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Whether you’re just starting in the tattoo industry or you’re looking for an upgrade for your studio, an all-in-one tattoo kit will help you get there. Tattoo kits contain all you need to jump head-first into tattooing, including guns, needles, machinery, and sometimes ink. We’ve read the reviews and spoken to the experts, bringing you the top-rated tattoo kits available with a complete rundown of their features. Quick glance at the most popular tattoo kits: Table of Contents (clickable) Related: No products found. No products found. It’s hard to go wrong with a Dragonhawk Tattoo Supply product, and while they have numerous kit options, the basic Atom Pen edition was our favorite for many reasons. Pen guns are great because they are versatile; they’re convenient for beginner tattooers because they’re easier to hold and require little maintenance, and they’re great for professionals because they allow for more precise and intricate details. This tattoo kit in particular has numerous essentials and high-quality tools we’ve come to expect from Dragonhawk Tattoo Supply. Though it has a smaller setup than most of the others on our list, we find the quality to be much better. All you really need is a batch of good inks and you’re ready to start tattooing. A tattoo made with the Dragonhawk kit. This machine has low noise, a stable, lightweight, and comfortable usage design, and can be used with absolutely any cartridge needles. This kit is great practice for beginners while a new favorite for professionals. Artists love it, saying, “As an apprentice, I’ve worked with coil & rotary machines. I knew the pen was new and this version is a great starter. It definitely improved my work drastically. I’ve put in well over 10 tattoos with this gun and it’s still going strong. It’s very light and quiet. Skin takes the ink so well. It’ll improve any line work if you have trouble with that. I also love shading with it!” Price Range: $$ Package Includes: Negatives: No products found. No products found.Tattoo Kit Reviews
Dragonhawk Cartridge Atom Pen Tattoo Machine Kit - Our Pick!
Dragonhawk Complete Tattoo Kit 2 Pro - Coil Machine Guns
If coil guns are more your scene, you may want to grab a Dragonhawk Complete Tattoo Kit 2 Pro. If you’re training to work with coil guns, you may also want to give this kit a try. At an extremely impressive price point that has two guns for lining and shading, you can’t go wrong.
This machine is very easy to use with a foot pedal, an easily adjustable power supply, and gorgeous steel cast metal guns with copper coils. Included in the kit are links to instructional videos to help you get set up and dive into tattooing with your new coil guns. It even comes with a practice skin to get you ready!
A tattoo made with the Dragonhawk Coil kit.
First time tattooers love this kit, saying, “These guns are awesome. The link to the instructional videos [are] easy enough and the videos are super easy to understand. I'm really happy with my purchase. I'm new to this and I'm really happy I got a good kit the first time around.”
Price Range: $
Package Includes:
- 1 coil gun for lining
- 1 coil gun for shading
- 10 wrap coils
- 10 Immortal Ink tattoo inks
- LED digital tattoo power supply
- 1 foot pedal and clip cord
- EO sterilized tattoo needles and tubes
- Practice skin
- Grips, elastic bands, gloves, ink pots, stencil paper
- Tattoo machine carrying case
Negatives:
- Some people have complained about the ink in this kit
- Coil machines are a big learning curve; practice on fake skin first
ITATOO Complete Tattoo Kit
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ITATOO advertises this kit as ideal for beginners, packed with essential supplies and a helpful online guide that will assist you in diving into the world of professional tattooing. In addition, they stress that their customer service is top-notch, so if any issue arises, they are eager to solve it for you. They also offer replacements if any of the machine parts are damaged or break down.
This kit only comes with one coil which they advertise as a shader and liner, but we believe this specific coil is best only for lining tattoos. It is lightweight and has minimal vibrations which makes for a more comfortable tattooing experience.
This kit is one of the lowest cost kits on our list, and is a great way to begin practicing with a coil gun.
Script written with the ITATOO kit.
Beginners feel that the ITATOO kit is a safe bet for their new practice, saying, “Honestly I was hesitant to buy this, but thanks to the copious amounts of wonderful reviews I made the purchase and I do not regret it in the slightest. This is a wonderful tool for beginners and I highly recommend it. It’s nice to know that there are beginner options out there for people like me who are just starting off and learning the swing of things.”
Price Range: $ - very inexpensive
Package Includes:
- 1 Pro tattoo machine both for liner and shader
- 1 Tattoo power supply
- 1 Clip cord
- 1 Foot pedal
- 1 US standard power cord
- 1 Nylon grip
- 5 Tattoo needles
- Ink cups
- O-rings, rubber bands, grommets
- Tattoo tips
Negatives:
- Definitely a beginner kit
- Contains only one coil gun which is best for lining
- Coil machines are a big learning curve; practice on fake skin first
Solong Tattoo Complete Kit
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The Solong Tattoo kit is beyond impressive. It contains four coil guns that cover lining, shading, and filler designs, and an outstanding selection of 54 bottles of colored ink. This is far more than most of the other kits available online!
The guns themselves are all handmade carbon steel and are tested prior to shipment. They’re lightweight and easy to work with, with minimal noise and vibration for a coil gun. The inks in the pack are all vegan friendly inks by True Black Tattoo Ink.
