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Best tattoo kits 2018 – [Buyer’s Guide]
Last Updated September 1, 2023
My name is Brayden Diaz. I have been a freelance writer for 20 years, focusing mainly on technology related topics. After 32 hours of research including speaking with consultants and experts, and plenty of parents and 11 hours spent testing 10 tattoo kits, I believe that I found the best tattoo kits of 2018.
In this article, I will be categorizing the items according to their functions and most typical features. You see I’m an average member of the public just like you and the main reason I decided to publish a review website on tattoo kits is because I was looking for one not so long ago.
Best tattoo kits of 2018
Check them out and decide which one suits you the best to splurge upon. After carefully examining the reviews and ratings of the people who have used them earlier this listicle has been made.
Based on customer reviews and my own experience with the cowboy method I’ve found the best 3 tattoo kits on the market. If you’re reading this, it is very likely that you’re scouting for the best tattoo kits.
Test Results and Ratings
| Rank | №1 | №2 | №3 |
| Product |  |
 |
 |
| Total | 4.8 | 4.5 | 4.3 |
| Style |
4 points
|
4 points
|
4 points
|
| Versatility |
5 points
|
5 points
|
4 points
|
| Durability |
5 points
|
4 points
|
4 points
|
| Price |
5 points
|
5 points
|
5 points
|
| Awards |  |
||
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
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How to save up to 86%? Here is little trick.
You must visit the page of sales. Here is the link. If you don’t care about which brand is better, then you can choose the tattoo kits by the price and buy from the one who will offer the greatest discount.
№1 – Mole Removal Pen
| Total: |
4.8
|
Why did this tattoo kits win the first place?
I am very happy with the purchase. It is definitely worth its money. The product is top-notch! I don’t know anything about other models from this brand, but I am fully satisfied with this product. The product is very strong. Its material is stable and doesn’t crack. The rear part fits perfectly! It is mounted really tight and reliable.
4
|
5
|
5
|
5
|
№2 – Solong Tattoo Complete Beginner Tattoo Kit 3 Pro Machine Guns 54 Inks Power Supply Needle Grips…
| Total: |
4.5
|
Why did this tattoo kits come in second place?
The design quality is top notch and the color is nice. Managers explained me all the details about the product range, price, and delivery. I like this product. For such a low price, I didn’t even hope it to be any better. It’s decently made. The material is pretty strong and easy to wash if needed.
4
|
5
|
4
|
5
|
№3 – ITATOO Complete Tattoo Kit for Beginners Tattoo Power Supply Kit 1 Black Tattoo Ink 5 Tattoo Needles 1 Pro Tattoo Machine Guns Kit Tattoo Supplies
| Total: |
4.3
|
Why did this tattoo kits take third place?
A very convenient model. It is affordable and made of high-quality materials. It is inconvenient to use due to the size. I am going to get something different next time. I liked the design. We’ve been using it for 2 months and it still looks like brand new. It doesn’t squeaks nor bents. Looks great in my apartment.
4
|
4
|
4
|
5
|
tattoo kits Buyer’s Guide
Rotary tattoo gun kit
Many experienced tattoo artists picking rotary guns as their gear. As for beginner, you should probably pick your beginner tattoo kits out of the coil mechanism category since many amateur tattoo artists feel that rotary machines are awkward in hand and allow less control. For the more experienced tattoo artist, rotary gun kit could be the perfect choice that would provide them the satisfaction and the results they want.
Shader and liner tattoo kits
The liner tattoo machines used for tattoo outlines and black works while the shader machine is used (as the name says) for shading work and coloring. Their needles setuped differently, liner machines got less needles that are set in circle (to allow the work me bore precise) while shader guns got the needles positioned in straight manner to resemble a comb (that will assist shading and coloring). Also, the speed of the liner guns is usually higher compared to shader guns.
Professional Kits
Professional tattoo kits will contain many of the same items found in the intermediate kits, but will usually come with a larger supply of everything.The biggest difference you will see with the professional kits is the inclusion of an autoclave with sterilization pouches and an ultrasonic unit. Both of these items are indispensable for sterilizing all reusable tattoo machinery and supplies between customers.
