Tattoo Machines have evolved throughout the years, earlier it was only coil machines, but then came the rotary machines and now rotary machines have been compressed into a small unit commonly known as Tattoo Pen Machines.
These machines are easier to use than any other Tattoo Machines, and they require the least effort for installing needles. These machines are preferred by most tattoo artists these days due to their low maintenance and low vibrations.
In this article, we will talk about different Tattoo Pen Machines for beginners, how to use them and everything else you need to know about them.
List of Best Tattoo Pens for Beginners: By Best Feature
Buyer Guide: Important Things to Consider Before Buying Tattoo Pen Machine for Beginners
1. Weight of Machine
Most Pen Tattoo Machines are usually very lightweight. Compared to traditional tattoo guns, these machines are much lighter, because these machines have been made from plastic and metal. As a beginner it is always great to use a lightweight machine as it allows you to work with the machine for a long time.
2. Material
Always check what the material of your tattoo pen is, as it will determine if it will rust or stay in good condition for a long time. Pen tattoo machines commonly use zinc alloy, or aluminium alloy for the bodies. Do not choose a machine that uses iron or any material that may rust.
3. Size
Most Tattoo Pen Machines are small in size as they use cartridge needles. But each Tattoo pen has a specific length and width. It is usually recommended that you buy a tattoo pen that is medium in length, as a long pen may be quite heavy and a short pen may not be good to hold.
Beginners need to look for a pen tattoo machine that has an ergonomic style, which means it is easy to hold and to work with. Which size you prefer will highly depend upon the size of your hand and how you hold your machine.
4. Vibrations
Tattoo pen machines are well known for having low or no vibrations. Some machines have a slight humming noise while it is working, but most of these machines are very quiet and do not make your hand feel tired at all.
Always check for low vibrations on your machine as it will ensure that you can use the machine for hours.
5. Needles
All Tattoo Pen machines use cartridge needles, so there is no ambiguity about which needle to buy with these machines. When you are buying a tattoo pen machine, always check whether it uses standard cartridges or if it requires any special grips.
Always go for the machines that require no extra attachment except your cartridge needle. This feature of tattoo pen machines makes them very beginner friendly, as it means that there is no guesswork regarding which needle to fit into the machine or how to insert it.
Installing cartridge needles is very easy and hassle free.
6. Adjustable Needle length
Every tattoo machine has the capacity to change the length of the needle that comes out of the grip of the machine. However, in traditional machines, it took a lot of hassle to change the needle depth.
In these pen machines, it works with a simple twist. Most tattoo pen machines have this feature, which is where you rotate the back barrel of the machine to change the needle depth.
It is very helpful for beginners as they will not require to figure out a complicated process to change the needle depth anymore.
7. Speed
These tattoo pen machines are well known for their powerful machines. Most of them have a motor that is capable of at least 5000RPM. Some machines can even go up to 12000 RPM.
Depending upon which type of tattoos you want to make, you may choose a machine that is extremely powerful or mildly powerful. The RPM depends upon the voltage of the machine, so always check the highest limit of the RPM to get an idea of how fast it can run.
For beginners, any machine that goes up to 8000RPM is ideal because it’s easy enough to control, yet it produces amazing results.
8. Grip
Most tattoo pens have a good grip due to their pen-like structure, however you should always check the shape of the machine before buying it.
Some machines are taller but thin, while some are thicker but not tall. Depending upon the size of your palm, you may decide which one suits better for you.
Top 5 Best Tattoo Pens for Beginners
1. Dragonhawk Atom Rotary Pen Tattoo Machine
Best for: Adjustable needle depth
Dragonhawk Atom Rotary Pen Tattoo Machine is a lightweight tattoo pen machine that is great for beginners. It fits all standard cartridges and therefore it is an all in one machine that can be used for both lining as well as shading.
It works on a voltage between 5V to 15V, and it can have upto 8000rpm, which is an excellent speed. Dragonhawk Atom Rotary Pen Tattoo Machine comes with a japanese motor, which is reliable and makes this machine as powerful as it is.
This is one of the best tattoo pen machines in the market and it is great for beginners.
Key Features and Specifications of Dragonhawk Atom Rotary Pen Tattoo Machine
- This Tattoo Pen Machine is multipurpose as it can fit any standard cartridge needle, so as a beginner you do not have to worry about buying multiple machines for different purposes.
- The cartridges are very easy to switch out, which is great for beginners as well.
- It does not produce any noise, it is very quiet and has low vibrations, allowing you to focus on your work.
- You can easily control the needle depth by simply rotating the back part of the machine, which is great for beginners, as it makes the machine easy to use.
Pros and Cons of Dragonhawk Atom Rotary Pen Tattoo Machine
Pros:
- This machine is very lightweight, and therefore you can use it for hours without any problem. This makes it great for beginners as they need to practice for hours.
- Since this is a unibody design, it does not require adjustments like traditional machines, making it easy for beginners.
