Once in their lifetime, every tattoo artist must have been on the lookout for best coil tattoo machines. These ultra-durable, reliable, and highly popular machines are a common sight in the tattoo world.
Despite the influx of advanced technologies and digital devices, coil machines have still retained their place in the market. Renowned tattoo masters around the world insist that an able tattoo artist must know how to operate a coil machine properly.
The market is brimming with coil tattoo machine liner and shader, and each brand claims that their product is the best. It is an exhausting and near-impossible task to filter the best coil tattoo machines on the market. To make this task easier for you, we have also specified the coil liner & shader tattoo machine in a list.
We have thoroughly reviewed these products for your benefit so that you can read what features they have in detail, along with their pros and cons. Additionally, you will know all the important things that one needs to know about coil machines.
What Is The Tattoo Coil Machine And How Does It Work?
The coil machine is one of the most common tattoo machines out there. These machines are powered by electromagnetic currents. The electromagnetic currents push the coil up and down; this movement is also controlled by a spring embedded in the device. The needle then pushes the ink in the skin when electromagnetic energy is passed through the coil.
A power generator can activate coil machines, but they can also be used manually. There are many variations of coil gadgets available. They range from a single coil, double coil, and triple coil. However, the most commonly used coil is a double coil. In terms of wraps, the frequency of 8 to 12 wraps is the highest.
The wraps and coils are important in a machine because they help one to control the speed and accuracy of needles and prevent damage. One can use a coil machine for lining and shading both, which makes them versatile.
Coil machines are more long-lasting than other types of tattoo equipment like a rotary machine or tattoo pens. They are affordable, easily available, and do not require a compulsory power supply to run. People also prefer coil machines when it comes to full-body tattooing.
Comparison Chart Of Top 10 Coil Tattoo Machines in The Market
| Serial Number | Name of the Product | Weight of the product | Type of machine: Shader or Liner |
| 1 | Dragonhawk 2pcs Brass Coils Tattoo Machine Straight Shader Circle Liner | 1. 6 pounds | Both liner and shader |
| 2 | Artistry Fire Red Cast Iron Liner Tattoo Machine | 6. 4 ounces | Both liner and shader |
| 3 | Thomas Coil Tattoo Machine Gun | 10. 7 ounces | Liner |
| 4 | Mast Tattoo Machine | 8. 8 ounces | Liner |
| 5 | York Tattoo Coil Tattoo Machine Gun | 11.2 ounces | Liner |
| 6 | VC Collection Gold Series Liner | 4 pounds | Liner |
| 7 | Thomas Liner Handmade Tattoo Machine Gun | 9.3 ounces | Liner |
| 8 | Hawink Tattoo Machine Traditional Handmade Shader | 13. 9 pounces | Shader |
| 9 | One Tattoo World 8 Wrap Coils Iron Liner Gun Tattoo Machine | 7. 2 ounces | Liner |
| 10 | TAONE Professional Tattoo Coil Machine Gun | 12 ounces | Liner |
1. Dragonhawk 2pcs Brass Coils Tattoo Machine Straight Shader Circle Liner
The dragonhawk coil tattoo machine is often considered the first choice of anyone who is looking for a premium quality coil machine. This lightweight and the compactly designed device has a loyal fan base.
Satisfaction Guarantee
The appliance comes with the satisfaction guarantee clause, which means if you are not happy with the way it works, then you can ask for a return and refund.
A Shader and Liner Set
The best thing about a Dragaonhawk coil machine is that it can be used as a shader and a liner both. The shader comes with 10 wrap coils, and the liner comes with 8 wrap coils. While both the machines look similar, you can judge their difference by checking the length of the coils. With this product, you don’t have to buy two different devices.
Compact
The CNC cut billet brass frame, and patterned coils give a beautiful look to the machine. They also make the appliance look aesthetic and polished. With just 1.6 pounds in weight, the coil device is a compact and lightweight option, amongst other alternatives.
2. Artistry Fire Red Cast Iron Liner Tattoo Machine
The Artistry Fire Red Cast Iron Liner Tattoo Machine is one of the best coil shader tattoo machine. It is quite well designed, and its looks are magnificent.
Handmade
One thing that makes this tattoo device stand apart from others is the fact that it is completely handmade. In today’s modern age, where everything is made by machines, having a handmade product is a novelty. Everything from the zinc frame, coils, to springs are perfectly made and assembled without error.
