Best Rotary Tattoo Machines 2024
With so many rotary tattoo machines to choose from, it can be hard to know which is the best fit for you, so we’re going to run through the best rotary tattoo machines that are available to order from Killer Ink Tattoo in 2024 to help you find your next machine!
There are a number of benefits to working with rotary machines, with many tattoo artists enjoying the low maintenance and ease of use. But no matter which rotary tattoo machine you choose to order from our online shop, you can be sure that it will serve you for years to come!
- FK IRONS SPEKTRA XION
- FK IRONS ONE
- FK IRONS FLUX MAX
- STIGMA-ROTARY® FORCE
- STIGMA-ROTARY® SPEAR 2.0
- STIGMA-ROTARY® THORN 2.0
- FK IRONS EXO
- CHEYENNE SOL NOVA V2
- CHEYENNE HAWK PEN UNIO
- PEAK SOLICE PRO
- CRITICAL TORQUE
- INKJECTA FLITE NANO
- FK IRONS SPEKTRA FLUX
- CHEYENNE HAWK PEN
- DRAGONHAWK FOLD PRO
- DRAGONHAWK MAST TOUR
- INKJECTA FLITE PEN
- EMILLION SILENT PROTEST
- EMILLION MINIKINETIC
What are the Best Rotary Tattoo Machines in 2024?
When it comes down to finding the best rotary tattoo machine for you, it really comes down to personal preference, but our guide will help you find a machine that you will enjoy using for years to come.
However, if you need some more information regarding our range of rotary tattoo machines or need some help choosing the best one for you then get in touch with us today!
FK Irons Spektra Xion
The FK Irons Xion is a cartridge-dedicated, pen-style rotary tattoo machine that is both lightweight and ergonomic, allowing for optimal manoeuvrability – the kind of machine that tattoo artists will be able to use over long sessions.
FK Irons has fitted the Xion with a specially-designed 6W MotorBolt that provides maximum torque throughout the tattooing session and ensures optimal performance of your cartridges.
The FK Irons Xion is fully-adjustable, with tattoo artists able to adjust the stroke length, needle depth and give.
If you prefer a larger grip, make sure to check out the FK Irons Xion Gorilla, which combines the body of the standard Xion with a larger 40 mm Gorilla grip.
The addition of the ergonomic Gorilla grip provides optimum comfort and helps eliminate fatigue from clamping around the grip when tattooing for extended periods of time. The Gorilla grip is also autoclavable, easy to cover and handle, and compatible with all tattoo cartridges.
FK Irons ONE
For those looking to order an affordable wireless tattoo machine that is still super high quality, make sure to check out the FK Irons ONE.
Providing power to the FK Irons ONE are rechargeable and replaceable Panasonic lithium-ion batteries, each providing up to 8 hours of run-time, depending on the voltage and cartridge you use. This rotary tattoo machine offers between 5 and 12 V, adjustable in 0.5 V increments.
The ONE features a proprietary quarter-turn battery hatch which allows tattooists to replace the battery with ease, while the ruby cap has a battery disconnect feature to prevent unwanted power use.
Three buttons adorn the ONE for adjusting the voltage and turning the rotary machine on and off, with the simplistic display also including an LED colour-coded voltage indicator.
FK Irons Flux Max
The FK Irons Flux Max is an incredible wireless rotary tattoo machine that is the culmination of everything the US manufacturer has created over the years. The rotary machine is powered by an improved PowerBolt II, which offers tattoo artists a refined user experience and is jam-packed with a host of technological advancements.
The main selling point of the Flux Max is the aforementioned PowerBolt II. This battery pack features an OLED digital display that is more user-friendly and intuitive than past PowerBolt models. It offers up to 6 hours of battery life and has a wider voltage range of 4-12 V, with 4 V being perfect for dotwork/stippling.
Artists can use the PowerBolt II’s display screen and touchpad to cycle through the menu and adjust various settings. Highlights of the menu options includes the ability to choose between displaying the power in Hz or V and whether the voltage adjusts in 0.1 or 0.5 V increments, as well as allowing you to activate Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, adjust the eGive level from 0 to 3, and change the screen orientation – which is perfect for those left-handed artists out there!
Choose between one of three stroke lengths depending on your style and preference: 3.2, 4.0 or 4.5 mm.
Stigma-Rotary® Force
The Stigma-Rotary® Force is a wireless pen-style tattoo machine that features a state-of-the-art and unique dual drive system.
Stigma-Rotary®’s wireless Force pen uses a custom, German-made Faulhaber brushless motor with dual shafts to push cartridge needles with precision and power, creating a superior “force” during tattooing.
