Needles are a vital part of tattooing. Quality and the right needle can help the artist to make precise art and give the client less pain and better outcome. Depending on the tattoo machine you use, you may need a needle cartridge instead of a normal needle. That is why it is so crucial to choose the right needle cartridge when you make a tattoo. If you want to do lining, then you should choose a needle cartridge that inserts more ink and give sharp and dark lines. I have listed the 13 best tattoo cartridge needles for lining for you to choose from.

ImageProduct NamePrice On Amazon
Dragonhawk 20PCS extreme cartridges disposable tattoo needle
Best Overall

Dragonhawk 20Pcs Extreme Cartridges


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Bigwasp 50PCS assorted disposable tattoo needle cartridgesBest for All Rotary Machine

BIGWASP 50pcs Assorted
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Wormhole tattoo cartridge needles 50PCSBest for High materials product

Wormhole Tattoo Cartridge


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Mast pro cartridge tattoo needles disposable 20PCS of one box standard size round linerBest for All Purpose Use


Mast Pro Cartridge Tattoo Needles


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Stigma bugpin disposable tattoo cartridge needles
Best for Professional Harmless

Stigma Bugpin Cartridge
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EZTAT2 100 pcs revolution tattoo cartridge needles
Best for Low Profile Housing & Better Ink Flow


EZTAT2 100 Pcs Revolution Tattoo Cartridge
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EZTAT2 50PCS tattoo mixed cartridge needles
Best for Mixed Tattoo Cartridge Needles


EZTAT2 50Pcs Tattoo Mixed
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Hawink 3RL tattoo needles cartridge
Best for High-Quality Silicone


HAWINK 3RL Tattoo Needles
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Wormhole 3RL 5RL 5RM 7RM disposable tattoo needles cartridgeBest for Anti-Backflow Design

Wormhole 3RL 5RL 5RM 7RM
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Stigma aquamarine knight tattoo cartridgesBest for Suitable for Detailed Artworks

STIGMA Aquamarine Knight
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Kwadron cartridge tattoo needles cartridgesBest for Utmost Precision

Kwadron Cartridge Tattoo Needles
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A-minusone 50PCS tattoo cartridge needlesBest for Easy to Use

A-MINUSONE 50PCS Tattoo Cartridge
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Cheyenne hawk safety needle cartridgesBest for 5 Shader

Cheyenne Hawk Safety Needle
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1. Best Overall – Dragonhawk 20Pcs Extreme Cartridges Disposable Tattoo Needle

Dragonhawk 20PCS extreme cartridges disposable tattoo needle

Specifications

  • Color: Blue, yellow, red
  • Brand: Dragonhawk
  • Package Dimensions: 6.65 x 3.66 x 1.34 inches
  • Weight: 4.16 ounces
  • Water Resistance: Water resistant
  • Count: 20 pcs
  • Pattern: 1205RL
  • Diameter: 0.35mm

Description

The Dragonhawk 20Pcs Extreme Cartridges Disposable Tattoo Needle has large needles and long tapers that make it easy to do dot, lining, and precise tattooing.

Benefits

How to Use

These tattoo cartridge needles are very easy to use. You can use it with any pen-style tattoo machine, rotary machine, and hawk machine. If your tattoo machine does not have a cartridge grip, then you have to screw a cartridge grip into your machine. Now, take your cartridge needle and simply snap it into the cartridge grip, that’s it you are ready to use the needles now. And when you want to change the needle cartridges just pop the current one out and snap a new one in.

Expert Verdict

The Dragonhawk 20Pcs Extreme Cartridges Disposable Tattoo Needle gives you a high-quality cartridge with soldered needles at a friendly price. It comes with 0.35mm polished, gas-sterilized needles and the taper is 4mm which is also quite long. As a tattoo artist, you will have the optimum control over your needle and will be able to do precise lining, dot, and any detailed tattoo design. Thanks to the silicon cartridge you can see how much ink you’re putting into the lining. And the cherry on top is it is compatible with any hawk machine, pen-style tattoo machine, and rotary machine. All these things along with how easy it is to change the needle cartridges make this my best overall cartridge needles for lining!

