Why I Sold My Flux After A Year | Review
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- Опубліковано 30 вер 2024
- What I think of the FK Irons Flux after a year and why I ultimately sold it.
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I agree the grip is crazy huge on the Flux, its the one thing I hate about mine. Its something I've gotten used to now, but as an artist, I would never tolerate pencils that huge, why do we tattooists seem to ignore the obvious elephant in the room when it comes to purchasing these machines. I much prefer my Hawk spirit to hold...feels more creative and not so cumbersome.
this is why this is the best channel, honest reviews and reasons
In my humble opinion wireless machines should adopt 18650 lithium cells. They are basically everywhere due to vape culture and easily obtainable . Add an RCA Convertor cap to the top of the battery lid and a Convertor to slide on instead of the battery and job done. Or even a USB C connector that will both charge the cell and run the unit at the same time.18650’s will last an age too with the large capacity of the better quality cells, cheap too. Obviously the manufacturers of the machines lose out on bespoke battery units which is probably one reason we don’t see a lot of manufacturers choosing off the shelf batteries I.e locked you into a repeat sales eco system instead of actually valuing the customers .
Hey Paul, do you recommend inkjecta flite nano? I researched about it and find it a versatile machine. What's your thoughts on it?
I'm tattooing since 2019 and can say I'm a decent tattoo artist. Currently using cheyenne hawk pen and one another pen style machine called "wrath", got it from local supplier here in New Delhi, India.
Looking forward for your reply on inkjecta flite nano.... 😊
Hi Rahul, yes I like both the Nano and the Flitev2 very much. I also have one of their earlier machines that's also very good and has give.
Get the bishop wands great machines all 3
What's your take on Xnet flux machine because i feel like these big so called big companies stock from china at lower price & rebrand the machine
For instance look at Dan kubin machine with $4 chinese motor & machine costs $900
They don’t. The flux for example is made
In the US. The machines only look cosmetically similar as the internal mechanism are different.
The Dan kubin machine I can’t comment on as I’ve never used them. I think with machines like that you have to also consider the manufacturing cost, if they are made in smaller batches it could cost more for the machine to be manufactured as a whole.
I do like the critical batteries. And I really enjoy the lighting bolt with my Xion and my Valhalla machine. Especially with the darklab app (for setting the lightning bolt parameters to my liking plus the e-give which is actually not as bad as I thought it would be). BUT, nothing will ever give that constant power like a power supply. Edit: a HIGH QUALITY power supply (I use the critical XR with albro rca wires/ critical rca wires). As far as a direct drive, I prefer the edge x from FK. Change stroke on the fly, has “give” and you can use tube style cart grips/ Cheyenne grips. I also have several coil machines. A soba one, a union vans machine and even a few from forward tattoo (small company with practical machines). It’s give and take. But, to each their own.
Very true. We’re all different and there’s no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to tattoo tools 👍
I still use my edge x to. It's one of my main machines as well as the xion
I sold mine as well yesterday. I just felt like yeah, it's wireless, but other than that it a step backward. I have never been a huge fan of direct drive machines, because the force me to slow my hand down. I still love my Dragonfly and the Xion and my Halo. In general, I also went back to the cord as well. It seems like the batteries are shortening the life of the motors to me. I went through 2 motors on my Xion since using batteries. I went through a motor every 2 years prior to using batteries. I just suspect they are the culprit. Also "E-give" is just simply NOT GIVE. Also how the hell does FK not have an app for Android yet????? Android has 87% of the market share WTF???? I was thinking of trying Neuma 4, he claims to have a closer to coil feel in the machine even though it has no give. Not sold yet, looking into right now.
The flux has give and the flux max has an updated version of e-give. Which is more like the halo
I just bought a flux max . Nothing wrong with it . Though this video is two years old
I’ve got the power bolt 2 +
It’s not a bad machine. It just didn’t suit me personally. Glad it works for you 👍
I do like the flux but i feel it’s still a beta machine mine broke down and took 4 months to repair…. Wich is bad and now its again losing power and making noises. My wand still works fine after 2 years but is now slowly losing power. I feel like the batteries cause this problem a bit where cords are more stable. I feel the versatile option with the choice in machines and batteries is more future proof but they design the machine to make money more than they design them for artist in my
Opinion! Those new machine with no adjustable stroke is not with the artist in mind
It's probably half hour job tops to tear open the cheyenne, thunder or spirit, and fit an rca, I did it with mine.
