How to Choose the Right Tattoo Cartridges
When it comes to delivering clean, consistent tattoos, choosing the right tattoo cartridge needles makes all the difference. With so many brands, sizes, and groupings available, it can be hard to know which option is right for your machine and style.
At Element Tattoo Supply, we carry top-quality cartridges for every type of artist—from daily liners to precision PMU professionals. Here’s a simple guide to help you choose the best cartridge needles for your setup.
🔹 1. Know Your Needle Type
Tattoo cartridges come in different configurations. Each is designed for specific techniques:
• Round Liner (RL): For clean outlines and crisp detail
• Round Shader (RS): For soft shading and smaller fills
• Magnums (M1, M2): For smooth shading and color packing
• Curved Magnums (CM): For blended shading with less trauma
• Flat Needles: Used for bold color fills or thick lines
✅ Tip: Match your cartridge to your tattooing style for better control and less skin trauma.
🔹 2. Understand Size and Taper
Needle diameter (e.g., #10 or #12) affects the ink flow and line sharpness. Smaller sizes allow for detail, while larger sizes deposit more ink.
Taper refers to the length of the needle tip:
• Short Taper: More ink flow, less control
• Long Taper: More control, smoother blends
🔹 3. Stick With Trusted Cartridge Brands
For safety, precision, and performance, use well-known and reliable brands. We recommend:
• Mast Pro Cartridges – Balanced performance and great value
• WJX Cartridges – Smooth ink flow and excellent build
• Kwadron Cartridges – Precision polish and long tapers
• Da Vinci Cartridges – Excellent for Black and Grey and fine line detail
• Cheyenne Cartridges – Premium-grade and safe
• FYT Cartridges – Trusted by artists worldwide
💡 All cartridges sold at Element are sterilized, sealed, and ready to use.
🔹 4. Make Sure It Matches Your Machine
Most cartridges today are Standard-compatible and work with pen-style rotary machines. If you’re unsure, check your machine specs before purchasing.
🔹 5. Choose Cartridges Based on Your Style
Are you a black & grey artist? Color packer? PMU professional?
• Fine line and PMU artists often use tight liners and single needles
• Black and Grey artists use a variety of standard and tight liners,
• Color artists lean toward mags and curved mags
• Lining artists need round liners with stiff membranes
We carry a full range of tattoo cartridges and PMU cartridge needles so you can find what works best for you.
🛒 Shop Tattoo Cartridges at Element
At Element Tattoo Supply, we’re artist-owned and committed to quality. Whether you’re stocking your studio or upgrading your setup, we’ve got the cartridge needles you need—fast, reliable, and ready to ship.
👉 Shop All Tattoo Cartridges →