Pros & Cons

ProsCons
5RL perfect for lining 
Compatible with most tattoo machines 
Better ink flow and saturation 
Easy switching 

2. Best for All Rotary Machine – BIGWASP 50pcs Assorted Disposable Tattoo Needle Cartridges

Bigwasp 50PCS assorted disposable tattoo needle cartridges

Specifications

  • Color: Assorted
  • Brand: BIGWASP
  • Package Dimensions: 6.89 x 3.78 x 3.62 inches
  • Weight: 8.1 ounces
  • Water Resistance: Water Resistant
  • Count: 50pcs
  • Pattern: 1003RL, 1005RL, 1007RL, 1009RL, 1011RL
  • Diameter: 0.30mm

Description

The BIGWASP 50pcs Assorted Disposable Tattoo Needle Cartridges come with a total of 50pcs of needle cartridges of 5 different patterns for precise tattooing.

Benefits

How to Use

First, install a cartridge grip on your tattoo gun if your tattoo gun doesn’t have it. Then simply snap the cartridge needle into the grip. Insert desired colored ink through the running tattoo gun and start tattooing. You can replace the cartridge by just taking it out of the cartridge grip and inserting a new one in.

Expert Verdict

The BIGWASP 50pcs Assorted Disposable Tattoo Needle Cartridges is a versatile needle cartridge pack suitable for any tattoo artist. It has 0.30mm needles which are considered to be the middle ground of needle size. It gives a steady flow of ink for a comfortable lining. The plastic membrane does not allow the ink to go back into the tube which is a plus. It can be used with any hawks, rotary, and coiled machines. It gives you the choice to pick from 5 different patterns to work with, what more can a tattoo artist one? 50pcs of needle cartridge in this price range is really great.

Pros & Cons

ProsCons
AffordableNot transparent
Comes with 5 patterns 
Compatible with most tattoo machines 

3. Best for High materials product –  Wormhole Tattoo Cartridge Needles 50pcs

Wormhole tattoo cartridge needles 50PCS

Specifications

  • Color: White, black
  • Brand: Wormhole Tattoo
  • Package Dimensions: 6.1 x 3.62 x 3.43 inches
  • Weight: 8.78 ounces
  • Water Resistance: Water resistant
  • Count: 50pcs
  • Pattern: 1203RL, 1205RL, 1207RL, 1209RL, 1211RL
  • Diameter: 0.35mm

Description

The Wormhole Tattoo Cartridge Needles 50pcs is a quality package of needle cartridges that are suitable for lining, shading, and coloring large areas.

Benefits

How to Use

The good thing is the cartridge needles are compatible with pretty much all the tattoo guns used by professional tattoo artists. Just a cartridge needle into the gun and insert ink, you are ready to make some precise art now.

Expert Verdict

The Wormhole Tattoo Cartridge Needles 50pcs is a standard quality package of 5 pattern cartridge needles for professional use. The premium quality needle will give you full control over it and help you make precise tattoo designs. The diameter of the needles is 0.35mm and the taper of the needles is 7mm. You can easily make lining, and shading and use it to color large areas. You will not lack any ink flow regardless of how big of a tattoo design your work on. It has grey tubes instead of white, so you can see the needle clearly. The needles are durable and so far I have seen no client of mine getting an allergic reaction to it. Anti-backflow technology ensures the ink does not flow back into the tube so that you can have a relaxed work session.

Pros & Cons

ProsCons
Semitransparent tattoo tube 
5 patterns included 
Anti-backflow technology 

4.Best for All Purpose Use –Mast Pro Cartridge Tattoo Needles Disposable 20Pcs of One Box Standard Size Round Liner

Mast pro cartridge tattoo needles disposable 20PCS of one box standard size round liner

Specifications

  • Color: Purple, Clear
  • Brand: Mast Tattoo
  • Package Dimensions: 6.93 x 4.09 x 2.4 inches
  • Weight: 8.82 ounces
  • Water Resistance: Water resistant
  • Count: 20pcs
  • Pattern: 1203RL
  • Diameter: 0.35mm

Description

The Mast Pro Cartridge Tattoo Needles Disposable 20Pcs of One Box Standard Size Round Liner is specially designed to put less on your tattoo machine for longer sessions and can be used to do any kind of tattooing especially shading and lining.

