My previous cordless machine gave up the ghost, so I welcomed this Poseidon kit with the relief usually reserved for finding a parking space in zone 1. After several hours practising on synthetic skin I can say it has helped me make measurable progress — the learning curve feels honest rather than punishing. Line work is confident, shading behaves predictably, and the dot mode is genuinely useful for stippling and realism practice. For the price point, the performance is unusually consistent and sits comfortably alongside the more expensive unit I owned previously. Physically, the handset is on the chunkier side. It conveys solidity and balance, but after a long session my hand did start to ache — it’s the sort of weight that reminds you you’re working with precision engineering, rather than featherlight hobby kit. If you prefer a slim, pen-style machine you’ll notice the difference, but that extra girth does translate into a reassuring, robust feel that some more delicate devices lack. Changing grip positions or taking short pauses will mitigate fatigue; a professional who tattoos for hours might prefer something lighter, but for practising and short sessions it’s perfectly manageable. Technically this device is better thought through than many starter kits. The adjustable stroke — seven settings between roughly 2.4mm and 4.2mm — gives genuine control across lining, shading and detail work; it isn’t merely a gimmick. Switching between Normal and Dot modes is straightforward and the dot setting produces crisp, controlled stippling if you temper your speed. Twin 2300mAh batteries with USB-C fast charging are a practical touch: each cell promises several hours (manufacturer suggests five to eight), and being able to swap them mid-session avoids awkward interruptions. Wireless freedom here genuinely improves ergonomics by removing cable tugs and awkward routing. The kit contents are generous and thoughtfully assembled for a learner. It includes twenty assorted cartridge needles (5×1205RL, 5×1207RL, 5×1209RS, 5×1207CM), two batteries, grips, stencil paper, practice skin, an ink set, cups and other sundries. Having so much included means you can start practising immediately without ferrying supplies from multiple suppliers — which, when you’re learning, is a small but satisfying luxury. The cartridges alone cover the basics for lines, shader work and magnum fills, so you won’t be reaching for extras on day one. On safety and realism: I’m not ready yet to take this machine onto human skin. I’m inclined to spend more time refining my hand speed and needle control and, sensibly, I’ll ask a tattooist I trust to inspect both my technique and the kit before progressing to permanent work. The unit itself has produced results comparable to my previous, pricier machine in practice tests, but the decision to tattoo a person should always hinge on skill rather than equipment — the kit facilitates learning, it does not replace apprenticeship. Value is where this kit really sings. At under £70, it supplies a comprehensive set-up that would otherwise cost considerably more if purchased item by item. For beginners who want a single purchase that covers machine, consumables and practice materials, it’s an economical and surprisingly capable option. If you’re a complete beginner, treat this as a very well-stocked classroom; if you’re an intermediate hobbyist it’s a pragmatic back-up that punches above its weight. If you prefer a svelte, ultra-light pen style, or you know you’ll tattoo professionally for marathon sessions, consider whether the handset’s heft will suit your working style. For most learners and casual artists, though, this Poseidon kit is a reassuring, well-spec’d companion — solidly built, versatile in function and excellent value for money. And if your hand does start to grumble after an hour, you can at least console yourself that you’re getting proper practice rather than just fiddling about.
