Inkone Tattoo Machines: U1, U2, Prick, Trox & Syner Compared
Tattoo Machine Guide
Inkone Tattoo Machines:
U1, U2, Prick, Trox & Syner Compared
Five professional rotary machines. One brand. Here's how they stack up — and which one belongs in your hand.
By Joker Tattoo Supply Team | Expert Tattoo Equipment Reviews
When it comes to professional rotary tattoo machines, Inkone has built a reputation for precision engineering, ergonomic design, and consistent performance across diverse tattooing styles. At Joker Tattoo Supply, we carry the complete Inkone lineup — from the budget-friendly U1 and U2 to the premium Syner and Prick models.
In this guide, we break down every Inkone machine currently in our catalog so you can make the smartest investment for your tattooing career.
Inkone Lineup: Quick Comparison
| Machine | Sale Price | MSRP | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inkone U1 | $99.00 | Lining & general all-purpose work | |
| Inkone U2 | $99.00 | Shading & color packing | |
| Inkone Trox | $178.00 | — | Versatile all-style machine |
| Inkone Prick | $199.00 | Precision fine-line & detail work | |
| Inkone Syner | $211.00 | High-end studios & all-style professionals |
Inkone U1 — $99 (MSRP $275)
The Inkone U1 is the entry point into the Inkone professional lineup — and at $99 (64% off MSRP), it's one of the best values in the professional rotary machine market today. The U1 is tuned for lining and all-purpose tattooing, delivering consistent needle depth and minimal vibration for clean, confident strokes.
Built with a lightweight ergonomic grip, the U1 reduces hand fatigue during long sessions — a must for artists doing multi-hour pieces.
Shop Inkone U1 — $99 →Inkone U2 — $99 (MSRP $275)
The Inkone U2 is the U1's shading sibling. While mechanically similar, the U2 is optimized for smooth shading passes and solid color packing — the motor tuning and needle travel characteristics are tailored to magnum and curved magnum needle configurations.
Many artists buy the U1 + U2 as a pair — one dedicated to lining, one to shading — giving you a complete professional machine setup for under $200.
Shop Inkone U2 — $99 →Inkone Trox — $178
The Inkone Trox steps up the performance tier as an all-style versatile machine. Whether you're lining crisp single-needle work, shading gradients, or packing saturated color fills, the Trox handles every task with authority. It's the go-to machine for artists who prefer a single-machine setup and need it to perform across all techniques.
The Trox features upgraded motor components compared to the U-series, resulting in smoother needle movement and more consistent hit depth across varying skin types.
Shop Inkone Trox — $178 →Inkone Prick — $199 (MSRP $368)
The Inkone Prick is built for artists who demand surgical precision in fine-line and detail work. Its motor is tuned for minimal needle wobble, giving you the control needed for hair-thin linework, intricate dot work, and detailed realism portraits. At $199 (down from $368), it delivers premium performance at a fraction of the typical cost.
If fine-line tattoos, micro realism, or geometric designs are your specialty, the Prick should be your primary machine.
Shop Inkone Prick — $199 →Inkone Syner — $211 (MSRP $498)
The Inkone Syner is the flagship of the lineup — a premium all-style professional rotary machine that performs exceptionally across every technique. The Syner's motor system delivers the smoothest, most consistent hit in the Inkone family, making it ideal for artists who rotate between fine-line work, large color fills, and black-and-grey realism in the same session.
At $211 (57% off MSRP $498), the Syner represents the best dollar-for-performance value in the entire lineup for serious professionals.
Shop Inkone Syner — $211 →Which Inkone Machine Should You Buy?
- On a budget, need a reliable starter machine: Inkone U1 or U2 at $99 each
- Want one machine for everything: Inkone Trox at $178
- Fine-line artist or realism specialist: Inkone Prick at $199
- Professional studio, want the best overall: Inkone Syner at $211
- Building a complete setup: Pair the U1 + U2 for dedicated liner/shader combo at just $198 total
Upgrade Your Machine Setup Today
All Inkone machines are in stock at Joker Tattoo Supply with fast shipping.
Shop All Tattoo Machines →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Inkone machine for beginners?
The U1 and U2 at $99 each. Buy both as a liner/shader pair for under $200 — unbeatable value at that price point.
Can I use Inkone machines with any cartridge needles?
Yes — all Inkone machines use the standard cartridge needle system and are compatible with industry-standard cartridge needles, including the needle cartridges available at Joker Tattoo Supply.