Choosing between the Avenger 3 Pro and the Ultron 3 can feel overwhelming, especially if you are investing in a primary workhorse machine. Both are premium wireless tattoo machines from Vlad Blad aimed at professional artists, but they are built around very different philosophies. Understanding these differences is the key to avoiding an expensive mistake and picking the machine that truly fits your style and workflow.

Core concept: transformer vs specialist

Before looking at specs and features, it helps to see how these machines are positioned conceptually. They are not direct competitors as much as two answers to different types of artists.

Avenger 3 Pro: one machine for (almost) everything

Avenger 3 Pro by Vlad Blad

The Avenger 3 Pro is designed as a highly flexible “all‑in‑one” solution with an adjustable stroke system called MultiStroke. Its core idea is simple: you should be able to do outlines, color packing and soft shading with the same machine; switching its character in seconds instead of swapping devices. This makes it especially attractive for artists who work in multiple styles or want a compact, versatile setup.

For a deeper look at the engineering, stroke modes and real artist feedback, artists can also read Avenger 3 Pro: a professional's choice.

Ultron 3: stable, focused workhorse

Ultron 3 by Vlad Blad

The Ultron 3 takes the opposite approach as a fixed‑stroke pen with several stroke options at purchase, such as 3.7 mm, 4.2 mm or 4.7 mm. It is built as a focused, specialized tool with a very consistent hit and simple operation. You choose the version that matches your technique and then rely on that predictable behavior every day, which is ideal for artists with a clear stylistic direction.

If you want to see how Ultron 3 behaves next to the newer Ultron 4 Pro, including differences in ergonomics, stroke systems and motor behavior, it is worth checking the detailed comparison article Ultron 4 Pro vs Ultron 3: which tattoo machine is right for you?

Stroke system: MultiStroke vs fixed stroke

MultiStroke vlad blad

Stroke length and how you control it is the single most important technical difference between these machines.

Avenger 3 Pro: MultiStroke flexibility

The Avenger 3 Pro lets you change stroke length directly on the machine, without disassembly, using six preset modes: 3.2 mm, 3.5 mm, 3.8 mm, 4.2 mm, 4.7 mm and 5.5 mm. Shorter modes are tuned for gray wash and soft shading; medium modes work as versatile options for solid color; longer ones are suitable for aggressive lining and heavy packing. This effectively gives you multiple machines in one body and lets you fine‑tune the hit to the skin type, body area and task.

Ultron 3: fixed, purpose‑built stroke

With the Ultron 3, you choose your stroke at the time of purchase: 3.7 mm for soft versatility and black and grey; 4.2 mm as a maximum‑versatility option; 4.7 mm for strong linework and blackwork. The stroke cannot be changed on the fly, but the simpler, dedicated mechanism gives a very stable feel and helps keep the machine compact and light.

Electronics and hit behavior

Both machines use a powerful brushless motor of about 12.6 watts, but their electronics emphasize different aspects of skin interaction.

Adaptive behavior in Avenger 3 Pro

The Avenger 3 Pro combines a high‑torque motor with a control system that maintains strong power even at low frequencies. Its electronics are tuned to improve pigment saturation while minimizing trauma, especially when working with larger needle groupings or demanding skin. This combination gives the machine a controlled but forgiving hit.

Stable, constant hit in Ultron 3

The Ultron 3 is designed for a sharp, controlled hit and a stable frequency that can be adjusted in fine steps. Its control unit aims to keep the hit consistent under varying pressure and skin density. This stability is especially valuable for clean linework and even color packing.

Ergonomics, weight and handling

Avenger 3 ergonomics

Comfort over long sessions is crucial, particularly for large‑scale or multi‑session projects.

Avenger 3 Pro: slightly more substantial feel

The Avenger 3 Pro has a slightly more substantial body and weight because of its mechanical stroke‑adjustment system. The use of aerospace‑grade aluminum helps keep the weight manageable. The balance is tuned for comfort in long sessions, so the machine feels solid but not excessively heavy.

Ultron 3: compact, light and pen‑like

The Ultron 3 is built as a slim, pen‑style machine with a relatively low center of gravity. It feels light and nimble in the hand, with minimal vibration. This reduces fatigue and supports precise control in detailed work and realism, especially during long sessions.

Comparison table: Avenger 3 Pro vs Ultron 3

The table below summarizes key specifications and design differences for quick reference.

Feature

Avenger 3 Pro

Ultron 3

Stroke type

Adjustable MultiStroke

Fixed stroke chosen at purchase

Stroke range

3.2–5.5 mm with six preset modes

3.7, 4.2 or 4.7 mm depending on version

Main use cases

From soft shading to bold lining and heavy packing in one machine

Specific variants for soft shading, versatile work or strong linework and blackwork

Motor

High‑power brushless motor around 12.6W

High‑power brushless motor around 12.6W

Electronic focus

Adaptive power and strong torque at low speed

Stable, sharp hit and precise frequency control

Form factor

Compact body with integrated stroke selector

Pen‑style body with a slim grip

Versatility level

Very high, suitable for multi‑style work

High within the chosen stroke specialization

Ideal user

Artists who often switch between techniques and tasks

Artists with a clear main style who prefer simple, stable behavior

Practical scenarios: which machine fits which artist?

To avoid the wrong choice, it helps to map common real‑world scenarios to each machine.

When the Avenger 3 Pro is the better choice

avenger 3 pro tattoo machine

Choose the Avenger 3 Pro if you:

  • work in multiple styles and often switch between shading, color packing and different types of linework;

  • prefer to travel light and rely on one main machine instead of several specialized devices;

  • like adjusting stroke and feel to match the skin area or client rather than sticking to a single setup.

When the Ultron 3 is the better choice

Choose the Ultron 3 if you:

  • have a defined primary style such as black and grey realism, fine line or blackwork and know which stroke suits you best;

  • value a compact, pen‑like form factor with minimal vibration and a very stable hit for long sessions;

  • prefer a “set once and work” approach without ongoing mechanical adjustments during the day.

How to avoid the wrong choice

To minimize the risk of regret, ask yourself these questions:

  • do you regularly switch between very different techniques that require different stroke behaviors;

  • do you already know your preferred stroke and mainly stay within one stylistic lane;

  • is long‑term versatility more important than a streamlined daily routine, or the other way around;

  • are you comfortable adjusting your machine, or do you prefer to focus only on the tattoo.

Honest answers to these points will help more than any spec list.

Conclusion: choosing the right Vlad Blad flagship for you

There is no universal winner between the Avenger 3 Pro and the Ultron 3. Both share a powerful brushless motor, professional‑grade electronics and quality materials, but they solve different problems. The Avenger 3 Pro is the best fit for artists who want a highly versatile machine that can adapt to almost any task in the studio. The Ultron 3 is ideal for artists with a clear stylistic focus who value a compact pen, a stable hit and a simple, predictable workflow. When you match the machine’s philosophy to your actual working style, you greatly reduce the chance of a wrong choice and increase the odds that this will be the right machine for years to come.