Best Liner Tattoo Machines: Reviews and Buying Guide 2023

Choosing the right type of machine makes a big difference in your tattoo outcome.

Coil tattoo machines come in two common varieties, liners and shaders. Both serve different purposes.

If you aim to create an outline, then you should use a liner instead of a shader.

A shader does exceptionally well for shading and coloring.

Hence, make sure you don’t mistake the two because they do have a lot of similarities.

In fact, if you’ve never had a hands-on experience with either, it will be difficult to tell the difference.

What are the best liner tattoo machines?

There are many quality products on the market by different manufacturers.

In choosing a lining machine, the brand can be a primary consideration, given that some brands are known for making great machines.

Another important requirement is definitely the quality itself.

A company can be a one-stop shopping venue for you to find various tattoo machines with their unique characteristics.

Don’t worry if you’re still confused about liner/shader because the product description usually includes the information clearly.

For instance, if a machine belongs to the liner type, you will get that information from the product page.

But if you want to be more convinced, take a look at the front spring.

There is a noticeable difference between a liner and a shader. A shader usually comes with a longer spring than a liner.

Best Liner Tattoo Machines

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1. Thomas Liner Coil Tattoo Machine

Coil machines are pretty loud when compared to rotary machines, but each product produces a different noise output.

That means you can still find a machine that’s relatively quieter than the average coil machine.

This product is the perfect example. This product is built with handmade pure copper coils.

It generates a low vibration, so it doesn’t sound too noisy during operation. It would provide more comfort to your clients.

This machine also has an elegant design with a black frame and gold color screws.

In terms of power, the machine can produce enough power for day-to-day tattoo work.

It has a fast running speed and has awesome stability.

And for those looking for a warranty, this product offers 30-day money back guarantee to ensure that it works properly.

2. Dragonhawk 4460 Coils Tattoo Machine for Lining

Dragonhawk is a household name in the tattoo industry.

The company makes everything from machines to needles.

If you need a gun with guaranteed quality, please consider this one.

The company is well known for its tattoo machine lineup. This product utilizes cast iron, which is one of the widely-used materials.

It offers sturdiness and excellent resistance to abrasion. It can withstand wear and tear to ensure a long-term use.

While it’s originally a lining machine, it’s also useful for shading.

You can switch between modes through the provided settings.

Hybrid machines aren’t really a new concept though. Rotary machines have had this capability since forever, but for coil machines, it’s rather special.

Everything about this machine screams quality.

It’s constructed using one of the best metals and has a highly elastic spring which guarantees longevity.

3. Taone Professional Tattoo Liner Machines

The first thing that we usually notice on a tattoo machine is the frame.

We can predict quality by observing the frame, particularly the material and construction.

This machine has great rigidity thanks to the brass construction.

Like the majority, it’s comprised of two coils with each having 10 wraps, allowing the machine to exert more power.

However, power means nothing without stability.

Luckily, this machine has both. Not only does it operate steadily, but it can also move in a uniform speed.

This is important to avoid mess while working on a tattoo.

Another advantage of buying this product is it doesn’t generate much heat.

Even under continuous working, it manages to stay cool.

4. Mast Traditional Handmade Liner Coil Tattoo Machine

Creating a perfect outline takes practice, but the role of a machine can’t be ruled out.

If you want to create a nice outline, it should start with a reliable machine. And this gun can do smooth lining.

It can be your first option for performing this tattoo technique.

Some machines can line and shade, but those that are designed for one task usually do exceptionally well in its respective field.

The binding post is what makes the machine perform effortlessly. It can tap with decent power thanks to the 10 wrap coils.

It’s able to run at a medium speed, so you can do line work with ease.

As for the frame, iron is the material for this machine. It also features a standard tube vise.

Don’t worry about noise because the machine operates pretty quietly.

While not the most quiet, a low noise output on a coil machine should be appreciated.

5. 1TattooWorld Coils Tattoo Machine for Liner and Shader

Some tattoo guns can act as a shader and a liner.

This kind of flexibility does look tempting. If you need a machine for both tasks, try this product.

It has a wonderful design with an interesting pattern all over the frame.

This machine has two 10 wrap coils, pretty typical for this type of machine if you ask. That means the performance is on par with other machines with similar specs.

One of the best things about this gun is the stable performance.

Besides, the vibration also feels smooth.

It can be distracting when a machine vibrates too vigorously during operation.

Luckily, this unit doesn’t give that vibe, so you can stay focused while working on a tattoo.

Can you guess the material of this machine?

It’s actually low-carbon steel that has good ductility and toughness.

The material has become a favorite in the manufacturing industry because it has superior workability.

6. Qkiss Professional Liner Tattoo Gun

There are no extravagant details as you can see on the frame, but simple doesn’t mean a bad thing.

In fact, it’s more appealing sometimes.

There are many machines with intricate details out there.

The thing is they are not everyone’s cup of tea. Some people prefer simple designs, instead.

Well, if you couldn’t care less about design in the first place, this would be great for you because it’s the epitome of simplicity.

But functionality-wise, this is what you’d expect from a quality machine.

For starters, it has a low noise output. It’s also made of a material that’s made to last.

And then, it operates without causing too much heat.

Basically, the heat that the machine produces dissipates quickly, so it can prevent accumulation which may lead to overheat.

With all the benefits, it makes a perfect choice for any tattoo artist.

How to choose the best liner tattoo machine

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1. Number of coils

A tattoo machine regardless of the type usually comes with two coils. The differentiating factor is the number of wraps that each coil has.

The more wraps it has, the more powerful the machine would be.

With that in mind, if you need a powerful machine to do line work, make sure it includes at least 8 wraps.

Shaders typically have more because they do a different type of job. They need to tap with more power because shading is a bit more demanding than outlining.

2. Weight

This affects your experience with the machine. If a machine is heavy, it will be difficult to work with it for long hours.

One of the reasons why people prefer rotary machines is because they are pretty lightweight.

Coil machines, on the other hand, feel more solid and weighty. They still vary in size, though.

That’s why you should take time to shop around and compare different products.

This is the way to get a machine that fits in the hand, not puts a lot of strain on your wrist.

3. Material

Although tattoo machines are mostly made of metal, there are different types of metal with varying degrees of sturdiness.

Hence, you must choose one that’s not prone to breaking.

It’s also worth-noting that different metals have different physical characteristics.

Some are darker in color, while others come in lighter shades.

Wrap Up: Best Liner Tattoo Machines

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A tattoo machine is like the most important weapon in a tattoo artist’s arsenal as it directly affects tattoo outcome.

Keep in mind that there are various tattoo techniques that require different types of machines.

As an artist, you should understand when to use a liner and a shader. Besides, working with proper machines can help you be proficient.

So, what are the best liner tattoo machines?

Well, there are a lot to choose from.

By the way, it’s necessary to use multiple machines due to all the differences.

You shouldn’t use a liner for shading or vice versa. No matter if you’re a novice or an expert, they are complementary to each other.

Fortunately, it’s not hard to find liners and shaders given that many companies make them nowadays.

In fact, some brands have been in the business longer than you might think.

Those brands are usually trustworthy and recommended by professional tattoo artists.