If you decided on purchasing a coil tattoo machine, whether a new one or for the first time, we list several reviews of the top best coil tattoo machines below.
For those that are tattoo artists, we’re sure that picking out new equipment feels exciting and fun because after all, this is your trademark tool, both for functionality, as well as visual looks. You certainly hear that the coil tattoo machines are still among the more popular machine types on the market.
Still, to invest in a tattoo machine should be a smart and practical decision, and with so many coil tattoo machines out there, the truth is that you could get lost!
Best overall
Premium Pick
Best Tattoo Kit
Well, you are in luck, because today we will cover a list of the best coil tattoo machines, to ease up your confusion and help you pick out a good one! Just follow our sections below, and you’ll have your pick in no time!
These were the top 3 coil tattoo machines we chose to review, and this was just a teaser section. In all the sections below, you will find out their features, how they work, what makes them better than others, and similar.
Read also: Best Rotary Tattoo Machines
Why Use a Coil Tattoo Machine
You would benefit largely from a coil tattoo machine because it is slightly more affordable than the rotary type, and has some perks that come with it. You need this type of machine if you often work with impeccable precision (for lines and contours mostly). Also, this machine type is durable and has a sturdy motor as well, so you’ll invest in long-term equipment.
This coil tattoo machine type is for all tattoo artists that do solely precise lines, or delicate ‘sharp’ looking tattoos that must be done perfectly in one go, without repetitions. Also, if you want to customize and change the looks of it, there is a possibility for that as well.
Read also: Tattoo Starter Kit for Beginners
The Best Coil Tattoo Machines in 2022
1. Dragonhawk Brass Coils Tattoo Machine
Best overall
Dragonhawk Brass Coils Tattoo Machine
If you like great quality for an even better price, and all practical features working smoothly, you can pick this machine. Even if there’s a chance that you need to return it or get a refund, their customer support will help you out.
We start with the Dragonhawk brand as the best overall on our list. This is a machine that provides amazing movements for shading, as well as precise lines. The frame is made of brass, and it has a standard tube. In case you’re not satisfied, the customer support team is always there to help you out.
The liner is 8 wrap coils and 140-150 Hz per 7-8V, and the shader is 10 wrap coils style with 115-120 Hz per 7-8V.
Package dimensions are 8.8 x 7.5 x 2.5 inches, with a total weight of 1.6 pounds.
Pros
- Good for precision as well as shading
- Customer support and refund possible
- Great value for the price
- Smooth working
Cons
- You need to double-check when the machine arrives, for the correctness in the assembling of all parts
2. Mast Tattoo Handmade Coil Machine
Premium Pick
Mast Tattoo Handmade Coil Machine
Mast coil tattoo machine is your perfect choice if you like practical and neat working, simple and easy, with a long throw, and precise long hits. This machine will be durable as well with its iron material, so you’ll be using it for a longer time.
Like the second one, we have the premium pick – the brand Mast Tattoo. Their machine is a traditional outlook and functionality, great for shading and lines too. All of the lines you will make are going to run smoothly across the skin, clean and neat. The brass binding and its contact screw are both solid and sturdy, it works with medium speed and a hard hit with a long throw. The construction is of iron and a standard tube.
Package dimensions are 10 x 8.62 x 2.52 inches, with a total weight of 1.6 pounds.
Pros
- Traditional design
- Smooth working
- Lines and shades
- Sturdy structure
- Lightweight feel
- Long-throw
Cons
- The liner could be tricky to adjust to at first
3. Dragonhawk Complete Tattoo Kit
Best Tattoo Kit
Dragonhawk Complete Tattoo Kit
Now, if you need more than one machine, how about two? How about also more accessories with them along? This is your pick if you want the basics at once, with both liner and shader machines.
For the third place we chose a tattoo kit with a complete list of basics included, so why not get more at once? In this kit, there are two machines, one for shades, one for lines. The structure is a sturdy, durable iron, with a very solid and elastic spring. This means you won’t feel as tired as usual when you grip! Also, the kit has 10 colors of ink, and a LED power supply, together with a pedal and a cord. This doesn’t end here – also needles and tips, and similar tiny parts.
Package dimensions are 12.5 x 6.5 x 4.5 inches, with a total weight of 2.1 pounds.
Pros
- A full kit of equipment
- Two machines
- Durable iron
- Ergonomic and elastic spring
- 10 ink colors
- LED power supply, cord, and pedal
- Needles included too
Cons
- Depends on how much you use the machine, but the pedal and cord could wear off faster than usual
- Contact could have tiny stops rarely
4. Redscorpion Coil Tattoo Machine Gun
Redscorpion Coil Tattoo Machine Gun
This coil machine is perfect for you if you like to work for long hours without heat or noise. This machine will be extremely durable too, both due to the alloy, and its durable spring, so you won’t tire yourself with new expenses.
