Which tattoo machine is the one for you? FK Irons Comparison | Review

[@garcia2917]

i have a flux and a exo 3.2, it's crazy how powerful those motors are. even the 3.2 has a harder hit than some of the other 4.0 machines i have owned. I like them both but from my personal experience i think the 3.2 actually packs black and color a little faster than the flux. The flux is still better for running super bold lines though. I would definitely recommend the exo 3.2 if your undecided about what to get.

[@peterjohnporrata4866]

how about the flux max 3.2 over the EXO 3.2

[@peterjohnporrata4866]

Is it the Flux Max 3.2 you are talking a about or Just the flux?

[@georgeskeyrouz608]

Man the flux max exo and the flux are all the same machine with a little change with the shape only the batteries has a screen on the max wich is not important for me.. so they are the same

[@VictorMendoza-oz4fz]

What voltage do you run for lining and shading on the 3.2

[@CHUEYINK]

I use a 2.5 Cheyenne Spirit with SHORT TAPER needles (Envy Traditional Carts) to pack color. (7-7.5V) I get the smoothest and best healing tattoos I've ever had in my career. I use a wand Packer (6-7V Always) to do my Grey Wash with Bug Pin needles #10/#08. My tattoos are healing freaking amazing.

[@ThatTattooShow]

At one time I used to do everything with the cheyenne spirit sort from big lines. They are great for colour work and black and grey although I’ve always preferred the shorter stroke for black and grey tbh. The packer is nice but I’ve only used it a couple of times for black and grey. I’ll give it a whirl at 6v and see what it’s like :)

[@everaldobarbosa3189]

what is the best pen machine that exists today ?

[@richardtaylor4999]

Hello guys, what do you guys think … wich one should i buy as a beginner 3.2 or 4.0 ? Till now I mostly do lettering and lining, didn’t get the chance for shading yet.. thx for your help :)

[@ThatTattooShow]

That’s totally up to you tbh. What machine are you currently using and what’s the stroke length? The 4.0 is good for lining and especially the larger groupings.

[@Yougot6dollarsbro7]

The Flux 4.0 has been perfect for me to do everything. By far the best machine I’ve ever used.

[@VictorMendoza-oz4fz]

What voltage do you run for lining and shading on the flux

[@shaggyterrell8460]

I have the Flux and the Exo 2.5, I think it’s a perfect all around combo. You definitely helped out in that decision. Thanks! I just wish they would sell that Exo grip separately for Flux Sake!

[@ThatTattooShow]

Great to hear!

[@Lovegun.]

I have the flux also and am looking for a combo machine to do different things. I mostly do black and grey realism and some colour realism. You the 3.2 would be the better choice over the 2.5??? Thanx in Advance man!

[@karlojuratic]

Wich one for all rounder, Im doing a lot of micro with 1RL, scripts and plynesian. Pls can you help with advice

[@hackbulyhackbuly6480]

hi, do you recommend the 3.2 stroke tattoo pen or the 4 stroke

[@ThatTattooShow]

It depends what you want to do with it. You can do everything with the 4.0

[@sofidoes]

Hey. Cool explanation video! What stroke would you recommend for whip shading? And if I’m working with 3RL a lot, but also other limers sizes

[@ThatTattooShow]

Depends really on hand speed and how low you run the machine. Maybe 3.2 or 4.0

[@sofidoes]

@@ThatTattooShow thank you for the answer! I’m really in between two choices, I am afraid 4 mm could damage the skin but on the other hand maybe lowering the voltage would make it safer to use. My current machine is 3.5 but it happens a lot that I can’t make the lines solid from the first try

[@gegtattoo7119]

Thank you, great help..also from the comments!

[@ThatTattooShow]

You're welcome!

[@inktensive1584]

Do I have to lube this machine?

[@yyyy2999]

What is the drive mechanism inside the flux and exo? Is it a direct drive or is it a swash plate?

[@ThatTattooShow]

its direct drive. p

[@BGDTattoo]

Hey, would the spektra xion disposable grips fit the exo?

[@ThatTattooShow]

No it wouldn’t but they have disposable grips for the exo now.