I still prefer coils
🎯There is no comparison
I agree with you 100% the tech is definitely in its infancy when compared to how vape devices are - better tactile buttons and easy quick charge or replace batteries.
FK irons will be invested in the connection as they forked out for the patents.
Where as vape devices wer churned out in China and the vape community dictated how they should work n feel. For example buttons n batterie doors. Reviewers on vape devices wer not aligned to any company and if they didn’t like how a button worked then the maker would definitely know.
Where as FK or any other are not inclined to listen as they are invested in their patent’s
Very true James. The early Vapes went through loads of changes for years before the tech settled to what it is now. I imagine wireless tattooing will go through the same evolution. p
I’m getting back into tatting. And using the fake skin and all and I just know ima be listing to this channel lol so good I basically understand you, you explain stuff so good
The critical batteries don’t have enough mAh (like 1500mAh I believe). the bishop b-charged v2 battery has over 2000mAh power. Just saying. Also I don’t see why you can’t keep a dope machine like the flux or the flux max or the exo (which all can use the same battery packs by the way), and just buy a pack for all your other machines. Just because you own one machine doesn’t mean you have to forfeit the others. Or just use the rca adaptors that i see becoming standard options for most wireless machines in the future. As of now My stigma force came with an rca adaptor and so did the spectra exo(which I can use on the flux and flux max) I use my old machines all the time and don’t have to sell a machine just to do so. But to each is their own. Just my thoughts
You have to try those things that allow you to do good and quality work.
I'll stick to my coil machines,it never fails,thanks for the info
im like 2 and a half years with it im ready to let mine go as well its just not good
Yes like there motors are rated 5-12 volts lol like rotary at 12 whattt
Had a couple Fk irons rotary’s and the motors don’t seem to last very long
Buying a sol nova unlimited or an fk irons gold max soon. Any advice which way I should go?
Brilliant video
I’ve had the flux and exo with a pair of batteries each for months, but found that I preferred using the bishop wands with the critical batteries. The disposable grips make set up and break down super quick and easy. It’s unfortunate that I’ve got a few thousand dollars just hiding in a drawer collecting dust. The FK machines are fine, but the three Wands with a critical batteries feel a lot more versatile. On a side note, for the carts i like/ my hand speed: my exo runs optimally at 8.1-8.3v with the critical battery and the rca adapter as opposed to how it does with any of the four FK batteries I have that only allow for 8.0 or 8.5v.
I use the packer along with the Neuma4 and the old inkjekta flite nano aswell as the exo 3.2 but I like the flux I don't regret getting it but it does have that sol Terra type hit like he mentions I stopped running the sol Terra simply cause of the 3.5 jack it's not rca but assign as I can I want to buy the critical batteries for Cheyenne equipment but I agree thee on is a very sensitive machine on 8.1 to 8.7 it runs cherry depending on the grouping u can't get that precision with the Fk irons lightning bolt...
