When it comes to tattooing, every detail matters. The size of your needles, the ink quality, and even the type of machine you use — all of it plays a role in creating that perfect design. But one factor that often gets overlooked? Stroke length.

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering why some tattoos look crisp and clean while others seem patchy or inconsistent, the answer might just lie in your stroke length settings. Understanding stroke length is like mastering the heartbeat of your tattoo machine. And lucky for you, we’re here to break it all down.

At Vlad Blad Irons, we know that mastering your craft means understanding your tools inside and out. Our machines are built to help you achieve your artistic vision, and getting a grip on stroke length is a major step toward achieving that goal.

What is Stroke Length?

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s get one thing straight. Stroke length, also known as "throw," refers to how far your needle travels with each cycle of your machine.

  • Coil Machines - the stroke length is the distance the armature bar moves before it hits the needle.
  • Rotary Machines - it’s the circular motion of the cam wheel, which determines how far the needle moves.

Sounds simple, right? But here’s the kicker — that small distance can change everything about how your tattoo turns out.

Why Stroke Length Matters

Think of stroke length like the stride of a runner. A short stride might make you nimble and quick, while a long stride gives you power and distance. In tattooing, stroke length influences:

  • Needle Speed — shorter strokes mean faster needle movement, while longer strokes are slower but more forceful.
  • Skin Trauma — longer strokes hit harder, while shorter strokes are gentler on the skin.
  • Ink Saturation — the length of your stroke impacts how much ink gets deposited.

Understanding the right stroke length for the job means the difference between smooth shading and a patchy mess.

The Three Types of Stroke Lengths

Short Stroke Length (1.8mm - 2.5mm)

Short stroke machines are the sprinters of the tattoo world. The needles move quickly and hit softly, causing minimal trauma. This makes short strokes perfect for:

  • Soft Shading and Blending — ideal for black and gray realism or delicate portrait work.
  • Multiple Passes — since the impact is light, you can safely go over an area without overworking the skin.
  • Permanent Makeup — many PMU artists swear by short strokes for clean, subtle results.
At Vlad Blad Irons, our machines like the Vlad Blad Ultron C Pen offer adjustable short strokes, giving you flexibility and control for intricate shading.

Medium Stroke Length (3.5mm)

This is the all-rounder — the jack of all trades. Medium strokes balance speed and power, making them versatile for both lining and shading. They work well for:

  • Color Packing — medium strokes ensure good saturation without causing excessive trauma.
  • Beginner-Friendly Work — new artists often start with medium strokes to get a feel for machine control.
  • Detailed Linework — you can get bold enough lines without needing multiple passes.

Machines like the Vlad Blad Ultron Alpha are designed with reliable 3.5mm strokes, making them ideal for tattooers who want one machine for most tasks.

Long Stroke Length (4.0mm and above)

Long stroke machines are your heavy lifters. The needles hit hard, move slower, and drive ink deep into the skin in a single pass. These are ideal for:

  • Bold Lining — think traditional tattoos with thick, clean outlines.
  • Color Packing — fill large areas efficiently without needing multiple passes.
  • Experienced Artists — with great power comes great responsibility. Longer strokes demand a steady hand.

The Vlad Blad Ultron C Pen also comes with a 4.0mm stroke option for those who want to push bold lines and dramatic effects.

How to Adjust Stroke Length

For Coil Machines

Adjusting the stroke on a coil machine requires a bit of hands-on tuning. The contact screw and the front spring play the biggest role. By tweaking the gap between the armature bar and contact point, you can easily adjust the stroke.

  • Larger Gap =" Longer "Stroke
  • Smaller Gap =" Shorter "Stroke

For Rotary Machines

Many rotary machines feature cam wheels with interchangeable stroke lengths. Some even offer adjustable stroke dials, making it quick and easy to switch mid-session.

Pro Tip: Machines like the Vlad Blad Avenger give you complete control with multiple stroke options. Adjusting your stroke length on the fly means you can seamlessly switch between lining, shading, and packing.

Choosing the Right Stroke Length for Your Style

Every artist has their own signature style, and your stroke length should complement that. Here’s a quick guide to finding the best match:

  • Realism & Black and Gray — short stroke for smooth shading and blending.
  • Traditional & Neo-Traditional — long stroke for bold lines and rich color fills.
  • Fine Line & Illustrative — medium stroke for precise linework and gentle shading.

Experimenting is key. The more you play with different stroke lengths, the better you’ll understand how to make them work for you.

Conclusion

Mastering stroke length isn’t just about technical know-how — it’s about unlocking your artistic potential. Whether you’re pulling bold lines, packing vibrant color, or creating delicate realism, the right stroke length can make all the difference.

At Vlad Blad Irons, we’re passionate about providing tattoo artists with the best tools for their craft. Our machines are built to help you perfect your technique, one stroke at a time.

So go ahead, experiment, and discover what works for you. Because when you understand your machine, you’re one step closer to tattooing your masterpiece.