The best tattoo needles depend on the work you plan to do: assorted cartridge sets offer multiple groupings for lining and shading, while a dedicated 5-round liner set suits artists who mainly need one configuration. The Poseidon 50-piece set is best for artists wanting varied standard sizes, the EZ Tattoo 100-piece set offers a larger assortment, and Mast Pro’s 20-piece set focuses on 5RL liners. Check cartridge compatibility and needle groupings before choosing.
| Product | Best For | Set Type |
|---|---|---|
| Poseidon 50-Piece Assorted | Standard-size variety | Mixed liner, shader, and magnum |
| Poseidon 50-Piece Mixed Magnum | Mixed groupings and larger mags | Assorted cartridges |
| Mast Tattoo 50-Piece Pro | All-purpose work | Mixed sizes |
| Mast Pro 1005RL | 5-round liner work | 20 matching cartridges |
| EZ Tattoo Revolution 100-Piece | Larger assorted supply | Mixed standard and bugpin sizes |
Poseidon 50-Piece Assorted Cartridge Needles
This Poseidon set includes 50 cartridges across 10 groupings, with five of each size. The listed assortment includes round liners, round shaders, round mags, and a magnum configuration. The #12 standard grouping covers sizes such as 3RL, 5RL, 7RL, and 9RL.
Each cartridge is described as individually blister-packed and sterilized using EO gas. The product listing also identifies stainless steel needles and a membrane design. This set is best for artists who want several standard groupings in one purchase and need options for both lining and shading.
Choose this if you want an evenly divided assortment of 10 configurations. Limitation: it is a mixed-size set, so it may not suit buyers who need a large quantity of one specific grouping.
Poseidon 50-Piece Mixed Magnum Set
This Poseidon assortment contains 50 cartridges, with five each of 10 listed groupings. It combines round liners and shaders with magnum and round magnum options, including 15M1 and 15RM. The listing describes PVC and stainless steel construction, a membrane connection, and vacuum-packed, disinfected needles.
The product is best for artists who want mixed configurations and are particularly interested in including larger magnum groupings alongside liner sizes. Its listed design aims to hold ink at the nozzle and support ink flow.
Choose this if your selection needs include the listed 15-size magnum options. Limitation: the set provides only five cartridges per grouping, so it is less suitable when you need a deep supply of one size.
Mast Tattoo 50-Piece Pro Cartridges
Mast Tattoo’s 50-piece Pro set is presented as a mixed assortment for liner and shader work. The manufacturer describes a high-density clear plastic body and a membrane mechanism intended to prevent ink spitback. Its listing says the cartridges are compatible with rotary, coil, and pen-style tattoo machines.
This is best for artists looking for an all-purpose assortment and who value a clear cartridge body. The stated compatibility makes it a candidate for buyers using different machine styles, but users should still confirm fit with their own grip or machine.
Choose this if you want a general-purpose set with a membrane design. Limitation: the supplied product details do not specify the exact groupings or the number of each size, so check the listing before ordering for a particular configuration.
Mast Pro 1005RL 20-Piece Liners
This Mast Pro pack contains 20 disposable 1005RL cartridges: #10 bugpin, five-round liners. Unlike the mixed kits, it concentrates on one liner configuration. The product details mention a clear, high-density plastic body and cartridge tension designed to reduce stress on the tattoo machine.
This option is best for artists who specifically need 5RL bugpin liners and prefer a consistent configuration rather than a variety pack. It can also be a more focused choice when the planned work calls for repeated use of that grouping.
Choose this if a 1005RL liner is the size you need. Limitation: it does not provide shader or magnum groupings, so it is not a one-pack solution for varied work.
EZ Tattoo Revolution 100-Piece Assortment
The EZ Revolution set includes 100 mixed cartridges, with listed configurations spanning 3RL, 5RL, 7RL, 9RL, 7RS, 9RS, 9M1, 7RM, and 9RM. The product description identifies the cartridges as compatible with standard cartridge grips, rotary tattoo machines, and wireless battery tattoo pens. It also describes an internal safety membrane and a light-colored tip body for visibility.
This is best for buyers who want a larger mixed supply and need liner, shader, and magnum options. The assortment is more extensive by total piece count than the 50-piece kits listed here.
Choose this if you want 100 assorted cartridges and your equipment accepts standard cartridges. Limitation: the listed groupings do not include every size or type, and the product details do not specify the quantity of each grouping.
Buying Guide: How To Choose Tattoo Needles
Which needle grouping matches the work?
Round liners, marked RL, are intended for lining configurations; round shaders, marked RS, and magnums, marked M1 or RM, provide different shading groupings. Compare the exact size codes in a set rather than relying only on terms such as “assorted.” The five products above vary from broad mixed assortments to a dedicated 5RL pack.
Should you buy assorted cartridges or one size?
An assorted set is useful when you need multiple configurations or want a range on hand. A dedicated pack, such as the Mast Pro 1005RL, is a better match when you know you need one specific liner. Check how many pieces are included per grouping; a larger total pack may still divide its cartridges among several sizes.
How important is machine compatibility?
Cartridge fit can depend on the machine or grip. Some listings state compatibility with standard grips, rotary machines, or pen-style machines, while others provide less detail. Confirm that the cartridge format matches your equipment before buying rather than assuming every cartridge fits every setup.
What packaging and membrane details should you check?
Review the listing for individual packaging, sterilization or disinfection information, and a membrane intended to reduce ink backflow. Product claims differ, so compare the details for the exact set you are considering. Follow applicable professional hygiene and single-use practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does RL mean on a tattoo needle?
RL means round liner. The number before or after the letters identifies the needle grouping or size shown in the product code, such as 5RL.
Are assorted cartridge sets better for beginners?
They can provide multiple listed configurations in one pack, but the right choice depends on the intended practice and equipment. Check the sizes, pack quantities, and compatibility details first.
What is the difference between 1005RL and 1205RL?
In these listings, 1005RL refers to a #10 bugpin 5-round liner, while 1205RL refers to a #12 standard 5-round liner. They are different listed needle configurations.
Do all tattoo cartridges fit every tattoo machine?
No universal fit is established by these product details. Verify cartridge and grip compatibility with the specific machine before purchasing.
Should I choose a membrane cartridge?
A membrane is a feature described in several of these listings as helping prevent ink from passing back through the cartridge. Compare the manufacturer’s stated design and follow proper hygiene procedures.