Cheyenne is one of the top tattoo machine brands in the industry. Check out this guide to find the best Cheyenne tattoo machine for you. by Danny Tress April 14, 2022

• Topics:
• Best Cheyenne Tattoo Machines
• Cheyenne
• Cheyenne tattoo machines
• Rotary Tattoo Machine

Cheyenne tattoo machines are an industry staple. You’ve probably seen at least one of your favorite tattooers using a Cheyenne machine at some point. If you haven’t, you’ve likely at least heard the name on social media or at your shop.

That’s because renowned tattoo artists of all styles favor these killer machines. Their popularity is partially because Cheyenne has a machine model for literally every technique: lining, shading, color packing, filling, blending, dot work, and pepper shading. Some artists prefer to stick to one versatile Cheyenne tattoo machine, while others have a whole setup of multiple Cheyenne models to meet their needs.

If you’re curious about Cheyenne tattoo machines, you should know each model shares common key features that make them such kick-ass tools. Here are a few things Cheyenne machines have in common and some of their differences:

• Adjustable needle depth
• A quiet, almost vibration-free performance
• A sleek, ergonomic machine body design + grip

Credit: cheyennetattoo.com

Additionally, many Cheyenne machines offer either steady mode, responsive mode, or both. In steady mode, your machine’s frequency and hit remain constant no matter your client’s skin. In responsive mode, your tattoo machine has give. It responds and adjusts to your client’s skin (which varies, based on skin conditions). Steady and responsive modes can work for or against you, depending on your style and your client’s skin.

Overall, Cheyenne prioritizes a high standard of quality for every machine they make. Moreover, every new machine is an evolution, using the latest in tattoo technology for the best possible performance. For example, the earliest Cheyenne models employed DC motors, while the latest use brushless motors for a smoother tattooing experience.

But no matter how advanced they’ve become, all of Cheyenne’s models – old and new – are still icons in the industry. So, if you’re Cheyenne-curious and wondering which model is for you, we can help find your answer.

Credit: cheyennetattoo.com

Check out Cheyenne’s top-selling machines and their key features. By the end of this blog, you might find the best Cheyenne tattoo machine for you.

The Cheyenne Hawk Unio is a 3-in-1 machine. It combines the powers of all previous Hawk machines: the shading capabilities of Hawk Spirit, the heavy lining power of the Hawk Thunder, and the classic design of the OG Hawk Pen. So if you favor any of those classic machines, the Cheyenne Hawk Unio could be for you. With its combined powers, you don’t have to switch between the three Hawk models during procedures. Now, you can get it all in one… in sleek, pen-style form. 

This machine is also ideal for artists who like to make their stroke adjustments on the fly. Designed for versatility, this balanced pen machine gives you stepless stroke length adjustments from 2.5mm up to 4.0mm, so it can tackle any style. Operating in steady mode, it gives you a consistent and constant force during every tattoo session. Count on versatility and total tattooing freedom when you choose the Unio, which is most suited for professionals who have experienced previous Cheyenne Hawk machines. 

Adjustable Stroke Length: 2.5mm up to 4.0mm 

Needle Depth Range: Goes up to 4.0mm 

Steady or Responsive Modes: Steady 

Design: Pen 

The Cheyenne Sol Nova Unlimited is Cheyenne’s first-ever wireless pen-style tattoo machine. Perfectly designed for lining, color packing, dot work, and pepper shading, this versatile wireless machine could be your next all-rounder. This machine gives you ultimate freedom of movement with a 100% cord-free setup.

Additionally, because it’s wireless, the Sol Nova Unlimited gives you motion-activated voltage adjustments. Plus, since it comes in two stroke lengths, you can choose the model that best suits your style: 4.0mm for your bolder work, or 3.5mm for optimal shading and filling. Tattoo artists rave about the Sol Nova Unlimited’s ability to be “soft and strong,” giving you a powerful punch while also operating smoothly and quietly. Moreover, this wireless machine is a dream to hold. It has a sleek,balanced design with an ergonomic grip, so you can enjoy better tattooing control and precision. Choose a 3.5mm or 4.0mm stroke according to your style… or add both to your top drawer for double the power. Here are some helpful tips and tricks for wrapping your Sol Nova Unlimited. 

Stroke Length: Available with 3.5mm or 4mm stroke 

Needle Depth Range: 0.25mm–4.25mm 

Steady or Responsive Modes: Both 

Design: Wireless Pen 

Motor: Brushless 

Net Weight: 184g 

The Cheyenne Sol Nova is the Sol Nova Unlimited’s wired cousin. You get the same power and versatility with a shorter, slightly lighter machine… plus a cord. Since it’s so versatile, the Cheyenne Sol Nova is a great starter Cheyenne machine for beginners trying multiple styles. And we mean versatile. This machine performs dotwork and pepper shading effortlessly — and renowned black and gray artists also favor the Cheyenne Sol Nova for the smoothest shading work. Additionally, the Cheyenne Sol Nova is great to have on-hand for clean linework. That’s partially because its steady mode lets you pull steady, bold lines no matter the resistance of your client’s skin.

