Needles vs. Cartridges – What's the Difference?
Both classic needles and modern cartridges serve the same purpose: delivering ink under the skin. The main difference is in the setup and handling.
Traditional needles are mounted on bars and are inserted manually into a grip, commonly used with coil machines. They’re durable, but swapping them takes more time and care.
Cartridges, on the other hand, are pre-assembled, disposable modules that combine needle and guide in a sealed system. They’re fast, clean, and easy when working with rotary or pen machines. Most also include a membrane to prevent backflow of ink or fluids into the machine. Which system you use depends on your workflow, your setup, and your personal preference.
The EMALLA Eliot Magnum Cartridges were developed for efficient color packing and large-scale work. They offer stable and clean needle guidance, supported by Japanese stainless steel and a robust medical-grade polycarbonate housing. The generous ink absorption of the tip enables smooth and even coverage with fewer interruptions. The proven triple membrane system reliably prevents ink backflow and ensures consistent stability throughout the session. The needles are securely fixed in precisely fitted guides and supported by a reinforced drive bar, which promotes quiet and safe operation. The gray cap color indicates the Magnum configuration.
Content: 20 pieces (€1.71 / 1 pieces)
The Da Vinci V2 Curved Magnum Bugpin Cartridges are a great choice for soft transitions, subtle shadings, and realistic color gradients. Due to the slightly curved arrangement of the needles, they adapt optimally to the natural body contours, which enables particularly smooth and even color applications. As bugpins, these cartridges have needles with a significantly smaller diameter, which allows a denser arrangement and thus high precision. They are excellent for delicate details, soft shadings, and fine color gradients. As with all Da Vinci Cartridges, the needles are made of surgical 304 stainless steel and fixed on a smooth bar to reduce skin irritations and support faster healing. The integrated membrane system reliably prevents liquids from entering the grip or machine. The cartridges are made of stable medical-grade plastic and offer a calm, controlled working feeling that guarantees artists the highest level of control and comfort.
The Round Liner Cartridges from YES Needle are specially designed for precise and detailed line work. Developed in New York and exclusively available at vyve, they offer top quality for professional tattoo artists. The needles are finely ground and precision-engineered, ensuring sharp contours and clean line results. The thoughtful design of the modules ensures even ink flow, allowing for consistent work without frequent refills. The Round Liner Cartridges are made from surgical stainless steel and individually EO gas sterilized. The durable plastic housing provides stability and minimizes vibrations. Thanks to their universal fit, they are compatible with almost all common machines and grips. Perfect for fine lining, lettering, geometric designs, and all work that requires clarity and precision.
The Mast Pro Tattoo Cartridges by Dragonhawk are precisely developed needle cartridges that can make the tattooing process easier. The needles are made from polished stainless steel of 304L quality and are placed in a transparent polycarbonate housing that allows a clear view of the ink flow. The tips are constructed at an exact angle, which minimizes distortion caused by curved plastic shapes. The robust polycarbonate shell also provides a more pleasant feeling on the skin and supports a stable workflow. An integrated needle stabilizer and a narrow tip opening reduce unwanted needle movement. At the same time, the high-quality membrane reliably prevents liquid from flowing back into the grip or the machine. The transparent, purple modules are suitable for all tattoo styles and techniques where precise line work is required.
Kwadron Curved Magnum Cartridges combine precision with softness. Their slightly rounded tip adapts to the skin structure and allows for especially smooth transitions in shading or realism work. The long taper, sharp needles are perfectly grouped and ensure a consistent working experience. The patented needle stabilization ensures smooth guidance and reliable control throughout the session. The housing made from medical-grade plastic minimizes friction and remains comfortable on the skin. Manufactured in Poland under the strictest quality guidelines, these cartridges are favorites among many artists worldwide.
The Diamond Liner Cartridges are a world first from Magic Moon that are characterized by a very special color flow and support your individual way of working. Thanks to controlled needle alignment, a particularly stable line guidance is created, which convinces both in delicate details and in strong contours. The sharp and carefully matched needles enable clean work with the highest precision and consistent quality.
The EMALLA Eliot Curved Magnum Cartridges are ideal for smooth color transitions, soft shading, and realistic details. The slightly curved tip adapts better to body contours and allows for softer blending. Japanese stainless steel and a medical-grade polycarbonate housing ensure reliability and control. High ink absorption and even discharge are further supported by precise guiding and a reinforced drive bar, enabling continuous work. The triple membrane prevents backflow and ensures smooth needle motion. The white cap color represents the Curved Magnum variant.
Needle & Cartridge Types – A Quick Guide
Needles and cartridges come in many shapes and configurations, each suited to different styles and applications. Here's a quick breakdown:
Round Liner (RL): Tightly grouped needles for clean lines. Great for outlines, lettering, and fine detail.
Round Shader (RS): Similar to liners but with more spacing - ideal for soft shading, small color fills, or volumetric detailing.
Magnum (MG): Two stacked rows of needles for fast, solid color coverage and bold shading on larger areas.
Curved Magnum (CM): Features a slightly curved shape for smoother gradients - perfect for realism and rounded body areas.
Flat (FL): A single straight row of needles, precise and bold, ideal for technical lines, blackwork, and clean color fills.
Choosing the right needle type enhances both your workflow and your final result. Whether you're working on sharp outlines or soft blends – the right cartridge is key.
Tattoo Cartridges - What Makes a Great One?
Cartridges are a staple in today’s studios and for good reason so. They make needle changes quick, clean, and efficient, while giving maximum control. A high quality cartridge is defined by precision-ground needles, smooth needle movement without wobbling, and reliable ink flow and saturation. Many modern cartridges also feature an internal membrane that acts as a hygienic barrier – keeping ink and fluids out of your machine. Other important factors include spring strength, needle stabilization (via modules or internal guides), and compatibility with grips and machines. Whether you're lining, shading, or packing color, the right cartridge can make a huge difference. That’s why we’ve handpicked a selection of cartridges from established and exclusive brands, so you can trust every stroke.
