[Honest Review] Are Dragonhawk Tattoo Machines Good?

It's no secret that most professional tattoo artists use Dragonhawk tattoo machines and pens to create their best masterpieces. So, naturally, one would assume that the Dragonhawk hardware is one of the best on the market. But for a beginner, can you really count on this brand, and if so, how good and affordable is it for those who are just starting their business.

Since everyone on the internet seems to have nothing but words of praise for the Dragonhawk, we decided to take a look ourselves and give you an honest review of the Dragonhawk machines. We will analyze some of their most outstanding models and see if they are really as good as people claim. So, without further ado, let's get started!

About Dragonhawk Tattoo Equipment

Dragonhawk is a brand of tattoo products that creates equipment suitable for beginners and professional tattoo artists, as well as those who do permanent makeup. With people in mind, Dragonhawk tries to provide a variety of products specifically designed for tattoos. Their goal is to provide efficient and reliable equipment that is also affordable and of high quality.

When it comes to their product offering, here's what they have;

• Tattoo cars There are many different types of tattoo machines and tattoo pens for everyone from beginners to professional tattoo artists and permanent makeup artists. Product prices start at $50 for a Coil Liner tattoo machine and go up to $300 for a wireless powered rotary tattoo pen.
• Tattoo kits - Dragonhawk tattoo kits include tattoo machines, tattoo guns and pens, needles, chargers, batteries and other professional accessories, depending on the kit. Prices range from $120 to $350 depending on the kit.
• Other tattoo supplies - ink, needles, silicone imitation leather for practice, carbon paper, tattoo tapes, stencil paper, battery pack, anti-slip adhesives, power cord connectors and more.

Dragonhawk tattoo machines: honest reviews

Now let's take a look at some specific Dragonhawk tattoo machines and see if they're as good as they're made out to be;

Rotary tattoo machine Dragonhawk Extreme X2

Rotary tattoo machine Dragonhawk Extreme X2

This tattoo machine looks promising on paper, but in practice there may be some problems.

If you are a beginner, you might want to check it out as it is more accessible. However, as a professional, you need a machine that is more reliable for important tattoo steps such as tattoo lining.

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This tattoo machine is crafted from a solid block of pure brass. The machine is made using a powerful Japanese motor. Thanks to the spring and rebar design, it has stable frequency and stronger rebound than standard tattoo machines. There is also a dedicated frame for smooth, silent tattooing. It connects to the power supply with a cord.

pros

• Adjustable stroke length - from 2.5 mm to 4.2 mm, adjustable by turning the screw
• Suitable for shading, cladding and painting large areas.
• Suitable for standard and cartridge needles.
• Long use and durability due to brass material

Cons

• There is no place for a stretch band
• May not be suitable for large group needles.
• Professional tattoo artists have faced problems when applying a tattoo.

Dragonhawk Extreme V2 Direct Drive Rotary Tattoo Machine

Dragonhawk Extreme V2 Direct Drive Rotary Tattoo Machine 

The Extreme V2 might be the best Dragonhawk tattoo machine out there. It just works great and gives the tattoo artist complete control.

The machine is reliable and will serve you for many years. It behaves and looks like a high-end car, although it is actually very affordable. The machine is smooth and can run for a long time without getting hot. Overall, this machine is the reason Dragonhawk is such a popular tattoo brand.

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The Extreme V2 Direct Drive Tattoo Machine is designed to assist tattoo artists by providing precision and control throughout the entire tattooing process. The machine is made for precise and reliable tattooing. It has a clip-cord connection and a generally simple design, which increases its performance and efficiency during tattooing. The machine can be used for a variety of tattoo styles and techniques, making it suitable for almost every tattoo artist.

pros

• Adjustable needle length / stroke - from 1 mm to 5 mm.
• High power and puncture frequency
• Compatible with all disposable cartridge holders as well as standard needles.
• Suitable for tattoo lining, shading and coloring
• Long-term use and durability

Cons

• Can be heavy for longer tattoo sessions due to the carbon steel frame.
• To adjust the wheel, you must stop the tattoo and then continue

Dragonhawk Space Rotary Tattoo Machine

Dragonhawk is known for making affordable high performance tattoo machines and Dragonhawk Space is one of them. This machine is very stable and lightweight, so it is great for longer tattoo sessions. It is convenient for both beginners and professional tattoo artists.

