Loose Round Liner (LRL) Tattoo Cartridges | Maverick Supply Co.
Experimenting with Loose Round Liner (LRL) Cartridge Needles
At the end of the day, we do what we do because we love the culture and the art. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of a project coming together when the right artist meets the right tool. Part of that success comes from a willingness to stay curious—experimenting with different groupings is how you evolve and eventually lock into a style that is uniquely yours.
We like to think of cartridge groupings like paintbrushes. Some are for sharp, technical details, while others are built for "character." If the Tight Round Liner is your fine-point pen, the Loose Round Liner (LRL) is your favorite bold marker.
What Exactly is an LRL?
A Loose Round Liner (LRL) uses our high-quality #12 (0.35mm) pins, but the grouping is intentionally different from a standard liner. Unlike our Tight Round Liners (TRL), where the points are tucked inward to a sharp point, the needles in an LRL sit straight and parallel.
This creates a slightly larger footprint on the skin. It’s not "blunt," but it’s not "pin-sharp" either. This "looseness" allows for a bit more ink flow and a line that has a more natural, traditional feel.
Find Your Unique Style Through Experimentation
One of the best ways to grow as an artist is to step outside your usual setup. If you’ve always used tight liners for everything, try swapping in an LRL for your next piece. You might find it changes your hand speed or the way you approach your designs.
The Traditional Punch
We see artists run the L9RL or L14RL for American Traditional work to get that solid, "etched" look that heals bold and stays put.
Textured Linework
Because the needles aren't compressed, LRLs are great for "sketchy" illustrative styles or adding organic textures to things like woodgrain, fur, or stone.
Shading Small Areas
Don't be afraid to use an LRL for more than just lines. An L5RL or L7RL can be great for packing color into those tiny corners where a magnum simply won't fit.
The Maverick Standard: Every single needle we produce is a long taper, precision-polished needle. We don't cut corners on the finish. A long taper means less skin trauma, while the high-polish finish ensures the smoothest possible ink flow.
The Maverick LRL Collection
We offer our Loose Round Liners in the specific configurations vetted for the shop:
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L3RL, L5RL, L7RL, L9RL, L11RL, L14RL, L18RL
Quality Vetted by Experience
While our team isn't the one behind the machine, we are dedicated to making sure the gear you get is flawless. We manage every detail from our home base in Las Vegas to ensure Maverick gear supports your best work.
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Silicone Membrane: Keeps your machine safe and your ink flow consistent.
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EO-Gas Sterilized: Safety is non-negotiable for any professional shop.
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Universal Fit: Ready to lock into all major rotary and cartridge machines.
The Maverick Difference
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Tattooer Owned: Founded by Austin, a 26-year veteran of the industry.
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Vetted Quality: Every product is personally tested and approved by Austin to meet his professional standards.
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Free U.S. Shipping: No minimums. No fine print.
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Fast Fulfillment: Order by 1 PM PST, and we ship it the same day.
Final Thoughts
Don't get stuck in a rut with your gear. Being open to trying different groupings is how you find a flow that is uniquely yours.
Try them. Then decide.
Shop the Loose Round Liner (LRL) Collection →
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