Totally. Versatility and options that allow us to pick the tools for each job were what I was looking for when I swapped my flux out for the Swashdrive/Cheyenne setup I have now. p
I feel that I have the wand (liner) I like it. People just tattoo different I suppose. My only issue is the low mAh on the critical batteries. I get way more hours out the flux or the wand with the bishop battery. All I’m saying is there are rca adapters for the flux. I suppose not everyone can keep a machine and just buy another. I just got tired of having to sell machines to get others. I like having machines that do other things and I break em out and use them a lot (based on what I’m doing) there is something’s I like about every machine I have. And I like having a drawer of machines. I do careful research and watch reviews and listen to fellow artist before I buy anything, so I don’t have any garbage machines. Hell I’ll still break out my Dan kuban sidewinder from time to time. I like the ability to do that, but like I said to each is their own, and i respect whatever else people tend to want to do, I just hate selling my machines. The money is already gone for months sometimes years so I just keep ‘em for my top drawer. Respect to whomever doesn’t also
Those bishop power wands are absolutely sick! I've been thinking of switching up to it instead of my edge x and xion
I think I learned a lot about optimization and being a profesional with my gear. I'm keepink my flux tho
If it works you, you totally should. Pick the stuff that suits you and your setup. Glad this video helped you 👍
Critical batteries bishop wand packer sol nova and neuma4 aswell as the old inkjekta nano are in my rotation but I like the flux and the sol Terra 4 mm stroke
Yeah I really dig the critical batteries. p
@@ThatTattooShow I need to get the critical batteries with the jack for Cheyenne machines I don't have them yet but I just connect it to the mosutoku but my other machines I run with my critical batteries with rca set up I tried the swashdrive brush I like it but I'm in the U.S so I haven't ordered one yet
I have the same critical batteries. Love them very much. Last forever. Paired with the valahara and the xion
Thank you for that Paul. Ive been using the flux for nearly a year now and like it but i still miss the micky sharpz. I still have them but im going mobile and traveling Australia in a caravan and want to take my machines incase i can get a guest spot in some shops along the way so im keeping the flux due to it being compact with less things ill have to carry. If or when I settle again, I will bring out all the old machines. I have the inkjecta nano's as well but never knew how to use them properly so they have been sitting in a cupboard for the past four years collecting dust. Maybe there are youtube videos that show how to use them properly now. Ill have to look but there was hardly anything back then.
Thank you for getting straight to the point!!!
I have the exo and have had 2 batteries take a crap on me. Love the machine just not the batteries.
i personally like the flux, but i can see why some people might not care for it, everyone has different preferences. You are making me want to try one of the swashdrives though.
Each to his/her own right? Yeah I highly recommend the SwashDrives. p
@@ThatTattooShow You guys should do a video on the different swashdrive machines that u have. i just recently got an exo 2.5 so i have use it for a while and get my money's worth out of it, but a swashdrive may be my next purchase.
It’s coming up! I’ll be going over both the Vader and the Brush in detail. 👍 p
@@ThatTattooShow nice !
Great video and I like the reference to using different daws. Once you pick one tool you usually run with it for a long time.
Loyal to the Coil.
Good for you 👍
@@ThatTattooShow But I’m willing to try these new dildo machines. I’m sick of apprentices cleaning my tubes. You recommend one machine that does it all?
P.s. apparently the batteries used for Cheyenne and Inkjecta wireless are relatively cheap and you can buy them from Vape shops or online.
FK irons are more of a 'lock-in'.
The power unit IN the machine is the lock in IMO. Power should be external. p
@@ThatTattooShow yeah a universal connection would definitely be better. I think if the batteries can be used between various machines (Vape ones, though I don't know if they use the same ones exactly) then at least it's a middle ground for the time being?
I don't disagree, I'd love it all to be universal. Just wanted to add for anyone who might be looking at wireless machines.
Yes Steve. If they all adopted the swappable vape batteries that would certainly be a step in the right direction.
Ultimately I think a company that specialises in power supplies will nail it. And it’s looking like Critical are the front runners atm. P
Are Cheyenne Macon motors?
No. Last time I asked they were using faulhaber motors 👍
I think those external batteries are crap . And they have many problems. But everyone are free to try and use what ever they want .
I agree. They’re just not quite there enough to replace a cord for me. Six months since I swapped back and don’t miss them at all. ☠️👍
How much did you sell it for ? And I have the Cheyenne hawk spirit . Amazing . Simple and amazing shader . So the sol line up came out I snagged the terra since I already have a shader and that is my go to . Daily and unless I’m doing very soft black and grey work . I do my lines shading and color on most tattoos with the sol terra it’s awesome 👏
In the end I gave it away to a friend who wanted to go wireless. 👍
rekt
The guitar reference. 👌🏼
I’m interested in hearing more about Swashdrive models since they are one of your preferred machines. Is there an older video review or the possibility of one in the future?
No but I'll see if I can put one together ;)
So thankful for this review
I'll say the flux isn't a bad machine & I understand what ur saying. I think & believe the RCA way is a better choice. I do have a question. I noticed u held up a Mast machine. Have u ever used it & if so how is it? I've not really seen anyone professionally in the tattoo industry use one.
