Big Wasp X RM Cartridge Needles

Complete guide: Big Wasp X RM Cartridge Needles

The X-series cartridges from Big Wasp in RM configuration (Round Magnum, also known as 'Magnum Soft Edge') are disposable tattoo needles built for fine shading and gradual tone transitions. The outer needles are shorter than the central ones, so the contact surface is curved and leaves no hard edges — exactly what you're looking for in realism, portraits, and soft shading. Each cartridge is individually packaged, EO gas sterilized, has an anti-return silicone membrane and transparent body, and fits most rotary pen-style machines. They are a suitable choice for both experienced artists and beginners building their gradient technique.

How to use

1. Wash your hands, put on exam gloves, and set up your station: protective barriers on the machine, grip, and cables, disinfected surfaces.
2. Check the cartridge's individual blister — it must be sealed and intact. If the packaging is opened, wet, or damaged, do not use that cartridge.
3. Remove the cartridge without touching the tip area and secure it in the grip until it locks firmly.
4. Adjust the needle projection from the grip tip to a small length suitable for your technique, and set the voltage — for RM configuration, the description recommends a 6,5–8,5 V range, with low values for soft shading and high values for dense shading or soft-edge packing.
5. Dip the tip in ink and check through the cartridge's transparent body that the ink flows evenly before the first pass on the skin.
6. Work with slow circular or pendulum motions and build the tone progressively, in layers — the rounded-edge geometry makes transitions smooth only if you don't force the speed.
7. Throughout, wipe the area with a disposable towel and reload the ink as needed, visually checking the needle tip.
8. At the end, remove the cartridge and immediately dispose of it in a sharps container, then disinfect or autoclave the grip according to your hygiene protocol.

Tips from us

• Choose the size according to the surface: the series is available from 7RM to 15RM — small configurations for narrow areas and details, large ones for shading on broad surfaces.
• If you see hard edges at transitions, lower the voltage or slow down your hand — it's the most common sign that you're working the RM configuration too aggressively.
• Keep RM for gradients, realism, and color transitions; for solid fills with defined edges (traditional, Japanese), a classic M1 configuration remains the more suitable choice.
• Take advantage of the transparent cartridge: constantly monitor the ink flow and needle tip, so you can catch uneven flow or a damaged tip early.
• The anti-return membrane protects the grip and machine from ink backflow, but it doesn't replace protective barriers and station hygiene — always use them together.

Frequently asked questions