- The machine has a powerful motor and a reliable gear system ensuring you the best quality.
- The cartridge needles can be installed into the machine very easily.
Cons:
- You can only use cartridge needles on these machines, and cartridges are quite expensive, making it inconvenient.
Why is this best tattoo pen for beginners?
This machine is best for its adjustable needle feature. You can change the needle depth by simply rotating the back of the machine. This makes it a great machine for beginners as it means that they do not have to spend a lot of time trying to adjust the needles every time.
This is the main reason why you should buy this machine, however it also has other benefits which make it great for beginners.
2. Solong Tattoo Premium Rotary Tattoo Pen
Best for: Great grip
Solong Tattoo Premium Rotary Tattoo Pen is a rotary machine that takes your tattoos to the next level. This premium quality tattoo machine uses cartridge needles and it gives you complete control over how your tattoos turn out.
Made out of high quality aluminium, this machine has an ergonomic design suited for every tattoo artist. It comes with a RCA cord, and is capable of delivering upto 8600 RPM.
This machine is great for beginners because of its design that allows you to hold it with ease and to work for hours. The machine is quiet and very stable during work, which is another great feature for beginners.
Key Features and Specifications of Solong Tattoo Premium Rotary Tattoo Pen:
- This machine uses a high quality coreless motor, that provides high efficiency while lowering the vibrations to almost zero.
- Solong Tattoo Premium Rotary Tattoo Pen has a LED light on top which makes it look stylish and gives you a relaxing feeling while working.
- The motor works on 5V to 14V of power, so you do not have to worry about wasting any power.
- It has a curved design that makes it easy to hold and to work with, making it a beginner friendly machine.
Pros and Cons of Solong Tattoo Premium Rotary Tattoo Pen:
Pros:
- The machine is made from a high quality material, so you do not have to worry about it rusting or breaking.
- It has an excellent grip, which is ideal for beginners.
- It features a powerful motor that is capable of up to 8600RPM, which allows you to make great tattoos on both real skin as well as fake skin, which is necessary for beginners.
Cons:
- It is a bit heavier than other tattoo pen machines.
Why is this best tattoo pen for beginners?
The Solong Tattoo Pen has a great grip, that allows you to work comfortably for hours without stopping. This Tattoo pen machine is great for beginners as they always need to practice for hours everyday, so they definitely need a comfortable grip.
Apart from that, the machine has very low vibrations, which also makes holding the pen easier.
3. Mast Shuttle Rotary Tattoo Pen
Best for: Motor Function
Mast Shuttle Rotary Tattoo Pen is a very small and lightweight tattoo pen that takes away the hassle of carrying a bulky machine around with you. This Tattoo Pen is great for beginners because it’s small, easy to hold and easy to use.
It features a coreless motor that is capable of running up to 12000RPM, making this one of the most powerful tattoo machines in the industry. It runs on 6 to 9 Volts of power, so you are saving quite a lot of energy while using this machine.
It connects with a RCA cord and it fits all standard cartridge needles, which makes it easy to use, especially for beginners.
Key Features and Specifications of Mast Shuttle Rotary Tattoo Pen
- This machine is perfect for both lining and shading as it can accommodate any standard cartridge needle, making it great for beginners who may not be able to afford multiple machines.
- Installing needles in this machine is very simple, and does not require any expertise.
- This machine is made from aircraft aluminium alloy, making it durable and rust proof.
- It is free of vibrations and noise, so you can work peacefully for hours.
Pros and Cons of Mast Shuttle Rotary Tattoo Pen
Pros:
- It is a tiny machine, so it is great for travelling.
- You can easily adjust the needle length by simply rotating the machine, making it great for beginners who do not know how to change needle depth.
- It is silent and does not have vibrations at all, so you can concentrate on your work.
Cons:
- It’s not always easy to hold due to its small size.
Why is this best tattoo pen for beginners?
Mast Shuttle Rotary Tattoo Pen has a very powerful motor, that is capable of up to 12000RPM, making it a great tool for every artist including beginners. The high speed motor can deliver smooth results with less trauma and more efficiency.
This type of high speed motor is usually best for shading and color packing, however, since the speed can also be lowered, hence it is great for all types of tattoos.
4. Hawink Tattoo Pen Machine
Best for: Lightweight
Hawink Tattoo Pen Machine is one of the best lightweight and efficient Tattoo pen machines in the market. It is made from high quality aircraft aluminium so it is very durable and completely rust proof.
It can accommodate any standard cartridge needle, so there is no need for separate machines. The ergonomic design of this pen will make you feel like you are holding a real pen in your hand while tattooing.
It contains a powerful german motor, that gives you high performance with minimum noise.
Key Features and Benefits of Hawink Tattoo Pen Machine
- The machine is made from aircraft aluminium alloy making it strong and rust free. This means that the machine will last you for years, making it ideal for beginners.
