My Experience with Needles to Date - 1 Year into Learning...

Hey people, just thought I'd post up some of my experience with the different types of needles I have used since I began learning to tattoo.

Might be of some help to some, I'm not sure. Just my personal experience...

3rl - only used these a couple of times for really small tattoos like a small butterfly on a foot etc

5rl - again, only really used for smaller tattoos as I tend to go bold with my lines

7rl - would be lost without these! Use them to line small medium and Larger pieces - I have the best control with these and they seem to give me a decent thickness without looking too bold

9rl - I like these for bigger outlines - like on a shoulder or meaty calf - like to sculpt with these

11rl - bought 50, used 1. Nothing a 9rs can't do easier

9rs - power lines and small shading

13m2 - for nearly everything I shade - would be lost without them!

14rs - good for colour and solid black - haven't used one for months but I used them loads at the very start.

7m1 - good for getting the old skool shading look - you know, the peppery style

15m1 - only used 1 so far but I can see they are great for larger areas like back pieces etc


Like I say, only my opinion but I thought I'd share

Others comments and different size suggestions are very welcome. Cheers

Dave

Thanks for this, i especially like that you added what they're better for! Very useful for someone like me who doesnt really know what to try! What sort of tips do you use mate?

Hi Dave
my favourite needle right now is a 13M2 in a 7 flat tip. I love them for shading and solid colour work. The only type you don't seem to have covered are bug pins. A 9mag in a 7 flat tip is excellent for colour blending. I'm not much for M1s anymore if you try bug pins there's less of a rake/peppering effect. I get mine from killer ink *£10 for fifty. :icon_cheesygrin:

I also use 15 mags but soft edge or RMs. I like a 19 bug pin mag in a 13 flat tube for larger areas.

Ink sponge said:

Hi Dave
my favourite needle right now is a 13M2 in a 7 flat tip. I love them for shading and solid colour work. The only type you don't seem to have covered are bug pins. A 9mag in a 7 flat tip is excellent for colour blending. I'm not much for M1s anymore if you try bug pins there's less of a rake/peppering effect. I get mine from killer ink *£10 for fifty. :icon_cheesygrin:

I also use 15 mags but soft edge or RMs. I like a 19 bug pin mag in a 13 flat tube for larger areas.

Click to expand...

Ahh. I'm gonna order some 19 and 9 bug pins today - thanks for the advice bud.

Been looking for a larger group for blending/shading etc

Bug pin chart m8


Needle Type Tip to Use
08M1/07 F5
08M1/09 F7
08M1/11 F7
08M1/13 F9
08M1/15 F11

I use 5RL, 7RL, 11RM and 15RM

Am I supposed to use some RS as well?

eNVVy said:

I use 5RL, 7RL, 11RM and 15RM

Am I supposed to use some RS as well?

Click to expand...

You ain't supposed to use anything. You use what your comfortable with dependant on your style. Lots of artists don't use RS needles. Lots of artists don't use mags. Use what works for you.

Thanks. Maybe I will use RS from now on. Think it will make somethings easier ( like filling in small areas)

Ink sponge said:

Bug pin chart m8


Needle Type Tip to Use
08M1/07 F5
08M1/09 F7
08M1/11 F7
08M1/13 F9
08M1/15 F11

Click to expand...

Cheers Adrian, great help!

Just got some 9 and 19 bugpins and also trying some 15m2 and 17m2's - just cos I imagine Ill like them?:icon_eek:
We'll see?!

Cheers

I stock 5,7,9rl 7,9,11cm 17m2 and 13rs's at my shop but i tend to use a 7rl and 7cm for most of my work.

Im quite a beginner and people say they use mostly 7rl and 9rl for thick outlines. And i dont get it. When i use a 9rl the thickness of the line is maby 1mm. I dont consider that very thick and want bolder lines thats like 1.5 - 1.8 mm.

I used a 11rs to line a self-tatto and was very pleased with the thickness. Is it all wrong to line with a rs?

Im going to order 11rl and see if i get the thickness of my liking. What needle would you recommend for a solid thick line?

zipp said:

Im quite a beginner and people say they use mostly 7rl and 9rl for thick outlines. And i dont get it. When i use a 9rl the thickness of the line is maby 1mm. I dont consider that very thick and want bolder lines thats like 1.5 - 1.8 mm.

I used a 11rs to line a self-tatto and was very pleased with the thickness. Is it all wrong to line with a rs?

Im going to order 11rl and see if i get the thickness of my liking. What needle would you recommend for a solid thick line?

Click to expand...

No it's not wrong to line with a shader needle, I use them all the time for lining, unless I want a thin line. Don't think of them as liners and shaders, just loose or tight groupings.

what type of magnum you prefer for shading, M1 or M2 ?