Spektra Halo vs Centri?

**Patrick** · 08-26-2012, 11:41 PM

So, I've been saving for a little while for a new toy. I've been really intrigued by everything I've seen on the Centri machines. But, just today, started checking out the Spektra Halos. Anyone have both and willing to give a side by side comparison? Anyone care to share honest praises and criticisms about either... Or both? I'd really appreciate any input. Thanks

**reigningink** · 08-27-2012, 12:44 AM

well I own both now. I just received my spectra a few days ago, so I have had limited time to put it through the ringer. But in truth I have to say its a hard set to compare. Its like comparing a mountain bike and a street bike. It all depends on your intended use and how your current style fits these machines. So ill try to highlight what I have come to love about both machines. Centri : is a great machine, I've used it to color pack and blend beautifully. Black&grey has been no problem at all, very smooth and consistent. I like being able to adjust the stroke length and strike force so easily. The only downsides I found is that there is a bit of a learning curve. It takes some time to figure out what settings work best with your hand speed and technique. But once your able to pinpoint them, its like a paintbrush. I have lined with it using a tight 5 but it is not my go to liner to be honest. Still love it though. Spektra: this one is a nice machine, a damn nice machine. Its give system works very well and seems to give right where it counts. The design of the machine shows some ingenious simplicity. The kind that only comes from a ton of redesigning and editing. I have lined with it, it has replaced my rapier2 as my go to liner for now. Shading is no problem, reminds me of shading with a dragonfly but it seems to be faster. Color is easy and quick. And saturating an area is no issue at all, and thats ith the 3.2mm stroke. Both are smooth and very well built. Both designers obviously put alot of thought into these to make them the bast machine they could be for the artists that use them. Its a very hard comparison but make your decision based on what you need the machine to do. I hope this helps.

**Sage Oz** · 08-27-2012, 01:20 AM

I've had pretty good experience with both and i agree with everything said above. I really love both, though I have to admit that the Halo is probably the better all around machine IMO. It's lighter and more refined, though still very solid. The motor bolt is ingenious and works perfectly. It also has a guillotine vise that works perfectly. The give is very adjustable and works perfectly. The stroke is smooth, efficient, linear and has a hit that's, well, perfect. It can do everything exceptionally well. The Centri is an amazing machine in its own way, it definitely took a bit longer to get used to, but now that I understand it better it has become my number one color shader. It does smooth and beautiful blends for both color and BnG, and I really like it for power lining with 9-12 needles. Too much vibration for me for fine lining though, especially if you want to line with speed. It likes lower volts and slower speeds. And I'm not a fan of the setscrew type vise at all(ala hyper V2) as it can mar tubes and allows a bit of sideways play. The mechanics behind how it works is awesome and effective however, and it's one cool machine to have for sure, I can't imagine selling it. So it all kinda comes down to what you need from the machine, they are both amazing in their own right, but if I could only have one, grrrr..... I'd have to chose the Spectra.

**Patrick** · 08-27-2012, 02:33 PM

Thanks, guys. As far as applications, I'm really trying to change my tattooing to a more "painterly" style. Not a lot of apparent line work and a lot more color blending, deep contrast and dramatic lighting. I've been having luck with the rotaries and coils that I use already. But haven't quite found that perfect balance of multi-pass color saturation, delicate shading transitions and minimal skin trauma. I'm still not decided. I may have to save a little longer and get one of each.
Thanks, again for the input.
As far as the Spectra, what stroke lengths are working for you guys, overall? Both tighter detail and color packing/shading-wise.

**Sage Oz** · 08-27-2012, 03:02 PM

I've only used the halo in 4.0, but I just ordered one in 3.6 as the 4mm is probably overkill except for large mags and power lines. Gonna get another soon, probably a 3.2 and a extra 2.5 wheel...

**Blondan** · 08-27-2012, 04:39 PM

I've ordered them all. I can hardly wait to try them.

**Inkslingers** · 09-01-2012, 07:26 PM

I've been through the trials with both, I'd have to say that between the two machines the Spektra is far and away the better machine. Overall design, ease of use and most importantly how they apply pigment to the skin (lining, shading, packing)...the Spektra tips the scales in every way. (even on price if that's an issue) The give settings of the Spektra makes it a more versatile machine, then there's the clear advantages of the motor bolt system and the machine being autoclavable.

I "only" own two of the Spektras, a 3.2mm & 4mm. Where rotaries are concerned the 3.2 is my go to liner, but I also load it for black & grey depending on the needle grouping. The 4mm is just a beast to shade, blend or pack color with...just a FUN machine to use. For me the learning curve with it's shading ability was all of plugging it in I wouldn't have any input on the 4mm as anything else but a shader just being that I've never tried loading it as a liner. I'll be getting the 3.6 down the road (just gives me an "excuse" to purchase another). I think Sage? compared it to the Dragonfly but faster, which was dead on.

**nivek** · 09-02-2012, 01:38 AM

I have never used a centri, but I can tell you I got one Halo, and just ordered two more. GREAT machine.

**Inkslingers** · 09-02-2012, 10:31 AM

Originally Posted by nivek

I have never used a centri, but I can tell you I got one Halo, and just ordered two more. GREAT machine.

The answer to your question(s) on which is the better machine is in this quote. Time after time in threads on/about the Spektra you'll see this..."I got one, now I'm buying another..." You just don't see that with the Centri. It's one thing to talk about how nice a machine is, but to like it enough to put out money for second/or third is something else entirely.