Benefits

How to Use

Choose the cartridge needle you want to use and insert it into your tattoo gun’s cartridge grip. Turn on the tattoo gun and soak the desired tattoo ink with the running gun. Now you are ready to use the needle to do fabulous shading and lining.

Expert Verdict

The Mast Pro Cartridge Tattoo Needles Disposable 20Pcs of One Box Standard Size Round Liner is custom and tested by many professional tattoo artist cartridge needles packages that you can trust. It comes with 0.35mm needles which are quite large and you can easily make shading and lining with precision. It is designed in a way so that gives less stress to your tattoo machine for a longer period of work. You can do long tattoo sessions with these cartridge needles without any issues. The pink and transparent body is not only amazing to look at but also gives the artist a look inside the tube. This way the artist can tell how much ink is going in or being used. I personally use these needles to do pretty much all sorts of tattooing with ease.

Pros & Cons

ProsCons
All-purpose useQuality could be better
Semi-transparent tube 
Anti-flow back technology 

5. Best for Professional Harmless – Stigma Bugpin Disposable Tattoo Cartridge Needles

Stigma bugpin disposable tattoo cartridge needles

Specifications

  • Color: Black
  • Brand: STIGMA
  • Package Dimensions: 6.57 x 3.46 x 3.43 inches
  • Weight: 8.78 ounces
  • Water Resistance: Water resistant
  • Count: 50pcs
  • Pattern: 1003RL
  • Diameter: 0.30mm

Description

The Stigma Bugpin Disposable Tattoo Cartridge Needles are 3RL cartridge needles designed by a tattoo artist for detailed and lining tattoo work.

Benefits

How to Use

Flip the cartridge into your tattoo gun and use it. These needles are suitable for any standard cartridge or grip of a tattoo machine.

Expert Verdict

The Stigma Bugpin Disposable Tattoo Cartridge Needles are professional tattoo needles that are also budget-friendly. It uses sterilized stainless steel needles that are safe to use and are harmless. Your clients won’t get any allergic reactions from these needles. It is designed by a tattoo artist as round needles got a slope design and flat tip needles designed with an arc. It is to ensure lining and any other detailed artwork.

Pros & Cons

ProsCons
For professional use 
Harmless 
Compatible with most tattoo machines 

6. Best for Low Profile Housing & Better Ink Flow – EZTAT2 100 Pcs Revolution Tattoo Cartridge Needles

EZTAT2 100 pcs revolution tattoo cartridge needles

Specifications

  • Color: Multi-colored
  • Brand: EZTATA2
  • Package Dimensions: 7.83 x 6.89 x 3.7 inches
  • Weight: 27.52 ounces
  • Water Resistance: Water resistant
  • Count: 100pcs
  • Pattern: 3RL, 5RL, 7RL, 5RS, 7RS, 7M1, 9M1, 11M1, 9CM, 15CM
  • Diameter: 0.25mm, 0.30mm, 0.35mm

Description

The EZTAT2 100 Pcs Revolution Tattoo Cartridge Needles is a package of multiple cartridge needle sizes for your daily use.

Benefits

How to Use

It is compatible with any rotary tattoo machine and wireless battery tattoo pen. As long as you have a standard cartridge grip you can use this product. Simply flip the cartridge needle in the cartridge grip and you are all set.

Expert Verdict

The EZTAT2 100 Pcs Revolution Tattoo Cartridge Needles are a fine choice of cartridge needles for any tattoo artist. It is compatible with pretty much any tattoo machine as long as you have a standard cartridge grip. The safety membrane prevents ink from going back into the tube. Better ink flow makes it much easier to use for a tattoo artist. I never had any issue lining with these cartridge needles.

Pros & Cons

ProsCons
Compatible with most tattoo machinesMay put stress on the tattoo machine
Better ink flow 
Transparent tip body 

7. Best for Mixed Tattoo Cartridge Needles – EZTAT2 50Pcs Tattoo Mixed Cartridge Needles

EZTAT2 50PCS tattoo mixed cartridge needles

Specifications

  • Color: Clear color
  • Brand: EZTAT2
  • Package Dimensions: 6.69 x 4.29 x 3.82 inches
  • Weight: 11.36 ounces
  • Water Resistance: Water resistant
  • Count: 50pcs
  • Pattern: 3RS, 5RS, 7RS, 9RS, 11RS
  • Diameter: 0.35mm

Description

The EZTAT2 50Pcs Tattoo Mixed Cartridge Needles is a standard rounded shader cartridge pack that contains 5 patterns to choose from.

