Microbeau’s incredible range of PMU machines means deciding which is best for you can be difficult! With variations on connectivity, stroke length and size, the main thing that they have in common is their immense popularity.

Take the Flux S and the Flux Mini. Two highly sought-after PMU machines from a US company loved the world around. They may look similar, but to get the right machine you’ll need to know how they differ.


What do I need to know about the Flux S and Flux Mini?


Both machines come from the Microbeau range, an incredibly popular manufacturer with all products hand-assembled in the USA. The Flux S and Flux Mini are joined by the Xion S, Bellar and Apollo machines, all with their own unique purposes and traits.

The Flux S and Flux Mini have more in common than not – they’re both Bluetooth connected, powered wirelessly through the Powerbolt battery pack, and are compatible with universal cartridges. Both machines have a travel mode feature, making them perfect for pop-up clinics, and allow needle depth adjustments through a ratcheting mechanism – one click adjusts the needle by 0.2mm.


What is the Powerbolt?


As both of these machines are wireless, it’s worth knowing about the battery packs that support them!

The Flux S uses the Powerbolt, an interchangeable lithium-ion battery pack which allows you to switch between spare batteries easily, while the Flux Mini uses the Powerbolt Mini. Both battery packs are charged by USB-C, and with the dynamic power path management they can even be used while charging. Both have just three buttons on its user-friendly body; a power button, and up and down arrows with which to change voltage.

Next to the three buttons are a series of voltage indicators from 5 to 12 on the Powerbolt and 5 to 10 on the Powerbolt Mini, in different colours. The colour of the LED light above the power button indicates which voltage the machine is currently receiving, with a blinking light representing a half voltage measure.

The Powerbolts come with a travel mode option, which prevents the machines from being turned on accidentally and running down by the time you reach your destination. Additionally, with Bluetooth technology you can pair your machine with the Darklabs app for firmware updates and Siri voice control options.



How powerful are these machines?


The Flux S is significantly more powerful than the Flux Mini, boasting a brushless 9V battery for a fast start up and 10+ hours of battery life from 2 hours of charging, perfect for a long day of work. The Powerbolt Mini has a direct drive motor, powering it for around 5 hours from 2 hours of charge. Both machines can be bought with an additional battery in the pack, so even when you’re running out of battery you can switch out and keep going!

The stroke length is also slightly shorter on the Flux Mini, at 2.5mm rather than 3mm. The difference isn’t huge, and each machine can be used for the same tasks – everything from brows, lip blush and eyeliner through to areola tattooing and scar camouflage – but the shorter stroke length suits the lower voltage. For those who do prefer a 3mm stroke length, there is a 3mm Flux Mini available too!


How does it feel to use the Flux S and Flux Mini?


Both of these PMU machines are made from 6061 T6 aircraft-grade aluminium, which feels cool and light in the hand, with ergonomically shaped grips.

The Flux S is larger overall, with a weight of 180g and a maximum grip diameter of 28mm, while the Flux Mini lives up to its name at only 106g with a 19mm diameter grip. As you might expect, the lighter Mini is more comfortable for those with smaller hands who struggle with bulky or heavier machines, however it does come down to personal preference and what type of machine the artist feels more comfortable using.



What protections do these machines need?


Like any other PMU machine in your collection, you’ll need to consider how best to barrier protect the Flux S and Flux Mini.

Using universal cartridges with a membrane will protect the machine from any pigment or other fluids that might leak back into the motor, and the rest of the machine should be completely wrapped in a disposable cover.

Both machines have an autoclavable grip, which can make disinfecting easier, although the rest of the machine will need to be cold sterilised between treatments.


Which machine is better for me?


Unfortunately, only you can decide that!

The Flux S and Flux Mini are both excellent PMU machines with a lot of positives. While the Flux S is powerful and sturdy with a long battery life, the Mini is compact, lightweight, and easily portable, at about 1/3 of the size of the Flux S.

There’s also a choice to make about colour, if you want to personalise your machine or match it to your clinic decor. While the Flux S comes in Ultraviolet, Bubblegum, Stealth and Gunmetal, the Flux Mini comes in Bubblegum, Black, Silver and Champagne Gold – so if you really want that gorgeous rose gold machine, you’ll have to go with a Mini!



The price points do differ, with the more powerful Flux S being understandably more expensive than its Mini companion. Both machines can be bought with their respective Powerbolt battery or in a set with an additional battery pack.

Ultimately, the Flux S is more suited to an experienced PMU artist who can handle the extra power, while the Mini’s sleeker profile is ideal for smaller hands. There’s no wrong answer when both options are so good!