Hawink Tattoo Pen vs Coil Tattoo Machine: Which Is Better for Beginners?

We break down Hawink tattoo pens versus coil tattoo machines so beginners can pick the right tattoo machine for their first setup.

Updated 7 Sep 2026 4 min read 7 sections

Hawink coil tattoo gun for traditional tattooing — Coil tattoo gun$6.99Image from the merchant

If you are shopping for your first tattoo machine, the biggest decision is whether to start with a modern pen-style machine or a traditional coil tattoo gun. Both work, but one is far more forgiving when you are learning. That said, a coil tattoo gun still has a place depending on the style you want to tattoo.

How a Tattoo Machine Works: Pen vs Coil

A tattoo machine is simply a device that drives a needle up and down to deposit ink into the skin. Coil machines use electromagnets and springs to create that movement. Pen-style machines use a rotary motor instead. That difference matters for a beginner.

Coil tattoo machine characteristics:

Heavier and bulkier in the hand
Loud buzzing sound from the electromagnetic coils
Requires adjustment of spring tension, contact screw, and gap
Vibrates more, which takes practice to steady
Better for bold lines, traditional work, and color packing

Tattoo pen characteristics:

Lightweight, shaped like a marker or pen
Quiet rotary motor, nearly silent
No spring adjustments needed; plug and go
Minimal vibration, easier to pull clean lines
Works well for lining, shading, and color

If you are still unsure, the best tattoo machine for professional artists has shifted heavily toward rotary pens in recent years for their reliability. Coils remain popular among traditional artists, but pens dominate the modern market.

Weight and Ergonomics: Why the Pen Wins Early On

Hawink tattoo pens for precise tattooing — Tattoo pens$79.99Image from the merchant

When you are learning, you will hold your tattoo machine for hours. Fatigue leads to shaky lines and frustration. The Hawink tattoo pens typically weigh around 4 to 6 ounces, about the same as a thick marker. A coil tattoo gun often weighs double that, and the weight is not balanced the same way.

Beginners we have worked with pick up a pen machine and pull smoother lines in their first session. That is not a skill gap. It is ergonomics. Less weight and vibration mean your hand stays steady longer.

Setup and Maintenance: Less Tuning with a Pen

A coil tattoo machine requires daily tuning. You adjust the contact screw, set the spring gap, and check the throw distance. If you change needle configurations, you often retune. For a beginner, this is a steep learning curve that takes time away from practicing actual tattooing.

Hawink tattoo machine for professional tattooing — Tattoo machine$288.99Image from the merchant

A rotary pen machine like the Hawink tattoo machine requires almost no tuning. You attach your tattoo needle cartridges, set your voltage, and you are ready. That means more time practicing on practice skin and less time fiddling with tools.

Setup comparison:

Feature	Hawink Tattoo Pen	Coil Tattoo Machine
Weight	4-6 oz (light)	8-12 oz (heavy)
Noise	Near silent	Loud buzz
Tuning needed	None	Daily adjustments
Vibration	Low	High
Learning curve	Gentle	Steep
Best for	Lining, shading, color	Bold lines, traditional

What You Actually Need in a Beginner Tattoo Machine Kit

Hawink tattoo gun kit for beginners — Tattoo gun kit$70.99Image from the merchant

Instead of buying a single machine, most beginners are better off with a tattoo gun kit that includes everything you need to start. A good kit should include:

A reliable tattoo machine (we recommend a pen for beginners)
Power supply with digital display
Foot pedal
A selection of tattoo cartridges (liners and shaders)
Practice skin
Ink caps and basic supplies

Hawink offers a full set that bundles their pen machine with power supply and cartridges. This saves you from piecing together parts that may not work well together. We also suggest picking up a tattoo stencil printer and ink transfer paper so you can transfer your designs cleanly before you start tattooing. A stencil that smudges mid-session makes everything harder.

Needles and Cartridges: What Works with Each Machine

Hawink tattoo machine needle for tattooing — Tattoo machine needle$4.95Image from the merchant

Coil machines typically use a tattoo machine needle that slides into a tube and is secured with a rubber band or o-ring. You clean and reuse the tube, and the needle is disposable. Pen machines use tattoo cartridges that are one-piece disposable units. The needle is enclosed in a plastic housing that screws directly onto the pen.

For a beginner, cartridges are safer and more hygienic because there is no tube to clean and sterilize. You open a sterile package, use it, and toss it. Round liner tattoo needles in cartridge form are the standard choice for practicing line work. We recommend starting with 3RL or 5RL cartridges for fine to medium lines.

Which Tattoo Gun Should You Actually Buy?

If you plan to do traditional American or neo-traditional style tattoos with bold outlines and heavy color packing, a coil tattoo gun and the accompanying tattoo gun coils are worth learning on. Many old-school artists swear by them. But be prepared for a longer learning curve and more maintenance.

If you want to tattoo any style with less frustration, get a Hawink tattoo pen. It lines, shades, and colors reliably. You can focus on technique instead of tuning. And if you later want to try coils, you will already understand needle depth and hand speed from the pen practice.

For the current pricing and availability on any of these machines, grab the code to check the latest price and save 10 percent on your order.

Final Verdict for Beginners

We recommend the Hawink tattoo pen as your first tattoo machine. It is easier to learn on, requires less setup, and produces consistent results from day one. Coil machines are classic tools that still excel at specific tasks, but they are harder to master. Start with a pen, build your muscle memory, and add a coil later if your style calls for it.

Questions

Is a tattoo pen or coil machine better for a beginner?

A tattoo pen is easier for most beginners because it is lighter, quieter, and requires no tuning. Coil machines are harder to master but still preferred by some traditional artists.

Can I use the same tattoo needle cartridges with a pen and a coil machine?

Yes. Standard tattoo cartridges fit both rotary pen machines and coil machines that accept cartridge grips. Just make sure your coil machine has a cartridge-compatible grip.

What voltage should I set on my tattoo machine for lining?

Most Hawink pen machines line well between 7.0 and 8.5 volts. Start at 7.5 and adjust up or down depending on how the needle moves and the skin response on practice skin.

Do I need a tattoo machine kit or can I buy just the machine?

A tattoo machine kit is better for a beginner because it includes the power supply, foot pedal, and cartridges. Buying just the machine means you have to source compatible parts separately.

How do I clean a coil tattoo gun after use?

Disassemble the tube and needle assembly, rinse with warm water, and use an ultrasonic cleaner or autoclave for sterilization. Disposable cartridge setups require less cleaning.

What size round liner tattoo needles should a beginner start with?

Start with a 3RL for fine lines and a 5RL or 7RL for thicker outlines. Practicing with these three sizes will cover most flash designs and lettering.