[@pawkee913]

Can I use the same battery pack exo 3.2 and flux 4.0

[@ThatTattooShow]

Yes any flux, exo or flux S can use the power bolt, power bolt + or their rca module

[@WhatWaitWHAT-ft5kv]

Hey man, great videos, i am doing dark art and heavy black work, with some stipple shading parts currently i am using Vlad blad ultron pen 3,5 mm stroke, and i wanna try this FK irone one with 4 mm stroke, would you recomendred it for my type of work? thank you i am kinda new to all of this

[@ThatTattooShow]

4mm would be ok for that yeah.

[@angelosalavessa7148]

Hello there!! First of all, great content!! Could you help me with an advice? I just tattoo black and gray realism, do you think I work better with the flux or exo 3.2*

[@ThatTattooShow]

I think Exo. Let's see what Chris has to say. p

[@joshua.jones.tattoos]

I may be little late to get an answer. But I have been using a Valhalla and mainly use the 3.8 stroke. I do mainly smooth black and grey with it. But lining and color as well. I never move from the 3.8 BUT I want an exo crazy bad. And if I could I'd grab the 4.0 and 2.5 but just can't spread myself that thin. I'm having a hard time deciding which stroke to get to be the most versatile. Cause I do a little of everything. But mostly smooth black and gray.

[@ThatTattooShow]

Maybe look at getting the 3.2? Or stick with the Valhalla if it does the job.

[@peterjohnporrata4866]

how about the flux max 3.2 over the EXO 3.2

[@ThatTattooShow]

They are going to be the exact same apart from the grip size, the extra couple of mm on the thread and the power bolt 2. So not much point in doing a comparison. It’s like comparing a vw golf with a vw golf that has a digital dash. ;)

[@peterjohnporrata4866]

@@ThatTattooShow thank you my friend. Thanks for the advise this is why I follow you.

[@andreshernandeznieto9958]

Ok ok my question is?? This machine its good for a solid line?? Like 7rl or 9l 0.35 for fast line japanese style ?? Thanks

[@ThatTattooShow]

Depends which stroke length. I have had no issue pushing 18rs with the 4.0 exo/flux. 9rl I use regularly with the flux and it’s fine.

[@dennischavez8746]

Oh well, i have a xion which i use with the longest stroke and no give amd still feel it smooth and soft machine so its brilliant for my black and gray. Im looking for a good color packer, tried tje exo 3.2 stroke and it lovely packed the color quick and less passes so now i just ordered one. I was tempted to get the 4mm stroke because i have a quick hand but i wamna see how i feel with this exo for some time….motor is powerful definitely!… Also ive been wondering how the bishop wand is compared with the exo, does someone know? I havent tried it yet but i love the way its less heavy than the exo

[@thendo6468]

What stroke length do you recommend for a novice?

[@ThatTattooShow]

4.0 or 4.2 and 2.5 or 3.0 The 4.0 or 4.2 for line work and colour packing The 2.5 or 3.0 for colour blending and shading.

[@haiderart.tat2]

Hi mate i have flux 4.0 m and am realism black and gray artist and sometimes colour as well. I have the flux more than year and half and i like to change do u advice me to buy exo and sell the flux or stay on flux ?

[@ThatTattooShow]

It depends on how you tattoo and what effect you want to achieve. Some people can use a 4mm stroke machine and do everything with it. Others find a shorter stroke allows you to achieve a smoother shade. If you aren’t having any issues with the flux then I’d stick with it.

[@nicklimpz]

Love the 4.0mm for pretty much everything ‘ smooth black n grey and color realism and anime as well :) i did buy the 3.2 but i get better saturation and smooth blends with the 4.0 tho ! Overal very good machines🔥

[@elliotgregory556]

thanks for your post mate. would you say there's a noticeable difference between the stroke lengths when it comes to lining? looking to get the 4.0 Exo, been working with a 3.2 X1

[@nicklimpz]

@@elliotgregory556 i would say yes, this is personal ofcourse but for me the 3.2 felt very soft . The 4.0 still isn’t that hard of a hitter compared to other machines but for me it’s the best one and the most versatile. If you learn to use your speed and pressure you can achive anything with it. If you like layering 3.2 might be slighlty better

[@elliotgregory556]

@@nicklimpz thank you mate

[@DrawLifeOFFICIAL]

@@elliotgregory556 I use 4.0 flux to make solid black more fast and cheyenne unlimited 3.5 with the sensitive mode to create more smooth shading . I don't like 4.0 to make smooth shading cuz I can see the texture of the needle when I took picture of my work so I that is the reason why I use 3.5 to make more smooth and 4.0 to make deep black ( b n g works only ) in color or lettering I use just full 4.0

[@andreshernandeznieto9958]

@@DrawLifeOFFICIAL and for lining??

