There are many coil tattoo machines out there, so we have reviewed the top four machines for you to make your decision a little easier. We’ve also added a buying guide to help you understand what you should be looking for when choosing a coil tattoo machine.

Below are the best coil tattoo machines available right now:

• Dragonhawk 2 Brass Tattoo Machine Liner—Best Overall
• Mast Traditional Handmade Coil Tattoo Machine—Best for Durability
• Redscorpion Coil Tattoo Machine Gun—Best for Precision
• 1TattooWorld Coils Tattoo Machine OTW-M703—Best Value

Best Coil Tattoo Machines Reviewed 

Dragonhawk 2 Brass Tattoo Machine Liner—Best Overall

This is a set of two tattoo machines, so it gives you everything you need to create stunning tattoos. One of the tattoo machines is specifically designed for line work, and the other is designed for shading.

The Dragonhawk 2 Brass liner tattoo machine has eight wrap coils that help with the precision and detailing of the needles, while the shader has ten wrap coils allowing it to add more ink and insert it deeper into the skin. You can also tell the difference between the tattoo machines by looking at the spring’s position and length. 

The machines have been pre-setup by Dragonhawk, so you can use them as soon as you take them out of the box. There’s no assembly needed for the tattoo machines, but they can still be adjusted to suit your individual requirements if you prefer.

You will need to make sure that you have the power supply and essential tools available and ready to go as these aren’t included in the set.

The tattoo machines perform well at a high frequency, and this gives you a powerful but smooth application, and it does it quickly. The solid and durable frame is made from CNC-cut billet brass, so it not only looks good but will last for a long time.

Tattoo artists love using the Dragonhawk tattoo machines. You can see a couple of comments that we’ve found online below:

“I love that these have a solid brass frame. For all of you new to tattooing a heavy brass frame makes a great liner. It helps keep the vibrations down on coil machines giving a straight line. If you can find a better machine for this price, I want to know where?”

“Bought these guns for my brother and he is incredibly impressed and loves them… every time he does a tattoo he calls me and tells me thank you for them..”

Specifications

Type of machine: Coil – Liner 8 wrap coils. Shader 10 wrap coils

Material: CNC cut billet brass frame.

Weight: 726 grams.

Tattoo Style: One machine for lining and one for shading.

The Dragonhawk coil tattoo machines give you everything you need to create stunning tattoos. The added bonus is getting two machines in the set, which allows you to do both linework and shading. 

The machines are set up and ready to go as soon as they come out of the box. These are great all-round tattoo machines that perform well and give you outstanding results for a reasonable price.

Pros

• Two tattoo machines – One for lining and one for shading.
• Solid frame made from CNC-cut billet brass.
• No assembly required – Ready to use.
• Work at high frequency – Quick, smooth results.

Cons

• The brass frame makes them heavier than other tattoo machines.

Mast Traditional Handmade Coil Tattoo Machine—Best for Durability

The Mast Traditional coil tattoo machines can be bought separately as liner and shading machines, but you save some money if you buy them together. The machines are handmade and have a traditional look that appeals to many tattoo artists.

The frame is made from iron, so it is solid and sturdy. The tattoo machine offers great durability, lasting for years, even when used for lengthy periods every day.

Even though the frame of the tattoo machine is made from iron, it still feels relatively lightweight and comfortable to hold. The Mast tattoo machines have a medium running speed that allows the needles to work smoothly on the skin. They have ten wrap coils and a 47uf capacitor that offer great performance from this durable tattoo machine.

Users like everything about these tattoo machines, and you can see some of their comments below:

“This machine is freaking amazing. You feel the difference between this and cheap machines and the price of it is just unbeatable. I don’t even use any of my other machines for shading and coloring anymore. This machine is really great.”

“Strong, consistent machine, well built, nothing slips. Shorter throw with a hard punch. This thing can handle a pretty thick needle pack with no problems.”

Specifications

Type of machine: Coil – Liner 10 wrap coils. Shader 10 wrap coils

Material: Iron frame

Weight: 680 grams.

Tattoo Style: One machine for lining and one for shading.

These coil tattoo machines are great at doing exactly what you want them to do. The liner machine is precise and sturdy, and the shader machine gives you amazing color fill. The machines are easy to handle and comfortable to use.

They’re durable and solid machines that also give a great performance and feel light to handle.

