Top Tattoo Cartridge Needle Brands in Canada: Honest Reviews & Price Guide

Best Tattoo Cartridge Brands in Canada: What Artists Need to Know

If you're tattooing in Canada and wondering which cartridge needles are actually worth your money, you're in the right place. With so many options out there, it can be tough to know which ones deliver on quality, consistency, and value.

We’ve put together a clean and simple breakdown of popular tattoo cartridge brands trusted by artists across the country — including what they’re good for, price points, and what people are really saying about them.

Why Use Cartridge Needles?

Cartridge needles make switching between groupings fast and easy, especially during long tattoo sessions. They come pre-sterilized and are single-use, giving both artists and clients peace of mind. But choosing the right ones matters — some brands specialize in soft shading, others are perfect for bold lines or packing colour fast.

Let’s take a look at what’s out there.

1. Kwadron Cartridges

Price Range:

• Standard Series: ~$45–$52 CAD (20-pack)

• Sublime Series: ~$60–$70 CAD (20-pack)

Highlights:

• Super sharp bug-pin needles

• Great ink flow and needle stability

• Trusted for both lining and shading work

Best For:

• Realism

• Black & grey

• Clean outlines

Artist Feedback:
✔ “These stay steady, no wobble.”
✔ “Magnums put colour down fast and smooth.”
✘ Some say the cost adds up for daily use
✘ Not everyone likes the resistance in the membrane

2. Cheyenne Safety Cartridges

Price Range:

• ~$40–$50 CAD (standard types)

• Up to ~$70 CAD (specialty configurations)

Highlights:

• Soft, responsive feel

• Built-in safety membrane

• Reliable performance across long sessions

Best For:

• Smooth shading

• Precision linework

• Illustrative styles

Artist Feedback:
✔ “Feels consistent every single time.”
✔ “I trust them for full-day pieces.”
✘ Premium pricing
✘ Smaller selection of groupings

3. Bishop Da Vinci Cartridges

Price Range:

• ~$55–$65 CAD (20-pack)

Highlights:

• Polished, ultra-smooth needle motion

• Textured tips for extra ink hold

• Minimal trauma to skin

Best For:

• Portraits

• Soft shading

• Layered black & grey

Artist Feedback:
✔ “Feels like it floats on skin.”
✔ “Less wiping, more control.”
✘ Some find the membrane too light
✘ Not ideal for bold traditional work

4. Peak Cartridges (Quartz, Solice)

Price Range:

• ~$35–$50 CAD (20-pack)

Highlights:

• Affordable, good quality

• Clear tips for better visibility

• Wide range of groupings

Best For:

• All-around use

• Lining, colour packing, blackwork

• Beginners or artists on a budget

Artist Feedback:
✔ “Solid performance for the price.”
✔ “I always keep a few boxes as backup.”
✘ Slight variation between batches
✘ Not as refined as top-tier options

Brand Comparison Chart

Which Cartridge Works for What?

Choosing the right cartridge depends on your style and what kind of results you're going for. Here’s a quick reference:

• Realism & Portraits: Bug-pin (0.25–0.30 mm), curved magnums, long taper

• Black & Grey: Soft-edge magnums, long tapers

• Traditional/Bold Line Work: Round liners (0.35 mm), short taper

• Fine Line & Lettering: Round liners with bug-pin needles, long taper

Final Thoughts

Every artist works a little differently, so finding the right cartridge is about testing and experience. In Canada, these brands have proven themselves across studios coast to coast. Whether you’re lining crisp designs or building smooth blends, using the right cartridge can seriously level up your game.

Test small packs, mix it up, and listen to your own hand — that's how you'll find your go-to setup.

Need help choosing the right cartridge for your style? Let us know — we’re here to support Canadian tattoo artists every step of the way.