In addition, all the extra goodies in this package truly simplify the tattooing process, especially for beginners just diving into the field.
A tattoo made with the Solong Tattoo kit.
Reviews for this kit are very positive as well, with artists saying, “For the price you cannot beat it. It definitely can be used in a professional setting. Within 15 minutes I was set up and inking up. There was no problem with overheating. Only used one gun so far to do a 7-hour tattoo. Machine performed excellent[ly] . . . I highly recommend this kit.”
Price Range: $$
Package Includes:
- 4 coil guns in four colors
- 10 coil wraps
- 1 digital power supply
- 1 top foot pedal
- 1 clip cord
- 54 color ink by True Black Tattoo Ink
- 10 tattoo tips
- 8 disposable grips
- 50 sterilized needles
- 1 practice skin
- Rubber bands, grommets, rubber o-rings, gloves, ink cups
- 1 ink cup holder
- Tattoo machine carrying case
Negatives:
- Some people have complained about the ink in this kit
- People have complained about the carrying case in this kit
- Coil machines are a big learning curve; practice on fake skin first
Grinder Tattoo Kit by Pirate Face Tattoo
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You will most definitely look like a pro when you pull out your Grinder tattoo kit by Pirate Face Tattoo, which has everything you need to dive into learning the basics, while also being impressive enough for a more professional user. The kit was assembled with professional artists in mind.
One big selling point for Pirate Face Tattoo is that their kits include, “USA Made Tattoo Brand Ink by Radiant Colors. Don't be fooled by cheaper tattoo kits which include Chinese Made tattoo ink which is unsafe to use!” But even better than all that is that the kit includes a 240-page instructional book and a 2-hour “Welcome to Tattoo'' DVD. There is no better way to learn than with thorough material such as this!
A tattoo done on fake skin with the Grinder kit.
Tattoo professionals see this as a go-to kit for their apprentices, saying, “I was a bit hesitant to order this kit for my son (he's apprenticing under me), but was pleasantly surprised with it. The machines are quality built, and with a little bit of tuning, they hum like a swarm of happy bees... A great kit for any beginner, and I was truly impressed.”
Price Range: $$$
Package Includes:
- 1 power supply
- 4 tattoo guns (coils)
- 4 tattoo machine grips/barrels
- 50 sterile needles (variety)
- 7 tattoo ink by Radiant Colors
- 27 disposable tips
- 8 stainless steel tips
- 1 adjustable tool kit
- 1 tattoo practice skin
- 1 sheet stencil transfer paper
- Disposable gloves
- 1 ink cup holder
- 100 ink cups
- Basic fundamentals of modern tattoo by charles jordan (240-page tattoo instructional book)
- Welcome to tattoo (2-hour dvd)
- Tattoo carrying case
Negatives:
- People hate the inks in the kit, despite that being a focal point
- Coil machines are a big learning curve; practice on fake skin first
STIGMA Tattoo Pen Complete Kit
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STIGMA has created a kit that includes a small, lightweight, low noise, low vibration pen that provides safe and smooth tattooing. Although this kit is less well known, it packs a serious punch that has beginners and professionals with apprentice learners raving.
STIGMA uses a Japanese motor which means you won’t experience overheating for long tattoo sessions. It’s best suited for more precise line work and has a tattoo grip bandage included in order to ensure maximum comfort for the artist.
For a beginner rotary pen, people love STIGMA, saying, “Right from the packaging down to the power source and the machine are so professional! First time I used it was for around 5 hours and it is my first pen experience! The hours flew through! Quiet and low vibration!”
Price Range: $
Package Includes:
- 1 power supply
- 1 rotary gun
- 20 needle cartridges
- 1 foot pedal and clip
- Grip bandage
- Gloves
- Practice skin
Negatives:
- Good for lining and smaller tattoos
- Is missing essentials and ink which are an additional expense
Wormhole Tattoo Pen Complete Kit
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Wormhole has put together an absolutely incredible rotary pen kit that is made from premium aluminum alloy, with an impressive motor, and an advanced gear system that will have you tattooing with ease. With a one year warranty, Wormhole will provide you with a replacement or repair should anything go wrong with your purchase.
This pen is lightweight and quiet, and can be used with any cartridge needles. The ergonomic design makes it great for beginners searching for the most comfortable tattooing tool, or professionals who want a smooth gun alternative.
Wormhole provides a thorough online guide for setup and tattooing, and people find themselves able to grab this kit and get started without any issues.
Someone’s first tattoo done with the Wormhole pen kit.
Reviewers seem to love the ease of the cartridge needles, saying, “. . .The setup is quicker and easier. You are definitely getting your value worth and then some with this unit. … The needle cartridges are ingenious. Sharp, accurate, smooth and worth every cent. Pop it in, twist it and get right to work. No more fumbling with long needles, securing them with rubber caps or continual readjustments to keep them from penetrating too deep or not far enough.”
