and versatility. Additionally, the machine is super lightweight, which makes them easy to handle and maneuver.
One of their standout features is the use of ”Prodigy” technology. This technology allows quick and easy adjustment of the needle depth and ensures that the needle stays in place during tattooing. It reduces the risk of slipping.
Do tattoo artists still use coil machines?
Yes, many tattoo artists still use coil machines. New types of tattoo machines, such as rotary machines, have gained popularity in recent years.
These machines remain popular for many artists due to their durability, power, and affordability.
These machines can also be customized and adjusted to suit an artist’s preferences, making them a versatile tool for professional tattooing.
Many artists prefer using rotatory models, but most use a combination of both.
Are coil tattoo machines better than rotary ones?
Best Rotary tattoo machines are far ahead in many features like they are quieter, versatile, lightweight, smooth and easy to handle as compared to coil machines.
On the other hand, traditional machines are known for their power, affordability, and ability to provide high precision and control. Their unmatched customization also adds to their plus point. But in the end, it’s personal preference, and most artists use a combination of both machines.
How to set up a coil tattoo machine?
Setting up a coil tattoo machine can be a complex process. Especially if you are a beginner. But you can use ease this process by following the steps below:
- Make sure you have all the parts, including tattoo machines, needles, foot pedals, etc.
- Start by assembling all the parts.
- Once all the parts are assembled, attach the foot pedal to the power supply.
- Select a needle appropriate for the tattoo and attach it to the machine.
- Adjust the needle depth to protrude about 1-2mm from the end of the tube.
- Check if the device is working properly. If not, repeat the process carefully.
What are the different types of coil tattoo machines?
There are different types of coil tattoo machines available in the market. Some of these are:
- Liner Machines: The laser tattoo machine is designed to create fine, precise lines in tattoos. They typically have a shorter stroke length, usually around 1.5 mm-2.5 mm, and generally are used with smaller needle groupings.
- Shader Machines: These machines are designed for shading and coloring larger areas of tattoos. They usually have a longer stroke length, around 2.5mm-4mm, and are typically used with larger needle groupings.
- Color Packer Machines: These machines are similar to shader machines but with more power, allowing them to push more ink into the skin. They typically have a longer stroke length, around 3.5mm-4.5mm. They are used with larger needle groupings.
- All-Round Machines: These machines are versatile and can be used for lining and shading. They typically have a stroke length of around 2.5 mm-3.5 mm. They can be used with a variety of needle groupings.
- Cutback Machines: These machines are designed to reduce needle drag and provide smoother lines. They have a shorter front spring and a longer rear spring. This reduces the time the needle is in contact with the skin.
Conclusion:
Tattooing is a delicate art, but the right tools can ease your journey. We tried to bring you the best coil tattoo machines. Each machine has unique features and, of course, a few drawbacks. But Dragonhawk Pro is our favorite. This machine is a super versatile and reliable option for tattoo artists just starting. The price of this tool is much more affordable, making it accessible to everyone.
Flora Jones is a licensed professional tattoo artist with over 5 years of experience working at various studios in Arizona. In addition to her artistry, she enjoys sharing her knowledge and expertise on various tattoo-related topics through her writing.