[@ВалерияСобко-р1д]

Hello, thank you very much for the video, it was helpful) but still I have a question, I am a beginner tattoo artist and I want to work with a mixture of styles, but with an emphasis on color realism. What will be better for me Exo or Flux and 2.5, 3.2 or 4.0? I will be very grateful for your help)

[@ВалерияСобко-р1д]

but I tend to go with Flux max the most, do you think I'd be better off with 3.3, 4.0 or 4.5?

[@ThatTattooShow]

Either 3.2 or 4.0 I would say. It’s all down to what you are more comfortable using really.

[@walkinggod]

Should I get a flux 4.0 or the exo 4.0? What do you think

[@ThatTattooShow]

They are the same machine, just different size grips

[@walkinggod]

@@ThatTattooShow yeah I was going for the exo because of the grip and I wanted to know if there is any difference, when is not I will get the flux. I have a Xion and a spektra totally new if someone wants contact me 😬

[@S1KRR_Rider88]

Flux and a exo 2.5 perfect combo, Plus every “ real “ tattoo artist needs two machines at least right ?

[@chaostattoos4229]

Just curious on what speed do you guys use the flux to run lines shade and or color? Seems 10 for lining is used a lot bur i prefer 8v running it a little slower. Gret word again 👊🏻😋

[@ThatTattooShow]

I’ve never run mine at 10 volts tbh. I usually line around 8-8.5. (Chris)

[@nicklimpz]

8v for pretty much everything

[@blackflag6056]

also around 8-8.5 for everything.. Also checking to see how other people use it :)

[@chaostattoos4229]

@@blackflag6056 8/8,5 works fine for me wirh cheyenne and really sharp needles but al depends on type of needles and thicknes i think.

[@chaostattoos4229]

I just tryed magic moon 11rs and the swirly cheyenne 7r i think im in love.😂

[@Inkbyjeremy]

Do you have an email I can email you at for a question I need help with trying to figure out how to do stipple shading with a 3 liner kwadron needle ? Do I turn my battery up higher and do I hang the needle out more ??? HELP LOL

[@Us_and_themm]

Run your machine slower 😬

[@ThatTattooShow]

Stipple shading is achieved by running a long stroke powerful machine very, very slowly. You need a machine with some 'guts' otherwise your stippling will look more like B&G once it's healed. I will answer this question on the show - it'll be episode 43. Look out for it. Our email: [e-mail] - p

[@SaS-wn3dm]

Flux Max 4.0 for color realism ?

[@ThatTattooShow]

You could do everything with the flux max 4.0 tbh.

[@alialmawla8104]

@@ThatTattooShowalso with the exo 4.0 stroke?

[@BlackThistleTattoo]

Hello Chris, please help me Obi wan kinobi - can you help me out with the bats on these, cause mine seem to drain sitting idol. Is this because of the bluetooth? if bluetooth is left on does the battery drain, cause Ive charged both full, after tattooing went to get second one (Im convinced fully charged, just to find it has no power in the bolt. Also since the firware update, I dont get any warning ie red light display letting me know battery is running low. Now it just powers off no warning. Hope you can help me with my battery issues. cheers

[@ThatTattooShow]

Hi James. So hopefully I can answer this for you. I’ve spoken to FK Irons about this issue as I’m also noticing my battery drains faster than usual when it’s not in use. They are aware of the issue and are working on fixing it in a new firmware update. it is possible that it’s caused due to the battery always being on and Bluetooth always being on. That being said lithium ion batteries do deplete when not in use, but it shouldn’t be as fast. One thing you can do to maintain the battery from depleting overnight etc is… Press and hold the power button until the lights scroll to the red light. Release when it’s on the red light, this puts it into shipping mode which means the device is completely switched off. When you want to turn it back on just plug your usb into it and it reactivates the power bolt. This method will prevent your battery from depleting when it’s not in use, while they work on the firmware update etc. I’ve been doing and have noticed a considerable difference. The red warning light, I’ll be honest with you I haven’t noticed that ok my machines but I’ll keep an eye out. I’m sure it will be sorted in the firmware update. I’m waiting on FK to give me some more info then I’ll be making a video for everyone.