Price Range: $
Package Includes:
- 1 Wormhole tattoo pen
- 1 dual tattoo power supply
- 1 US standard plug power cord
- 1 tattoo foot pedal
- 20 tattoo cartridge needles
- 50 tattoo ink caps with base
- 10 tattoo ink (5ml each bottle, color sent by chance)
- 1 tattoo pen kit instructions
Negatives:
- People hate the ink
- Some people don’t like working with the needle cartridges and recommend other brands
Wormhole Tattoo Poke and Stick Kit
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If you are looking to dive into the world of poke and stick tattooing, this kit by Wormhole might be exactly what you need. Poke and stick is the most traditional form of tattooing, and Wormhole makes it easy with this complete set of instructions and tools.
Wormhole includes pattern templates and fake skin to help beginners and new learners start their poke and stick educational journey, and even emphasizes that their needles are sterilized individually while also checked by a microscope prior to packaging and delivery.
The kit comes with a careful and easy to understand manual that will help clarify how to set up the kit, as well as a step-by-step instruction on how to do a poke and stick tattoo. You can use the fake skin that comes with the kit to practice, but many people have complained that it’s too thin to be realistic.
A tattoo made with the Poke and Stick kit by Wormhole.
Though not recommended for large or complicated designs, people say that this Poke and Stick kit by Wormhole is, “. . . so good. I just wanted a starter stick and poke kit and this literally has everything you need, from a pen to sketch out your designs, to a razer. I love this and I think it is so worth the money. Overall really good and I’m very impressed.”
Price Range: $ - very inexpensive
Package Includes:
- 1 stick and poke tattoo pen
- 1 marker pen
- 1 razor
- 10 tattoo ink caps with base
- 1 bottle of tattoo ink
- 10 tattoo needles
- 10 tattoo needle nipples
- Disposable gloves
- 4 disposable dental bibs
- 1 tattoo practice skin
- 2 transfer paper
- 1 tattoo grip wrap
- 1 tattoo aftercare cream
- 2 tattoo pattern template
- 1 manual
Negatives:
- People hate the ink in the kit
- Fake skin is super thin
- Stencils are of poor quality
Our Pick - Dragonhawk Cartridge Atom Pen Tattoo Machine Kit
With over 3,200 five-star ratings, we are not the only ones who think that Dragonhawk’s Atom Pen kit is the best of the best.
There are a few things we loved about this kit:
- It’s compatible with all cartridge needles.
- It comes in a secure carrying case.
- You can adjust the depth of the needle directly on the pen.
- The power supply is easy to read and understand.
- It is designed to give the closest feel to using an actual pen.
- The rotary is smooth, low-vibrational, quiet, and lightweight.
- It’s a great tool for any work, from lining to shading to full color pieces.
- Customer service with Dragonhawk is bar-none; they will go out of their way to ensure you are satisfied.
- It has the best price-to-value ratio, even though you need to buy a few other essentials and some quality ink.
- It’s great for beginners while also loved by professionals.
- It has a really simple setup and great how-to videos available.
The reviews with this machine are also incomparable to the others on our list and this machine was even mentioned on the show Ink Masters. Whether you’re just looking to practice your craft at home or hoping to bring your work into a shop, this kit gets praise from everyone on the tattooing skill spectrum.
What We Consider When Selecting The Best Tattoo Kit
A complete tattoo kit is definitely an investment, and whether you’re getting it to begin your professional tattooing journey or adding another tool to your toolbox. Here are a few factors we consider when selecting our favorites.
Brand
We only selected brands we trusted to make our best-of list, as there are many knock-off or no-name brands available for purchase. Even if you are only testing out your skills on fake skin, you want the best quality equipment in your back pocket, and you want something that is durable, won’t overheat, and will create consistent work over time.
Overall Kit Quality
We like a thorough kit that won’t have you dipping too much into your budget in order to get everything you need. Needles, extra accessories, prep essentials, and additional items help make a good value-to-price point ratio for us. Though our favorite kit contains the bare minimum, it’s of the best quality so it’s absolutely worth it.
We do think it is a rule of thumb to always invest in high-quality ink, because the ink that is often paired with kits is best for fake skin and practice but doesn’t hold well in real skin. In addition, hygienic supplies are not included in these kits (other than gloves) so you should look to purchase disinfectants, soap, and more.
Variety
Depending on your tattoo style and tool preference, we included something on this list for everyone. Whether you’re more comfortable with coil guns, pens, or wish to dip your toes into poke and stick tattooing, you’ll find a kit that suits you best.
With this, we wanted to include items in every price range. Some kits in our list are truly inexpensive, but if you wish to have a more professional experience, consider investing in some of the more expensive kits. None of them will have you breaking the bank, but some require a bit more budgeting, especially if you’re just starting out.
Positive Reviews
Along with our own experience, we do thorough research into the experiences of others with these particular tattoo kits. While not everyone will have a 5-star love of a product, we look carefully at artistry skill levels, constructive feedback, and criticism, and this helps influence what we add to our list.
Our Final Thoughts
Choosing the best tattoo kit depends on your own needs, skill level, and tool preference. Get a feel for different machines through artist friends before investing in your own. You want a machine that is within your budget but will produce high-quality results. And you should ensure that you have extensive practice on fake skin before moving on to tattooing yourself or others.
