Overview

The Mast Tattoo Cyber 1013RM Cartridge Needles are a mid-range option from a brand that has built a solid reputation supplying professional tattoo artists worldwide. The designation tells you a lot: 13-count curved magnum formation with a super bugpin gauge — meaning finer needles packed tightly for softer, more controlled ink deposit. Each pack contains 20 single-use cartridges, individually wrapped and pre-sterilized, which keeps studio hygiene straightforward and traceable session to session. Mast sits comfortably in the middle of the market — not a bargain-bin brand, but not chasing the premium tier either. These curved mag cartridges fit any standard cartridge grip, so there's no need to overhaul your existing setup.

Features & Benefits

The anti-blowback membrane is probably the most talked-about feature in this needle family. Inside each cartridge, a small silicone membrane sits between the needle and the grip, blocking ink from traveling back up into your machine — a genuine quality-of-life improvement during longer sessions. The one-piece overmold design locks the needle and plunger together, which cuts down on the micro-wobble that cheaper cartridges sometimes produce. The curved magnum shape naturally follows body contours, making it well-suited for packing color evenly into rounded areas. That bugpin needle gauge gives you finer dots per pass, translating to smoother blends compared to a standard-gauge curved mag. Universal grip compatibility means you can drop these into almost any cartridge-system machine without adapters.

Best For

Artists who spend significant time on color realism and shading will find the most value in the Mast Cyber needles. The curved magnum geometry is ideal when you're working over ribs, shoulders, or any area where the skin has natural contour — it keeps contact consistent rather than digging in at the edges. SMP practitioners may also find these worth testing, though needle choice in scalp work is highly technique-dependent and this 1013RM cartridge pack isn't a universal SMP solution. Studios that prioritize per-session sterility will appreciate the individual packaging. Artists transitioning from coil machines who want cartridge convenience at a reasonable price point also fit squarely in the target audience here.

User Feedback

Across a range of verified reviews, the most consistent praise for this 1013RM cartridge pack centers on needle-to-needle consistency — buyers note that cartridges within the same box tend to behave predictably, which matters when you're mid-session on a large piece. Ink flow gets mentioned positively too, with the membrane appearing to do its job for most users. On the downside, a handful of artists have flagged grip fit issues with certain branded holders, so it's worth testing one pack before committing in bulk. A few buyers coming from premium brands feel the bugpin action is slightly softer, though the general consensus is that these represent solid value for the price tier.

Pros

  • Consistent needle behavior across cartridges in the same pack reduces mid-session surprises.
  • The anti-blowback membrane keeps ink from traveling back into the machine, making cleanup faster.
  • Super bugpin gauge delivers noticeably smoother gradients compared to standard-gauge curved mags.
  • One-piece needle and plunger construction reduces wobble, giving artists better tactile control.
  • Universal grip compatibility means these curved mag cartridges work with most pen machines out of the box.
  • Individual sterile packaging makes compliance with studio hygiene standards easy to document.
  • The 20-pack quantity hits a practical sweet spot for busy studios without requiring a huge upfront commitment.
  • Curved magnum geometry handles contoured body areas far better than flat magnums in most cases.
  • Mast Tattoo has an established track record in the professional market, so quality control is generally reliable.

Cons

  • Fit can feel loose or tight depending on grip brand, so compatibility testing before bulk orders is advisable.
  • The bugpin gauge is not ideal for artists who prefer the more aggressive ink saturation of a standard-gauge mag.
  • Not available in a mixed-style pack, so artists who need multiple configurations must place separate orders.
  • Some users transitioning from premium brands report a noticeable adjustment period in machine tuning.
  • The 1013RM size is highly specific — artists who rarely use curved magnums may find little use for a full 20-pack.
  • Packaging is functional but minimal; there is no detailed lot or sterilization date information printed on individual wrappers.
  • Ink flow characteristics may require voltage or speed adjustments when switching from other cartridge brands.
  • Not purpose-built for SMP work, so practitioners in that field should treat these as a secondary option to test rather than a primary tool.

Ratings

Our AI rating system analyzed verified global buyer reviews for the Mast Tattoo Cyber 1013RM Cartridge Needles, actively filtering out incentivized, bot-generated, and repeat-submission feedback to surface what real working artists actually experience. The scores below reflect both the consistent strengths and the recurring pain points that emerged across thousands of data points. Nothing is glossed over — where these curved mag cartridges excel and where they fall short is represented transparently in every category.

