I’ve always been a bit skeptical about Chinese products. After seeing so many that didn’t live up to expectations—especially those I impulsively bought on Amazon—I had my reservations. So, when it came to tattoo machines, I initially turned to more established brands, convinced that higher prices equated to better quality. But then, I stumbled upon the Fold Pro and everything changed.
A couple of years ago, after hearing one of my colleagues rave about this machine multiple times, I finally decided to take the plunge. That decision was made 2 years ago, and I can honestly say I’ve never looked back. This machine has become my absolute favorite. It’s wild to think that I was using a machine that cost five times more, yet couldn’t match the performance I’m getting now.
Of course, it’s important to keep in mind that you’re investing £200 instead of £1,000, so there are bound to be some differences in quality. For instance, you’ll notice some open areas on the machine. When I’m cleaning it, I’ve learned the hard way to be careful; if I spray directly on those spots (charging port and buttons), I risk damaging the battery or the screen. I’ve unfortunately lost a few batteries to this mistake!
But aside from those quirks, the machine is fantastic. It’s lightweight and compact, making long sessions much easier on my hands. I’ve found the vibration to be minimal, which is a game changer during those long shifts. If you’re considering this machine, I highly recommend getting extra batteries. They typically last about 4 to 5 hours, and it’s always better to have a backup ready to go.
One of my absolute favorite features is the adjustable stroke length. Coming from machines that only offered a single setting, I found it incredibly frustrating to switch from smooth shading to color packing seamlessly. Many machines left me with uneven shading that didn’t give me the smooth transitions I craved. With this one, though, the ability to customize the stroke length is a revelation. It makes packing colors so much easier and gives me the control I need.
Now, if you’re planning to do heavy color work or need something for blackout pieces, this machine might struggle a bit under that load. However, as an all-around machine, I genuinely believe it’s one of the best out there, especially at this price point.
Overall, I’d rate it an 8/10. The only downsides I’ve encountered are a few buttons that can occasionally pop out and some gaps that can let water in. But that 8/10 is one of the highest scores you’ll find from me, and I truly think this machine is a steal.
If you’re in the market for a reliable, versatile tattoo machine without breaking the bank, I can’t recommend this one enough. It’s been a fantastic addition to my toolkit, and I can’t wait to see what else I can create with it!
Comments