Benefits

How to Use

It comes with a fit for all cartridges so it can fit any standard cartridge grip or most wireless battery tattoo pens. Just insert the cartridge needle into the cartridge grip of your tattoo gun and you are ready to use it.

Expert Verdict

The EZTAT2 50Pcs Tattoo Mixed Cartridge Needles come 50pcs in a pack at such a decent price that it is very commendable. It comes with 5 patterns for you to choose from. The clear tip body lets you see inside which can help you understand how much ink you are using. Low-profile housing and better ink flow make it even better. The cartridge needles are 100% EO gas sterilized so you won’t have to worry about it being infected. And the tip of the needles is made of 316 stainless steel which is medical-grade steel. So professional artists can use it with confidence.

Pros & Cons

ProsCons
Medical grade stainless steel needle tipComes off from the cartridge grip occasionally
Clear color tip body 
Better ink flow 

8. Best for High-Quality Silicone – HAWINK 3RL Tattoo Needles Cartridge

Hawink 3RL tattoo needles cartridge

Specifications

  • Color: White
  • Brand: HAWINK
  • Package Dimensions: 7 x 3.35 x 1.37 inches
  • Weight: 7.04 ounces
  • Water Resistance: Water resistant
  • Count: 50pcs
  • Pattern: 1003RL
  • Diameter: 0.30mm

Description

The HAWINK 3RL Tattoo Needles Cartridge is a pack of cartridges that uses high-quality silicon to keep the elasticity of the needle.

Benefits

How to Use

You can use it on any standard cartridge grip. Simply insert it into a cartridge grip attached to a tattoo gun and you are ready to use it.

Expert Verdict

The HAWINK 3RL Tattoo Needles Cartridge is a great choice to make lining, fill-in, and intricate shading. The best thing about these cartridge needles is their tip has high-quality silicon which makes the needles elastic and it causes less pain penetrating the skin. So you can bet your clients will be happy when you use these needles on them to make precise bodily art.

Pros & Cons

ProsCons
High-quality silicon needle tipNeedle and cartridge quality could be better
Medical grades stainless steel and plastic 
Semi-transparent tips 

9. Best for Anti-Backflow Design – Wormhole 3RL 5RL 5RM 7RM Disposable Tattoo Needles Cartridge

Wormhole 3RL 5RL 5RM 7RM disposable tattoo needles cartridge

Specifications

  • Color: Clear, pink
  • Brand: Wormhole Tattoo
  • Package Dimensions: 6.1 x 3.62 x 1.46 inches
  • Weight: 3.21 ounces
  • Water Resistance: Water resistant
  • Count: 20pcs
  • Pattern: 3RL, 5RL, 5RM, 7RM
  • Diameter: 0.35mm

Description

The Wormhole 3RL 5RL 5RM 7RM Disposable Tattoo Needles Cartridge comes in a transparent elegant cartridge body and 4 different patterns to make lining easy.

Benefits

How to Use

To use these cartridge needles you can insert one into your tattoo gun’s cartridge grip and twist it to set it into place. Now you can use the running gun to soak ink into the cartridge tube and start lining or shading with precision.

Expert Verdict

The Wormhole 3RL 5RL 5RM 7RM Disposable Tattoo Needles Cartridge is a handy pack of cartridge needles. It comes with 4 different patterns so you can switch patterns whenever you need according to your work. The anti-backflow design prevents ink backflow and lets you do longer tattoo sessions without any prevention. The needles are made of high-quality stainless steel and high-material PVC so you can use them on your client with confidence. The only issue I had been sometimes the needles would malfunction.

Pros & Cons

ProsCons
TransparentNeedles may malfunction at times
Anti-backflow design 
Strong compatibility 

10. Best Suitable for Detailed Artworks – STIGMA Aquamarine Knight Tattoo Cartridges

Stigma aquamarine knight tattoo cartridges

Specifications

  • Color: Clear, light blue
  • Brand: STIGMA
  • Package Dimensions: 6.61 x 3.58 x 3.39 inches
  • Weight: 8.15 ounces
  • Water Resistance: Water resistant
  • Count: 50pcs
  • Pattern: 1201RL, 1203RL, 1205RL, 1207RL, 1209RL
  • Diameter: 0.35mm

Description

The STIGMA Aquamarine Knight Tattoo Cartridges come with 50pcs of cartridge needles of 5 patterns that are completely harmless.