I’ve had the mast machine for a little while. Review coming soon 👍 p
I had a mini jack power adaptor on a superior soft touch machine in 1998-99
Exactly! Right!? p
Spot on as ALWAYS!
My two daily drivers are the Neuma4 and Inkmachine's ScorpionX2 and honestly I'm shocked not very many people are talking/know about them. The Scorpion with the magnetic Neocarts hit like a coil but with the consistency like a roatry (granted I'm not a fan of the way it lines there's too much give there). The Neuma4's cam system is ridiculously versatile, you can change the stroke AND give just by dropping in a different cam profile, It lines better than any other machine I've tried.
Then what do you like to line with? Coil?
@@dizzyhead4208 The Neuma4 is the best lining machine I've ever used, even my mentor claimed it was the best he's ever used and he use to build his machines for nearly 40 years.
@@bendavis7923 hmm, i will look that one up, thanks :)
@@dizzyhead4208 no problem, if you end up getting one (after doing your research) let me know what you think
@@bendavis7923 for now it the options are fk irons xion, hawk thunder, neuma 4. I have a 0.3 stroke machine, but need something that will line 11-14rl. Yes will let you know if i end up with neuma 4, price vice the thunder looks good tho.
Lately, I've been using a Sidewinder V2 for outlining, along with a borrowed coil machine for packing and shading. Additionally, I've integrated a ROVER R-1 RCA - Musotoku Battery Pack with a Bowers Battery Adapter Box to connect to my Sidewinders, allowing me to work from anywhere. I aim to transition away from using my boss's coil machine and opt for a pen that aligns with the compatibility of the Musotoku Battery. I firmly believe in investing in top-notch equipment, so cost isn't a barrier. Could you recommend a pen suitable for packing and shading? It seems most pens would function seamlessly with the Musotoku Battery (RCA). However, the plethora of available pens can be overwhelming, and discerning whether their batteries are proprietary is challenging.
What pen would be best for my style (Graphic TRAD/Japanese). FK EXO 4.0 without the Powerbolt?
Please let me know what you think!
I use the FK irons lightningbolt battery on my Axys Valhalla, they work great together. I usually just own and use one machine for years until I see something worth upgrading to
For your axys valhalla do you use disposable grips? Or just autoclave ? I have mine as well but a little iffy on the dis grips. I manually disinfect and sterilize mine but just want a little more info. To make my break down a lot easier and safer.
I think your 110% correct 👍🏻👍🏻😎🙏🏻
It works for me and how I want to work. Pay your money take your choice innit. p
True
2 Questions from somebody with only about a year experience:
1 Why do you think Cheyennes jack connecter is better than the RCA´s?
2 In one of the episodes Chris said that his Cheyenne works best with Cheyenne power supplys. You say Cheyenne machines are often used with third party power supplys. Why?
1. The mini jack is less prone to failure because of its design and it’s a smaller connector so cables can be made lighter.
2. The Cheyenne power supply is only designed to run Cheyenne machine and if that’s all you have it’s great. But if you have other machines it’s very tricky to run them on a Cheyenne supply. So you’re better off with a critical or (like me) an Eikon supply. p
@@ThatTattooShow Thank you very much
Wanted a vader for a long time. Also surprised you didnt try the flux S slim grip ? That's what I really wanna try I also like a thinner grip. Xion is perfect
Chris told me about that Grip and that FK have a skinny version coming too. Clearly they've recognised the problem with the existing grip size for some users. p
I feel the same about the Inkmachines Scorpion for the same reasons. It's an awesome machine but to get the most out of it you have to use their Neo-Carts. I find this way too limiting. But to start we had to use Cheyenne carts with the OG Hawk because they were the only brand available. It was such a great revolutionary idea that it changed the profession.
Nice to hear a west midlands accent on UA-cam! 👍🏻
Yeah but you can grab the cobra now with a converter for any cart… so, progress.
@@cagelavey The Scorpions have converters. But using normal carts in theses machines negates some of it's functions.
Fair point. I love my flux but bought a battery to use with other machines too. 100% they should all supply an RCA adapter with wireless machines.
