Neuma Tattoo Machines Stand Out with True Variability and Performance
Most rotary tattoo machines have little variation, either within their own function or when compared to other machines. In fact, many use the same motors, battery cells, and drive components. They are essentially repackaged and rebranded versions of the same machine.
What sets Neuma tattoo machines apart is its true versatility and variability. For example, one specific motor (we won’t name names) is commonly found in about a dozen different tattoo machine brands. It’s a simple, flat, low-speed motor with a basic drive shaft that pushes the needle cartridge plunger. There’s nothing particularly special about it, at least not special enough to warrant being cloned by so many brands. While brands will often market features like hard hit versus soft hit, the motor itself has a fixed torque output. Since it cannot increase torque, their software is simply limiting the output rather than increasing it.
Similarly, multiple brands claim to offer an adjustable stroke tattoo machine, but in reality, the cam of a standard rotary tattoo machine cannot be adjusted to achieve a longer or shorter stroke because it is fixed.
True Stroke Variability
What these brands are actually doing is limiting its stroke length rather than truly adjusting it. For example, if a tattoo machine is advertised with a stroke range of 2.5mm to 4.5mm with multiple steps in between, the truth is that it has a fixed 4.5mm stroke. The offset dial simply allows you to restrict the stroke length down to 2.5mm if desired. However, the actual stroke length remains unchanged, making it no different than adjusting the needle exposure out of the tip of your cartridge.
Neuma addresses the need for multiple stroke options by building true stroke variability into the cam itself. This means that when a tattoo artist wants to switch from a 3.6mm to a 4.2mm stroke, all they need to do is swap out the cam, and the tattoo machine’s stroke length physically changes. Unlike other tattoo machines that simply limit a 4.2mm stroke down to 3.6mm, Neuma’s design actually alters the stroke length of the mechanism to 3.6mm.
This distinction matters because different stroke lengths move at different speeds. For example, when comparing a 3.6mm stroke to a 4.2mm stroke using the same motor and mechanism, the 3.6mm stroke allows the artist to work at a higher speed with less time between needle hits. This is particularly useful when doing linework.
The Problem With “Adjustable” Stroke Lengths
In contrast, so-called adjustable stroke tattoo machines are actually fixed at the longest stroke length available, with an adjustment dial that simply limits that available throw. However, limiting stroke length does not reduce the forces placed on the motor, nor does it change the speeds of the motor or between cycles. A true 2.5mm stroke machine would naturally experience less time between cycles and less radial force on the motor shaft than an “adjustable” 2.5-4.5mm stroke machine, meaning machines that rely on limiters to adjust stroke lengths put unnecessary strain on the motor.
At Neuma, we know that true variable stroke cams, where stroke length is actually changed rather than restricted, offer superior performance over so-called “adjustable” stroke length machines. Instead of relying on a single stroke that’s merely dialed down, Neuma gives tattoo artists genuine control over their machine’s function.
True Variable Stroke Tattoo Machines vs. Other High-End Brands
Since most high-end tattoo machine designers know this, they do not offer adjustable stroke length machines. This is another key factor that sets Neuma apart.
When comparing Neuma tattoo machines to other high-end tattoo machines, if a tattoo artist wants to use both a 3.6mm stroke and a 4.2mm stroke, other brands require them to buy two separate tattoo machines, one for each stroke length.
With a Neuma tattoo machine, the only component needed to adjust stroke length is the cam. This allows for truly varying your stroke length by simply swapping out a $35 part. Tattoo artists can switch between a short and long stroke in seconds, without the need for tools, at a fraction of the cost of purchasing an entirely separate tattoo machine.
The Only Variable Stroke Profile System
Stroke profile is the most advanced feature of Neuma tattoo machines, because it alters the machine’s function in ways no other brand can offer. Our patented variable stroke profiles allow you to instantly switch between liner, shader, blender, or packer—without the use of tools. Our packer cam functions similarly to any other rotary tattoo machine’s cam in terms of its stroke profile. Like all other rotaries, it is the slowest-moving cam cycle, making it great for packing and slower hand movements, but not so great for lining or other effects that require faster hand movements.