- It weighs only 118 grams, making it one of the most lightweight tattoo pen machines in the market. The lightweight design allows you to use it for hours without getting your hand tired.
- It works on 5 to 10 Volts of power and uses a RCA cable for it.
- It is a small machine and has an ergonomic style which makes it easier to hold. This feature makes it great for beginners.
Pros and Cons of Hawink Tattoo Pen Machine
Pros:
- The machine feels like an actual pen in your hands, so you can tattoo comfortably.
- It uses cartridge needles, so you can use any size needles on it, which is great for beginners.
- It’s silent, does not vibrate and reduces skin irritation.
Cons:
- It is a bit slippery.
Why is this best tattoo pen for beginners?
This is one of the most lightweight tattoo Pens in the market. In fact it is one of the lightest tattoo machines in general. This feature makes it great for those who need to use their machine for hours.
This machine is therefore perfect for beginners as well as experts, and will help you keep your hand steady throughout the process. The lightweight feel of the machine helps you keep your needle steady and lets you concentrate on your work.
5. ATOMUS Tattoo Pen Style Cartridge Machine
Best for: Value for money
ATOMUS Tattoo Pen Style Machine is a powerful tattoo machine that can be used for any standard cartridge needle and is ideal for bth lining and shading tattoos. It works on a power of between 6V to 9V, and is capable of going up to 9000 RPM, which is a very high speed.
This high speed allows you to create smoother and better tattoos. It is a lightweight and easy to use machine that every beginner can use. It comes with a cord to connect to the power source, so you do not have to get it separately.
Key Features and Benefits of ATOMUS Tattoo Pen Style Cartridge Machine
- The machine is made of zinc alloy, making it a durable and long lasting machine to work with.
- This tattoo pen machine has an ergonomic design that is easy to hold, perfect for beginners as they may not understand how to hold a tattoo gun correctly.
- It uses cartridge needles, so you can work with almost all types of needles with only one machine,which also makes it great for beginners.
- You can simply rotate the back of the machine to adjust the needle length, this is great as it means there is no complicated needle installation process.
Pros and Cons of ATOMUS Tattoo Pen Style Cartridge Machine
Pros:
- It can work with a DC cord, which is included in the box, so you do not need to buy one yourself.
- This machine is vibration-free, so you can work with it for hours without getting your hand tired.
- Its 9000rpm motor is great for making smooth and effortless tattoos on skin. It is also great for practicing on fake skin for beginners.
Cons:
- It does not have the best built quality.
Why is this best tattoo pen for beginners?
ATOMUS Tattoo Pen is one of the most popular tattoo machines among beginners. It has a low price but it has all the great features of a tattoo pen machine.
This machine has low vibrations, great stability, a good motor with a good speed, therefore we can call this machine value for money. Even if your budget isn’t very high, this one is definitely suited for any tattoo artist who is looking for a tattoo pen machine.
Comparison of Top 5 Best Tattoo Pens for Beginners
| Machine weight | Needle stroke length | Motor RPM | Easy to hold | |
| Dragonhawk Atom Rotary Pen Tattoo Machine | 135g | 3.5mm to 4.5mm | 8000RPM | Yes |
| Solong Tattoo Premium Rotary Tattoo Pen | 300g | 3.2mm to 4mm | Upto 8600RPM | Yes |
| Mast Shuttle Rotary Tattoo Pen | 125g | 4mm | Upto 12000RPM | Yes |
| Hawink Tattoo Pen Machine | 118g | 3.5mm | Upto 8000RPM | Yes |
| ATOMUS Tattoo Pen Style Cartridge Machine | 125g | 3.5mm | 9000RPM | Yes |
Summary:
Tattoo Pen machines are the future of tattoo guns, so it only makes sense for beginners to get a pen tattoo machine to start practicing. Pen Tattoo machines are convenient to use and they require the least maintenance in the long run. These machines are perfect for every beginner as it is easy, fast and they are very reliable. So now that you know everything about tattoo pen machines, it is time for you to get your very own machine and get started.
FAQs:
1. Are Tattoo Pen Machines better than traditional machines?
Yes. Tattoo pen machines are not only less vibrating and less noisy, they are often more efficient than traditional tattoo machines. These machines can be used for all types of tattoos including cosmetic tattoos.
2. Are Tattoo Pen Machines good for beginners?
Yes, these machines are extremely good for beginners. These machines are very lightweight and they do not vibrate at all. They use cartridge needles, which are very easy to install, making these machines great for beginners.
3. What else do I need to buy with my Tattoo Pen Machine?
You will need to buy a power source, just like any other tattoo machine, and you may need to buy a RCA cable if it is not provided with your machine.
4. How reliable are Tattoo Pens?
Tattoo Pens are the future of tattooing. They are very reliable, as it requires minimum effort to maintain and tuse.
5. What needles do I need to buy for my Tattoo Pens?
You need to buy tattoo cartridge needles to use with your Tattoo pens.
