Magnum Gen 2 Cartridges: Configurations, Needle Sizes, Tapers, Gauges & Diameters Explained

July 17, 2026 - 2 weeks ago

Choosing the right tattoo cartridge involves much more than selecting a needle grouping. Every configuration, needle diameter, gauge, taper and grouping affects how the cartridge performs, how ink is delivered, and the type of tattooing it is best suited for. The Magnum Gen 2 Tattoo Cartridge range has been developed to give professional tattoo artists complete flexibility, with a wide selection of cartridge types designed for everything from ultra-fine linework to large-scale colour packing. Whether you're creating delicate script, bold traditional outlines, smooth realism or textured whip shading, understanding how these variables work together will help you make more informed choices.

In this guide, we'll explain the different Magnum Gen 2 cartridge configurations, needle sizes, diameters, gauges and tapers, and how each influences tattooing performance.

Why Cartridge Specifications Matter

Two cartridges may look almost identical, yet produce completely different results once they touch the skin. A cartridge's performance is influenced by four key elements:

• Configuration

• Needle grouping (size)

• Needle diameter

• Needle gauge

• Needle taper

These work together to determine factors such as ink flow, precision, saturation, coverage, line weight, shading softness, and healing characteristics. Rather than thinking about one specification in isolation, professional artists choose combinations that suit both their tattooing style and the result they want to achieve.

Understanding Magnum Gen 2 Cartridge Configurations

The Magnum Gen 2 range includes seven professional cartridge configurations, each designed for specific applications.

Each configuration has been engineered for a specific purpose rather than attempting to cover every style of tattooing.

Round Liners (RL)

Round Liners are the standard choice for creating crisp, clean outlines. The needles are grouped tightly together to concentrate ink into a precise point, making them suitable for fine line tattoos, script, ornamental work, geometric tattoos and general outlining. Magnum Gen 2 Round Liners use a triple stabilisation system to reduce needle movement during operation, helping maintain smooth, controlled linework throughout the tattoo.

Hollow Round Liners (HRL)

Hollow Round Liners appear similar to standard round liners but feature slightly increased spacing between the needles. This spacing allows more ink to flow through the centre of the grouping, helping produce stronger, more saturated lines with fewer passes. Artists often choose Hollow Round Liners for:

• Bold outlines

• Traditional tattoos

• Large lettering

• Heavy black linework

They are particularly useful when consistent saturation is important across long pulls.

Traditional Round Liners (TRL)

Traditional Round Liners are designed specifically for artists who prefer bold, confident outlines. Combined with a #12 (0.35 mm) needle gauge/diameter and short taper, these cartridges maximise pigment delivery while maintaining excellent control. They are especially popular for American traditional, neo-traditional, Japanese tattoos, decorative blackwork, and graphic illustration.

Round Shaders (RS)

Round Shaders use a looser needle grouping than round liners. Instead of concentrating pigment into a single point, they distribute ink more evenly, producing softer shading and smoother transitions. They're commonly selected for small shaded areas, colour blending, softer outlines, whip shading, and small colour fills. Because they combine precision with versatility, Round Shaders are often considered one of the most useful everyday cartridge types.

Curved Magnums (RM)

Curved Magnums, sometimes called Round Magnums or Soft Edge Magnums, feature an arched needle arrangement where the outer needles sit slightly shorter than those in the centre. This curved profile allows the cartridge to move across the skin more smoothly while reducing the risk of creating visible edge marks. They're widely used for:

• Black and grey realism

• Portrait work

• Smooth gradients

• Soft colour blending

• Large shaded areas

Many realism artists consider Curved Magnums their primary shading cartridge.

Straight Magnums (M1)

Straight Magnums arrange the needles in two staggered flat rows. This configuration provides efficient coverage across larger areas, allowing artists to pack colour quickly while maintaining consistent saturation. They are commonly chosen for colour packing, large fills, Japanese tattoos, blackwork, and traditional colour tattoos. Where Curved Magnums prioritise softness, Straight Magnums focus on speed and efficiency.

Whip Shading Magnums (WSM)

Whip Shading Magnums are one of the most specialised configurations in the Magnum Gen 2 range. Instead of using traditional magnum rows, these cartridges arrange grouped Round Liner clusters into multiple rows. The result combines the precision of liners with the coverage of a magnum, making them ideal for:

• Pepper shading

• Whip shading

• Stippling

• Layered gradients

• Textured black and grey work

Available in 3×3 and 3×6 layouts, they allow artists to create distinctive textures that would be difficult to achieve with conventional magnums.

Understanding Needle Sizes

Needle size, often referred to as the needle grouping, indicates how many individual needles make up the cartridge. Smaller groupings provide greater precision, while larger groupings increase coverage.

Within the Magnum Gen 2 range, needle sizes vary depending on the cartridge configuration. Round Liners are available from 01RL to 18RL, Round Shaders from 03RS to 25RS, and both Curved and Straight Magnums from 05RM or 05M1 up to 27RM or 27M1. Whip Shading Magnums are available in dedicated 3×3 and 3×6 layouts, specifically designed for textured shading techniques.