The Stigma-Rotary® Force machine comes with a removable Power Pack that offers a built-in display and controls and will offer between six and 10 hours from a single charge. This Power Pack is also Bluetooth-enabled, allowing tattoo artists to pair their wireless rotary with Stigma®’s upcoming Pilot footswitch or mobile app (to unlock even more features).
Via the Power Pack, you can customise and adjust parameters, such as voltage, motion control, and the new digital give & boost feature, which allows you to set your Stigma® Force rotary to hit softer or harder in three different levels.
Three versions of the Stigma-Rotary® Force are available, featuring one of the following stroke lengths: 2.8, 3.7 or 4.5 mm. The 2.8 mm stroke length is perfect for shading, the 3.7 mm version is a powerful all-rounder daily driver, and the 4.5 mm variant is ideal for lining and colour packing.
Following on from the original Force wireless pen is the Stigma-Rotary® Force XL, which features a forward-weighted, 40 mm grip. The addition of an XL grip makes this rotary machine easier to hold for long tattooing sessions and will assist artists with the needles' pressure on the skin.
Stigma-Rotary® Spear 2.0
The Stigma ® Spear 2.0 is a pen-style rotary tattoo machine that offers the utmost control to artists, regardless of style or technique.
At the heart of the Stigma-Rotary® Spear 2.0 is a custom-made 8 Watt motor, with an operating voltage as low as 4 V. This makes the rotary machine perfect for lining, shading and colour packing.
Stigma®’s second-generation rotary tattoo machine is fully-adjustable. Artists can quickly and easily adjust the give, stroke length and needle depth of the Spear 2.0 – even while it’s running!
For those wanting to add a touch of luxury to their studio, head on over to the limited edition 22K Gold Spear 2.0. It’s not only stunning, but the 22 karat gold-plated aircraft aluminium means increased durability and longevity.
Stigma-Rotary® Thorn 2.0
As with the Spear 2.0, the Stigma® Thorn 2.0 is an all-purpose rotary tattoo machine that has been improved for its second-generation iteration and is great for a range of styles and techniques.
Containing a coreless 8 Watt motor with recommended working voltage of between 4 and 10 V, the Stigma-Rotary® Thorn 2.0 offers artists steplessly adjustable stroke length and needle depth – both of which can be adjusted while the rotary machine is running.
With an ergonomic design, short length of just 102 mm and lighter weight of 164 g, the Stigma® Thorn 2.0 is a comfortable rotary tattoo machine to use over longer sessions.
Do you love gold? Are you a nemesis to James Bond (or Austin Powers…)? Then grab yourself a limited edition 22K Gold Thorn 2.0 and bring a gilded rotary tattoo machine to your studio.
FK Irons EXO
The FK Irons EXO is the follow on from the US manufacturer’s Spektra Flux wireless tattoo machine and offers unstoppable power, whether wired or wireless.
The EXO is fitted with the same 9-Watt brushless motor that features in the Flux. It’s ideal for colour packing and requires less passes to saturate ink, therefore reducing trauma to the skin.
FK Irons’ EXO rotary includes a 40 mm ergonomic grip, which makes it more comfortable to use during longer tattooing sessions. The grip is also forward-weighted, giving the EXO a pen-like feel that helps to eliminate wrist pain and allow for maximum needle control.
The FK Irons EXO is available with one of three stroke lengths: 2.5, 3.2 and 4.0 mm, and can be used wired or wirelessly thanks to the interchangeable RCA Bolt and PowerBolt.
When using the PowerBolt, you can connect the EXO to the DarkLab app via Bluetooth. If you prefer to use a traditional power supply and RCA cable, opt for the RCA Bolt, which also allows you to pair the EXO with the DarkLab Hover power supply to enable eGive.
Cheyenne SOL Nova V2
Introducing the enhanced rotary tattoo machine from Cheyenne, the SOL Nova V2. This version boasts significant improvements, including an upgraded brushless motor and an operating voltage range of 4.7 to 12.6 V. With a stitch frequency of 25-150 Hz to boot, it is highly versatile and ideal for various tattooing styles and techniques.
The Cheyenne SOL Nova V2 provides a fatigue-free working experience, thanks to its ergonomic design and compact shape. The rotary machine’s body measures just 99 mm in length and weighs only 150 g.
When it comes to functionality, this rotary tattoo machine offers three distinct modes of operation. It includes two strength-responsive modes for a reactive hit, along with a steady mode for a constant hit. Additionally, the SOL Nova V2 is available in three stroke lengths, catering to different tattooing needs. For fine delicate shading, Cheyenne recommends the 2.5 mm stroke length, while the 3.5 mm stroke serves as an all-purpose tattoo machine. Lastly, for lining and colour packing, the 4.5 mm stroke length is the recommended option.
