Meet Our Best-Selling Tattoo Machine: Neuma 5 FLEX
Our most popular model right now is the Neuma 5 FLEX wireless, paired with a Modus motor in a 3.6mm stroke. With all of our machines, you first select your preferred model, then choose the motor that best suits your needs. The Modus motor takes its name from the Latin phrase modus operandi, meaning “a standard or normal mode of operation”—and that’s exactly how we see it: the go-to choice for most tattoo artists. The only difference between the Modus and the Macro version is the motor itself. Macro, derived from Latin meaning “great” or “large,” delivers 50% more power than the Modus, offering higher torque and faster speeds while maintaining the same mechanical system and features. We generally recommend the Modus as the best all-around option, balancing fine detail and delicate application with double the power of the average pen-style rotary tattoo machine on the market.
Tailored Ergonomics
The Neuma 5 FLEX tattoo machine, like the rest of our lineup, offers a wide variety of configurations to help tattoo artists fine-tune their setup. It’s feature-rich, with options that allow for customization based on personal preference and ergonomics. Grip size and material, for example, can make a big difference in comfort and control, adapting to different hand shapes and sizes. If you have larger hands, the 40mm grip is a great choice, and many tattoo artists find that bigger grips provide better control at the needle tip. On the other hand, some prefer a smaller grip, whether due to smaller hands or because they use a foam grip cover. Our smallest grip is designed to accommodate foam covers without excessive stretching, making it a popular choice for those who want extra cushioning.
Steel Grips for Stability
Another option available for all of our tattoo machines are steel grips. Steel is about three times heavier than aluminum, and by concentrating that weight as low as possible (close to the needle cartridge) you lower the tattoo machine’s center of gravity. This shifts the weight to the lower half of the machine, reducing strain on the top of your wrist and keeping the weight balanced in your hand. The result is greater stability, which is especially beneficial for lining and other precision techniques. Many tattoo artists also find that with a steel grip, they can loosen their grip on the tattoo machine, allowing its weight to drive the needle rather than relying on hand pressure. While it may seem counterintuitive, having additional weight in the right location can actually improve endurance over time, since the steel grip reduces the need to squeeze the grip.
Balanced and Lightweight Design
The Neuma 5 FLEX weighs about 200 grams with the aluminum 33mm grip. This weight can vary depending on the grip size and material you choose when configuring your tattoo machine. A key focus in the design of every Neuma tattoo machine is the placement of its center of gravity, and the Modus is a prime example, with its center of gravity positioned as low as possible. This thoughtful balance minimizes wrist fatigue and helps reduce long-term strain on the body, making longer tattoo sessions more comfortable. When paired with the Critical V2 Shorty battery, which is both lighter and shorter, the overall weight decreases and the center of gravity shifts even lower. This combination makes the Neuma 5 FLEX as close to perfection as a tattoo machine can get.
Battery Compatibility
The Neuma 5 FLEX is compatible with all of Critical’s battery options, giving you a range of configurations to suit your needs. This includes the V3 battery, which features a full-screen display and all the latest tech, the V2 full-size and Shorty batteries, and the Prime Battery, offering high power density at a reduced cost.
Customizable Stroke Length
Neuma 5 FLEX tattoo machines come with four different cams in your chosen stroke length. We offer both 3.6mm and 4.2mm stroke lengths, and whichever you choose, you’ll receive all four stroke profiles (20%, 28%, 33%, 40%). This allows you to fine-tune your tattoo machine for lining, shading, packing, or blending techniques. The cam in the Neuma tattoo system is the sole determining factor in our mechanism that sets the stroke length. In other words, if you purchase a Neuma 5 FLEX with a 3.6mm stroke, you can buy a 4.2mm cam separately. This allows you to convert your machine from 3.6mm and 4.2mm strokes without the need for any tools, at a fraction of the cost of a second machine.
Adjustable Impact
The Neuma 5 FLEX, like our other machines, allows you to adjust how hard or soft it hits by changing the flywheel bearing arm. Each machine comes standard with a brass bearing arm, providing smooth, stable, and powerful performance—ideal for most tattoo artists. However, if you prefer a softer hit, an aluminum bearing arm is available, which reduces the impact force of the needle on the skin.
Industry-Leading Performance
With rated (under load) speeds that are up to three times faster than the competition, and rated torque that triple and, in some cases, quadruple the competition, Neuma tattoo machines stand unrivaled.
Designed for Professional Tattoo Artists
What sets Neuma machines apart from the competition and makes them so popular among professional tattoo artists is their unmatched versatility in both ergonomic feel and mechanical function. With Neuma, you can fine-tune your machine to match your exact needs and preferences, something not offered by other tattoo machine brands. Another key advantage is the ability to line as effectively with a rotary pen machine as you could with a coil machine. Many artists use a Neuma machine specifically for this reason, as they struggle to achieve the same quality of lines with other rotary machines. On top of that, the ability to switch your machine from a liner to a shader or color packer in seconds is a unique feature that no other machine on the market can match.
Configure Your Perfect Machine
Know exactly what you want? You can configure your machine in the machine configurator to your exact preferences.
Hear From The Pros
Check out these artists’ input related to the Neuma 5 FLEX tattoo machine.