My other half bought a cheaper wireless machine (Ambition Ninja) off the recommendation of Josh Herman and loves it. £250, came with 2 batteries, RCA adapter, RCA cable, charging cable and a super nice carry case... recommend trying it out.
Had high hopes for the Cheyenne unlimited 4.0 but there’s no read out for the voltage it’s a huge let down for me.. I think the stigma force will smash it.. able to charge on the go if needed, changeable power supplies, voltage read out with arrows to change or the tilt to change voltage option too and 2 different hits..
Interesting information, I was very skeptical as well as I was very satisfied using my Axys Valhalla but the Flux has been a Huge convenience for me and my style of tattooing as I prefer a machine with No Give and a long stroke, I really Love the Balance and the Freedom from chords that I’ve been craving for so many years, definitely a Game changer for me, but I can do without the Bluetooth features, can’t imagine working without my Flux but very curious about those Bishop Wands. Cheerz
Have you tried the bishop wands yet?
The bishop wands are dope!.
Check out the acus m1
Hi man, I have one and only swashdrive brush tattoo machine. What is the best battery on the market now for swashdrive brush? Because the machine will start running at 9 volt 🤗
Dunno, I always use a cable! ☠️
I totally agree with everything your saying here.your better off just buying a great set of batteries.there is even cheaper brand batteries that are absolutely great as well.
I think the swashdrive brush gets to soft with the give (eben the hardest settings) but the vader nails the give absolutley. Loveley machines. Cool video as always🙏
Yeah the Vader is a little 'harder' for sure. That's why I have both! p
@@ThatTattooShow both very good machines. Whats your overall favorite machine?
Overall either of my swashdrives I’ve been using them since the Gen 8 days and have owned every model since then. Can’t fault the build quality, price and overall feel. p
@@ThatTattooShow so true i just feel rhey have such an effective way to put in the pigment... loveley
Great video. I've been playing with the idea of going wireless for some time now. I've always had my reservations on completely switching over. I'm a Cheyenne person myself. I've had 4 Cheyenne machines (now I'm down to 2), 2 Bishops, 2 Neo-Tats and some Chinese rotaries. The Cheyenne machines just seem to be the best for me. Now, I feel spoiled by Cheyenne and am scared of buying another company's machine due to the machine possibly not hitting the way I like. You've put some perspective on this whole wireless epidemic. Thank you for doing so. I think I'll just stick to my Cheyenne Thunders for now.
Sol nova unltd is absolute junk
Don't you find that cheyennes are only great for 4-5 months? After that they completely go to shit. I've already been through 3 Cheyenne Hawks
@@Nick889999 Honestly, I feel that way about all rotary machines. I guess I haven't found "the one" yet. I've been through 2 bishops, 2 neo-tats and the cheyennes I've mentioned. I'm still not satisified. I've gone back to coils numerous times due to the lining issues with a rotary. What rotary machine have you tried or think is the best right now? What do you line with?
@@danhaley4465 I'm feeling that way about all rotaries right about now. I don't really see or feel the difference between any of the direct drive rotaries out there. Aside from the looks or style of rotary (pen style vs. not). I feel rotaries are a huge popularity contest right now and some of them have gone crazy with the bluetooth apps and all.
What do you think?
Brother, get the flux max in 4.5 with the two batteries I put it on 1 give and lining is a breeze. Wireless is dope I could never go back to wired completely. It is a game changer. If you know an artist that has one or gets one and just give it a go. No harm in trying it at least.
I just sold my flux also. Everytime I used the flux the tattoo didn’t heal very well. Once I completed the tattoo it looked awesome but they always healed rough. KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID (KISS) oh yea, and that app and e-give is trash 🗑
So what's your go to that you're running right now?
It’s a very hard hitting machine that would benefit massively from a working give system. That’s why I think heals can possibly be problematic with it sometimes.
@@ThatTattooShow yea I’ve never used a machine with a 9watt motor before. It was a bit much. Great liner tho!
@@henrysmith5784 I switched back to the Thunder and direkt 2.
Have you tried the flux with the rca module? Using the hover power supply?
