The Bisahop

[PAWNJOB]

I do believe the capo hits hard, but it's not snappy, so it's smooth which might make it feel soft........

I agree! I would think that "snappy" is referring to the velocity or acceleration of the downstroke, and the amount of weight or force behind the needle would refer to the torque. I gotta believe the harder downstoke of the Spektra having a different speed or velocity than the upstroke causes much of it's vibrations, but it's a very effective machine. The Capo having a more consistent speed throughout the entire revolution would naturally produce a smoother, and therefore softer hit as it pertains to velocity at least, NOT torque. Though the torque (or lack there of) of the Capo's motor allows for a decent amount of give by itself through most of the usable voltage range, it definitely hits hard as hell when it's cranked up, no give to speak of at that point. "Smooth" is definitely the word to describe the Capo!

When you look at the stroke of a coil machine the a-bar keeps accelerating until it collides with the coil core. Rotaries have a more consistent speed throughout the stroke. Add a spring for dampening and now you've got an even slower downstroke and faster upstroke for most rotaries. I think that's really what defines the hit of a coil machine and why so many people prefer it for lining (the velocity). But maybe that stroke profile is just a little too aggressive for shading and that's why we really like the extra torque and smoother hit of our rotaries. It's a much more precise hit with rotaries without give, and maybe that's why they're so effective and efficient for shading and every other aspect of tattooing aside from lining for some people. I don't know if I'm buying too much into this faster downstroke of the Spektra but it sounds legit and it sure feels like it when I'm using it. I think that as we advance and perfect the technology and mechanisms for rotaries to achieve a snappier downstroke that you'll really see coils being left in the dust as it pertains to lining. This maybe the last real hurdle for rotary builders.