The New Advanced Battery from Critical and Bishop: A Game-Changer for Tattoo Artists?
Introduction
Critical and Bishop has just unveiled their brand-new advanced battery, and let me tell you, it's packed with upgrades that are sure to enhance your tattooing experience. If you're already familiar with their Power wand machines, you're going to want to pay attention to this one. But even if you haven’t used their batteries before, this new release might just convince you to make the switch. Keep reading, and I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the new advanced battery.
What’s New with the Advanced Battery?
So, what’s different with this new version compared to the previous model? Well, quite a bit! For starters, Critical and Bishop has stepped up their game by increasing the battery capacity, offering up to 15 hours of battery life with the standard version and 6 hours with the shorty version, depending on usage. That’s a huge improvement over the last model, giving tattoo artists a longer run time between charges, which is crucial during long sessions.
Hertz Reader for Better Speed Feedback
One of the standout features of this new battery is the addition of a Hertz reader. This is a really useful tool for artists who want more precise feedback on the speed of their machines. If you're using one of the Power wand machines, this feature will be especially valuable. It allows you to gauge the machine's speed accurately, which can be incredibly important, as voltages don’t always equate to consistent machine speed. The Hertz reader offers a better way to monitor your machine’s performance and adjust accordingly.
You can access this feature through a sub-menu, where you’ll select which Power wand machine you're using, and the battery will adjust its readings to match. While this feature is currently only compatible with Power wand machines, there’s a possibility that Critical Ambition could expand compatibility to other machines in the future. Fingers crossed!
Improved Display and Features
Another key upgrade is the large TFT (Thin Film Transistor) color display. This vibrant, easy-to-read screen not only shows your machine's speed and battery life, but it also offers two voltage preset options. This means you can quickly switch between your preferred settings without having to manually adjust everything during a session.
Additionally, the new battery offers the option to turn the Jumpstart feature on or off. Jumpstart is a great tool if you’re looking for a burst of power when you begin tattooing, and now you can choose whether or not to activate it based on your needs.
One of my personal favorite features is the session tracking and billing system. This allows you to accurately track your session times and calculate pricing based on your runtime. This is a game-changer for artists who bill clients by the hour or need detailed session records for their work. It makes invoicing and client communication a whole lot easier, ensuring you get paid what you're worth.
Compatibility and Design Changes
Despite all the cool new features, one change you’ll want to be aware of is the update to the magnetic connection design. The new battery has ball bearings inside that allow the backplate to snap into place more securely. While this is a great improvement for the overall connection, it does mean that newer Bishop machines won’t be backward compatible with older batteries. However, the new advanced battery will still work with older machines, so no worries there!
On the bright side, the battery is still compatible with the universal dock from the Power wand set, so if you already own one of their docks, you won’t need to upgrade. Charging is also made easier with the USB Type-C charging cable, which is a standard and widely used connection.
Performance: Does It Deliver?
Now, let’s talk performance. In my experience, the Critical and Bishop advanced battery delivers the same consistent, clean power that we've come to expect from Critical batteries. There’s no noticeable difference in power output—whether you’re using it for short sessions or longer ones, it keeps the machine running smoothly and reliably until the battery is drained.
The 33% increased battery life is definitely a big selling point here, and it’s great to see that they’ve found a way to extend the runtime while keeping the overall performance intact. That extra bit of battery life can be a lifesaver during long days when you’re doing back-to-back tattoos.
What Could Be Improved?
If I had to suggest a small improvement, it would be to make the Hertz feedback feature available to more machines. While the Power wand machines are currently supported, having broader compatibility with more tattoo machines would make this battery an even more versatile option for a wider range of artists. However, I’m not holding my breath for this to happen anytime soon, as it would likely require the collaboration of various manufacturers in the tattoo industry.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I’m really impressed with the new Critical and Bishop advanced battery. With its longer battery life, better feedback through the Hertz reader, and session tracking features, it’s clear that Critical and Bishop is focused on improving the artist’s experience. While there are a few limitations with compatibility and updates, the battery still performs at a high level, and it’s definitely a worthy upgrade over its predecessor.
For tattoo artists looking for reliable performance, extended battery life, and features that help streamline the business side of things (like accurate session tracking and billing), this advanced battery could be the perfect addition to your toolkit.
