The labels we use for our needles are comprised of three markings. To avoid confusion, here is the breakdown of our labeling with information about what each marking represents:
-
The first marking is a number that indicates the thickness of the needle:
#14 is a .40mm needle
#12 is a .35mm needle
#10 is a .30mm needle
#8 is a .25mm needle
#6 is a .22mm needle
#5 is a .20mm needle
#4 is a .18mm needle
-
The second marking is a number that indicates the number of needles in the grouping. Here are some examples:
07 means 7 needles total
09 means 9 needles total
23 means 23 needles total
-
The third marking is one or two letters that indicate how the needles are arranged on the bar:
RL means Round Liner
RS means Round Shader
F means Flat (i.e. straight across in one row)
M1 means Magnum (i.e. two layers spread out)
-
Occasionally, you will see a fourth marking at the end of our label. This fourth marking will either be a *T, *C, or a *B.
*T means the needles are Textured. Textured needles have not been high-polished and therefore have a rougher surface. Theoretically, this allows the needles to grab more ink than polished needles.
*C means the needles are Curved. Curved needles in a magnum set-up are off-set, creating an arc.
*B means the needles are Bullet. Bullet needles have the shortest taper and are used primarily for permanent makeup procedures.
- Our label is followed by the taper length, the last property of a tattoo needle. The taper is the length of the point at the very end of each needle. Short tapers have a shorter point, while long tapers have a longer point. Here is a list of common taper sizes by line:
Peak Triton & Quartz Needles
Short Taper : 2.5mm
Medium Taper : 3.5mm
Long Taper : 5.5mm
Extra Long Taper : 7.5mm
Peak Blood Needles
Short Taper : 1.5mm
Long Taper : 2.0mm
Double Long Taper : 2.5mm
Extra Long Taper : 3.5mm
Super Long Taper : 5.5mm
Super Extra Long Taper : 8.0mm