Are you tired of constantly swapping out old tattoo needles for new ones during your tattoo session? Have you ever wished for an easier and more efficient way to create your art? Look no further than needle cartridges!
In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the world of cartridge needles and help you understand the various types available. From round liners to magnums to flat shaders, we'll explore the unique characteristics and applications of all tattoo needle types to enhance your tattooing artistry.
Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting in the tattoo industry, this tattoo needle guide will provide valuable insights to expand your knowledge and elevate your skills.
Standard Round Liners (RL)
Round liner needles are the most common cartridge. This cartridge needle is made of a single round liner needle configuration and typically has narrower tattoo needles. It excels at creating precise outlines and intricate details in tattoo designs.
Professional tattoo artists rely on Round liner tattoo cartridges to achieve clean, sharp lines and capture the fine intricacies of their artwork. With exceptional control and versatility, these tattoo needle cartridges ensure precise and fine line work, making them an indispensable tool in every artist's collection.
Round Shaders (RS)
The Round Shader (RS) cartridge needle helps add depth and dimension to your tattoo design. The curved surface of the round shaders makes for a soft, rounded finish, perfect for shading and colouring in larger areas.
The round shaders are available in a variety of tattoo needle sizes, including 1RL, 3RL, 5RL, 7RL, 9RL, and 11RL. The larger sizes are great for filling in larger areas quickly and without having to switch out the tattoo needle box often.
Magnum Shader (M1)
Whether you’re looking to fill in a larger area with colour or want to create softer, blurred lines, the Magnum needles are a great option.
The Magnum Shader’s needle configuration comprises two rows of tattoo needles, staggered and slightly tilted to create more coverage, resulting in a wide needle surface area.
This type of needle cartridge also creates a gradient with the softness of a shader and the depth of a liner. The sizes of these needle cartridges are 5M1, 7M1, 9M1, 11M1, 13M1, and 15M1.
Round Magnum (RM)
The Round Magnum (RM) needle configuration is a combination of a round shader and a magnum shader. It features multiple small, round tattoo needles arranged in a circular formation, providing a larger surface area for shading and colouring.
The Round Magnum tattoo needles are designed to create smooth gradients and soft shading effects, making them a popular choice for achieving subtle transitions in tattoo designs. It offers versatility in creating both bold and delicate shading techniques, allowing professional tattoo artists to add depth and dimension to their artwork.
Flat Shader (F)
The flat shader (F) tattoo cartridge needle, commonly used by tattoo artists, is a versatile option for creating both soft and hard lines. The flat needles allow for a sense of control while creating your tattoo. Flat shaders are also great for blending colours and creating Ombre designs.
These needle cartridges are available in different configurations ranging from 4F, 5F, and 6F until 11F, where 11F is widely used for magnum shading, the larger gradient shading method.
Curved Magnum (CM)
A Curved Magnum (CM) cartridge needle is similar to a magnum shader, but instead, it features a curve needle type. The curved nature of the cartridge needles allows for a softer shading of areas with a curvature to them, such as the elbow, inner bicep, or hip pillar. Curved magnums are available in varying sizes, from 7 cm to 9 cm to 13 cm.
Now that you understand the basics of each cartridge type, it's time to explore some additional factors to consider when choosing the best tattoo cartridges for your art.
Needle Configuration
The configuration of the best tattoo cartridges and tattoo needles can have a significant impact on the overall effect of your tattoo. Stacked configurations, for example, are great for creating bold, thick lines, while weaved configurations are ideal for creating softer, more subtle shading. Curved configurations, on the other hand, are perfect for creating curved lines and contours.
Cartridge Needle Sizes
As we mentioned earlier, tattoo needle sizes play a crucial role in determining the thickness of your lines or shading. It's important to note that narrower tattoo needles allow for greater control and precision, while larger tattoo needles are better for filling in larger areas more quickly. It's essential to experiment with different needle sizes to hone your skills and find the perfect balance for your art.
Brand and Quality
When it comes to cartridge needles, quality is everything. Cheap, poorly made needle cartridges are more likely to malfunction or cause damage to the skin, so it's essential to invest in high-quality cartridges from a reputable brand.
True Gent Tattoo Supplies offers a wide range of tattoo cartridges in various needle configurations and sizes, ensuring that you can find the best tattoo cartridges for every type of tattoo.
Tattoo Cartridge Compatibility with Tattoo Machines
Another crucial factor to consider is the compatibility of the tattoo needle cartridges with tattoo machines. Not all tattoo cartridges are compatible with every tattoo machine, as different tattoo machines may have specific requirements for needle depth and attachment mechanisms.
It's essential to ensure that the tattoo cartridges you choose are compatible with your tattoo machine to ensure proper functionality and optimal performance.
Ease of Use and Convenience
Consider the ease of use and convenience offered by tattoo cartridges. Some cartridges come with convenient features such as click or twist systems for easy attachment and detachment from the tattoo machine. These features can save valuable time during your tattoo session and provide a hassle-free experience.
Additionally, look for tattoo cartridges that are easy to clean and sterilise, as this will contribute to a smoother workflow and maintain a hygienic environment.
Tattoo Artist Reviews and Recommendations
It can be beneficial to seek out reviews and recommendations from other tattoo artists regarding specific tattoo cartridge brands and models. Hearing about the experiences and opinions of fellow tattoo artists can help you make an informed decision.
Online communities, forums, and social media groups dedicated to tattooing are great resources for gathering insights and recommendations from experienced professionals.
Price and Value for Money
While quality should always be a priority, it's also essential to consider price and value for money when selecting tattoo cartridges. Compare prices from different suppliers and brands to ensure you are getting a fair deal.
Keep in mind that cheaper options may sacrifice quality, while more expensive cartridges may not always be necessary for every type of tattoo. Finding a balance between quality and affordability will help you make a wise investment.
By considering these additional factors, you can make a more informed decision when choosing the best tattoo cartridges for your art. Remember, the best tattoo cartridges can greatly enhance your tattooing process and help you achieve exceptional results.
Conclusion
It’s essential to note that the type of cartridge needles used for a tattoo design affects the overall outcome of the tattoo. Each tattoo needle cartridge offers a different application with varying effects, so it's crucial to know what tattoo needles are ideal for your design and budget.
Make sure you consider the above-recommended tattoo cartridges to ensure you achieve the desired tattoo finish. For a reliable source of tattoo cartridges, consider True Gent Tattoo Supplies. They offer a wide range of high-quality needle cartridges for every professional tattoo artist, ensuring professional-grade tattoo equipment for your tattooing needs.
With True Gent Tattoo Supplies products, you can trust the quality and performance of your tattoo cartridge needles!
