Interview With Tyler Stover - Marketing Director at FK Irons

FK Irons is the company behind some of the most popular and iconic tattoo equipment and accessories of the last decade.

Best known for its diverse range of tattoo machines and battery packs – as well as the ever-helpful Darklab app for wireless machine control and future-proofing updates – the brand is helping to bring tattoo technology into the future.

We spoke with Tyler Stover, Director of Marketing at FK Irons about the company’s best-loved products, trends in the tattoo industry, and his own charity, Hope Vs Cancer.

When did you join FK Irons, and how has the company changed since then? 

I joined FK Irons at the end of 2018 and have had the privilege of watching how the company has evolved with the industry.

We went through a pandemic together with our artists and, as true creatives, we found innovative ways to continue to provide the best tools for our artists. We have grown and have been blessed with the opportunity to touch so many artists’ work and shops around the world.   

What’s the ethos behind FK Irons? 

Cultivate a strong brand, and bond with our community by providing innovative solutions to artists and continuous improvement. Everything we do revolves around the artists.  

What makes the ONE different from all of your other machines? 

In a nutshell - you can remove the battery cell from the device, and the reduced complexity of electronic components makes the pricing accessible to more artists worldwide. 

Which are more popular - wired, wireless, or hybrid machines like the EXO? 

Currently, wireless all the way. The new wave of artists entering the industry aren’t even really being exposed to wired machines. All they know is wireless. 

Do you think the industry will ever completely move away from wired rotary machines? 

That’s a tough question. They played a massive part in the industry’s growth and trajectory, and I have a lot of respect and appreciation for them, but I think big machine brands may move away from them because it’s becoming increasingly difficult to produce small quantities of machines. 

What’s the most popular stroke length in your machines? 

4.0 all the way. Right in the middle of the bell curve. 

Which FK Irons machine is best for colour packing? 

I still see a lot of artists using the EXO to colour pack, especially if they are doing a large piece. The grip’s weight and size add downward pressure, so the artists are guiding the ink in more than forcing it.  

And how about lining? 

I think this might be a debate by the end of the year. Three months ago, I would’ve told you the Flux Max, but we are getting a ton of feedback about the ONE and how artists are loving to line with the 4.0 ONE.  

How does eGive work in your machines? 

The electronic capability of the machine allows the device to simulate needle recoil on the skin, similar to the give on the Xion. 

Can you tell us about the design for your Flux Max Anniversary Edition, and the tool box it comes with? 

It was inspired by the iconic and recognisable black and red from the FK logo! And well, when it came to what we were going to put it in, we remembered how many artists asked for the toolboxes we used when we initially launched the Flux Max with our Pro Team in 2022.  

Why do you think the Xion is still so popular after all these years? 

Because of its quality and versatility. Artists can switch the stroke and adjust the give on the machine. We get told a lot that it allows artists to take a big leap in their craft while learning to tattoo or growing as an artist, experimenting with their art, and beginning to push their limits. 

FK Irons has released a PowerBolt, PowerBolt II, PowerBolt+ and PowerBolt II+! For those unsure, can you explain the differences between these options? 

The plus versions are all about 1.5x longer lasting than their smaller versions. The PowerBolt was our original wireless battery, and voltage level was measured by an LED light, whereas the PowerBolt II has a full OLED screen with numeric readout, menu options, and expanded features. 

What are the advantages of using the Darklab app? 

The biggest advantage is the ability to perform a firmware update. Our electrical engineers are continuously looking to improve the firmware on our machines. 

What goes into making a useful grip that artists will love? 

That’s another tough question. Artists have different preferences when it comes to balance, weight, width, and so on. But all of them want a grip that really balances the machine well!

We’ve had Lightning Bolts, Airbolts, PowerBolts and MotorBolts – what Bolt is next?! 

Maybe a Bolt Charger? Bolt Bank? Did we just create a device? 

Can you tell us about the work you do with Hope vs Cancer? 

Our philanthropic organisation strives to create a trusted platform for tattoo artists, empowering them to give back by designing and providing real tattoo designs to be made into temporary tattoos for children battling cancer.

These unique tools serve as a cool and artistic expression, and uplift children's spirits worldwide, particularly during their intense cancer treatments. 

Who are some of your favourite tattoo artists working today? 

Ugh, man. Your questions don’t get any easier. I’m really digging what Randy Burnham, Franky Yang, and Waler Montero have been putting out lately. The visual composition and artistic execution are top-notch.  

What’s next for Tyler Stover, and for FK Irons? 

Fuelled by innovation and driven by imagination, I am excited about continuing my path with FK Irons. I am really enjoying the journey! 

Huge thanks to Tyler for letting us in on the thought processes behind some of our favourite products – and providing us with a few tattoo artists to follow!

Check out the entire FK Irons range in our store, including machines, power supplies, grips and pedals, or follow the brand on Instagram and Facebook to keep up with their latest innovations!