Staring at a list of tattoo needles with codes like 1003RL, 1207RL, and 1214RL can feel like picking up a foreign tongue. For any tattoo beginner, the huge array of choices is downright baffling. With tons of picks out there, which Round Liner (RL) needle fits best to kick off your practice and sharpen the knack for dragging smooth, bold lines?

This guide steps in as your decoder. We'll guide you to grab your initial needle without doubt. Nailing the craft of tattooing kicks off with a firm base. Picking the proper beginner tattoo needle marks a key early move.

Decoding Your Big Wasp RL Cartridge: A Beginner's Guide to the Numbers

The secret to grasping which RL needle to select lies in cracking the code on the package. Each chunk of the code spills key facts about the needle's traits.

 

Diameter (The First Two Digits)

The opening two digits in the code point to the diameter, or gauge, of each single needle pin in the bunch. This width sways how ink moves and the sort of line it shapes. In the Big Wasp RL needle range, you'll mostly spot:

· #12 (0.35mm): Shows up in needles like the 1207RL and 1209RL. This is the go-to standard in the field. A #12 gauge delivers a reliable, even ink stream. It's ideal for crafting firm, classic lines. For a tattoo beginner, we strongly suggest kicking off with this width.

· #10 (0.30mm): Appears in needles like the 1007RL and 1009RL. This gauge runs a bit slimmer. It forms a keener, tighter line. And it's superb for finer tasks. It's a solid choice to try once you're at ease with the #12.

· #08 (0.25mm), #06 (0.20mm), #04 (0.18mm): Folks call these "Bugpins." Their super-slim width suits pro artists for ultra-realism and tiny details. As a tattoo beginner, steer clear of these for now. They demand a very steady touch. Besides, you need to nail the basics first.

Just as vital as the needle width is the count of needles bundled close in a round setup. That brings us to the next code bit.

Needle Count (The Last Two Digits)

The closing two digits reveal how many single needles get soldered into a snug, circular group. This number straight-up decides the heft of your end line.

· The "Micro Liners" (01, 03): Outfits like the 1001RL and 1203RL aim for super-fine, fragile lines. They're tough on errors. Any small hand wobble pops right out. So, a fresh tattoo artist ought to hold off on these.

· The "Detail Liners" (05): A needle such as the 1205RL shines for small touches and complex patterns. It's a fine step up. Yet it's not the top spot for drilling basic outlines.

· The "Workhorse Liners" (07, 09): Here's the prime range for any tattoo apprentice. Cartridges like the 1007RL, 1207RL, 1009RL, and 1209RL make top learning tools. They're flexible. They're lenient. And they're ace at hauling steady lines on practice skin. What's more, they build your skills without much hassle.

· The "Bold Liners" (11, 13, 14, 15): Needles like the 1211RL and 1214RL handle thick, gutsy, old-school outlines. They call for sharper skills. Plus, they need more machine oomph to run right. Save them for after you've owned the workhorse bunch.

The "Goldilocks Zone": Your First RL Needle Revealed

Now that you can parse the codes, the pick gets straightforward. For a tattoo beginner, the advice boils down easy: snag a box of 1207RL or 1209RL cartridges first.

The 1207RL hits the ideal balance. It taps the standard #12 diameter for top-notch ink flow. With a 7-needle cluster, it shapes a solid line. Yet it's not too tricky to handle. The 1209RL offers a tad thicker option. That makes it killer for drilling line fill and steadying your grip.

Still, the true pick is just part of it. The cartridge's build quality truly gears a tattoo beginner for wins. That's where the Big Wasp Energy Rubber Cartridge Needles stand out. These pack perks tailored for fresh artists:

· Unmatched Control: The special finger ledge rubber grip soaks up machine shakes. It grants better ease and firmness. For a beginner honing a firm hand, this shifts the game big time.

· Total Visibility: The see-through cartridge shell lets you watch the needle and ink stream plainly. That hands you key sight cues. As you pick up speed control and needle plunge, it's pure gold.

· Guaranteed Safety: A complete safety membrane blocks ink from splashing or leaking back into your hold and rig. This drills good clean habits. And it shields your setup from day one.

A Foundation of Quality: Why Start Your Journey with Big Wasp?

Big Wasp Tattoo Supply earns trust from pro artists across the globe. Why? Its rock-solid pledge to quality, safety, and fresh ideas. For a tattoo beginner, grabbing pro-level gear isn't a treat—it's a must. Cheap, shaky tools breed annoyance. They spark poor tricks as you wrestle faulty stuff.

Conclusion

Picking your debut RL needle needn't mix you up. By getting the code meanings and landing in the "goldilocks zone" with a 1207RL or 1209RL, you lay a tough base for your path. Zero in on hauling crisp lines. Hit even depth. And own the core skills with trusty gear.

Check out the whole lineup of Big Wasp Energy Rubber Cartridge Needles. Grab a box of our suggested starter sizes. Start drilling today.

 

FAQs

Q1: How can I ensure I'm using the correct needle depth with my RL needle? 

A1: Proper needle depth matters a lot. For lining, aim to drop ink into the dermis—about 1.5-2mm down. A smart way for a tattoo beginner to sense it is by ear.

Q2: As a beginner, how many practice needles should I have on hand? 

A2: Steady practice rules when you're starting out. Thus, snag a full box—usually 20 cartridges—of your picked starter size, say the 1207RL.

Q3: What's the biggest advantage of using a cartridge system like Big Wasp's for a new artist? 

A3: Safety and speed top the perks. For a newbie, cartridge setups are dead simple. They're pre-cleaned and swap in a flash. That frees you for the art.