Cartridge systems took the tattoo world by storm when first introduced. Cartridges slowly became the new industry standard, offering a more hygienic and easier loading process compared to loose tubular needles. Within the cartridge market, one brand has risen to dominate – Kwadron. With unparalleled precision engineering and a commitment to innovation, Cartridge needles have won the loyalty of artists worldwide.
Understanding Needle Terminology
Some fundamental terminology needs to be understood before discussing various types of Kwadron cartridge needles. Below are a few terms you must understand:
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Size: Needle sizes vary from 5RL (large) to 5RS (small). The thinner the needle, the lower the number. Greater-sized needles can be used for lining, shading, and color fill, while smaller ones are preferable for finer details.
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Post Type refers to how the needle attaches to the tattoo machine via a metal post. Most modern needles feature universal flat posts that fit any machine brand.
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Taper: The taper can refer to how sharply or gradually the needle moves from thick to thin. Short tapers create narrower lines, and long tapers are better at filling in larger spaces.
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Shape: Common needle shapes include round, flat, magnum, and shader. Shape affects line quality – rounds are suitable for lining, flats are versatile, and magnums create wider fills.
Round Liner Needles
A good set of Cartridge Kwadron, round liner needles, is essential for precision lining work. Coming in an array of sizes from 3RL-9RL, these needles produce crisp, well-defined lines ideal for outlining details. Thanks to their short taper, round liners allow for tight packing and clean line work. Whether tracing stencils or adding final linework touches, Kwadron’s liner needles are a go-to tool for any tattoo artist.
Magnum Needles
Offering a stout yet tapered profile, Kwadron’s magnum needles are perfect for filling in large-scale shaded areas. Their sturdy yet curved design lays pigment smoothly while preventing accidental blowouts. As one of the most popular cartridge needle types, magnums come in sizes 5RL-9RL to suit varied projects. Magnums do the job efficiently for background shading, floral fills, or geometric packing. Many artists also find them ideal for less experienced skin or more significant body parts where control is vital.
Shader Needles
Versatile shader needles occupy the middle ground between fine liners and bold magnums. Offering a gradual taper and rounded tip, shaders come in multiple lengths for blending, shading, and gradient work. Capable of both tight lining and loose filling, shaders are a must-have for any rounded or organic tattoo designs. Kwadron’s offerings span 3RL-9RL for precise shader control no matter the scale of your project. Their smooth application makes shaders great for realism, portrait work, or botanical designs requiring tonal gradients.
Customizing Your Needle Purchase
When purchasing cartridge Kwadron needles, it helps to build a kit tailored to your tattoo specialization and preferred techniques. Here are some tips for curating the perfect personalized set:
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Choose 3-5 liner sizes based on scale of work. Beginners may only need 5-7RL, while pros use the full 3-9RL range.
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Select 2-3 shader sizes for blended color work. 5-7RL is an excellent mid-range starting point.
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Add a set of magnums like 5RL and 7RL for fills. Curves are fantastic, too.
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Include flats or stipplers if you do detailed work.
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Order 15-30 needles per size to last through multiple clients.
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Sign up for loyalty programs to earn 10% back on future orders.
Sharpen Your Skills with Practice
Great tattooing stems from more than choosing good tools – it takes dedicated practice to perfect your craft. Here are some tips Artists recommend for honing your skills using Kwadron needles:
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Start practicing skins and perfecting consistent, smooth liner work. Repetition builds muscle memory.
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Practice shading/blending techniques like circular lining, ombré gradients or multi-needle fills on fake skin.
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Try taking a portrait or realism flash design to study value transitions at different scales.
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Draw tattoo designs in your sketchbook translated into dot work stippling with multiple sizes.
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Film yourself working to analyze your technique, speed, ergonomics, and ability to tight pack.
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Consider apprenticing at a reputable shop to learn full-time from a mentor artist.
Trusted Worldwide for Decades
If you’re serious about elevating your tattoo skills, exploring the vast options from Kwadron is highly recommended. Whether you’re a beginner looking to outfit your starter kit or an established artist seeking an upgrade, Kwadron has the tools to take your talents further. Visit Ghidorah Supply online to browse the entire Kwadron catalog. Their expert staff can also recommend configurations customized to your specialization. With Kwadron in your kit, your artwork will impress clients for years.