Choosing the correct grouping depends on the scale of the tattoo, the level of detail required, and the amount of coverage needed.

Understanding Needle Diameters & Gauge

Needle diameter/gauge influences both ink flow and the visual appearance of the finished tattoo. Magnum Gen 2 cartridges are available in four professional diameters and gauges across the range.

Smaller diameters and gauges provide greater precision but deliver less pigment with each pass. Larger diameters and gauges increase ink flow, making them more suitable for saturated colour work and bold linework.

Understanding Needle Tapers

Needle taper refers to the length of the sharpened point at the end of each needle. The taper influences how gradually the needle enters the skin and how much pigment it delivers. Magnum Gen 2 cartridges are available with four taper options depending on the configuration.

Longer tapers generally provide more precision and smoother transitions, while shorter tapers deliver greater pigment density and stronger line saturation.

Choosing the Right Combination

Rather than selecting specifications individually, experienced tattoo artists combine configuration, grouping, diameter, gauge and taper to match the tattoo they are creating.

For example, a fine script tattoo might use a small Round Liner with a 0.25 (#08) mm Bugpin diameter/gauge and a Long Taper for precise, controlled lines. A bold traditional outline is more likely to benefit from a Traditional Round Liner with a 0.35 mm (#12) diameter/gauge and Short Taper to maximise pigment delivery. 

For black and grey realism, a Curved Magnum paired with a 0.25 mm (#08) Bugpin diameter/gauge and Long Taper offers smooth gradients and soft transitions. Large colour fills are commonly completed with a Straight Magnum using a 0.35 mm (#12) diameter/gauge to increase coverage and saturation. Artists creating pepper shading or stippling effects often choose a Whip Shading Magnum with an Extra Long Taper to build gradual texture and layered shading.

Understanding how these elements interact makes cartridge selection more predictable and allows artists to adapt their setup to different techniques and tattoo styles.

Universal Compatibility

All Magnum Gen 2 Tattoo Cartridges are manufactured with a universal cartridge connection, making them compatible with most professional rotary tattoo machines and cartridge grips that use the universal fitting. Features across the range include:

• Triple stabilisation system

• Medical-grade 304 stainless steel needles

• Medical-grade polycarbonate housing

• Silicone safety membrane

• Integrated comfort finger ledge

• Transparent cartridge body

• Colour-coded identification

• EO gas sterilisation

• Individually blister-packed cartridges

• Supplied in boxes of 10

Artists looking for compatible machines can use Magnum Gen 2 cartridges with professional rotary pens such as the Bishop Power Wand, Dragonhawk Fold 2 Pro and AVA EP7+, all of which use the universal cartridge connection.

Conclusion

Choosing the right tattoo cartridge involves far more than selecting a needle grouping. Configuration, diameter, gauges, taper and needle size all influence how a cartridge performs, from the precision of a fine line to the smoothness of a gradient or the efficiency of colour packing. The Magnum Gen 2 range has been developed to provide professional artists with options for every stage of the tattooing process. Whether you are outlining with a Round Liner, creating bold traditional work with a Traditional Round Liner, blending soft realism using a Curved Magnum or producing textured whip shading with a Whip Shading Magnum, understanding these specifications allows you to choose the most suitable cartridge for your technique and achieve consistent, reliable results.

Ready to experience triple-stabilised precision without breaking the bank? Head over to Magnum Tattoo Supplies to explore our complete technical range, compare advanced configurations, and find the perfect cartridge collection for your tattooing style!

FAQs

What is the difference between a Round Liner and a Round Shader?

Round Liners have tightly grouped needles designed for crisp outlines and detailed linework. Round Shaders use a looser grouping that distributes ink more softly, making them better suited to shading, colour blending and smaller fill areas.

Which needle diameter & gauge should I choose?

It depends on the style of tattoo. A 0.20 mm (#06 Extra Bugpin) diameter & gauge is ideal for ultra-fine details, 0.25 mm (#08 Bugpin) works well for fine lines and realism, 0.30 mm (#10 Standard) is a versatile all-round option, and 0.35 mm (#12 Standard) is best for bold outlines and high-saturation colour work.

What is the purpose of a needle taper?

The taper determines the length of the sharpened point on the needle. Short tapers deliver more pigment for bold lines, while longer tapers offer greater precision and smoother transitions for fine linework and shading.

Are Magnum Gen 2 cartridges compatible with all rotary machines?

Magnum Gen 2 cartridges feature a universal cartridge connection, making them compatible with most professional rotary tattoo machines and cartridge grips that use the universal fitting.

Which Magnum Gen 2 cartridge is best for realism?

Curved Magnum (RM) cartridges are a popular choice for realism because their arched needle profile creates smooth gradients, soft shading and even ink distribution. Many artists pair them with a 0.25 mm (#08) Bugpin diameter/gauge and Long Taper for detailed black and grey work.