Note: It’s strongly recommended that if you purchase a kit without an autoclave, that you buy one separately and follow operation instructions carefully.
A Word of Caution
Tattooing is definitely cool, but it can also be very dangerous. There’s always a chance of causing injury to the person receiving the tattoo, allergic reactions do happen and both artist and customer are at risk for contracting blood borne diseases, if proper sanitation and sterilization are not carried out every step of the way.
Getting Started
Once you have your tattoo kit, no matter what level it is, you’ll likely want to get started right away. Many tattooists practice on the skin of fruit and there is even specially designed leather for the purpose of practicing on. After this, proceed to the less-visible areas of your body. If you’re good enough, your friends may even let you tattoo them. Remember that tattooing is an art all its own and that just because you are handy with a pen and paper doesn’t mean you will automatically be good at skin and ink. Like anything worth learning, tattooing takes practice; your practice will make perfect eventually.
These are the original form of tattoo guns and use an electric motor to drive the needles.
The needle is attached to a cylindrical motor and inserts the needle into the skin in a smooth and fluid motion.
They are quiet and cause minimal damage to the skin, which is a great bonus when you’re learning the art of tattooing.
Coil Tattoo Guns
These type of guns are more complicated than rotary machines. However, they do offer more precise lines and are generally the preferred gun for experienced users.
This is great for the look of the tattoo, but if you aren’t careful or professional, coil tattoo guns can cause more damage to the skin than other types of tattoo gun.
Pneumatic Tattoo Guns
Relatively new, pneumatic tattoo guns are lightweight and use forced air from an air compressor to help the needle go up and down.
The best thing about these guns is that they can be cleaned without needing to be pulled apart, unlike coil tattoo guns.
Tattoo Kits
If you’re new to tattooing, starter kits are a great way to ensure that you have all the necessary tools and equipment.
Dragonhawk
The prices at Dragonhawk are reasonable and most consumers will qualify for wholesale prices, making the products excellent value for money.
The customer service team at Dragonhawk even offer troubleshooting advice, which makes them ideal for beginners and home users.
Solong Tattoos
Solong Tattoos have been in the industry for over ten years and offer high-quality products.
Their range is extensive and caters for a wide variety of needs.
Whether you want to deck out your professional tattoo shop, or simply enjoy the tattoo experience from the comfort of your own home, Solong Tattoos have you covered.
Ink Machines
For a high-end professional brand, look no further than Ink Machines. They specialize in tattoo guns only, truly catering for the sophisticated artist.
Despite this, their prices are still competitive, making their products attainable by even the newest professionals.
The best thing about Ink Machines is that they’re constantly improving their design to ensure you create the best tattoos possible.
Dragonhawk Complete Tattoo Kit
A tattoo kit is a great way to buy everything you need in one convenient purchase.
The Dragonhawk Complete Tattoo kit is easily one of the best tattoo starter kits as it contains tattoo machines, needles, inks, a foot pedal and a power supply.
It’s cheaper than many other kits, and certainly significantly cheaper than buying all the equipment individually.
The quality of the needles, machines and ink may not be up to scratch for professional users, but beginners and home users will find it’s a great kit to help boost your tattooing skills, without blowing the budget.
The low price combined with product variety and ease of use, makes it easily the best tattoo kit for beginners.
Dragon Hawk Rotary Aluminum Tattoo Machine
Made from super lightweight aluminum, the Dragonhawk Rotary Tattoo Machine is ideal for the budding professional.
It’s easy to use and is less damaging to the skin than some other tattoo machines.
The gun comes fully assembled and a power cord, step peddle and clip cord are included.
This is possibly why the machine costs a fair bit more than other tattoo guns, but it means you’re ready to get tattooing as soon as the Dragonhawk Rotary Tattoo Machine arrives on your doorstep.
It’s smooth and quiet, and perfect for home users who are used to using coil machines but want to test out the quality of results that come with using a rotary machine.
If you’re still not convinced about its quality, Dragonhawk offers a full money back guarantee to help give you peace of mind.