Effectively, every rotary tattoo machine, except for Neuma, is limited to this slower application approach. This is why rotary tattoo machines are generally not known for being great liners and often feel as though an artist has to wait for the machine. Neuma frees artists up to move at whatever speed works best for them.
Unmatched Customization and Performance
What truly makes Neuma tattoo machines special is the ability to swap between multiple cam stroke lengths and stroke profiles within seconds. This makes it the ultimate tattoo machine, perfectly suited for any artist, any style, and any tattooing approach, hand speed, or method.
For most tattoo artists, our standard-issue 3.6mm cam set, paired with the Neuma 5 FLEX with the Modus motor, is all they’ll ever need. However, for those who want an extra layer of variability and fine-tuning, we also offer variable bearing arms that double as a flywheel, available in both brass and aluminum. Since brass is about three times heavier than aluminum, using an aluminum bearing arm reduces the force behind each needle hit, resulting in a softer, more delicate impact.
Another layer of variability is that we offer two motor variations, something you won’t find with any other tattoo machine manufacturer. Most brands provide only one motor option (often the same motor across multiple models), the same lower-power motor and drive bar—no cam, no stroke profile, and no true stroke length variability.
Neuma, on the other hand, comes standard with our Modus motor, which delivers more than double the power and under-load speed of competing tattoo machines. But if that’s not enough, we also offer the Macro motor, which puts out more than triple the power of other high-end tattoo machines.
For veteran tattoo artists who know exactly what they want and aim to work as efficiently as possible, the Macro motor is the ultimate choice. It packs ink faster than any other machine, lays down crisp, clean lines effortlessly, and does so within a well-balanced design that incorporates all of Neuma’s advanced features—stroke profiles, bearing arms, and true stroke length variability.
Advanced Battery System
To top it all off, we offer compatibility with Critical’s magnetic battery interface, giving you the market’s four best battery variations to choose from.
First, there’s the Prime variation which is an affordable, high-power-density option with minimal features. It does exactly what you need: turns your tattoo machine on and off, adjusts power up and down, and lasts as long as possible while keeping costs low. Next, the V2 offers additional features, including Bluetooth connectivity for foot switches and other Critical Bluetooth products. Then there’s the V3, Critical’s flagship model. It features a full screen, two presets, an extensive menu with variable settings, a jumpstart on/off function, a timer, a session calculator and more. For those prioritizing weight and balance, there’s the V2 Shorty, an affordable, compact option that is one-third shorter than their other batteries. It not only reduces weight but also optimally centers it better than any other option. With Neuma 5 FLEX, you get the most advanced battery technology on the market, four distinct battery choices, and unmatched versatility—making it the most flexible tattoo machine available.
Flexible Direct Drive
Our drive system has been fine-tuned to tolerances within five-thousandths of an inch, ensuring zero slop or play. This means your needle plunger moves in a perfectly linear motion with no side-to-side movement, delivering consistent, effortlessly precise needle punctures.
We also offer two spring variations for those who prefer to run their tattoo machine at very slow speeds. You can use the lightweight spring, or if you want to run your Neuma 5 tattoo machine as slowly as possible, you can remove the spring entirely and rely solely on the cartridge’s spring tension. This allows the tattoo machine to run friction-free, pushing only against the resistance of the cartridge. The result? Improved energy transfer from the motor to the needle tip—an innovation only available with Neuma tattoo machines and exclusive to Neuma 5 FLEX.
Warranty and Serviceability
All of our machines come with a warranty and are fully serviceable. So, even if your machine is damaged, you can send it to us for repairs and servicing.
Neuma isn’t just another tattoo machine, it’s a revolution in precision, power, and true versatility. Elevate your craft with the only tattoo machine designed to adapt to you.