Edgy and Stylish Design
The red and black design of the Artistry Fire Red Cast Iron Liner is striking. The coffin-shaped box which comes with it is even more remarkable. You are sure to get complimented over such a trendy product.
Multipurpose
You can use the gadget for lining and shading both. Having a multipurpose tool saves you from the trouble of buying two machines. Having one equipment instead of two is also highly economical.
3. Thomas Coil Tattoo Machine Gun
When we talk about best liners, the name of Thomas coil tattoo machine tops the charts as it hasa brass frame and casting technology. The results conceived by this product are beyond amazing.
Stable Working Speed
The sign of every great tattoo equipment is its stable speed. Tattoo making is a delicate process; if you make a mistake, then it can’t be reversed. Therefore, one needs an uninterrupted, equal, and easy to control speed in a coil machine, and you will find these qualities in Thomas Coil Tattoo Machine.
Comes With Warranty
There is a 6-month warranty under which all defects are repaired free of cost, and a replacement is also provided when the need arises.
Brass Frame
The brass frame gives strength to the product. It adds durability and longevity to the coil machine. The brass is made of high-quality and is not prone to corrosion.
4. Mast Tattoo Machine
If you are on a lookout for a reliable liner device, then The Mast Tattoo Machine should be your choice. Ever since its launch, this tool has gained a loyal fan base of ardent users.
Smooth Lines
With the help of 10 wrap coils and 47 UF capacitor, you will get the best lines. The accuracy of Mast Tattoo Machines is pin-perfect.
Iron Frames
The presence of iron frames ensures that the vibrations caused by the coil machine don’t negatively impact your design. It also adds sturdiness to your coil device.
Stable Speed
You will get a proper and uninterrupted speed with this machine. All your designs will be executed perfectly.
5. York Tattoo Coil Tattoo Machine Gun
Are on tired of coil machines that keep getting hanged and also end up causing damage to the skin? The solution to this problem lies with York Tattoo Coil Machine Gun.
Uniform Speed
With just 190 grams in weight and the voltage range of 4 volts to 8 volts, the gadget makes for a well-programmed machine. Unlike many coil machines that give an erratic speed flow, you will get a smooth speed with this product.
Easy On Skin
Thanks to the stable speed and ease of use, your skin will stay safe with this product. You will not get any unwanted cuts caused due to faulty operations.
Low Noise
Usually, coil machines are notorious for making noise, but the York Tattoo device works very quietly.
6. VC Collection Gold Series Liner
There are only a few machines at our disposal that have modern features and classic old-world charm both. One of these coils machines is VC Collection Gold Series Liner.
Stylish
The product stands out due to it’s rusty and minimalistic style. Only 50 pieces of VC Collection Gold Series Liner are made every year, and this limited supply makes the product even rarer.
Lightweight
This cast iron product weighs just four pounds, which means it is not just lightweight but also very portable. Portability is a highly valued factor in today’s world.
Easy to use
Another reason for the popularity of the device is its user-friendliness. Even beginners can start operating the tool without prior training. One does not need to know a complex set of rules to use it.
7. Thomas Liner Handmade Tattoo Machine Gun
One common problem with coil liners is that they are largely power intensive. If you are someone who doesn’t have large power suppliers or wants to have a coil machine that gives maximum impact with the lowest power, then Thomas Liner Handmade Tattoo Machine gun is your product.
Needs Less Power
With 8 wrap coils and 33 UF Capacitor, this product is set to deliver great performance with limited power. Another great point of consuming less power is that despite prolonged use, this device will not heat-up. You can use it for more than 8 hours, and you won’t feel any overheating.
Durable
The frame is made of brass, which is one of the most durable and strong metals. The brass cover makes sure that your instrument lasts for a long time and gets the added strength it needs.
Aesthetic
Black is one of those rare colors that last all the time and goes with every modern aesthetic. This product is also overwhelmingly black, which gives a sophisticated and powerful look.
8. Hawink Tattoo Machine Traditional Handmade Shader
There are only a few brands that are as impressive as Hawick. You might get bored of working with coil machines that don’t move beyond 8 coils. To break this monotony, you should try the 12 coil wrap Hawink Tattoo Machine. While the majority of coil machines have 8 to 10 coils, this product is powered by 12 coils.
