#5roundliner

Tattoo and permanent makeup (PMU) needles come in different sizes, designs, and configurations to cater to specific techniques and styles. The 5 round liner (5RL) needle is a good example.

Like other round liners, 5RL tattoo needles are ideal for drawing outlines, creating fine lines, and adding details. This is thanks to their five needle points that are grouped tightly in a circular formation, depositing ink into a tiny area of the skin. Although available as traditional tattoo needles, 5RLs also come as cartridge needles, making them even more convenient and easy to use.

However, considering the variety of 5RL cartridge needles currently on the market, choosing the best one can be challenging for tattoo and PMU artists. In this post, we'll talk about the factors you should consider when selecting 5RL cartridges for your tool kit.

What are tattoo needle cartridges?

A tattoo needle cartridge is a disposable unit consisting of a needle and a plastic housing. It's designed to be easy to attach and detach to a tattoo machine and then disposed of after a single use. Needle cartridges are pre-sterilized to ensure they're safe to use right out of the package.

In contrast, traditional tattoo needles typically do not have plastic housing and can be used multiple times. However, they need to be sterilized and cleaned before each use to keep them clean and prevent cross-contamination.

Tattoo needle cartridges owe their popularity to making it easy to switch needles during a tattoo session and eliminating the need for cleaning and sterilizing between uses. This not only saves time but also reduces the risk of infection.

How do you choose the best 5RL cartridge needle?

In order to choose the right 5RL cartridge needle, make sure to consider the following factors:

Materials

Always choose cartridge needles made from medical-grade plastic and 316 stainless steel. These materials are durable and do not react with the ink or skin, making them safe for you and your client. Additionally, 316 stainless steel needles stay sharp longer, so you can use them longer before switching it out.

Compatibility

Some cartridge needles are designed to fit specific tattoo machines. These cartridges restrict you to using only that particular brand of needles, which can limit your options. 

Alternatively, you can opt for universal cartridges, such as those sold by Grip Needles, as these are compatible with multiple tattoo machine brands and models. This allows you to choose the best 5RL needles that suit your comfort and style. What's more, universal cartridges tend to cost less than their proprietary counterparts.

Taper

The needle's taper length influences the depth of penetration, the thickness of the lines it creates, and which body parts it's ideally used for. Longer tapers penetrate deeper, create finer lines, and often result in less skin trauma, making them great for body areas with thin and delicate skin. 

On the other hand, shorter tapers deposit ink at a shallower depth and create bolder lines, making them suitable for thicker skin areas.

Sterilization

A lack of proper hygiene in tattooing can lead to cross-contamination and the spread of blood-borne diseases. Therefore, it's crucial to ensure that the cartridges you use are pre-sterilized and individually packaged. This eliminates the risk of using unclean needles on clients and keeps both you and your clients safe.

Make sure the needle cartridge is treated with EO gas, which is the industry standard for sterilization. The packaging must also clearly indicate the sterilization and expiration dates.

Brand Reputation

Consider the manufacturer's reputation for cartridge needles. Look for brands with a good track record in the tattoo industry and are known for producing high-quality, safe, and reliable products. Read reviews from other artists; this also gives you an idea of how well different cartridges from different brands perform.

Choosing the right 5RL cartridge needle is essential for achieving precision and detail in your tattoos or PMU work. By carefully choosing your needles, you can ensure the safety of your clients and create beautiful, long-lasting art.