Critical Prime Pen 3.5 – Full Set
CriticalOrder as a pre-order — it ships when back in stock.
Specifications
- Brand
- Critical
- Stroke
- 3.5 mm
- Voltage
- 4-13 V
- Battery life
- 7 hours
- Dimensions
- 32x140 mm
- Weight
- 180 g
- Quantity
- 2 batteries
- Format
- USB C
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Guide & full description
Complete guide: Critical Prime Pen 3.5 – Full Set
A wireless pen-style tattoo machine, developed in collaboration between Critical Tattoo and Prime Tattoo Supply, equipped with a Japanese Bishop motor and a 3.5 mm stroke. The soft, controlled hit makes it especially recommended for black and grey, shading, and fine lines, but the voltage range of 4–13 V covers practically all techniques. Being a 'Full Set', you receive in the package the machine, two 2000 mAh batteries, a two-port charging station, and four Prime cartridges — you can start working immediately, you only need the rest of the session consumables.
How to use
- Charge both batteries in the two-port charging station using the included USB-C cable before the first session.
- Attach the battery to the machine body via the magnetic connection; the body can rotate 360°, so orient the display as comfortable in your hand.
- Mount a cartridge (in the set you receive Prime 5RL, 7RL, 9M, and 9CM) and adjust the needle protrusion from the stepless system according to the technique.
- Wrap the machine and grip in protective wrap; in the set you also have a 34 mm disposable grip that you can use instead of direct handling.
- Turn on the machine with one press (the Jumpstart function eliminates the need for a foot pedal) and set the voltage from the large buttons, usable even through the wrap — the display shows voltage and battery status.
- Start with a low voltage in the 4–13 V range and gradually adjust until you achieve the desired behavior for lining or shading.
- When the battery runs low, quickly swap it with the second battery from the set — the magnetic connection makes replacement almost instantaneous, without interrupting the session for long.
- At the end, turn off the machine, discard everything disposable (cartridge, wraps, disposable grip), and sanitize the machine body according to the procedure below.
Tips from us
- Take advantage of the two batteries in the set: always keep the second one charged in the station, so you are not dependent on the autonomy of a single one on days with multiple appointments.
- The 360° rotation of the body is useful during work: reposition the display when changing the attack angle, so you can always see the voltage without twisting your wrist.
- If you predominantly work with bold lines and color packing, compare with the Prime Pen 4.2 version (4.2 mm stroke, stronger hit) — the 3.5 model is designed for a soft hit, black and grey, and delicate linework.
- The PRIME battery is interchangeable with Critical V3 and Bishop Power Wand batteries, so if you already have equipment from these ecosystems, you can use them as spares.
- The RCA connector in the package allows you to power the machine from a classic cable source — a good plan B if you run out of charged batteries.
- The weight of 180 g and 32 mm diameter provide a balance that reduces hand fatigue, but regular breaks during long sessions are still worthwhile.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly do I get in this Full Set?▾
The package includes: Critical x Prime Pen 3.5 machine, 2 batteries of 2000 mAh, a 2-port charging station, USB-C cable, Prime tool, a 34 mm disposable grip, an RCA connector, 4 Prime cartridges (5RL, 7RL, 9M, and 9CM), and the user manual with a QR code linking to a video. You basically have everything machine-related to start immediately; you only need the usual session consumables and your preferred cartridges.
How long does the battery last and what do I do if it runs out mid-session?▾
The PRIME 2000 mAh battery provides up to 7 hours of autonomy from a full charge — actual autonomy depends on working voltage and needle configuration. Since the set comes with two batteries and the connection is magnetic, swapping takes a few seconds: remove the discharged battery, put on the spare one, and continue. As a last resort, you can use the included RCA connector for cable power.
Is it suitable for beginners or only for experienced artists?▾
It is a professional machine, but the Full Set format makes it accessible even for beginners: you get batteries, charger, starter cartridges, and a manual with a tutorial video. Operation is simple — on/off with one press via the Jumpstart function, no foot pedal needed, and the display shows only what you need: voltage and battery status. The soft, controlled hit of the 3.5 mm stroke forgives pressure mistakes more easily than a hard-hit machine, which helps with learning shading.
Which cartridges and batteries is it compatible with?▾
The Prime Pen 3.5 is compatible with most membrane cartridge brands, so you are not tied to a single needle manufacturer. Regarding batteries, besides its own PRIME battery, it also accepts Critical V3 and Bishop Power Wand batteries — if you already have equipment from these ecosystems, you can use them directly without additional investment.
How do I sanitize and maintain the machine to ensure it lasts?▾
Use protective barriers (wrap) on the body and grip for each client — the large buttons are designed to be pressed through the wrap. After the session, disinfect surfaces with a solution suitable for electronic equipment, without submerging the machine in liquid. Cartridges and the disposable grip are discarded after each client. Charge the batteries with the station and cable from the package, and keep the magnetic contacts clean and dry. The product comes with a 1-year warranty provided by Critical Tattoo.
What is the difference between Prime Pen 3.5 and Prime Pen 4.2 — which one should I choose?▾
The difference is the stroke and motor behavior: 3.5 has a 3.5 mm stroke with a softer hit, ideal for black and grey, shading, and fine lines; 4.2 has a 4.2 mm stroke with a stronger hit, oriented towards bold lines and color packing. Dimensions, weight, and battery compatibility are identical. If your style is predominantly black and grey and realism, 3.5 is the natural choice; for old school with thick lines and compact color, 4.2 is a better fit.
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