How to Choose the Right Tattoo Needle Grouping: RL, RS, CM, and TriFlat™

In tattooing, tattoo needle configuration can make or break the quality of your lines, shades, and texture. Whether you’re pulling crisp outlines or layering soft strip shading, the grouping of your tattoo needles, how they’re arranged — plays a massive role in ink flow, skin trauma, and control.

Let’s break down four key tattoo needle groupings every professional artist should know: RL (Round Liner), RS (Round Shader), CM (Curved Magnum), and TriFlat™ (Hybrid Flat).

What Does “Needle Grouping” Mean?

Tattoo needle grouping refers to how individual needles are arranged at the tip:

• Tightly packed? That’s for precision.
  
  

• Spread apart or curved? Better for shading or soft blends.
  

Each tattoo needle grouping affects ink saturation, control, and skin interaction.

Round Liner (RL): For Clean, Crisp Lines

Best for: Outlining, fine lines, small detail work

• Tattoo needles are tightly grouped in a circular formation.
  
  

• Comes in various counts: 1RL, 3RL, 5RL, 9RL, etc.
  
  

• Excellent for line-based styles like blackwork or lettering.
  

Common Sizes:

• 3RL: Versatile for fine outlines and dotwork
  
  

• 5RL: Slightly bolder lines with smoother flow
  

Round Shader (RS): For Soft Fills & Gradients

Best for: Whip shading, pepper shading, color packing in tight areas

• Tattoo needles arranged loosely in a round pattern
  
  

• Gentler on the skin compared to RL
  
  

• Great for stippling gradients and soft fill techniques
  

Tip: Use RS tattoo needle groupings to build texture without overworking the skin.

Curved Magnum (CM): For Smooth, Soft Shading

Best for: Color blends, black & grey, and soft gradients

• Similar to flat magnums but with a rounded arch
  
  

• Allows for more even pressure on the skin
  
  

• Reduces trauma during whip and pendulum motion
  

Why Artists Love CM Tattoo Needles:

• Curved edge adapts to skin contours
  
  

• Better control on curves and large surfaces
  

Popular CM Sizes:

• 7CM, 9CM, 13CM — good for different coverage needs
  

TriFlat™ (Hybrid Flat): For Dotwork and Controlled Texture

Best for: Stippling, dot shading, textured fills

• Exclusive hybrid tattoo needle configuration by Grip Needles
  
  

• A custom flat arrangement using round liners
  
  

• Designed for high precision + low trauma
  

Why TriFlat™ Is a Game-Changer:

• More controlled spaced dotting than RS
  
  

• Easier to manage consistency during long dotwork sessions
  
  

• Favored by stippling artists
  

Use Cases:

• Textured shading, geometric tattoos, fur/hair techniques
  

Summary: When to Use Which

Final Tip: Always test needle groupings on synthetic skin before going live. What works for one style or machine might not translate 1:1 for another.

👉 Ready to try something new? Shop TriFlat™ Hybrid Needles or explore CM cartridges and grips for smoother blends and better comfort.