Tattoo Cartridge Needle Configurations Explained

If you're new to cartridge systems — or just expanding your kit — the abbreviations can feel overwhelming. RL, RS, CM, M1, bugpin, flat… what does it all mean, and which do you actually need?

This guide breaks down every major needle configuration, what it does, and when to reach for it.

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The Basics: How Needle Configurations Work

Every cartridge needle has three defining characteristics:

• Configuration — how the needles are arranged (round, flat, curved, etc.)
• Count — how many needles are in the grouping (e.g. 9, 14, 18)
• Gauge — the thickness of each needle (.25mm bugpin, .30mm, .35mm standard)

These three variables determine how ink is deposited, how much trauma occurs, and what the healed result looks like. Getting the combination right for your style is what separates good work from great work.

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Round Liner (RL)

Needles arranged in a tight circle, soldered at the tip. Designed for pulling clean lines.

Use for: outlines, script, linework, black-and-grey detail passes Gauge: .35mm standard for most work; .30mm bugpin for finer detail

→ EZ SELECT RL CARTS .35 — the go-to for solid, consistent linework → EZ SELECT BUGPIN RL — for tighter detail and sensitive areas

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Round Shader (RS)

Same circular arrangement as a round liner, but with a longer taper and slightly looser grouping. Designed for packing colour and shading in tighter areas.

Use for: colour packing, small fill areas, black-and-grey shading, traditional bold fills Gauge: .35mm standard

→ EZ SELECT RS CARTS .35 — versatile for both colour and greywash work → EZ SELECT BUG PIN ROUND SHADERS .30 — for softer, more controlled shading passes

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Curved Magnum (CM)

Also called a soft mag or curved mag. Needles are arranged in two staggered rows that curve upward at the edges, creating a gentle arc. This curved profile follows the contour of the skin, reducing trauma and producing smoother blends.

Use for: large area shading, colour blending, realism, watercolour, smooth gradients Gauge: .35mm standard; .30mm bugpin for softer transitions

→ EZ SELECT CM CARTS .35 — the standard choice for large shading work → EZ SELECT CM BUGPIN .30 — for ultra-smooth blends and sensitive skin

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Magnum (M1 / Standard Flat Mag)

A flat two-row arrangement without the curve. Slightly more aggressive than a curved mag — deposits ink faster but requires more technique to avoid hard edges.

Use for: colour packing, bold fills, experienced artists who prefer a flat mag feel

→ EZ SELECT MAGNUM CARTRIDGES .35

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RS Flat

A flat needle arrangement in a single row. Useful for geometric work, straight-edge shading, and architectural linework where a curved profile would work against you.

Use for: geometric tattoos, straight shading lines, architectural styles

→ EZ SELECT RS FLAT

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Fine Line

Long-taper needles in a tight grouping, purpose-built for hairline strokes and single-needle style work. The extended taper minimises scarring and maximises definition on ultra-fine detail.

Use for: fine line tattoos, single needle, botanical, minimalist styles

→ Ez Fine Line Select Carts

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Quick Reference: Which Configuration for Which Style?

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Building Your Core Kit

You don't need every configuration on day one. A solid starting kit covers:

1. RL .35 in a range of counts (5, 7, 9, 14) for linework
2. CM .35 for shading and blending
3. Bugpin CM or RS for detail and soft transitions
4. Fine Line if you do fine line or PMU work

From there, add configurations as your style demands them.

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Browse the full EZ SELECT range to build your kit.

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Published by EZcartridge.co.uk — premium tattoo cartridges and supplies for professional artists.