Not digging the whip.

[JCarlton]

Just picked up a whip a few days ago and I have found even with the hard clip set at its stiffest setting, is just to soft for me. Its funny because the more I use rotaries especially the fancier more expensive ones. the more I find I really just want direct strike. I have played with almost all of the machines on the market and the ones that are adjustable almost always end up on the hardest setting. I realize this all comes down to how the individual artist works, hand speed and what not, and my opinion really doesn't matter because its just that, mine. But I was curious to see if rotaries have brought out a cleaner more technical side of your tattooing as well? Like for instance sort of forcing you to learn how to put ink in the right way the first time. Don't get me wrong I can appreciate give in a machine but it has to have some punch behind it. The specific and centri are the first that come to mind as far as a nice strike that can back off a little but still deliver pigment and not just poke unnecessary holes.

[hendricksonart.com]

hey josh what are you liking the most ive never tried any that have give, closest thing to give is a stealth that backs off a bit do to a weaker motor, which is great for black and grey

[Bishopbyname]

I agree Josh, my favourite rotaries so far are ones without give. I love my Mike Metaxa direct drive machine, although it's not linear. A lot of artists have criticized the awkwardness of the German Evolution machine but the smoothness in my black and grey has increased since using it. I also love my Rotaryworks, again they're no give machines. I've heard artists state that rotaries cause more skin trauma but that's not what i've seen. I think the ink goes in more efficiently using a rotary so the tattoo gets done more efficiently which causes the customer less pain and for less time.

[Tommy]

Im absolutely loving the whip. Matter of fact, its all I use now. I did use dragonflies and rapiers, but I just cant dig the spring-driven give.

I've never used any direct drivers.

[JCarlton]

I have heard mostly good things about the whip. like I mentioned each artist has there own way of working. I am familiar with your work Tommy and its obviously working for you. I just felt like it was bouncing off the skin more than actually tattooing efficiently. I suppose I could get used to it and it would eventually change my hand speed and way of working. I will probably trade it for something with more punch.

[otto]

I also own a whip and find it really nice for round shader needles.what i noticed that rotaryes with give are very round shader friendly,and when it comes to magnums i like just a small amount of give or no give at all

[slicksteel]

I also own a whip and find it really nice for round shader needles.what i noticed that rotaryes with give are very round shader friendly,and when it comes to magnums i like just a small amount of give or no give at all

I would think it works better with rounds as they require less pressure to push them in compared to a mag. most people use to much powerand not enough give with rounds and they chew up the skin.
I Love your work otto you truly are a master in tattoo technique and art composition.
Have you ever thought of makeing a dvd teaching your rotary technique I am sure it would sell well and help other artists.

[Samyo]

Mate we have a handful of Super hard clips with no give just come off the production line ... we realize some folk just simply like a harder hit ... send me an e-mail and I will get you squared away with one to try ... [email protected] ... we will have them up to purchase soon .. but just road testing them with folks at the moment .... Let me know if you want to try it.

[Inkslingers]

I also own a whip and find it really nice for round shader needles.what i noticed that rotaryes with give are very round shader friendly,and when it comes to magnums i like just a small amount of give or no give at all

Totally agree..I had gotten to the point where I rarely used any rounds for shading or even coloring small areas anymore, but the Spektra with a turn out on the give will drop in some serious pigment.

[JCarlton]

Interesting Otto, I just started experimenting with round groupings such as a loose 7 or a loose 3. Very different for me but fast heals and incredible saturation. Maybe I will give the whip another try on something smaller than a 15 mag.