[@BlackThistleTattoo]

@@ThatTattooShow Thank you ma man, thank you for asking the big wigs at FK lol cheers Yea last night I switched off both batts from bluetooth, turned one 100% off (ship mode redlight) sounds like a sailors dream that for ladies of the night lol Anyhoo your advice is good and thankfully Im on the same thinking as you, was going nuts there about it. We bit frustrating and was gonna look into sending bolts for service, but al hold off n patiently wait for firmware update. Thank god for Critical batts eh, whack it on the Sol nova and all my problems gone lol well all except the the chip technology is from the 80s and there is no memory banks ie number 1, 6.5 volts, mem 2, 8.7 vots and mem 3, 10 volts. Instead of prehistorically holding a button all the way from 10 volts beep beep beep to 5.5 volts. We moan so easily these days lol, not a big deal but it 2021 and to have mem slots would be so cool, like the Venom power supply had. Gees I didnt mean this to be so long a text dude. But cheers for all your help and if yo can give Critical wee wisper in their ear, that would be great. Cheers

[@thedutchplan3061]

I have the same problem with my flux. i ask Fk and they said to me "send the machine to us" I'm from Colombia and this is my only machine, they are so great with their clients to. I asked if I can do a downgrade of the firmware myself and they told me I can't haha. So, yeah, the best solution is the "shipping mode" and wait for the firmware update ( hope they don't take a long time for realizing ) and if you have the money go for another powerbolt in the meanwhile

[@thedutchplan3061]

Oh! Also I notice with this firmware problem that the battery when is running in like 50% 40% charge, lose power, is not the same strength that when is fully charged :(

[@lerchvin1630]

Good video, thanks man

[@STY-HVY]

How can I make my 3.2 a 2.5

[@ThatTattooShow]

You have to buy the 2.5 machine

[@STY-HVY]

@@ThatTattooShow lol….dam Thank you

[@STY-HVY]

@@ThatTattooShow love your content I appreciate you

[@ThatTattooShow]

They have started selling all the modules etc separately. So you don’t have to buy the “full machine”

[@ThatTattooShow]

www.darklab.com/collections/modular-collection

[@Glug21]

I contacted Fk irons. I was told they don't sell the grips or the rca top off the exo as a stand alone purchase. Its a shame really. Thanks for info Chris always enjoy watching this channel .

[@ThatTattooShow]

I know the flux grip is coming soon. So I can imagine it’s all in production. I’ll check with them about what’s coming out and roughly when etc. Thanks for watching 🤘🤘

[@Morgenink]

Great video

[@ThatTattooShow]

Thanks!

[@mindlesscreator655]

Great review

[@ilyagarulin6096]

Hello, great video! What do you think, for whipshading and dotwork should i go with the Exo 3.2 or FK Spectra Xion?

[@ThatTattooShow]

Hi, so that would depend on what type of machine you are used to using. I like both the exo and the xion. For whip shading though I go with a longer stroke and run it lower. If you got the xion I do believe it comes with a 3.2 and a 3.7mm cam so you can experiment with the different stroke lengths.

[@BlackThistleTattoo]

Oh by the way, I seen review on the Inkjecta flite X1 and looks like you aint gonna like the Faff of this machine.

[@ThatTattooShow]

I’ve used the flite x1 and have to say I was disappointed with it. If I can borrow one I’ll do a video

[@BlackThistleTattoo]

@@ThatTattooShow yea from what Ive seen on youtube they have missed the mark on this one.

[@dwaynewayne7176]

💯

[@SaS-wn3dm]

Give me honest reviews about Fkirons 😅😅 anyone had any issues ?

[@ThatTattooShow]

Honestly the only issues I’ve had with my machine is the battery draining when it’s not in use. I dropped the machine and now it sounds loud but that’s the bearings in the motors. Other than that I’ve not had any issues and used it daily since it was released (chris)