DERMINATOR Vs DR.PEN ULTIMA A6
- MINI REVIEW -
Having seen plenty of discussion & Qs about them and owning both, thought to share my experience & hopefully help with your queries.
SPEED / FREQ.
I have measured the needling frequencies - & differences are unexpectedly large:
ULTIMA (A6) = 5 SPEEDS = 75 - 80 - 90 - 95 - 100 Hz
Speeds packed so close together (MAX Vs MIN ratio 1.4) that 2 speeds would have been enough.
DERMINATOR-2 (D2) = 3 SPEEDS = 2.5 - 5 - 30 Hz
All D2 speeds are much lower than A6 - & so far apart from each-other (MAX Vs MIN ratio 12 !!) that this time 5 speeds would have been better
EDIT: Replaced the Lo-Speed measurement with the correct one;
MECHANICS
Here lies the fundamental difference between the two:
D2 = Pulsating Device:
needles pulsate (a bit like our hearts
)
A6 = Oscillating Device:
needles oscillate (much like a mass on a spring);
As visible in the charts above, at the same needling speed / frequency the A6 needle stays in the skin longer, increasing pain & risk of transversal Tearing;
EDIT: the higher tearing risk was only theoretically evaluated due to the A6 longer penetration times, which in combination with fast lateral movement could elongate the holes - BUT I did NOT analyze my wounds to assess this and did NOT notice any consequences after healing;
CARTRIDGES
The Bayonet is identical and both cartridges fit both devices:
HOWEVER, D2's cartridge needles (right) are approx 1mm deeper than A6's (left)
Therefore:
A6 + D2-Needles = appr. 1mm DEEPER than set on device
(i.e. for 1.5mm you need to set it to 0.5mm);
D2 + A6-Needles = appr. 1mm SHALLOWER than set on device
(i.e. for 1.5mm you need to set it to 2.5mm);
ADVANTAGES
D2
- PAIN = Less (due to lower speeds);
- FLUIDITY = Better (needles don't get stuck while gliding);
- SPEED. RANGE = Wider (D2=12:1 Vs A6=1.4:1);
- TEARING = Lower Risk (briefer needle penetration time);
EDIT:
- FLAKING = disappeared (had plenty w/ A6);
A6
- PRICE = Cheaper (Unit & Cartridges);
- DELIVERY = Faster;
- DEPTH SETTING = Finer (A6=continuous Vs D2=0.25mm steps);
- WIRELESS (D2 = Wired);
- SPEED = Higher (less needling time for same wounding result);
EDIT:
- BAYONET = sturdy / durable ALU (D2 = Plastic & rotates past lock point if over-tightened);
- EASIER USAGE = depth wheel + power button (D2 = multiple menus & confirmations);
VERDICT
Prefer D2 cause the briefer needle penetration & lower speeds make it so much less painful that it's a game changer for me: @ the hairline had tears every time w/ A6, whereas w/ D2 enjoying & often find myself looking where else to Derminate...
On the other hand, more great responders use a Pen than a D2 - & A6's higher speeds mean shorter sessions for the same hole-count. Therefore - if you're a tough guy, A6 might well fit your bill! But most importantly, whatever your choice... stick with your destiny, embrace the pain & report your Results!