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AK-V tufting gun review — one year later. The AK-V promised to be lighter, quieter, and more advanced than the classic AK-I tufting model. Did it become the best tufting gun of 2025 for beginners and pros?
In this review, we cover the early issues, the fixes, customer feedback, key specs, and an AK-V vs AK-I comparison — so you can decide with confidence.
What is the AK-V Tufting Gun?
The AK-V tufting gun is the latest evolution of the popular AK series. Built by the similiar manufacturer as the well-known tufting gun AK-I, it was designed to take the proven tufting mechanism and upgrade it with modern features that make the tufting process smoother and more comfortable.
From the outside, the AK-V looks similar to older tufting guns, but several key improvements set it apart. It is lighter, significantly quieter, and comes with a digital RPM display that lets you adjust speed with precision. The gun also includes a brushless motor, ergonomic design, and an integrated LED light – all features aimed at making tufting easier for both beginners and professionals.
While the tufting result itself is identical to the AK-I tufting gun – since both share the same sewing mechanism – the user experience is where the AK-V shines. It reduces noise and vibration, is more comfortable to hold for longer sessions, and gives tufters greater control over detail work.
In short, the AK-V tufting gun is not a completely new tufting machine, but a refined and upgraded version of the AK-I model. It offers the same reliable results in a package that feels modern and user-friendly, making it a popular choice among tufters in 2025.
Key Specifications
Here are the main specs of the AK-V tufting gun — with a focus on quiet tufting, adjustable speed control, and a beginner-friendly design.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1.4 kg – lightweight enough for long tufting sessions |
| Speed range | 1000–6000 RPM – fully adjustable speed control for detail work or fast filling |
| Digital RPM display | Precise, repeatable speed settings for consistent results |
| Noise level | Up to 60% quieter than AK-I/II models (Noise differs at different speeds) – a genuinely quiet tufting gun |
| 2-in-1 pile modes | Cut & loop pile in one machine – switch easily between textures |
| Motor | 120 W brushless motor – smoother response, fewer vibrations, longer lifespan |
| Voltage | Universal 100–240 V – ready for EU/US use without hassle |
| Lighting | Integrated LED light to illuminate the working area |
| Braking system | Hall magnetic braking for stability and durability |
Why these specs matter in practice
- Quiet tufting: less noise makes the AK-V more apartment and studio friendly
- Speed control + display: perfect for precise curves, outlines, or fills
- Cut & loop in one: ideal for experimenting and beginners
- Brushless motor: reliable, low maintenance, smooth tufting experience
- Ergonomics + LED: better comfort and visibility during long sessions
Early Issues (and How They Were Fixed)
When the AK-V tufting gun first came out, a few issues appeared. They were solved within the first months, and today the model is stable and reliable. Here’s a quick overview:
| Issue | Cause | Fix | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trigger “autofire” issue | Faulty trigger switch | Switch replacement (simple, connector-based) | Solved 100% with replacement |
| On/Off switch failure | Defective switch component | Replacement of the switch | Solved |
| Cut/loop conversion issues | User did not return settings to factory adjustment → resulted in incorrect yarn cutting | Guidance + tutorials on correct adjustment | Not a design flaw |
The autofire trigger issue was solved by a simple switch replacement — no soldering needed, and our guide helped customers fix it themselves. The on/off switch problem also disappeared after early batches were corrected. When switching between cut and loop pile, some users had incorrect yarn cutting due to misadjustment — easily fixed with our tutorials. By six months after launch, all issues were resolved, and the AK-V has remained reliable ever since.
Customer Experience and Feedback
After the early issues were solved, customers describe the AK-V tufting gun as a big step forward. The 1.4 kg lightweight build and ergonomic grip make it easier to handle for long sessions — even one-handed in special cases.
Users highlight that it runs up to 60% quieter than older AK models, making it a truly quiet tufting gun for home or studio use. The digital RPM display, adjustable speed, and LED light are among the most appreciated modern features.
Overall feedback is consistently positive: while it costs a bit more than the AK-I, customers agree the AK-V delivers the same tufting results with a much better user experience — quieter, smoother, and more enjoyable.
AK-V vs AK-I Tufting Gun – Which One Should You Choose?
The AK-V tufting gun and the AK-I tufting gun are closely related. They share the same stitching mechanism, which means the tufting results are identical. The difference is in comfort, features, and price. Both are good choices — it simply depends on what matters more to you:
| Feature | AK-V | AK-I |
|---|---|---|
| Tufting result | Same quality results as AK-I | Same quality results as AK-V |
| Motor / feel | Brushless motor, smoother handling | Classic motor, proven and reliable |
| Noise level | Up to 60% quieter | Louder, typical of earlier models |
| Weight & ergonomics | Lighter (1.4 kg), ergonomic grip | Heavier, simpler design |
| Features | Digital RPM display, adjustable speed, LED light | Basic functions, no digital extras |
| Price | Slightly higher | More affordable |
| Track record | Stable since early fixes, reliable | Long history, widely used |
Recommendation: Choose the AK-V if you value quiet operation, modern features, and lighter handling. Choose the AK-I if budget matters most and you prefer a simple, proven tool. Both tufting guns deliver identical results — it’s just a matter of comfort vs. price.
Pros and Cons of the AK-V Tufting Gun
Pros
- Up to 60% quieter than AK-I/II
- Lightweight (1.4 kg) and ergonomic
- Digital RPM display with full speed control
- 2-in-1 cut & loop function
- Brushless motor with smooth response
- LED light for better visibility
Cons
- Higher price: costs more than AK-I, but you pay for extra comfort and quietness
- Early issues: trigger/on-off problems existed in the first months (now solved)
- Less history: newer model compared to the long-proven AK-I
Overall: Modern, quiet, and reliable — the AK-V makes tufting smoother and more comfortable.
Verdict – One Year Later
After more than a year on the market, the AK-V tufting gun has proven to be quiet, reliable, and comfortable. The early issues were quickly fixed, and today it delivers the same tufting results as the AK-I with a far better user experience. If you want a modern upgrade that makes tufting smoother and more enjoyable, the AK-V is worth it.
In 2025, the AK-V stands out as one of the best tufting guns for both beginners and professionals.
Where to Buy & Resources
You can get the AK-V tufting gun directly in our store: AK-V tufting starter kit
For tips on keeping your tufting gun in top condition, check our documentation page. We also share video tutorials on our YouTube channel to help you get the most out of your tufting tools.