Cheyenne HAWK Pen Unio
The Cheyenne HAWK Pen Unio is a masterful fusion of the HAWK Spirit’s fine filling and soft shading abilities, the bold lines and powerful colour packing reminiscent of the HAWK Thunder, and the ergonomic marker pen shape from the renowned HAWK Pen.
Incorporating the best features of its predecessors, the Cheyenne HAWK Pen Unio offers a continuously adjustable stroke length ranging from 2.5 to 4.0 mm. This stroke range is akin to the HAWK Spirit and Thunder rotary machines, respectively, providing tattooists with versatile options for their artistic expression.
With a wide stitch frequency bandwidth, ranging from 60 to 140 Hz, the Cheyenne HAWK Pen Unio is an ideal rotary tattoo machine for artists practising various tattooing styles. Embracing consistency and convenience, the Unio features Steady Mode, which ensures a constant force and stitch frequency during every tattooing session. Moreover, artists can effortlessly adjust the needle depth steplessly within the 0 to 4.0 mm range, allowing for precise and personalised tattooing experiences.
Peak Solice Pro
The Peak Solice Pro is an exceptional wireless rotary tattoo machine offering a fully-adjustable stroke length over 7 pre-set lengths between 2.4 and 4.2 mm. Thanks to the included PowerPack battery and RCA connection module, the Solice Pro tattoo pen can be used both wired or wireless, depending on your preference.
Peak’s Solice Pro rotary machine offers up to 7 hours of working time when used wirelessly, with a voltage range of 4-12 V catering to various tattooing needs. In addition, the PowerPack has a 9 V jumpstart for those heavier cartridge configurations, as well as the safety feature of going to sleep after 5 minutes of inactivity.
Notably, the PowerPack battery can be adapted for use with other rotary tattoo machines, giving you even more flexibility. With two battery adaptors included - one with an RCA connection and the other with a 3.5 mm connection - it becomes the perfect match for various tattoo machines, with the latter connection an exact fit for Cheyenne rotaries.
Critical Torque
The Critical Torque is a wireless rotary tattoo machine that marks the debut of a new era from the manufacturer renowned for its top-notch tattoo power supplies and battery packs. This all-purpose tattoo pen boasts an exceptional battery that surpasses any previous creations by Critical!
The Torque's wireless functionality is powered by the upgraded Critical Connect V3 battery pack, now equipped with a 1.5" colour LED display and an astonishing 15 hours of run-time. Embracing the latest technology, the battery pack features Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity and is fully compatible with the Critical Connect Foot Switch, while also offering the ability to switch between momentary and continuous modes.
At the core of the Critical Torque lies a custom German brushless motor, setting new industry standards with its innovative Precision Strike Technology. This technology elevates the tattooing process, ensuring faster, smoother, and more efficient results. Additionally, the Torque's Vibration Dampening Solution effectively minimises unwanted movement, enhancing precision during tattooing.
You can choose between two stroke lengths - 3.5 mm or 4.2 mm - to suit your individual preferences and techniques. The Critical Torque is available for individual purchase or as part of a full set, which includes the machine, two battery packs, spare 40 mm grip, travel case, RCA adapter and cord, and a Critical Dual Battery Dock accompanied by a USB-C to wall cable.
Inkjecta Flite Nano
The Inkjecta Flite Nano rotary tattoo machines are popular with many of the world’s best artists today, whether it be the Lite, Titan or Elite versions.
All Inkjecta Flite Nano rotaries are cartridge-dedicated tattoo machines that are incredibly versatile and suitable for lining, shading and colouring across all styles.
Each Inkjecta Flite Nano comes with a pre-installed 3.25mm excenter, RCA connection and a custom ‘Nano Technology’ brushless motor with no start-up delay.
The Titan and Elite models are the most versatile Inkjecta Flite Nano rotary machines as they come with soft, medium, and hard torsion bars. These torsion bars offer tattoo artists the ability to set the hardness of their machine just the way they like it.
Both the Lite and Elite versions feature an alloy billet construction, with the Elite also coming equipped with a titanium collar vice. The Titan variant, however, has a carbon fibre frame, making it extremely lightweight and topping the scales at just 47 grams.
FK Irons Spektra Flux
The FK Irons Flux is the follow on from the much-lauded Xion rotary and the first wireless tattoo machine from the US manufacturer.
Powering the FK Irons Flux is a detachable battery pack known as a PowerBolt, which allows tattoo artists to run their rotary machine wirelessly without the need for cables or power supplies.
The PowerBolt is interchangeable, so artists can quickly and easily switch to an auxiliary battery when the charge runs out, meaning that you can keep working with no issues!