Pros

• Heavy-duty solid and durable frame.
• Two tattoo machines – One for lining and one for shading.
• Quiet and smooth performance.
• Works well at a medium speed.

Cons

• It can take time to set up the tattoo machines.

Redscorpion Coil Tattoo Machine Gun—Best for Precision

You get two coil machines when you buy the RedScorpion tattoo machine set. This set includes one machine for lining and another machine for shading, allowing you to complete your tattoo from start to finish with the same brand of tattoo machine.

The tattoo machine is made from a durable iron alloy which makes the frame solid and durable. It has a stable working speed and is comfortable to hold. 

As it’s made from iron, it can be pretty heavy, especially when used for long periods. However, the design of the tattoo machine makes it easy to handle, and it doesn’t overheat, even after lengthy, extended tattoo sessions.

Customers enjoy using this tattoo machine. You can see a couple of the comments we found online below:

“Better quality than I expected for the price.”

“I’ve been tattooing for years and for the price these 2 machines are pretty good. It didn’t take long to adjust and set up the way I like them, maybe 10 to 15 mins and they run well. I would definitely buy these again.”

Specifications

Type of machine: Coil – Liner 8 wrap coils. Shader 10 wrap coils

Material: Iron Alloy frame.

Weight: 272 grams.

Tattoo Style: One machine for lining and one for shading.

These coil tattoo machines offer you excellent performance with a strong and sturdy frame that’s easy to handle. You’ll get perfect lines that are straight with solid lines and shading that stands out and lasts for many years. 

If you are doing lots of tattoos with small intricate details, this is the machine for you. It hits the skin with lots of force, placing the ink exactly where you need it quickly and smoothly.

Pros

• Precise and accurate line work.
• Powerful without overheating.
• Get two tattoo machines in the set.
• 30-Day Money Back Guarantee.

Cons

• Suited to professional tattoo artists, not beginners.
• Need adjusting before use.

1TattooWorld Coils Tattoo Machine OTW-M703—Best Value

If you’re looking for an attractive-looking tattoo machine without breaking the bank, the 1TattooWorld tattoo machine may be the one for you. Coming in at less than $20, you’ll not find a better-performing tattoo machine for less.

The tattoo machine frame is made from a low-carbon steel frame that’s super lightweight and durable. 

The tattoo machine is versatile, allowing you to complete both lining and shading work using one gun. You may think that this will affect the performance of the tattoo machine, but that’s where you’d be wrong. It gives a great performance no matter what style of tattooing you’re completing.

You’ll have to tune the tattoo machine yourself when you take it out of the box, but with a bit of adjusting, you’ll soon be ready to tattoo.

Users are enjoying this tattoo machine and can’t believe the performance it gives for so little money. Below you’ll find a couple of the comments that we found online:

“I have owned this tattoo machine now for over three years. I have done over 200 tattoos with it and have never had a problem with it. It does great lining and great shading as long as you know what you’re doing. I’m very happy with it and would definitely buy it again.”

“So all of the people saying this isn’t a quality machine, or that it’s cheap and doesn’t hit hard…maybe you should look in the mirror and ask yourself if it’s the machine or your lack of experience. This is a quality machine for an unbelievable price.”

Specifications

Type of machine: Coil – 10 wrap coils

Material: Low-carbon steel frame.

Weight: 252 grams.

Tattoo Style: Can be used for both lining and shading.

This tattoo machine is versatile, durable, performs well, and looks amazing. What more could you want? The price is unbelievable, considering the tattoos that you can create with the tattoo machine.

You can use the tattoo machine to complete your linework or shading work, and it gives stunning results with both. 

Pros

• Great value for money.
• Works smoothly and quietly.
• A lightweight tattoo machine that’s comfortable to use.
• Doesn’t overheat after lengthy tattoo sessions.

Cons

• No accessories are included with the machine.
• Some users reported the armbar was loose.

Best Coil Tattoo Machines Buying Guide

There are many things to consider when choosing your coil tattoo machine. 

Your tattoo machine is the thing that you’ll be using every day as a tattoo artist, so you need to make sure that you choose a tattoo machine that you’re comfortable with and can easily handle, as well as being the best-performing tattoo machine. 

We’ll let you know just what to look for when choosing your coil tattoo machine.

Beginner or Professional?

A coil tattoo machine requires more setting up and adjusting than a rotary tattoo machine. This allows you to get familiar with the equipment and understand more about how it works before using it.

