Complete guide: Da Vinci V2 RS Cartridge Needles
The Round Shader cartridges from Bishop's Da Vinci V2 series are disposable needles designed for fine shading, pepper shading, and delicate transitions, from texturing in small areas to denser shading on medium areas. They are made from Japanese 304 stainless steel (surgical grade) and medical-grade plastic, are 100% sterilized with EO gas, and feature a safety membrane plus a vent hole for consistent ink flow. They fit all pen-style machines and standard adapter grips, making them a practical choice both for artists working in black and grey and realism, as well as for those wanting an affordable everyday shading cartridge.
How to use
- Prepare your workstation: disposable gloves, protective barriers on the machine and clip cord/battery, clean ink caps.
- Check the cartridge's sterile blister — the packaging must be intact and sealed. If it is damaged or open, do not use it.
- Remove the cartridge without touching the tip and attach it directly to the pen machine or adapter grip; it fits all types of adapter handles and pen-style machines, without additional adapters.
- Adjust the needle projection according to the desired technique and set the voltage — for these RS cartridges, the description recommends a moderate range of 6–8V, depending on the configuration and shading density.
- Dip the tip into the ink cap and check the flow on a film or practice skin before working on a client; the vent hole helps the ink flow evenly.
- Work with controlled movements, specific to shading with a round configuration (pendulum or circular), letting the safety membrane prevent ink from flowing back into the machine.
- Change the cartridge whenever you switch to a different configuration or stage of the work, using a new, sterile cartridge for each.
- At the end, remove the cartridge and dispose of it in a sharps container, then sanitize the machine, grip, and surfaces according to studio protocol.
Tips from us
- Choose the configuration according to the area: 3RS for micro-texturing and fine details, 5RS as a versatile everyday option, 7RS for medium areas, and 9RS for denser shading.
- Don't over-voltage: the RS cartridges in this series respond well to moderate voltages — too high a voltage traumatizes the skin without depositing ink better.
- For black and grey, prepare your grey wash dilutions before the session and test the flow of each new cartridge on a test surface.
- Also keep RL and RM/M1 cartridges from the same series in stock, to cover lines, shades, and fills with a consistent system, without drastically changing settings between cartridges.
- Change the cartridge as soon as the tip seems dull or the flow becomes inconsistent — in fine shading, a worn needle shows directly in the healing of the work.
- Store sealed boxes in a dry, clean place, away from moisture and contact with dirty surfaces, to maintain the integrity of the sterile packaging.
Warning: The cartridges are strictly single-use: they come sterilized with EO gas and cannot be re-sterilized or reused under any circumstances — a used cartridge poses a risk of infection and cross-contamination. Never use a cartridge whose packaging is open, wet, or damaged. Always work with gloves and protective barriers, and after the session, dispose of the needles exclusively in dedicated sharps containers, according to hygiene standards for tattoo studios.
Frequently asked questions
Which machines do these cartridges fit? Do I need an adapter?▾
You don't need an adapter. The Da Vinci V2 RS cartridges have a standard format and fit all pen-style machines and universal adapter grips. They are native on the Bishop Fantom, but the description mentions they are also functional on Cheyenne Sol Nova, FK Irons Xion, Dragonhawk Mast, and EZ P2S — practically any standard pen in the studio.
What RS configurations are available and how do I choose for a beginner?▾
The range covers from 3RS to 9RS, all in gauge #12 (0.35 mm) with medium taper. If you're a beginner, 5RS is the most versatile choice — good for standard shading in small and medium areas. 3RS is for micro-texturing and fine details, while 7RS and 9RS are for denser shading on medium surfaces. A mixed stock with predominantly 5RS and a few 3RS covers you for most situations.
Can I sterilize and reuse a cartridge if I only used it a little?▾
No, never. The cartridges come sterilized with EO gas and are designed exclusively for single use — the plastic body does not withstand re-sterilization, and the risk of cross-contamination (hepatitis, other bloodborne infections) is real. Any cartridge that has touched the skin or ink is disposed of at the end of the session in a sharps container.
Are they good for black and grey and portraits?▾
Yes, the Round Shader configuration is exactly for that: gradual ink deposition, pepper shading, textures, and fine transitions — basic techniques in black and grey and realism. The Bishop membrane handles diluted grey washes well, and the affordable price matters in this style, where you frequently change cartridges during a long session.
Do they work for stippling or dotwork?▾
Yes, the 3RS variant works well for stippling: it creates organic-looking point clusters, more natural than dots made with a 1RL liner. It is worked at low voltage, with quick perpendicular movements. For very precise individual dots (single-dot), an RL cartridge remains the more suitable choice.
How many cartridges do I get in a box and how do I check they are sterile?▾
The box contains 20 cartridges, each individually packaged and sterilized with EO gas, with CE conformity. Before use, check each blister: it must be sealed, dry, and undamaged. If a package is compromised, that cartridge is not used, even if the rest of the box is fine.