New Cast Coil Tattoo Machine
For a machine that helps you produce amazing results as well as looking good itself, look no further than the New Cast Coil Tattoo Machine.
The ergonomic design makes it easy to use and it offers both shader and liner types to ensure you can create any style of tattoo.
It’s significantly cheaper than many other tattoo guns, but doesn’t come with any of the necessary accessories that many other machines provide.
For this reason it’s more suited to professionals who have the ability to attach a power supply and pedals with minimal fuss.
A professional artist also has the skills and ability to modify the machine to suit personal needs and enhance results.
The overall look of the gun is super cool and will style up an eclectic tattoo parlor brilliantly at a fraction of the cost of more expensive, yet similar quality, tattoo machines.
Solong Tattoo Hybrid Tattoo Pen
For fine precision and minimal noise, the Solong Tattoo Hybrid pen is ideal.
It feels as close to an actual pen as you will find from a tattoo gun, making it very user-friendly for beginners.
It’s lightweight and comes with a plug adapter, but you do need to have your own power supply in order to make the pen work.
The outer casing of the pen comes in many different colors, but the color of the ink doesn’t vary.
However, for a novice tattoo artist looking to build on both skills and confidence, this neat little pen is ideal.
Solong Tattoo Complete Tattoo Kit
This extensive tattoo kit by Solong is one of the best tattoo kits for beginners.
Solong is a known and trusted brand so you know you’re buying quality.
However, it’s important to remember that it’s an introductory kit at a very low price. The quality of the ink may not be as good as you can buy individually.
If you’re more on the professional end of tattooing, this can be rectified by investing in better quality ink through a separate purchase to enhance the overall look of the tattoo.
To the untrained eye, the tattoo starter kits come with a wide assortment of different tattoo needles although they may appear similar in appearance. If you are just starting your journey, money may be an issue for you.
If you buy high-quality needles, they need to be sterilized between each use, which means you will also need to purchase sterilizing equipment.
Most beginners purchase tattoo starter kits that include single-use needles to reduce overhead.
These needles can only be used one time to eliminate the chance of spreading HIV and other serious infections.
These needles will come in a sterile packet so they will be completely sanitary to use. Be sure the tubes in the kit are also single use so they can be disposed of after one use.
The Biohazard Container
While this might seem like common sense, you might be surprised how many people starting their journey get a starter kit without a biohazard container and simply toss the used needles in the trash.
This is an extremely dangerous situation, a needle can pierce the trash bag and stick a worker or sanitation employee easily.
Be sure that the tattoo starter kits you are looking at all contain a container for storing any used needles safely.
This will ensure that those used needles do not pose a threat to others. Once the container is full, you can properly dispose of it so no one is at risk.
The Tattoo Ink
Another component in the tattoo starter kits is the ink. The tattoo ink will vary depending on the manufacturer, coming in different colors, quantities, and quality.
There are two things you need to carefully consider when looking at the ink included with your first tattoo kit.
Look for kits that have the largest variety of different colors because customers appreciate being able to choose their favorite colors and not ones you have just in stock.
High quality inks are more vibrant and retain their shade longer.
Be sure the inks in your kit are the highest quality and have caps on them. The caps ensure that the ink being applied is seamless and more professional looking.
The Tattoo Gun
The tattoo gun is by far the most important component of the tattoo starter kits. During heavy use, lower quality tattoo guns will become corroded.
Be sure that the tattoo gun in your kit is constructed of materials that are corrosion resistant.
The best choice when you are first starting out in tattooing is to look for a tattoo gun made from iron, steel, or aluminum.
Be sure that the tattoo gun in your kit comes with a power source. Many kits sell the tattoo power source separately, costly you additional money to complete your kit.
The Sterile Gloves
The tattoo starter kits must include sterile gloves in order for you to be protected during your work. When skin is being punctured and blood is present, you must protect yourself at all costs.
Look for kits that include sterile latex gloves, these gloves will protect your skin and can be disposed of after each use.
If the start kit only has a few sterile gloves included, consider saving yourself some money and buying them in bulk because you will be using them frequently.
Massive tattoo starter kit
When you are beginning your journey into the world of tattooing, the first kit you buy should last you several years.
