Dragonhawk Tattoo Machine Review

  • Written By Dan Hunter on February 02, 2023
    Last Updated: May 25, 2023

Tattooing is becoming increasingly popular, with more and more people choosing to express their views and their love of art on their bodies for all to see. As a tattoo artist, you need to make sure that you give your customers the tattoo of their dreams and not one of their nightmares. 

A tattoo machine is an essential element in your tattoo kit and will help you on your way from starting your tattoo journey to becoming a professional tattoo artist. There are so many tattoo machines out there it isn’t easy to decide which one you need.


The Dragonhawk brand was founded in 2001 with the goal of providing the best and most comprehensive variety of tattoo supplies around the world. They have constantly risen to the challenge and expanded to global markets, offering great products that are made to a high standard.  

Our Favorite Dragonhawk Tattoo Machine

The Dragonhawk X7 Tattoo Pen

The Dragonhawk X7 Tattoo Pen is a fantastic option for both beginners and professionals looking for a wireless rotary tattoo gun with smart display and replaceable batteries.

Pros

  • Smart screen display for easier control and reading
  • Long-lasting battery provides 8-12 hours of cordless run time
  • Lightweight, durable design for comfortable control

Cons

  • Learning curve for the various features and settings
  • May require adjusting to personal preferences
  • Takes about 2 hours to recharge battery

The Dragonhawk X7 Tattoo Pen Machine offers an impressive smart screen display that enables easier control and reading of different modes. The bigger screen and brighter display make this tattoo pen stand out amongst its competition. As we used this pen, we found the display immensely helpful in creating an efficient and enjoyable tattooing experience.

One of the stand-out features is the long-lasting battery that offers 8-12 hours of cordless run time. Made of aluminum alloy by precision CNC technology, this tattoo pen is easy to disassemble, maintain, and replace. With two replaceable batteries included, we appreciated having the ability to continue our work without downtime to charge.

The lightweight, durable design of the Dragonhawk X7 makes it an incredibly comfortable option. Weighing just 180g/6.3oz and featuring a 33mm grip size, we found it easy to control and handle during our tattooing sessions. The brushless motor by MCORE provides high speed, low noise, and stable performance, which we found invaluable whilst inking.

One of the minor drawbacks we encountered were the various features and settings that come with a slight learning curve. However, after spending some time mastering its functions, we found it to be an incredibly versatile and efficient tool.

In summary, the Dragonhawk X7 Tattoo Pen Machine offers a wireless rotary tattoo gun experience with a smart display and replaceable batteries, making it ideal for both beginners and professionals alike. With its long-lasting battery life and comfortable design, this tattoo pen has quickly become one of our favorites in the studio.

Our Favorite Dragonhawk Tattoo Machine Kit

The Dragonhawk Complete Rotary Tattoo Pen Machine Kit

We believe this Dragonhawk Tattoo Kit is a great choice for beginner and professional artists alike, offering excellent quality and precision in their tattooing work.

Pros

  • Custom Mast coreless motor for precise line work and shading
  • Lightweight design (82g) with a protective seamless frame
  • Comes with 20 high-quality cartridge needles

Cons

  • Power supply could be improved
  • Foot pedal seems a bit cheap
  • Ink quality could be better

We recently used the Dragonhawk Complete Rotary Tattoo Pen Machine Kit and found it to be a fantastic piece of equipment for professional tattoo artists. Its custom Mast coreless motor ensures precise line work, black and grey shading, and solid color packing, which makes for a more fluid and efficient tattooing procedure.

The lightweight design of the Mast Tour tattoo machine is another feature we appreciate, as it makes it easy to handle and maneuver during long tattooing sessions. Its seamless frame also protects the machine’s inner components, providing durability and longevity. The kit comes with 20 high-quality cartridge needles, offering excellent versatility for all tattooing styles.

Unfortunately, we feel that the power supply and the foot pedal could be of better quality. Some of our team members found that the power supply didn’t consistently deliver the required power, leading to adjustments during tattoo sessions. Similarly, the foot pedal seemed a bit flimsy and cheap, which could impact its durability over time. Additionally, while the ink provided in the kit does its job, we’ve found better quality inks elsewhere.

In conclusion, the Dragonhawk Complete Rotary Tattoo Pen Machine Kit is a solid choice for professional tattoo artists needing a reliable, precise, and versatile machine. Despite some minor drawbacks with the power supply, foot pedal, and ink quality, the machine’s performance, lightweight design, and cartridge needles make it a worthy investment for tattoo artists looking for a high-quality, all-in-one kit.

Things To Consider Before Buying a Dragonhawk Tattoo Machine

Identifying Your Requirements

The journey toward purchasing a Dragonhawk tattoo machine should begin with a clear understanding of your specific needs. The type of tattooing work you frequently undertake, such as linework, shading, or color packing, greatly informs this decision. By precisely identifying your needs, you can significantly streamline your options and pinpoint the ideal tattoo machine that will complement your artistic style and technical requirements.

Selecting the Machine Type

Diverse in their forms and specifications, tattoo machines are primarily categorized as either rotary or coil machines. Rotary machines are revered for their quiet operation and versatility, making them a suitable choice for a wide range of tattooing styles. In contrast, coil machines, with their robust power, excel particularly in heavy lining and shading. Your choice between these two should stem from your individual preferences and working style, thus ensuring a harmonious relationship between the artist and the machine.

Evaluating Build Quality

A crucial aspect of any tattoo machine’s worth lies in its build quality. You should lean towards machines that are crafted from top-tier materials such as brass, copper, or aluminum. These materials not only assure enhanced stability and durability but also warrant the machine’s ability to endure regular use while maintaining its peak performance over time. Here is a quick comparison:

  • Brass: Offers durable and stable performance but is heavier, which might cause hand fatigue.
  • Copper: Offers excellent conductivity and is lightweight but is more susceptible to corrosion.
  • Aluminum: Is lightweight and corrosion-resistant but may be slightly less durable than brass.

Prioritizing Ergonomics and Comfort

Comfort and ergonomics play a non-negotiable role, especially during extended tattooing sessions. You should favor machines that offer balanced weight distribution and a comfortable grip. These design elements can remarkably reduce the onset of hand fatigue and provide improved control during the tattooing process, hence enhancing your overall experience and precision.

Checking Compatibility

Before finalizing your Dragonhawk tattoo machine, it is imperative to verify its compatibility with your existing tattoo equipment. This equipment can include power supplies, foot pedals, and clip cords, among others. Compatibility checks can save you from the potential financial burden and inconvenience of purchasing additional equipment or adapters, thus smoothing your workflow.

Considering Maintenance and Replacement Parts

Your consideration should not end at the purchase; it should also extend to the future maintenance demands of the machine and the availability of replacement parts. It’s wise to opt for a tattoo machine with easily replaceable parts and simple maintenance requirements. This approach not only saves time and effort but also ensures that your equipment remains in prime condition for longer, allowing you to continue creating high-quality art with minimal disruptions.

Conclusion

Dragonhawk tattoo machines are an excellent example of affordable, lightweight rotary devices and are created with the tattoo artist in mind with their ergonomic and compact design. They’re powerful and versatile tattoo machines that can be used for lining, shading, and color packing work, allowing you to complete the majority of tattoos with a single machine. 

Unlike other tattoo machines, the Japanese motor offers a smooth motion when hitting all stroke lengths, causing minor damage to the skin. Why not check out our favorite Dragonhawk tattoo machine, the X7 Wireless Tattoo Pen, or our favorite complete rotary kit to see what you think. We’re sure you’ll agree that the machines are great value for money and give you everything you need to create stunning designs.

Related Tattooing Articles