Codes like 1003RL, 1205RS or 1215RM can look confusing at first. They follow one simple pattern, though. Once you can read it, you can choose cartridges and needles from any brand with confidence.
The pattern: diameter + count + configuration
Take 1205RM as an example:
| Part | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| First two digits | 12 | Needle diameter (see the table below) |
| Next digits | 05 | Number of needles in the grouping |
| Letters | RM | Configuration (how the needles are arranged) |
So 1205RM means five 0.35 mm needles in a curved magnum arrangement.
Needle diameter: 08, 10, 12, 14, 16
| Code | Diameter | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 08 | 0.25 mm | Very fine lines, delicate detail, smooth soft shading |
| 10 | 0.30 mm | Fine lines and detail; a popular all-round choice |
| 12 | 0.35 mm | Standard lining, shading and colour packing |
| 14 | 0.40 mm | Bold lines and solid fill |
| 16 | 0.45 mm | Extra-bold traditional lines |
Thinner needles release ink more slowly, which gives softer results and more control. Thicker needles put down more ink with each pass.
Configurations: RL, RS, M1, RM
- RL – Round Liner: needles are tightly grouped in a circle and come to a fine point. Used for outlines and crisp linework. Single needles such as 1001RL are used for fine-line and micro work.
- RS – Round Shader: a round grouping like RL, but looser. Used for small shading areas, thicker lines and colour work.
- M1 – Magnum (flat or weaved): needles are arranged in a flat row. Covers large areas quickly for shading and colour packing.
- RM – Curved Magnum (round magnum): a magnum whose row is slightly curved, so the edges are softer. This is the favourite for smooth black-and-grey shading and blends.
Cartridges vs traditional needles
Cartridges are single-use modules that click into a pen-style or rotary machine. Our cartridges come 20 pcs per box. Traditional needles are soldered on a bar and used with a tube and tip. Our traditional needles come 50 pcs per box. Both use the same code system.
Matching tips for traditional needles
If you use traditional needles, match the tip shape to the configuration:
- Open Round tips (R) and Closed Round tips (RT): for round liners and shaders
- Open Flat tips (M) and Closed Flat tips (FT): for magnums
- Diamond tips (DT): for liners, giving a stable guide for line work
Shop by brand
| Brand | Round Liner & Shader | Magnum & Curved Magnum |
|---|---|---|
| BLACK DIRK | RL / RS | M1 / RM |
| UFO | RL / RS | M1 / RM |
| JZ | RL / RS | M1 / RM |
| Purple | RL / RS | M1 / RM |
Traditional needles: Standard Tattoo Needles, DIRK Round Liner & Shader, DIRK Magnum & Curved Magnum.
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