When you are shopping around for tattoo starter kits, two things to carefully consider and the quality of all the materials within the kit, as well as the variety of products.
Kits that include the gun, power source, inks, gloves, needles, and disposable tubes are a better bargain than ones that only include the gun, needles, and ink.
One of the advantages to buying high quality tattoo starter kits is that the materials will last longer.
When you have been involved with tattooing for several years and you want to move up to a professional kit, many of the components of your starter kit can still be used.
Kuro Sumi inks are made in the United States and are best known for their bold, bright colors. The product has origins in Japan, and the color is derived from burnt plant material.
Artists and buyers both love the long life of this ink. It is easy to use, heals beautifully, and stays a true black for a long time.
What We Love
Kuro Sumi is committed to ensuring customers aren’t fooled into buying counterfeit inks. They make special designations about their packaging that helps buyers easily detect the real thing versus a cheap knockoff. With tattoo ink ultimately being injected into the body, we’re impressed by the company’s commitment to safety.
A Lasting Animal-Friendly Impression
When you’re getting or giving a vegan tattoo, you want to ensure the ink being used is 100% vegan-friendly. Luckily, many companies are seeing the demand for vegan tattoo ink, meaning you get the luxury of choice when it comes to your next tattoo.
As the vegan stuff is just as efficient and long-lasting as animal-based inks, there’s really no reason to choose the product that uses animal suffering and cruelty. It’s possible to express yourself through body art without having to rely on cruel, outdated products.
Assistant Production Roaster
To identify and secure new partnerships for our brewed coffee channels that display a strong alignment with Sightglass’ brand, dedication to coffee quality and overall cultural values.
To effectively represent the Sightglass brand through engagement and outreach within the Northern California coffee community at large.
Objectives
Self Awareness • Ability to accept constructive criticism • Humble and open minded to new ideas about green/roasted/brewed coffee, sales opportunities, account management, relationship needs, etc.
Job Duties
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to see, talk and hear. • The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit; use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. • The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. • At times, may require more than 40 hours per week to perform the essential duties of the position. • Fine hand manipulation (keyboarding).
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. • Office, retail, and warehouse store environments. Warehouse is not climate controlled. • The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Washington D.C.
At Counter Culture Coffee, we approach our work with a relentless pursuit of coffee perfection, a dedication to real sustainability, and a commitment to cutting-edge coffee education. Based in Durham, NC, with regional offices throughout America, we’ve been continuously innovating in the coffee industry since 1995—and we’re looking for new team members to help us expand our efforts.
A commitment to creating cutting edge coffee people
With strong public speaking skills and comfort conveying knowledge and information to diverse groups of people, Regional Educators serve as liaisons between Counter Culture, our customers, and the public. Both our wholesale and consumer partners can learn cutting edge coffee and service skills through our education programs which are professionally executed by our Regional Educators. In addition to teaching courses, Regional Educators contribute content to courses and events as well as follow up with relevant trainings for baristas who desire to progress as coffee professionals This seat should approach and extend educational opportunities within the strategy for regional growth, retention, and profitability.
Job Duties • Responsible for supporting regional growth, retention, and profitability. • Developing and executing strategies with regional teams to achieve goals. • Scheduling and teaching our Professional Development program. • Scheduling and teaching our Home Brew program, including public coffee tastings. • Helping maintain all assets, including cleaning and care of all coffee equipment, training center facilities, and vehicles. • Contributing content to our education programs and events.
Requirements • Must be positive, inspiring, curious, thorough, and must not accept the status quo. • Able to work well with a regional sales and support team to achieve growth and retention goals. • Five years barista experience in the specialty coffee industry, store management experience preferred. • Loves coffee and loves talking about all aspects of it. • A valid US Driver’s License, clean driving record and ablility to drive a company vehicle. • Travel, sometimes overnight. Work hours may be outside of normal business hours including some weekends or holidays. • Congenial, professional, helpful, and thoughtful in any situation. • Must be able to lead large groups in discussions or training regarding nearly anything coffee related. • Comfortable using various forms of technology and programs for account management.