Stroke Length: 3.5mm

Needle Depth Range: 0mm–4mm

Steady or Responsive Modes: Steady

Design: Pen

Motor: Brushless

Net Weight: 150g

If you’re not big on pens and prefer an angled design, the Sol Terra could be your next go-to machine for crisp, bold lines. This unique machine is most suitable for lining, color packing, dotwork, and pepper shading. With an “almost magic” ability to meet your needs, the Terra’s 4mm stroke and intuitive response to your client’s skin are its key “magic” ingredients. Neotraditional, American Traditional, and other bold tattooers favor this one. Use the Sol Terra for your linework, then swap over to the Sol Luna (below) for soft shading.

Stroke Length: 4mm

Needle Depth Range: 0mm –4mm

Steady or Responsive Modes: Both

Design: Angled

Motor: Brushless

Net Weight: 85g; 22mm, 25mm, and 33mm grips available

Meet the Sol Terra’s softer twin. Its 2.5mm stroke length make it most suitable for your shading and filling work. It has the same intuitive response to your client’s skin as the Sol Terra, thanks to its steady and responsive modes. Black and gray artists as well as color realism tattooers who do a lot of smooth gradations are constantly reaching for the Sol Luna. Oh, and we forgot to mention… the Sol Terra and Sol Luna are the lightest weight Cheyenne machines on the market. Say goodbye to hand fatigue and enjoy much longer tattooing sessions with this reliable pair. 

Stroke Length: 2.5mm 

Needle Depth Range: 0mm –4mm 

Steady or Responsive Modes: Both 

Design: Angled 

Motor: Brushless 

Net Weight: 87g; 22mm, 25mm, and 33mm grips available

The Hawk Pen is a Cheyenne classic that tattoo artists have been adding to their setup for years. And its popularity just keeps growing! One of the most intuitive pen machines out there, the Hawk Pen operates on responsive mode only (unlike the Sol Nova and Sol Nova Unlimited which also give you continuous mode). That means the Hawk Pen it reacts and adjusts to your client’s skin. Since it’s so intuitive (and features a versatile 3.5mm stroke), you can count on the Hawk Pen to cover all your bases: lining, color packing, blending, and filling. However, this tattoo machine is designed for professional artists who are experienced using rotary tattoo machines and controlling them to get their best results. So, go for the Hawk Pen if you’re looking for an all-rounder, but make sure you’ve had plenty of practice in responsive mode. 

Stroke Length: 3.5mm 

Needle Depth Range: 0mm –4mm 

Steady or Responsive Modes: Responsive 

Design: Pen 

Motor: DC  

Net Weight: 130g

Say hello to your new favorite color packer: The Cheyenne Thunder. Artists all over the world swear by this machine for their richest color work and boldest lines. A powerful tattoo machine, the Cheyenne Thunder is also perfect for solid linework. Designed to operate swiftly, consistently, and with lots of power, the Thunder is intended for fast, professional tattooing sessions. That being said, as with the Hawk Pen, this powerful machine is only meant to be tamed by professional artists who have had experience working in responsive mode (or with give in general). Traditional style artists favor this one to get the boldest results that are sure to hold.

Stroke Length: 4.0mm 

Needle Depth Range: 0mm –4mm 

Steady or Responsive Modes: Responsive 

Design: Pen 

Motor: DC 

Net Weight: 95g; can be used with a variety of Hawk grips 

The Cheyenne Spirit is perfect to have on-hand for all your shading and filling work. This angled tattoo machine has a 2.5mm stroke length and operates in responsive mode, making it super-intuitive when creating smooth gradations. Since it’s such a soft machine, black and gray realism artists tend to prefer Spirit for a lot of their subtle work. If you’re a tattooer of all styles, pair your Spirit with something like the Thunder so you can get the best of both worlds: soft shading and heavy color packing.

Stroke Length: 2.5mm 

Needle Depth Range: 0mm –4mm 

Steady or Responsive Modes: Responsive 

Design: Angled 

Motor: DC 

Net Weight: 90g; can be used with a variety of Hawk grips 

Now let’s see what you can do with a Cheyenne tattoo machine! Explore our wide selection of Cheyenne machines and start to build your top drawer. 

And stay tuned to Cheyenne in the coming years as they continue to crank out machines that make artists (almost literally) drool. Further, if you already found the best Cheyenne tattoo machine for you, don’t be shy! Share your work with us on Instagram and give us a tag. We love to see what artists can do with industry-leading tattoo machines.