Swashdrive Whip Clones. Advice?

[Fuzzycowbrains]

Hello, I am wanting to try one of the Swashdrive clones. I've looked through the forums here and don't really see anything said about them, though there is lots to read about the dragonfly clones.

I really just want to know what clone is the best quality. Some are labled as 70g, and some as 80g.. some have swashdrive molded on the side and with some they didn't bother....

Can anyone tell me about them?

 

[TexasPT]

a clone is a clone and typically a crap-shoot. You may get an awesome one that works forever and you may get one that breaks and the motor seizes in 2 minutes. So decide if you are ok with it crapping out on day one before you buy it...if not...don't buy it.

I've had good luck so far...I know a lot of folks here who have not.

Mark

 

[toetoe62]

if you are buying just to try them out, i would say put your money into something else, you will be buying something that resembles the original but will not work like it, the only way these machines can be made and sold for the price they are is because the use crapy parts that break in no time at all.

 

[Fuzzycowbrains]

I'm not too worried about the motor, those can be replaced and I like tinkering with things. I am definately going to get one, as I think $17 is an ok price to satisfy my curiosity.. I just want to know if one piece of junk has more problems than others...

 

[TexasPT]

I spent $21 on a dragonfly clone and have tattooed 15 hours or so with it and not one problem. To me, it was worth the risk. For $17 I wouldn't be upset if it didn't perform...but I'd be stoked if it did. Spend your money and hope for the best.

 

[Fuzzycowbrains]

I guess as long as the plastic frame doesn't snap right away I'll either get to use it or fix it, and both ways would provide entertainment.

 

[tatteredone]

I have one of the purple swashdrive clones that comes with an extra arm bar. This machine runs great and is great for black and grey and color. It has a lot of give that you can adjust by sliding the slide on the arm bar. I have used mine for about 4 hours at a time and never had an issue. The one I have also has Swashdrive on the side. I wouldnt use this machine as a liner by any means - the stroke is fairly large.

 

[Fuzzycowbrains]

I have one of the purple swashdrive clones that comes with an extra arm bar. This machine runs great and is great for black and grey and color. It has a lot of give that you can adjust by sliding the slide on the arm bar. I have used mine for about 4 hours at a time and never had an issue. The one I have also has Swashdrive on the side. I wouldnt use this machine as a liner by any means - the stroke is fairly large.

I noticed that some look like they come with 2 of the same a bar, but some come with 2 different types, one for lining and lone for shading.. the one that looks like it was wittled the bottom is for shading. Are both of yours the same or do you have the 2 different ones?

 

[tatteredone]

I have two of the same a bars - the bars have indentions from 1 -10, 1 being for lining and 10 being for color, 5 would be B/G. I think they just give you an extra bar in case the other breaks. I bought mine when they were like $50 on ebay, of course like anything else wait a bit and the price will drop. I also have the clone stigma hyper, clone stigma bizzarre, two clone bishops, clone stealth and a clone dragonfly all of which are awesome machines. I wouldnt go with the cheapest or the most expensive versions of any clone - I usually go middle of the road and have been suprised by how good the quality is. If you have any questions about any my others let me know and I can send ebay links, etc to the ones I bought.

 

[Fuzzycowbrains]

Hm, Thanks, you have given me some things to think about.

 

[daveb]

i have both versions!...the one with the name on tends to be harder hitting and is ok for small lining work and the odd bit of colour...the slightly bigger one with the spring is softer and best for grey shade work..:icon_wink:

 

[inkmanic]

i brought one this week havent got to use it yet, paid *£40 for it off ebay seems to run okay just noisey, then again im used to stealth and stigma, i went for it because of the give clip which works very well

 

[nomad]

Hi
I had 2 they were great machine theywpro better with a heavy grip

 

[Joker1488]

I bought one of the 2012
Adjustable swash drive whip from Amazon when I runs great only problem is keeps spitting ink out the tube when you put the juice to it what do I need to do to make it stop

 

[Torb]

I bought a swashdrive whip clone for my wife to try tattooing. I have only played with it on fake skin. Seems to work fine and its very light. Unfortunately she wasn't interested so it sits in a drawer.