Carbon Steel Frame
The carbon steel frame gives the much-needed strength to this coil shader. In addition to the carbon frame, the magnetic wire is coated with 24 gauge enamel.
Has Wide Needle Capacity
You can use almost all kinds of needles with this product. These needles can be of varied shapes and sizes. The maximum that you can include is an 18rlneedle, which is very thick. The versatility of needle shapes and sizes increases the scope of this shader.
Gives Accurate design
One reason that contributes to making this best coil shader tattoo machine is the accuracy of the design. Thanks to the well made spring and ergonomic design; the user gets great precision while creating any tattoo with this product.
9. One Tattoo World 8 Wrap Coils Iron Liner Gun Tattoo Machine
There are only a few machines that are known for their simplistic features and straightforward work. One of these products is One Tattoo World 8 Wrap Coils Iron Liner Gun Tattoo Machine. This device lets it’s performance do the talking.
Rustic Looks
The rustic and plain look of the product creates a powerful impact on its effortlessness.
Durable
Iron frames are known for their durability and for reducing the vibrations. This product is enclosed with a superior quality iron frame.
Ergonomic
You could be using this tool for long stretches of hours without experiencing any kind of exertion. And all this is due to the ergonomic design of this device.
10. TAONE Professional Tattoo Coil Machine Gun
The brand TAONE is synonymous with quality and performance. Their latest coil-based gadget is one of the best beginner coil tattoo machine.
Handwrapped Coils
The coils added in the machine are all hand made. All 12 wrap coils are made of high-quality brass and have been wrapped with perfection.
Easy to Use
You don’t have to be a technical expert or need months of experience to use this tool. It’s very easy to run and has an uncomplicated interface. Despite making 3,000 rotations per minute, the noise emitted by this product is very low.
90 Days Replacement and Refund
Are you new to the world of tattoo making and are looking for a coil device that comes with a provision of return? The answer to this question lies with TAONE Coil Machine Gun.
If you don’t think that the gadget lives up to your expectations, then you can get a replacement or a refund. You can make your complaint to the company within 90 days of purchase that gives you ample time to test the appliance.
What To Look Before Purchasing The Best Coil Tattoo Machines
Types & Purpose
You could be getting the best and the most expensive tattoo machines, but if they don’t align with your needs or purpose, then they are rendered useless.
There are mostly three different types of coil machines: Shaders, Liners, and a shader-liner combination. Most people prefer a coil machine that does both shading and lining, but some people like to work with individual machines for added clarity.
Traditionally, coil machines were completely analog, but with time many coil machines have the option of working with power generators or tattoo power suppliers for enhancing its ease of use.
Grip
The grip has to be an extremely important part of a coil machine. If your machine is not ergonomically designed, then you can experience wrist pain and aches after using the tool for as short as 30 minutes.
One must feel comfortable while practicing tattoo making, and for that, a good grip is essential. Having a good grip is not merely a matter of comfort but also of security. If your machine doesn’t allow you to hold it firmly, then this can also result in injuries, and that should be avoided at all costs.
Spring
Springs are an integral part of every coil machine. If it is faulty, then your machine won’t work properly. The spring is responsible for controlling the electromagnetic flow emitted by the magnets. Liners and shaders both have different kinds of springs. The liners have a short spring in the backside and which you can compare against the shader in case you are confused about which product is a liner and which one is a shader.
Weight
In the world of tattoo making, coil machines are notorious for being heavy. But this is nothing but a misconception. In today’s age, there are many compact and lightweight coil machines (some of which you can also find in this article).
On average, a coil machine should weigh anything between 200 to 500 grams. Some ultra-lightweight machines can weigh as little as 180 grams. While as a rule of thumb, the lighter your machine is, the better it’s considered, but many people feel comfortable while working with moderate weight machines.
Durability
Durability is another factor that distinguishes a good coil machine with a bad one. Coil machines are one of those things that people keep with themselves for decades and ultimately even pass on as an heirloom. Machines that come with cast iron frames and are yet not prone to rust are some of the devices that stay usable for several years.
Coil Wraps
The speed and force of your tattoo machine depend on the number of wraps available in your coil machine.