From the brand Redscorpion, we list their coil tattoo machine that’s made of durable and strong alloy. This machine is reliable and offers steady and smooth working. The speed is uniform, all lines are discrete and smooth, and it won’t damage the skin too hard when it pokes on it. This machine is great because it’s also almost noiseless and heatless, for even up to 8 hours! Its spring is elastic and durable too, so it won’t just damage easily.
The package includes 2 machines, with 3 months warranty. The package dimensions are 5 x 5 x 3 inches, with a total weight of 9.6 ounces.
Pros
- Durable alloy
- Smooth working
- Nice lines
- Less skin damage
- No noise or heat
- Elastic spring (durable)
Cons
- You might need to tighten the screw on the tube often
5. 1TattooWorld Coil Tattoo Machine
1TattooWorld Coil Tattoo Machine
This machine is perfect for you to make shading and lines, but also to boast a bit, if you like to have nicely-visual tattoo equipment. With this cute design and practical movements, you’ll make a nice addition to your salon!
Next is the One Tattoo World brand, and their unique looking coil tattoo machine. This machine is great as liner and shader as well, but its appearance is just as appealing and striking. It is a 10 wrap coil made with all the latest technologies and a solenoid valve. The working is pleasant, with a stable bounce and good movements, and less heat after long hours
Package dimensions are 3.9 x 3.9 x 1.4 inches, with a total weight of 8 ounces.
Pros
- Liner and shader
- Elegant appearance
- Latest coil technology
- Stable bounce and movements
- No heat during long hours
- Effective customer support
Cons
- You might need to adjust the alignment on some parts
6. Anself Pro Tattoo Machine Gun
If you like to have a coil tattoo machine that looks awesome and colorful, but also stays ‘cool’ for hours on end without tiring you, you can choose this one. With the ergonomic spring, heatless design, and cool visuals, you get all the good features.
The brand Anself offers a visually nice coil machine that is made of extremely durable material, like the good quality low-carbon steel for the whole structure. This is both a shader and a liner at the same time. The design is nothing short of remarkable, with interesting colors that blend all together. Its spring is ergonomic i.e., elastic enough to reduce fatigue, and the magnetism is superb with the iron armature too. Basically, with this machine, you can work at least 8 hours without fatigue and heat as well.
Package dimensions are 4.3 x 4.2 x 1.7 inches, with a total weight of 7.2 ounces.
Pros
- Liner and shader
- Durable steel structure
- Elegant colors and design
- Ergonomic spring
- No heat
Cons
- Adjust the parts well and tight to avoid power stoppage to the gun
7. York Coil Tattoo Machine
This coil tattoo machine is another good deal of most basic good features all in one product. If you like heatless working with an iron structure, plus some extra parts like the tips included, pick this one.
From the York Tattoo brand, we have the coil machine that is again both liner and shader. It is comfortable and anti-slipping with its silicone grip and this small kit includes tattoo tips, the coil tattoo machine, and a grip tube as well. The frame is made of durable iron, and the machine works with uniform speed. The design is made to reduce skin damage during the pokes, and it’s easy to color with it as well. Again, rely on this if you seek several hours of heatless working. The spring is elastic and not prone to damages.
Package dimensions are 4.33 x 3.7 x 1.57 inches, with a total weight of 11.22 ounces.
Pros
- Liner and shader both
- Anti-slipping silicone grip
- Tips included too
- Durable iron frame
- Heatless for hours
- Elastic spring
Cons
- Go easy with applying pressure to avoid dents in some parts
- The packaging could be a bit fragile to protect all parts
8. TAONE Coil Tattoo Machine
If you often make extremely precise linework tattoos, and fewer shadows/coloring, this could be the best coil tattoo machine for you. With this, you can now make sharp and delicate lines without a hassle, and enjoy the heatless work for hours too!
Again, we continue with the manufacturer York Tattoo as above, but this one is their Taone brand machine. This machine has a nicely carved brass for the structure and has 10 wrapped coils that are handmade of copper. It is a great liner machine that is stable and makes smooth, precise contours. It is easy to follow the movements because it does not skip or move unevenly. You can expect at least a few hours without noise or heat. In case you are dissatisfied, there is a 90-day refund policy.
Package dimensions are 4.8 x 4.6 x 2.1 inches, with a total weight of 11.99 ounces.
