Bishop XLumen: The Perfect Tattoo Machine for Tattoo Conventions
When you're tattooing outside the studio, lighting can make all the difference. Tattoo conventions are busy, fast-paced environments where you can't always control the lighting at your booth.
That's where the new Bishop Rotary XLumen comes in.
Designed as the first tattoo machine with a built-in light inside the grip, the Bishop XLumen gives tattoo artists additional illumination exactly where they need it.
The result is a wireless tattoo machine designed for greater visibility, portability, and versatility, making it an especially interesting option for tattoo conventions, guest spots, and everyday tattooing.
The result is a wireless tattoo machine designed for greater visibility, portability, and versatility, making it an especially interesting option for tattoo conventions, guest spots, and everyday tattooing.
Why the Bishop XLumen Is Ideal for Tattoo Conventions
At a tattoo convention, you can't always control your working environment. Lighting can vary from booth to booth, and the setup you're accustomed to in your private studio isn't always available.
The Bishop XLumen tattoo machine helps solve that problem by putting additional light directly where you're working.
Whether you're tattooing intricate details, moving between convention spaces, or simply want an additional light source at your station, XLumen adds versatility without requiring another piece of equipment.
For convention artists who value portability and visibility, that's a major advantage.
When Your Studio Lighting Isn't Coming With You
One of the biggest advantages of working in your own tattoo studio is consistency.
You know your chair. You know your setup. You know your equipment. Most importantly, you know your lighting.
Tattoo conventions are different.
You might be working under overhead lights, dealing with shadows, moving between booths, or simply finding that the available lighting isn't strong enough for the details you're tattooing.
The Bishop XLumen tackles that challenge by providing additional illumination directly at the point of work.
Instead of relying entirely on the lighting around your booth, you have another light source available right in your hand.
That's what makes XLumen particularly interesting for artists who regularly tattoo at conventions or guest spots.
Bishop XLumen Tattoo Machine at a Glance
- Built-in light designed to improve visibility while tattooing
- Automatic or manual light activation
- Plenty of illumination for fine-detail tattooing
- Thicker grip designed for artists who prefer a larger hand feel
- Available in Shader 3.5mm, Packer 4.2mm, and Liner 5.0mm
- Wireless system with Critical smart batteries
- Approximately 5 hours of battery life with the light on
- Approximately 8–10 hours of battery life with the light off
- Designed for use with XLumen disposable grips when using the integrated light
A Bigger Grip Without the Extra Weight
The Bishop XLumen also offers a different feel compared with a standard Bishop machine.
Its body and grip are thicker than a regular Bishop, making it particularly appealing to artists who prefer a larger tattoo machine grip in their hand.
The important part is that the increased grip size doesn't mean increased weight.
For artists who naturally prefer larger grips, XLumen can provide a familiar and comfortable feel while maintaining the portability you'd expect from a wireless tattoo machine.
That's especially useful at tattoo conventions, where you're already carrying machines, cartridges, inks, supplies, lighting, and everything else needed for a full day of tattooing.
Built-In Lighting When You Need It
The standout feature of the Bishop XLumen is, of course, its integrated light.
The lighting system is designed to provide additional illumination for detail work, helping you see your tattoo more clearly when the surrounding environment isn't providing enough light.
You also have control over how you use it.
The light can be activated automatically or manually, giving you flexibility based on your workflow and personal preference.
Need additional illumination? Turn it on.
Don't need it? Keep it off.
It's an additional tool built directly into the tattoo machine rather than another piece of equipment taking up valuable space on an already crowded convention table.
Bishop XLumen Battery Life
Battery performance varies depending on whether the integrated light is being used:
- Light on: approximately 5 hours per battery
- Light off: approximately 8–10 hours per battery
That flexibility allows you to prioritize additional lighting when you need it while maximizing battery life when the surrounding environment provides enough illumination.
Bishop XLumen Configurations
The Bishop XLumen is available in three configurations to suit different tattooing styles:
XLumen Shader — 3.5mm
A 3.5mm stroke option designed for artists who prefer a versatile setup with a shorter stroke.
XLumen Packer — 4.2mm
The 4.2mm Packer configuration offers a longer stroke for artists looking for a different balance of packing and versatility.
XLumen Liner — 5.0mm
The 5.0mm Liner is designed for artists who prefer a longer stroke for lining and related techniques.
With three configurations available, artists can choose the Bishop XLumen tattoo machine that best matches their preferred tattooing style.
Bishop XLumen Release Date in Canada
The Bishop XLumen launches globally on August 21, 2026, with Canadian pre-orders currently available through Maple Tattoo Supply.
XLumen Release Timeline
- Now: Canadian pre-orders are open, with all three configurations available.
- August 21, 2026: Bishop's official global reveal, including full imagery and remaining specifications.
- After August 21: Canadian pre-orders begin shipping to artists.
The Bishop XLumen is available for $1,999.95 CAD through Maple Tattoo Supply.
Is the Bishop XLumen Worth Adding to Your Convention Setup?
If you're looking for a wireless tattoo machine for conventions, the Bishop XLumen offers a unique combination of portability, grip size, battery flexibility, and integrated lighting.
Its built-in light can be especially useful when you're working in environments where you don't have complete control over your lighting. Rather than adding another lamp or relying entirely on the convention venue's lighting, XLumen puts additional illumination directly at your point of work.
For artists who frequently attend tattoo conventions, travel for guest spots, or simply want an additional lighting option in their everyday setup, the XLumen is worth considering.
Reserve the Bishop XLumen in Canada
Ready to upgrade your convention tattoo setup?
Reserve the Bishop XLumen in Canada through Maple Tattoo Supply and prepare for your next tattoo convention with a wireless tattoo machine featuring integrated lighting.
With its built-in light, three stroke configurations, wireless operation, and larger grip design, the Bishop XLumen brings something genuinely different to the tattoo machine market.