The FK Irons Flux rotary tattoo machine is Bluetooth-enabled, allowing tattooists to pair it with DarkLab's app and Hover power supply. You can use the DarkLab app to wirelessly update the Flux with the latest firmware.
A direct drive tattoo machine that offers no give and a 4 mm stroke, the FK Irons Flux excels in lining, shading and colour packing, and is also very quiet to run and creates minimal vibration.
Cheyenne HAWK Pen
The Cheyenne HAWK Pen is well-loved by tattoo artists around the globe and has been since the debut of the prototype back in 2014.
The Cheyenne HAWK Pen was the first-ever pen-style rotary tattoo machine and is still one of the best in its category today.
The idea of the pen-like shape was to give artists the closest feel to an actual pen that you could with a tattoo machine. For this reason, tattoo artists have found that they have more control and accuracy when using the HAWK Pen.
Dragonhawk Fold Pro
The Dragonhawk Fold Pro is a highly versatile rotary tattoo machine designed to cater to your style, technique and preferences. Experience the ultimate freedom as this machine offers an adjustable stroke length and the convenience of both wired and wireless usage, courtesy of the included battery pack and RCA connector.
The Fold Pro by Dragonhawk is engineered with 7 pre-set stroke lengths, ranging from 2.4 to 4.2 mm. With such versatility, this rotary machine becomes the perfect tool for embracing various tattoo styles, allowing you to unleash your creativity with ease. Step into the realm of wireless tattooing, where the battery pack grants you 4-6 hours of working time from just 1.5 hours of charge. Operating within a voltage range of 4 to 12 V, the wireless mode ensures seamless performance.
However, if you prefer to stick to a more traditional setup, worry not! You have the freedom to switch to wired mode effortlessly. By simply replacing the battery pack with the RCA connector, you can use the Dragonhawk Fold Pro with an RCA cable and standard power supply. The choice is entirely yours!
Dragonhawk Mast Tour
Developed for traveling artists, the Dragonhawk Mast Tour stands as the manufacturer's smallest rotary tattoo machine, boasting a slender 25 mm diameter, a compact length of 85 mm, and an incredibly light weight of merely 82 g.
The Mast Tour from Dragonhawk features a 3.5 mm stroke length, making it great for lining, shading, and colour packing. The needle depth adjustment is effortless – just a simple twist of the grip is all it takes.
Equipped with its own wireless battery, this pen-style rotary tattoo machine is exceptionally convenient. Charging is a breeze through the USB-C connection, and a mere 3 hours of charge provides up to 6 hours of continuous power.
Inkjecta Flite Pen
Inkjecta stands out in the tattoo industry for its featherweight Flite Nano machines, and now the renowned Australian manufacturer has unveiled its inaugural pen-style rotary tattoo machine, the Flite Pen.
The Inkjecta Flite Pen harnesses the power of a premium German Faulhaber motor, ensuring a solid, dependable performance and enabling its prowess across a wide range of tattooing techniques.
Tailoring to individual preferences, Inkjecta offers its rotary tattoo machine with a choice of three distinct stroke lengths: 3.25 (Standard), 3.5 (Shader), and 4.0 mm (Liner). Each variant of the Flite Pen – Standard, Shader, and Liner – comes equipped with interchangeable torsion bars, allowing artists to adjust the machine’s hit hardness according to their needs.
Emillion Silent Protest
Dutch artist and machine builder Emillion introduced the Silent Protest as his first-ever pen-style rotary tattoo machine, with the wireless device adept at handing lining, shading and colour packing with ease.
The Emillion Silent Protest boasts an adjustable stroke length, effortlessly changeable between 2.6 and 4.0 mm, catering to a variety of tattooing styles and techniques. This rotary tattoo machine has been designed for accurate lining from 3 to 18 RL, smooth blending and shadow saturation, and is comfortable pushing even the largest magnums.
Emillion’s Silent Protest rotary tattoo machine is accompanied by its own wireless battery pack, delivering a power range of 5-12 V and ensuring a continuous runtime of 6 to 8 hours. Crafted from aircraft-grade aluminium, this wireless tattoo pen is strategically forward-weighted to maintain optimal needle pressure throughout the tattooing process.
Emillion Minikinetic
The Emillion Minikinetic is an incredibly small and lightweight hybrid rotary tattoo machine for lining, shading and colour packing work.
Measuring in at just 57.5 x 47 mm and weighing only 100 g, the Minikinetic is super comfortable to work with and will reduce hand fatigue when using for those longer tattooing sessions.
Handmade in the Netherlands from 6061 aluminium, the Emillion Minikinetic rotary tattoo machine has a voltage range from 4 to 12 V (Emillion recommends 6-7 V as the sweet spot), adjustable stroke length and an RCA connection.
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