What Tattoo Equipment to Use | Tattooing 101 (2025)

Brandon: I started out with a traditional machine. They're just a ton of work to upkeep, learning how to tune them correctly could take a long time.

As soon as rotaries came out, I transitioned into that. The first rotary I used was a regular Bishop machine; it hit like a jackhammer. They have great machines now, like their wands, but I didn't like that machine back then.

I then switched over to a Spektra Edge X, which was a great machine.

However, the machine that really changed the way that I tattoo would be the Inkjecta. I loved that I could change the stroke and needle bar on it. It's just a great, well-rounded machine. I actually have two of them that I use for different things.

I’ve set up one with a light bar on it, so it has some give to it. I use that for black and gray, and this is also set up at a three millimeter stroke.

I have a second Inkjecta with the hard bar on it, and it’s set up at a four millimeter stroke. I use that for my thick lines and my color packing.

Brandon: Pen style machines are very new. I have a Cheyenne SOL Nova Unlimited. I actually used a Cheyenne SOL Nova for a very long time, but it does require a power supply.

The Cheyenne also has a setting on it so it has a little bit of give, which is nice because most pen style machines have a direct drive motor that can traumatize the skin.

The only downside of the Cheyenne is that there's no numbers to know the exact voltage you're using, which makes it tricky to try to learn on one of these. I would definitely recommend something that has a volt meter on it.

Tattoo Ink

Brandon: When I first started out, the first ink I actually used was Eternal. It worked really great for me. With that being said, I definitely recommend three different brands: Eternal, Fusion, and Solid Ink. These are the ones that I've used very extensively.

I switched over from Eternal to Fusion, and about two years ago, I got to try out some Solid Ink. For the way I tattoo, that is the best ink for me. The colors stay super-saturated, and the healing is so bright.

Needle Cartridges

Brandon: I like T-Tech cartridges. They are not from the United States, so it takes a little bit for them to get here with shipping.

Another great brand that I love and use all the time would be Kwadron. Their liners are great.

The next ones would be Black Claw cartridges. They have some great traditional liners that go in the skin super thick. However, they are a little bit more expensive, so if you are first starting out practicing on fake skins, you probably don't want to go that method until you jump onto actual human skin.

If you are working on fake skins, Prime+ Flex Cartridges from Kingpin are a little cheaper and work really well. I get them in 14 round liners, 18 round liners, and 7 round liners.

I've also tried Cheyenne Cartridges. They're just not really set up for the way that I tattoo.

Brandon: Most cartridges are compatible with most machines.

However, if you are using a pen style tattoo machine, you want to make sure that you are getting the cartridges that have the filament that stop backflow into your machine. Ink and blood getting into your machine will ruin it completely.

Brandon: I definitely recommend getting a new machine. If you buy a used machine, you don't know how many hours that person put on that machine, or if they were sterile.

If you don't have a ton of money to get a machine, it might be worth trying out a beginner machine like the Mast Archer. If you know you want to be a tattoo artist for the rest of your life, and you have the money for it, go with an Inkjecta. (Just make sure you buy it brand new.)

When you’re thinking about buying equipment, ask yourself this question: “Is my tattoo equipment able to push me to the next level, or is it holding me back?”

• Are you fighting with your tattoo machine the whole way through?
• Are your cartridges keeping you from tattooing a clean line?
• Is your machine breaking down halfway through a tattoo?
• Is your power supply pushing your machine correctly?

Brandon: I tell artists to never be hundred percent stuck on any piece of equipment.

For example, when I started using an Inkjecta, I said I would never touch another machine again. And then when the Cheyenne SOL Nova's came out, I tried them out and liked them. I now use them for different styles of tattooing that I wouldn't necessarily use the Inkjecta for.

At the end of the day, tattooing is always growing. No matter what, we're always learning new things. The equipment's getting better every single year, so don't hold yourself back. Give yourself the opportunity to grow in this industry with your equipment.

Getting your tattoo equipment is an exciting step in your journey, but it can also be pretty eye-opening to how many details go into tattooing. Without the right knowledge, it’s impossible to level up your skills and become a professional tattoo artist.

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