The sign of a good coil machine is the absence of gaps between the coils. Make sure that the coils are made of quality wires and a pure material like copper. And they don’t break or get loose easily.
Frames
The frame is another important feature that must be considered while buying not just a coil machine but any kind of machine. A-frame that is prone to breakage is obviously not a good choice.
If you are looking for a lightweight coil-based gadget, then pick the ones which are made of zinc and aluminum. For those who are seeking coil machines which are sturdy should get the ones made of brass and iron.
Caution must be maintained while working with frames made of iron and brass because they are prone to rust.
Capacitor
The capacitor is a small but vastly important part of any coil machine. It has the most important function of regulating the flow of energy in the device. The most frequent settings in a capacitor are22 µF and 47 µF. The more you increase this number, the slower your circuit becomes. To put it simply, changing your capacitor means changing your coil device.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are Coil Tattoo Machines Better Than Rotary?
Both machines have their own pros and cons. Therefore, it can’t be said if coil-based machines are better than rotary machines. But there are some benefits of having coil-based tattoo equipment. Coil products are more affordable than rotary ones.
They are also more durable and long-lasting. One can repair coil machines on their own with minimum training while repairing electricity-based rotary machines can be tough.
2. What Tattoo Machines Do Professionals Use?
Professionals use different types of tattoo machines for their diverse practices. Many professions have a mix of analog and digital tattoo machines. They primarily work with shaders, liners, and color blockers of varied kinds.
3. What Size Coils Are There In A Liner?
For a liner, the most frequently used coil size is 8. Liners don’t require high power and high voltage; hence they function well with size 8 coil, but some liners also have size 10 coils. Between a liner and a shader, a liner will always have a shorter coil.
4. What Are The Best Coil Tattoo Machine Brands?
Some of the best coil tattoo machines are Dragonhawk, York Tattoo, TAONE, and Hawink Tattoo. These brands have made a name for themselves by consistently creating tattoos machines that deliver impressive performance.
5. Is A Coil Tattoo Machine Best For Me?
Tattoo Coil Machines are suitable for all kinds of people. They don’t cause any tears or cuts. Additionally, the ink left by coil machines lasts longer on your skin than the tattoo, which is made by other types of machines. Unless you have very specific allergies, the coil machine will remain best for you.
6. Which Is Suitable For You Between Coil Tattoo Machine Liner And Shader?
Both a liner and shader are important for the process of tattoo making. They both have a distinctive role to play when it comes to creating a tattoo, and hence a liner and a shader both are important. One can find both a shader and a liner in a coil-based machine.
7. What Is The Voltage Power Used In A Liner?
The power used in a liner ranges between 6 volts to 7 volts. Liners don’t need much power to function, and hence they work pretty well with the lower end of voltages. However, highly experienced tattoo artists sometimes use a liner on high voltage for greater speed.
8. What Is The Power Used In A Shader?
The power used in a shader ranges between 8 volts to 12 volts. Shaders require a high amount of power in comparison with liners, and this is the reason why more volts are used to power a shader.
9. What Are Some Qualities Of A Good Coil Machine?
Many qualities make a good coil machine. Some of these qualities are having a stable spring, good capacitor, and high-quality springs to allow smooth transfer of current. In addition to that, a good coil machine should not get overheated or jammed. It should be ergonomically designed to facilitate ease of use.
10. What Is An Easy Way To Identify A Faulty Coil Machine?
Some of the easiest ways of identifying a faulty coil machine are firstly by checking if there are any gaps between the coils. If there are gaps between the coil wraps, then it shows that the machine is faulty, and the coils will not support a smooth transfer of energy.
Secondly, one should check if the machine is getting overheated after 5 hours of use or not. If there are continuous problems of overheating, then it indicates the machine’s tolerance for exposure to power is compromised.
The Bottom Line
By the end of this article, we can say that all 10 products mentioned in this list are of utmost high quality, and they have all qualities of a durable coil machine. Our list is very diverse, and we have included products from every category within the umbrella of tattoo coil machines.
We have also kept the limitations of the budget in mind while curating our recommendations, and that’s why you will find products that fall into the category of being affordable alongside high-end products.
Most of all, we have included everything from a shader, to a liner, to a dual multipurpose machine. Several products that we have recommended come with a warranty coverage or a satisfaction guarantee clause. You will not regret buying any of the devices recommended in this article.
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