This means that a coil machine may not be suitable for beginners starting on their tattooing journey. However, you will get used to how it works by using the coil tattoo machine for practice sessions and adjusting it accordingly. This will give you the confidence you need to start using it for real tattoos.

What is a Coil Tattoo Machine?

A coil tattoo machine, as the name suggests, uses coils to move the needles and create the tattoo. The coils have electromagnets inside that make a magnetic field when a current flows through them from the power supply.

The current pushes the armature bar down, moving the needle up and down. The needle then penetrates your skin, creating the tattoo. The tattoo machine will generally have two coils and iron rods, which make the tattoo machine heavier than rotary machines. 

The coil tattoo machine makes a buzzing sound that you associate with tattoo studios. This can become a little distracting when sitting for long tattoo sessions but is all part of the tattoo experience.

There are two types of coil tattoo machines, one for lining and one for shading. The liner tattoo machines are used to create the tattoo’s outline, so this machine needs to be precise and easy to handle when doing intricate detailing. 

The shader tattoo machine is used to fill the area inside the lines; this could be with shades of black or with different colors and gradients. 

Power Supply

It’s now possible to buy a power supply that’s specifically designed to work with your tattoo machine. This increases the performance and safety aspect of your tattoo machine than using a generic power supply.

You can choose from analog or digital power supplies for your tattoo machine. There are also wireless options for those tattoo artists on the go. You can also buy dual power supplies made to support more than one machine at once, for example, a liner and a shader. 

The voltage of your power supply will determine the power given out for your tattoo machine. Therefore, it’s essential to get the voltage correct when tattooing, setting it to suit the style of tattoo that you’re currently doing. 

Durability 

Tattoo machines can be expensive, so you need to look at this as an investment. You want your tattoo machine to last a long time, so you need to make sure that you’re choosing a machine that’s made from durable material and is built to last. 

A metal frame will last for years, and some of the metals that are used to make tattoo machine frames are; Aluminum, Carbon steel, and Iron. While all of these materials will give you a strong, sturdy frame that is durable and will last a long time, iron can be heavy to handle.

Weight

You will be working with your tattoo machine for many hours every day, so you want your tattoo machine to be comfortable to hold. Weight plays a big part in this, as you may get fatigued or have pain in your hands or wrist with a heavy tattoo machine. 

A lightweight tattoo machine is ideal during lengthy tattoo sessions as it will continue to be comfortable throughout the day. This will give you the best results and will not cause you pain, making it a challenge to use it every day.

Safety

You need always to remember that tattooing can be dangerous. You’re penetrating the skin with needles and creating an open wound. 

With that in mind, you need to be adequately trained by a professional before tattooing anybody. As a tattoo artist, you’re responsible for your customer’s health and safety, so it’s vital that you know what you’re doing at all times.

People want to leave your tattoo studio with the tattoo of their dreams, not permanent damage to their skin or an infection. Safety should be taken as seriously as the art itself.

Price

Coil tattoo machines can vary in price, with some being as cheap as $10. At the other end of the scale, you can pay hundreds of dollars for a handmade coil tattoo machine. Be sure to do your homework before splashing out any cash. 

The most expensive tattoo machine doesn’t always mean that it’s the best quality, just like the cheapest isn’t always the worst. 

Check out reviews of coil tattoo machines and speak to reputable tattoo artists to get their opinion before spending any money. By doing this, you will get a suitable tattoo machine for you and your needs as a tattoo artist.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a more traditional tattoo machine that you’re able to tune yourself to suit your needs, a coil tattoo machine is just what you’re looking for.

Many of the coil tattoo machines reviewed are handmade or hand-assembled to give you great quality and performance. They’re suitable for professional tattoo artists who use them every day.

Our favorite in the best coil tattoo machines would be the Dragonhawk 2 Brass Tattoo Machine Liner. This tattoo machine set includes one machine for lining and another for shading, giving you the complete package. The tattoo machines are ready to use and give you quick, smooth results. 

Our runner-up would be the Mast Traditional Handmade Coil Tattoo Machine. These tattoo machines are heavy-duty with a solid and durable frame. They work quietly and give you a smooth performance at a medium speed.

We hope that you’ve found our guide to the best coil tattoo machines helpful. You can now look forward to buying your own coil tattoo machine and seeing for yourself just how good they are.