How to Choose the Right Tattoo Needles: RL, RM, RS, or M1? (Complete Guide for 2025)

Choosing the right tattoo needles is one of the most important skills for any tattoo artist—beginner or professional. The correct needle type determines whether your lines stay crisp, your shading stays smooth, and your pigments heal true. In this comprehensive guide, we break down RL, RM, RS, and M1 needles, explain what each does best, and help you choose the ideal tattoo machine needle setup for different tattoo styles.

Introduction

Tattoo needles are more than just tools—they define the quality, efficiency, and longevity of your tattoo work. Whether you are lining, shading, packing color, or creating gradients, each needle configuration produces a different artistic effect.

Understanding RL, RM, RS, and M1 needle structures helps you level up your workflow and avoid common issues like patchy shading, inconsistent lines, and blowouts.

If you’re using a Neebol tattoo machine or a Neebol tattoo kit, this guide will help you choose the perfect needle cartridges for your setup.

Understanding Tattoo Needle Codes

Before diving into specifics, here’s what the codes mean:

• RL – Round Liner
• RS – Round Shader
• RM – Round Magnum (curved mag)
• M1 – Magnum (flat mag)

These codes appear on tattoo needle cartridges, tattoo gun needles, or traditional bar needles. High-quality cartridge needles are EO-gas sterilized, membrane-sealed, and compatible with most rotary machines.

RL Needles (Round Liner): Precision for Crisp Outlines

RL needles are tightly grouped in a circular formation, making them essential for clean, sharp lines.

Key Features

• Tight grouping for maximum precision
• Ideal for bold outlines and micro-details
• Available in sizes like 3RL, 5RL, 7RL, 9RL

Best Uses

• Traditional American tattoos
• Script lettering
• Geometric linework
• Illustrative outlines

Technical Tips

• Use 3RL–7RL for fine detail, 9RL+ for bolder lines.
• Pair with a consistent rotary machine such as the Neebol tattoo machine for reduced vibration.
• Recommended voltage: 7–8V to prevent skin trauma.

If you're looking for reliable options, explore the complete lineup of Neebol tattoo needles for precise lining.

RM Needles (Round Magnum): Mastering Soft Shading

RM needles feature two staggered rows arranged in a curved fan shape, making them the go-to needle for smooth transitions.

Key Features

• Curved edge fits skin contours
• Smooth gradients with low irritation
• Popular sizes: 7RM, 9RM, 11RM

Best Uses

• Portrait tattoos
• Watercolor effects
• Realistic shading
• Skin-friendly shading on sensitive areas

Pro Tips

• Choose 7RM–9RM for compact areas, larger RMs for full gradients.
• Pair with thin, smooth-flowing inks like Neebol Shading Ink for seamless blending.

These needles are known as some of the best tattoo needle cartridges for soft shading.

RS Needles (Round Shader): Bold Color Packing

RS needles have a looser formation compared to RL, which helps deliver more pigment with each pass.

Key Features

• Looser grouping for strong saturation
• Ideal for traditional color packing
• Great for thick black fills

Best Uses

• Solid tribal fills
• Blackwork backgrounds
• Old School color packing

Best Practices

• Use 7RS–11RS for medium fills; 15RS+ for large sections.
• Maintain a steady 45° angle to prevent patchiness.

Need dependable color-packing tools? Try Neebol tattoo needle cartridges
 built for clean saturation.

M1 Needles (Flat Magnum): Speed & Coverage

M1 needles are arranged in a flat, straight line—perfect for large sections that require even color deposits.

Key Features

• Single-row, flat layout
• Fast pigment delivery
• Excellent for sweeping motions

Best Uses

• Japanese traditional backgrounds
• Neo-Traditional color fields
• High-coverage gradients

Technical Tips

• Use 13M1–21M1 for large sections
• Pair with thicker pigments to avoid blowouts

These are often considered the best tattoo needles for Japanese or Neo-Traditional work.

Choosing the Right Needle for Each Tattoo Style

If you’re unsure which to start with, the Neebol tattoo kit includes versatile needle cartridges suitable for lining, shading, and color packing—perfect for beginners and pros.

People Also Ask

What tattoo needle is best for shading?

RM (round magnum) needles are generally the best tattoo shading needles due to their curved, contour-friendly design.

Which needles are best for beginners?

3RL for lining, 7RM for smooth shading, and 9RS for simple color packing. 

What size needle should I use for fine-line tattoos?

Use 1RL–3RL for micro-line and minimalist designs.

Are cartridge needles safer?

Yes. High-quality tattoo needle cartridges with safety membranes help prevent ink backflow.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Select High-Quality Tattoo Needles

When choosing tattoo needles, consider the following:

1. Sterilization & Safety

Choose EO-gas sterilized, individually sealed cartridges.

2. Compatibility

Ensure the needles work with your machine’s grip and motor system.
All Neebol tattoo needles are compatible with standard RCA rotary machines.

3. Membrane Quality

A strong membrane prevents backflow and protects your machine.

4. Soldering Quality

Poor soldering causes wobbling and inconsistent lines—avoid cheap bulk packs.

5. Intended Tattoo Style

Match your needle type to your technique:

• RL → lines
• RM → shading
• RS → color packing
• M1 → large color zones

Pro Tips for Better Results & Client Satisfaction

1. Preventing Blowouts

• Reduce needle depth when working on thin skin
• Lower voltage when using M1 or RS needles
• Switch to smaller RL sizes for delicate work

2. Improving Aftercare Compliance

Explain aftercare clearly—moisturizing and SPF 50+ protection can dramatically improve healed results.

3. Maintain Needle Quality

Always check the needle tip and membrane before installing into your tattoo machine.

Conclusion

Understanding RL, RM, RS, and M1 needles helps you elevate your technique and deliver flawless tattoos across all styles. Whether you focus on crisp outlines, smooth gradients, bold black fills, or large color sweeps, choosing the right tattoo needle is the foundation of professional tattooing.