No. I decided to go a different route instead. I prefer the response of my swashdrives (give) and Cheyenne Machines (direct). So I hooked them up to a Eikon supply, wired. Haven't missed the wireless option or the Flux at all. p
I have a question. FK blocks your machine when it gives you an authorization to send the same machine to fix? can fk lock your machine remotely so that it has no connection with the app? the powerbolt does turn on but does not connect with the app.
FK irons does not block the machine at all, it’s not a Tesla ;).
The power bolt for the flux can connect to the app but only for firmware updates. To control the e-give features it’s all done on the power bolt. This is because the power bolt and flux was created prior to the app and the functionalities that go along with it. The lighting bolt battery, uni lightning bolt and hover are capable
Of being controlled via the app just not the current version of the power bolt.
This is the guy from the Beatles?.
Wrong part of the country lol.
i am considering selling my FK as well for other reasons, mainly the machine needs to be plugged into the charger when not in use or the battery depletes even when not being used also the proprietary motorbolt for the same reasons that Paul mentioned .. outside of that I have been a longtime fan of FK machines especially the Xion. it was my daily driver ever since it was released until the Sol Nova Unlimited came out.
Hi, Joby. Have you tried putting it in sleep mode when you're not using it? It save all the battery life on your days off. Idk if you know but just hold the power button until all of the colors cycle to red. When you see red release the button and its sleep.
Can anyone recomend a pen for bold lines? Like 14 rl-14rs..
Bishop packer,
Cheyenne unio,
Cheyenne unlimited 4.0
Flux max 4.5,
Flux 4.0
Acus m1 4.5 stroke,
Rotary worlds pen 4.0
@@ThatTattooShow thanx for the reply! so the exo 4.0 is also good then since it has the same motor as the flux? I will only be using a powersupply, so no egive for me i guess.
Spectra edge fkirons was first to do what Cheyenne did with terra
Can you elaborate on what you mean?
@@ThatTattooShow sol terra is like a machine with spectra edge features
Have you tried the Neuma4?
No, but I’ve heard good things ☠️
I want to see your work!!!!
Paul’s work is on Instagram for all to see. @paulltlbt on insta.
My deal is that all these wireless batteries are basically a 9v rechargeable battery. So why the f do they cost so much?
Because they aren’t basically 9v rechargeable battery’s. They are mini power supply units that are powered by a battery. Also you have to consider the R&D that goes into making them and if they are made in the states or in Europe etc the manufacturing cost will be higher than if they are mass produced in China. There’s a lot of factors to consider which battery power supplies etc.
@@ThatTattooShow Hook a coil machine up to a regular 9 v and it will run for hours.
Aye, and how do you control the voltage? Specifically with rotary’s, how do you ensure it’s not drawing too much amp that it will damage the motor, how do you ensure the power supplied is consistent.
It’s not as simple as “hooking up a 9v battery”
If it was we would all be buying them instead ;)
Thoughts about the bishop wands mate?
Why not just use the xion with any battery you choose or a cord? (Although I like the fk battery with no influence from the app) I’m somewhat confused as to why that machine has been sort of kicked to the curb in favor of the flux and exo.
Good point Chad.. I used my Xion today, as the job was gonna benefit from it.. used a wire.. but ho hey.. it didn’t really phase me on the job.. I haven’t used it in a while.. but really enjoyed it
I could with my new setup and thats kind of the point. I’m free to use whatever is right for the job. p
@@ThatTattooShow paul… I note you have the SD machines… worth investing in?? As a predominantly black n grey artist, which would be the better investment.. I’m guessing they work with the critical battery?? Any tips, much appreciated 👍🏻
I haven’t tested them with the critical batteries yet. I only got one for my Terra. But I will and let you all know.
Either machine is awesome but the brush is probably more suited to B&G.
@@ThatTattooShow thanks P.. I’ve got the itch again recently to get a new machine.. do I need one.. no.. but hey, i was having a back n forth with the Neuma guys, re the Neuma 4, but something stopped me pursuing that angle… I’ve never owned a swash drive product.. but have RARELY read anything that wasn’t a glowing review.. I love a new toy.. what’s the better one for lining?
you need to try the neuma 4 from Carson Hill - amazing machine...