Benefits

How to Use

Install a standard cartridge grip into your tattoo gun and snap a cartridge needle from the packet. Make sure the cartridge needle is perfectly set and does not feel loose. Now you are ready to use it to make tattoos.

Expert Verdict

The STIGMA Aquamarine Knight Tattoo Cartridges are great for lining and detailed artwork. Thanks to their wide 0.35mm needles it gives perfect ink flow for lining and covering large areas. You won’t break a sweat doing detailed artwork using these cartridge needles. The pack comes with 50pcs at such a pocket-friendly price that you can’t deny it’s a bang for your buck. It has an anti-flowback design that stops the ink to flowback into the tube.

Pros & Cons

ProsCons
For detailed artworkNeedles become unstable when extended
Surgical stainless steel & medical-grade plastic 
Sterilized with EO gas 

11. Best for Utmost Precision – Kwadron Cartridge Tattoo Needles Cartridges

Kwadron cartridge tattoo needles cartridges

Specifications

  • Color: Yellow
  • Brand: KWADRON
  • Package Dimensions: 6.14 x 3.39 x 1.65 inches
  • Weight: 6.74 ounces
  • Water Resistance: Water resistant
  • Count: 20pcs
  • Pattern: 7RL
  • Diameter: 0.35mm

Description

The Kwadron Cartridge Tattoo Needles Cartridges are one of the most stabilized cartridge needles on the market for precise artwork.

Benefits

How to Use

Take a cartridge needle out of the packet and simply snap it into the cartridge grip of your tattoo gun. After ensuring it fits perfectly you can use it to do precise lining, shading.

Expert Verdict

The Kwadron Cartridge Tattoo Needles Cartridges is a premium cartridge needle package for precise artwork. If you are a professional tattoo artist and struggling to perform lining and detailed artwork, then this product is for you. It is specially designed to give you stability so that the needle does not vibrate or become unstable while using it to ensure utmost precision. To reduce friction between the tip and the needle grouping the housing has been made of medical-grade plastic.

Pros & Cons

ProsCons
Utmost precisionPricy
Medical grade plastic 
High performance 

12. Best for Easy to Use – A-MINUSONE 50PCS Tattoo Cartridge Needles

A-minusone 50PCS tattoo cartridge needles

Specifications

  • Color: Clear, light blue
  • Brand: A-minusone
  • Package Dimensions: 6.57 x 3.78 x 3.74 inches
  • Weight: 9.59 ounces
  • Water Resistance: Water resistant
  • Count: 50pcs
  • Pattern: 1203RL, 1205RL, 1207RL,1209RL,1211RL
  • Diameter: 0.35mm

Description

The A-MINUSONE 50PCS Tattoo Cartridge Needles are high-quality and easy-to-use cartridge needles.

Benefits

How to Use

Insert a cartridge needle into your tattoo machine’s cartridge grip. Turn on the tattoo gun and absorb some sink and you are ready to make some amazing tattoos.

Expert Verdict

The A-MINUSONE 50PCS Tattoo Cartridge Needles are beginner-friendly and easy-to-use cartridge needles. If you are just starting your career or doing tattooing practice, then this might be a great product for you. The cartridge is durable and the needles are made of 316 stainless steel which makes it suitable for professional use also. It can catch more ink and deliver in a quality manner to do the perfect lining.

Pros & Cons

ProsCons
Easy to use 
Catches more ink 
Anti-backflow 

13. Best for 5 Shader – Cheyenne Hawk Safety Needle Cartridges

Cheyenne hawk safety needle cartridges

Specifications

  • Color: Black, white, yellow, green, red
  • Brand: Cheyenne Tattoo
  • Package Dimensions: 7.83 x 4.25 x 1.54 inches
  • Weight: 3.84 ounces
  • Water Resistance: Water resistant
  • Count: 20pcs
  • Pattern: 5 shader
  • Diameter: 0.30

Description

The Cheyenne Hawk Safety Needle Cartridges come with 5 shaders for perfect tattooing.

