Mast Archer Ultra Tattoo Machine Review: The All-Rounder for Tattoo Artists?
When it comes to tattoo machines, finding the right one can make all the difference between a great tattoo and a frustrating experience. Recently, I had the chance to try out the Mast Archer Ultra, one of the latest machines from Dragon Hawk Workshop. With its wireless design, powerful motor, and innovative features, the Mast Archer Ultra aims to cater to a variety of tattooing needs. In this blog, I’ll dive deep into everything you need to know about the machine, from its design and performance to the pros and cons.
Design and Build
The Mast Archer Ultra features a sleek, precision-cut structure designed for minimal vibration and quiet operation. This seamless design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s built to provide a comfortable and stable tattooing experience. Weighing in at 217g, the machine is light enough to handle for long sessions without causing hand fatigue, yet heavy enough to maintain stability.
One notable aspect of the machine is its wireless functionality, making it a great option for those who prefer a clutter-free workspace. It’s also designed to work well with barrier film and cohesive bandages, ensuring smooth handling during your tattoo sessions.
Motor and Stroke Length
At the heart of the Mast Archer Ultra is a high-efficiency brushless M-core motor designed for maximum power stability. The machine features a 4.5mm stroke, which is ideal for a range of techniques, including lining, shading, and color packing. While a 4.5mm stroke can sometimes be a bit long for certain styles, the motor is relatively soft, allowing for smoother use and minimal skin trauma. This makes it a great all-around machine for those who want to tackle different tattooing styles with ease.
Power and Charging
The Mast Archer Ultra comes with a 2300 mAh battery, which offers around 6.5 hours of tattooing time, depending on the voltage you run the machine at. Charging is quick — about an hour and a half for a full charge, or just 10 minutes for approximately 1 hour of use. This quick charging feature ensures that you won’t be left without a charged machine in the middle of a session.
However, one downside to the machine is that the battery is non-removable. This means you’ll need to remember to charge it during breaks or consider investing in a second machine for longer sessions. The inability to swap out the battery could be a deal-breaker for some, especially if you’re working long hours without the luxury of taking breaks.
User Experience and Control
The Mast Archer Ultra offers multiple ways to control the machine. It comes with a touchscreen on both the tattoo machine itself and the power supply unit. This allows you to adjust the voltage and switch between modes with a simple tap or swipe. The touch response is quick, and I found it easy to use, even with barrier film applied.
The machine also features a built-in session timer, a useful tool for keeping track of your tattooing time. The touchscreen is not affected by the barrier film, which is a nice touch, ensuring that you can control the machine without interruption. Another perk is that you can access the motor to change the cam or clean the inside of the machine, which helps with maintenance and upkeep.
Comfort and Handling
Although the grip design of the Mast Archer Ultra might not seem the most ergonomic, it’s surprisingly comfortable once wrapped. I didn’t notice any discomfort or hand fatigue during use, even in longer sessions. The balance and weight distribution of the machine help ensure that you can work for extended periods without strain. This is important for professional tattoo artists who spend hours on their feet and working with the machine.
Performance: What’s It Good For?
The 4.5mm stroke of the Mast Archer Ultra is versatile, and I found it suitable for a range of tattooing techniques. It excels at line work, color packing, fine lines, and stipple shading. While I initially thought that a 4.5mm stroke might be too long for certain tasks, the soft motor made it manageable, and the machine performed well across various applications. If you're looking for an all-around machine, the Mast Archer Ultra could be a strong contender.
Additional Features and Accessories
The Mast Archer Ultra comes with a magnetic charging dock and an additional control unit that allows you to control the power supply via Bluetooth. The dock not only charges the machine but also houses the power supply, which can be used to power other tattoo machines via an RCA cable. While I personally didn’t find myself using the app or the control unit regularly, these are nice features for those who like to have additional control and flexibility in their setup.
Pros and Cons
Here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons of the Mast Archer Ultra:
Pros:
Lightweight and comfortable to use for long sessions.
Wireless design for a cleaner workspace.
High-efficiency brushless motor provides stable power.
Fast charging (10 minutes = 1 hour of use).
Touchscreen controls for easy voltage adjustments.
Seamless design minimizes vibration for a smoother tattooing experience.
Cons:
Non-removable battery, meaning you’ll need to remember to charge it or invest in a second machine for longer sessions.
No disposable grips available at the time of this review.
Uncertain long-term lifespan and durability, as this is a newer machine on the market.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I’ve found the Mast Archer Ultra to be a solid, versatile tattoo machine that’s easy to use, comfortable to handle, and performs well across a range of techniques. While it’s not perfect — the non-removable battery and lack of disposable grips are notable drawbacks — it still holds its own against some of the bigger names in the industry. At a price of around £479.20 (exclusive of VAT and shipping), it offers great value for those looking for an all-around machine.
If you’re in the market for a reliable, wireless tattoo machine with plenty of features and solid performance, the Mast Archer Ultra is definitely worth considering. While I personally didn’t use all the additional accessories, it’s still a machine I would feel comfortable using daily in my tattooing work.