Also, this machine does not need an elastic band as it comes with a needle buckle. Thanks to the aluminum material, the machine is strong, light and powerful.

pros 

• Super affordable (under $100)
• Durable and high performance
• Lightweight thanks to aluminum frame
• Quiet operation and smooth running
• One-handed machine for better grip and control

Cons

• Beginners may need to practice with this machine due to the difficult alignment.
• Cannot work for a long time (such as 10 minutes at once), due to the possibility of heating

Rotary tattoo machine Dragonhawk Raven II

Raven II is one of the most advanced Dragonhawk tattoo machines. It has a full set of settings that are adjusted using a metal knob. The needle holder can also be adjusted, tightened or loosened. This machine is suitable for various tattoo styles and techniques; it will satisfy the preferences of every tattoo artist. It is made of scratch-resistant ABS plastic and has a lightweight metal frame. With durability, you are investing in a machine that will last you for years to come.

pros 

• Suitable for semi-professional and professional tattoo artists.
• With Japanese motor
• Suitable for controlled, precise movement and precision
• Lightweight and durable
• Uses modular injection plastic
• Suitable for longer tattoo sessions

Cons

• There were cases when the car lost and gained power due to voltage regulation
• Loud rattling noise possible during operation
• Sometimes a weak network connection (but this is unlikely)

Conclusion - This machine is great for both semi-professional and professional tattoo artists. Due to its durability, ergonomic grip and lightness, it is suitable for long tattoo sessions. It can work for a long time without heating. The machine has an excellent system for adjusting settings and provides a smooth transition between different settings. It is affordable compared to other machines of the same quality.

Rotary tattoo machine Dragonhawk Extreme Horus

Dragonhawk Extreme is one of the most versatile tattoo machines offered by this brand. It is designed for professional use thanks to its high performance and adjustable stroke length. The machine is compatible with traditional tattoo holders and standard cartridges. It is also suitable for different styles and techniques of tattooing, so it will satisfy the preferences of almost any tattoo artist.

pros 

• Adjustable stroke length - from 1 mm to 4 mm.
• Suitable for lining, blending and coloring
• Compatible with standard cartridges
• Smooth and quiet operation
• Sturdy and durable thanks to pure brass frame

Cons

• Heavy for its size; not intended for use by beginners
• Powered by RCA only

Conclusion — This is a tattoo machine for professional use only. The machine is quite heavy and can create some problems for beginners and amateurs. Other than that, Extreme Hours is an exceptional tattoo machine; It has a strong durable construction designed for long-term use. The machine is ideal for any style or technique, but stands out especially in the case of blackwork tattoos. It runs smoothly and quietly thanks to a custom coreless motor. And of course, the car has a super stable frequency and a strong rebound.

So, are Dragonhawk tattoo machines good?

Considering the price and quality of the aforementioned top selling Dragohawk tattoo machines, we would say yes, they are as good as people say. Because of the lower price, you expect to get a low-quality and short-lived machine. However, it is not. Dragonhawk tattoo machines are built to last and deliver high performance with every session.

The only machine we really had problems with was the Extreme X2 machine. It wasn't as promising as we thought. It has a variety of issues, including elastic placement (the elastic snapping because it doesn't come with a needle buckle), and an issue with large group needles for shading or lining. This can be a hindrance for almost any tattoo artist, which is why we don't recommend the Extreme X2.

As for the other tattoo machines, we have come to the conclusion that they are great overall. They run smoothly, provide precision and control, and can run for long periods of time without getting hot. Some machines can even run for 10 minutes straight and not get hot, which is great. Plus, these high performance machines are very affordable and durable so you really get your money's worth.