Benefits

How to Use

Insert a cartridge needle into your cartridge grip and use.

Expert Verdict

The Cheyenne Hawk Safety Needle Cartridges are a perfect choice for lining and shading. It comes with 5 shaders so you can use whichever you need. Their quality stainless steel needles are durable and stable. The safety membrane ensures blood of your client does not get into the cartridge grip and contaminate it.

Pros & Cons

ProsCons
5 shader 
Budget-friendly 

How to Use Tattoo Needle Cartridges?

How to use tattoo needle cartridges
How to use tattoo needle cartridges

There are 4 types of tattoo needle cartridges. First, you have to decide which one to use and for what purpose. I will elaborate on the 4 types of tattoo needle cartridges briefly below.

  1. Round needles: It has two types of round needle, one is round liners which is preferred for lining and the second one is round shaders which is preferred to do shading.
  2. Flat needles: Flat needles are soldered in a straight line and are great for lining.
  3. Magnum needles: It has 3 variations. One is weaved magnum needle which lets the artist work for longer without taking a break, the second is stacked magnum needles which are great for coloring small areas and intricate shading, and the third is round magnum needles which give you softer shading and less damage to the skin.
  4. Bugpin needles: Bugpin needles give you more control over the needle and are preferred for photorealistic tattoos.

After deciding which one you want to use, the rest becomes very easy. These cartridge needles are compatible with pretty much any tattoo machine as long as you have a standard cartridge grip. Coil or rotary tattoo machine or wireless battery tattoo pen does not matter as long as you have the standard cartridge grip.

So to use the cartridge needle get a standard cartridge grip if you don’t have any and screw it to your tattoo gun. Now simply insert your cartridge needle into the grip and you may have to give it a twist to fit it in. After ensuring it is perfectly fit, you can start using it.

How to Set Up Dragonhawk Tattoo Pen?

How to set up dragonhawk tattoo pen
How to set up dragonhawk tattoo pen

Dragonhawk tattoo pens are used by many professional tattoo artists and they can be seen to be used by many beginners too. For those of you who are just starting out or don’t know how to set up a DragonHawk tattoo pen here is a step-by-step comprehensive guide on how to set up the pen.

  1. Wash your hands: You know keeping your tattoo machine tidy, clean, and sterile is vital. So it is better to wash your hand before you start touching the machine.
  2. Connect cartridge needle: Simply insert the cartridge needle into the tattoo pen and give it an anti-clockwise twist to set it in. Now you can twist it to get your preferred length to work with.
  3. Connect to power box: Now connect the tattoo pen to the DragonHawk tattoo power box using the cable it came with.
  4. Connect foot pedal: Connect the pedal to the tattoo pen.
  5. Connect to electricity: Now find a socket near you and connect the power box to the socket.
  6. Tune the setting: Now you can use the regulator on the power box and the pedal to tune your preferred voltage setting.
  7. Patch test: Now that you are all set, do a little patch test to see if everything is all right or not, and then you can use it to do bodily art.

FAQs

What tattoo needle do you use for lining?

I use round liner needles for lining, to be precise I use Dragonhawk 20Pcs Extreme Cartridges Disposable Tattoo Needle and their needle has a diameter of 0.35mm.

How deep is the best needle for tattoo lining?

1.5 to 2 mm is the best depth range for tattoo lining.

Can I use a 1205m1 tattoo needle for the lining?

Yes, you can use a 1205m1 tattoo needle for lining and shading.

What needle size is best for lining?

#12 gauge or a 0.35mm size needle is best for lining.

What are 3RL tattoo needles used for?

3RL tattoo needles are used for intricate shading, fill-in, and lining.

Final Thoughts

You can choose any of these tattoo cartridge needles for lining and am confident you won’t regret your decision as all of them are good at lining. But if you ask me which one I prefer among these 13 machines, I would have to go with Dragonhawk 20Pcs Extreme Cartridges Disposable Tattoo Needle. The main reason is it is #12 gauge or 0.35mm diameter which makes it perfect for lining. It gives me decent control and stabilization to work with. The needle contains high-quality silicon that keeps the needle elastic-like. It has great ink flow and saturation that is hard to find in this price range. On top of that the packet comes with 20pcs of cartridge needles! What more can you want?

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