Product description
Bishop DA VINCI V2 are those most popular cartridges With over 2 years of development, the needles have been put to the test by artists from all over the world. Bishop fine-tuned every aspect of the cartridges and made no compromises. The needles are made of Japanese 304 stainless steel, which offers the best quality of steel available for tattoo needles. This allows the needles to stay sharp even during long tattoo sessions. Each needle undergoes a strict 8-step quality control process to ensure excellent needles every time. Each needle has its own custom molded plastic body that is engineered to fit precisely. This process ensures that those magnums will have no "wiggle room". The liner needles have the first technology that allows the liner needle to have a constant pressure that causes the needle to pass through the bottom of the tip. This allows precise and controlled vertical movement. Characteristics: The needles have a safety membrane Designed with a vent/breather hole to allow better cough flow It fits all types of adapter handles and pen type machines Made of 304 surgical stainless steel and medical grade plastic100% sterilized EO gas
Da Vinci V2 RS Cartridge Needles are Round Shader cartridges from Bishop's mid-range line, for fine shading and pepper shading at accessible pricing. The RS configuration arranges needles circularly with controlled spacing, ideal for gradual ink deposition in small and medium areas, texturing, and delicate transitions needed in realism portraits and black and grey work. The efficient Bishop membrane ensures good ink flow, standard #12 gauge (0.35mm) provides adequate rigidity, and medium taper enables versatile use from fine pepper shading to denser shading work. Quality surgical steel ensures good sharpness and minimal skin trauma. Universal compatibility — natively on Bishop Fantom, functional on all pen-style machines including Cheyenne Sol Nova, FK Irons Xion, Dragonhawk Mast, and EZ P2S. Available from 3RS through 9RS, covering ultra-fine micro-texturing (3RS) through round shading on medium areas (9RS). Compared to Cheyenne Craft RS, Da Vinci V2 RS offers slightly better flow thanks to Bishop membrane design. Against Big Wasp X RS, carries the Bishop brand with a marginally superior membrane. Against Kwadron RS, more accessible while sacrificing absolute precision. Box of 20 individually EO-sterilized cartridges, CE compliant. Complementary to Da Vinci V2 RL and RM/M1 for a complete Bishop mid-range set covering all tattoo session needs. The practical choice for daily fine shading without budget pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions What Da Vinci V2 RS configurations are available? Da Vinci V2 RS comes in 3RS, 5RS, 7RS, and 9RS. 5RS most versatile. 3RS for micro-texturing and fine details. 7RS for medium areas. 9RS for denser shading. All #12 gauge, medium taper. Stock recommendation: 5RS predominantly, supplemented with 3RS. What voltage for Da Vinci V2 RS? Optimal voltage: 6-8V. Pepper shading 3RS: 6-7V. Standard shading 5RS: 7-7.5V. Dense shading 7RS-9RS: 7.5-8V. On Bishop Fantom: sweet spot 6.5-7.5V. Da Vinci V2 RS responds well to moderate voltages — do not over-volt. Is Da Vinci V2 RS good for B&G? Yes, Da Vinci V2 RS is a solid choice for black and grey. 3RS for fine textures, 5RS for base tones, 7RS for shadows. The Bishop membrane handles grey washes well at 1:1 and 1:2 dilutions. Not at Cheyenne Safety RS level for competition, but perfectly adequate for studio B&G. Accessible pricing allows generous RS cartridge consumption, important for B&G requiring frequent changes. How does Da Vinci V2 RS compare to Cheyenne Craft RS? Direct competitors at similar pricing. Da Vinci V2 RS: slightly better ink flow (Bishop membrane). Cheyenne Craft RS: slightly better lot-to-lot consistency, superior brand recognition in Europe. Practical differences: minimal, under 10%. Choice depends on machine ecosystem (Bishop → Da Vinci, Cheyenne → Craft) and personal preference. Both are solid mid-range choices for fine shading. Does Da Vinci V2 RS work on all machines? Yes, universal compatibility with all standard pen-style machines. Tested on: Bishop Fantom (native, optimal), Cheyenne Sol Nova, FK Irons Xion, Dragonhawk Mast, EZ P2S. Standard cartridge diameter fits perfectly in all universal grips. No adapters needed. Can Da Vinci V2 RS be used for stippling? Yes, 3RS Da Vinci V2 works well for stippling. Creates natural dot clusters, more organic than 1RL. Low voltage (5.5-6.5V), rapid perpendicular movements. Accessible pricing is the key advantage — stippling and dotwork consume many cartridges, and Da Vinci V2 enables intensive practice. For single-dot stippling, RL 1RL is more precise. How many Da Vinci V2 RS per box?20 individually wrapped and EO-sterilized cartridges, with lot number and expiration date. Price: 70-110 RON / box on the Romanian market. Packaging standard identical to all premium brands. Is Da Vinci V2 RS suitable for beginners? Yes, excellent for beginners. Bishop quality at accessible pricing allows intensive shading practice without prohibitive costs. Predictable behavior, safety membrane, certified sterilization. Recommendation: start with 5RS for basic shading, then add 3RS (details) and 7RS (larger areas) as technique develops. What ink works with Da Vinci V2 RS? Medium-consistency inks work best: Eternal Ink, World Famous Ink, Dynamic Black. Grey washes diluted 1:1 or 1:2 with witch hazel for B&G. Avoid very dense inks on 3RS. Undiluted medium-consistency ink is ideal for standard shading. Da Vinci V2 RS vs Hummingbird RS? Both are mid-range but with different profiles. Da Vinci V2 RS benefits from Bishop brand and superior membrane design. Hummingbird RS wins on price — usually 15-25% cheaper. In practice, Da Vinci V2 has a slight advantage in ink flow, Hummingbird in penetration aggressiveness. If brand matters, Da Vinci V2. If budget is tight, Hummingbird.