Pros
- Carved brass
- Handmade coils of copper
- Great as liner
- Smooth movements
- No noise or heat for 8 hours
- Refund within 90 days of the complaint
Cons
- The shader part is not its greatest merit feature
9. Redscorpion Cast Iron Coil Tattoo Machine
Redscorpion Cast Iron Coil Tattoo Machine
Again, if you need a coil tattoo machine for doing perfect lines, contours, or outlines in tattoos, this is your good choice. Here the shader feature may not be extra-enhanced, but the accuracy is flawless for the tiniest and sharpest lines you could do.
We continue again with the Redscorpion on this list, this time with a cast iron machine that is very durable. The conductivity is perfect here (both magnetic and electrical), and the most prominent feature is that it is great as a liner for delicate and smooth working. The frame is top-notch for precision and works with great accuracy during movements during several hours. Your hand will not be tired; this is a lightweight machine and has 8 wrapped coils. For possible dissatisfaction, there is a refund option within 30 days.
Package dimensions are 5 x 2 x 4 inches, with a total weight of 7.04 ounces.
Pros
- Cast iron durable material
- Great conductivity
- Perfect for lining
- Accuracy in movements
- Heatless for hours
- Lightweight
- Refund is possible to obtain
Cons
- The shader feature is not extremely prominent here
- Some minor vibration after many working hours
10. Cinra Coil Tattoo Machine
This coil tattoo machine is perfect for you if you want to use different voltage adjustments for lining and shading both. You may have clients that seek different things, and with a machine like this, you’ll do it all.
Let’s finalize this list with the Cinra brand and their coil machine made of durable steel. Here you’ll get both the shader and liner features and two machines included in the package! The frame structure is sturdy steel and the 10 wrapped coils are made of copper. With the latest technology used here, you can even adjust the voltage digits for shading or lining needs. The machine fits awesome in the hand because it muffles vibrations and sounds, and is heatless too. Plus, it is compatible with all types of needles and grips.
Package dimensions are 4.1 x 3.9 x 3 inches, with a total weight of 1.15 pounds.
Pros
- Durable steel
- Liner and shader
- Copper coils
- Voltage adjustment
- No vibrations/sound
- Heatless
- All needles/grips compatibility
Cons
- No instruction manual in the package
How we picked and tested for the coil tattoo machines
For finding out the best features of a coil tattoo machine, we tried to gather all the best ones. You know your coil machine is amazing if it checks out at least a few of these:
- Precision
- Smooth movements
- Durable material
- Ergonomic spring
- No noise and no heat
- Shader and/or liner prominence
- Lightweight comfort
Coil Tattoo Machine Buyer’s Guide
Which is better coil or rotary tattoo machine?
The coil tattoo machine has several advantages over rotary tattoo machines and others. Let’s start with the simple one – customization in design is possible here with all various parts. Then, the coil machine is superior when it comes to nice sharp lines and precision because it also goes well in the skin with one go. Then, the motor is much sturdier with coil machines, and this makes them durable and good for combining needles in groups.
What exactly are ‘coils’ in a coil tattoo machine and why are they important
The coils are exactly as they sound, but their importance is that they’re like a vessel for the electromagnetic current in the machine. This current flows through the coils and makes its way to the armature bar. When this bar gets in touch with the current, it makes the needles move slightly and transfer their ink.
Will the tattoo hurt more if it’s done with a coil tattoo machine instead of the other types
The pain factor is something that depends mostly on your tattoo artist and his grasp/pressure on your skin. The rotary machines need a few repetitions for a single line, whereas the coil tattoo machines can make a nice line on the first try. In other words, you could ‘feel the coil type more, but repetitions from a rotary machine would also be far from painless.
Is it hard to repair a coil tattoo machine or assemble its parts?
To avoid major repairs or new tattoo machines, you should always take good care of the equipment with regular checkups and small corrections. Coil tattoo machines have many tiny parts that after a while could unscrew (bolts and screws), so just replace those when time is due, and this goes the same for the washer part (small flat circular part). These are the basics to remember for good maintenance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, let’s see the recap of what we covered so far, and assist you in choosing the best coil tattoo machine you need.
Our best overall pick was Dragonhawk Brass Coils (no.1 on the list), offering all the best in one; smooth working, good quality, good price. Next was the premium pick Mast Handmade, with strong and sturdy material durability and a nice, long throw. And, check out the runner-up pick again, the essential Dragonhawk KIt (at no.3 on the list); including a few colors of ink, LED power supply, pedal, cord, and the machine.
If in doubt, remember to check out our picks from above, again, and in a heartbeat, you’ll know what is your next new equipment addition! Good luck!