90 Day Goals • Strong understanding of Counter Culture’s vision, mission, values, and The Plan. • Comprehensive understanding of our wholesale program including our products, services, and policies. • Lead a Tasting at Ten.
Soma and Downtown Locations
Duties & Responsibilities • Greet and interact with all customers providing everyone with an excellent experience in our stores. • Prepare coffee and tea with acute attention to our standards of quality. • Maintain product knowledge regarding all pastries and food items and staying up to dated on seasonal menu changes and accurately communicate product information to customers. Respond to questions, orders and concerns. • Maintain coffee knowledge on current offerings and confidently and accurately communicate product information to customers. Respond to questions, orders, and concerns. • Taste coffee or baked good each shift worked to improve product knowledge and troubleshoot any product problems. • Properly handle and maintain all coffee brewing equipment. • Contribute to store profitability by following cash handling and cash register policies and procedures. • Assist in the training and development of new employees. • Offer relevant, well thought out ideas and suggestions for improving store operations. • Attend all individual and company scheduled training sessions and staff meetings to constantly advance education on coffee, tea, merchandise, and espresso bar skills. • High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED). • Retail and/or customer service experience required. • Some coffee experience preferred.
Qualifications • To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. • Ability to maintain a pleasant disposition and sense of urgency with helping customers • Demonstrate a passion for coffee and tea. • Capability to interface and maintain effective relationships with co-workers and customers. • Logical and methodological approach to problem solving. • Flexible, with the ability to multi-task in a highly demanding, stressful environment. • Ability to cooperate successfully as a member of a team. • Ability to communicate effectively with others, including giving and receiving feedback on the quality of services. Uses communication that is clear, honest, and complete. • Complete barista training with store manager and trainer.
Job Brief
We are looking for a talented and competitive Business Development Associate that is eager to learn and has a passion for coffee. The successful candidate will play a fundamental role in achieving our ambitious customer acquisition, market expansion and revenue growth objectives. Must be comfortable making dozens of calls per day, working with channel partners, generating interest, qualifying prospects and closing sales.
Here’s The Deal
We are creating a new position to further develop our quality, productivity, and infrastructure. Big job, right? As we plan for growth, we are committed to building on the foundation of exceptional company culture and the highest quality product possible.
Ritual is changing the way people know coffee.
In 2005, when corporate coffee dominated American culture, Ritual unknowingly started a fun and crazy revolution that would ultimately help launch the new coffee movement.
We have set the highest standard in the industry by buying +90% of our beans direct from our producer partners. So, we get the best beans in the world and help raise the quality of life for our farmers. We have set the highest standard in the industry by buying +90% of our beans direct from our producer partners. So, we get the best beans in the world and help raise the quality of life for our farmers.
Now a bona fide San Francisco original, we’ve also earned our iconic status as one of the best coffee roasting companies in the world. The mission of Ritual Coffee is simple: to make people happy by giving them the best coffee experience they’ve ever had. Ritual roasts in SoMa, and has cafes in San Francisco and Napa.
Out of stock
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Faerie Incense Burners for pure light and promise
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How to save up to 86%? Here is little trick.
You must visit the page of sales. Here is the link. If you don’t care about which brand is better, then you can choose the tattoo kits by the price and buy from the one who will offer the greatest discount.
Final Word
First of all thanks for reading my article to the end! I hope you find my reviews listed here useful and that it allows you to make a proper comparison of what is best to fit your needs and budget. Don’t be afraid to try more than one product if your first pick doesn’t do the trick.
Most important, have fun and choose your tattoo kits wisely! Good luck!
So, TOP3 of tattoo kits
- №1 — Mole Removal Pen
- №2 — Solong Tattoo Complete Beginner Tattoo Kit 3 Pro Machine Guns 54 Inks Power Supply Needle Grips…
- №3 — ITATOO Complete Tattoo Kit for Beginners Tattoo Power Supply Kit 1 Black Tattoo Ink 5 Tattoo Needles 1 Pro Tattoo Machine Guns Kit Tattoo Supplies
Questions? Leave a comment below!
Chatting about tattoo kits is my passion! Leave me a question in the comments, I answer each and every one and would love to get to know you better!