Needle Consistency
88%
The most frequently praised aspect across verified reviews is how reliably each cartridge in a box performs like the last. Artists working on multi-session pieces noted they could swap to a fresh cartridge mid-session without re-adjusting machine settings, which is a meaningful time-saver in a professional studio environment.
A small but notable minority of buyers reported isolated cartridges within a pack that felt slightly off in tension or needle alignment. These cases appear to be batch-dependent rather than systemic, but they are enough to prevent a near-perfect score in this category.
Ink Flow
84%
Most users describe ink flow as smooth and predictable, with the super bugpin gauge allowing for controlled saturation that does not flood the skin on slower hand passes. Color realism artists in particular responded well, noting that gradients laid down cleanly without requiring excessive re-passes over the same area.
A portion of reviewers — particularly those accustomed to premium cartridge brands — felt that ink flow required more deliberate speed and voltage calibration than they were used to. At lower voltages, a handful of artists found the flow slightly reluctant, which added a short adjustment period when switching from other brands.
Anti-Blowback Membrane
91%
The silicone membrane received strong praise across the board. Artists working long sessions noted a clear reduction in ink creeping into the grip body, which cut down on mid-session cleaning interruptions and kept machine internals noticeably cleaner over time. For high-volume studios, this translates directly to less downtime.
A small number of users noted that on certain machines running at higher stroke lengths, the membrane created a very slight resistance that was perceptible during fast passes. It is a minor point and did not affect output quality for most, but sensitive artists may notice it during initial use.
Needle Stability
82%
18%
The one-piece overmold that connects the needle bar and plunger directly was cited as a genuine improvement over cheaper cartridges that allow independent component movement. During shading sessions on contoured areas, the reduced wobble translated into more even needle contact with the skin surface and a more predictable feel overall.
At higher Hz settings, a few artists felt that the plunger return was slightly sluggish compared to premium alternatives. This was more noticeable on rotary machines configured for fast liner work than on standard shader setups, suggesting the cartridge is optimized more for mid-speed shading than high-speed technical work.
Grip Compatibility
74%
26%
The vast majority of artists confirmed these cartridges fit cleanly into popular pen machine grips from mainstream brands without any adapter or workaround. For studios that run multiple machine brands, the near-universal fit reduces the need to stock different cartridge lines for different equipment — a practical operational benefit.
Compatibility issues surfaced most often with niche or boutique grip manufacturers where tolerances run tighter than the industry norm. Several reviewers reported a fit that felt either slightly loose or required a firm push to seat properly, which introduces a small but real risk of unintended cartridge movement during a session.
Value for Money
79%
21%
Within the mid-tier segment of cartridge needles, the Mast Cyber needles are consistently described as a sensible purchase for studios that prioritize reliable everyday performance without paying premium brand prices. The 20-pack quantity hits a practical volume that suits regular use without forcing an oversized inventory commitment.
Artists who compared these directly to slightly cheaper budget brands felt the performance gap was real but modest, making the price difference harder to justify at high volumes. A few buyers noted that ordering costs can add up quickly for large studios that burn through cartridges at speed.
Sterile Packaging
93%
Individual sealed packaging earned near-universal approval, particularly from studio owners who maintain strict hygiene logs. Each cartridge can be opened and documented separately per client session, and reviewers noted that the seal integrity on arrival was consistently intact — no crushed or compromised packaging reported in any meaningful volume.
The packaging itself provides limited batch traceability information printed on the individual wrappers, which is a gap for studios that require detailed lot documentation for regulatory compliance. A printed sterilization date or batch code on each individual sleeve would make this a near-perfect hygiene solution.
Shading Performance
87%
Artists specializing in black and grey realism and soft color gradients were among the most satisfied reviewers. The curved magnum arc combined with the bugpin gauge allowed for smooth, layered shading on areas like upper arms and thighs where skin contour changes frequently across a pass.
For artists working on heavily textured or aged skin, the bugpin gauge occasionally required additional passes to achieve full saturation compared to a standard-gauge curved mag. This is a technique consideration rather than a product defect, but it is worth factoring in for artists whose clientele skews older.
Color Packing
71%
29%
For softer color fields and illustrative-style fills, the Mast Cyber needles delivered solid results. Several reviewers noted that blending between two adjacent colors was noticeably smooth, with the bugpin gauge reducing the harsh transition lines that can appear when using a coarser mag on vibrant pieces.
Full saturation color packing — the kind needed for bold traditional or neo-traditional work — is not where this cartridge shines. Multiple reviewers noted they needed more passes than expected to achieve a fully packed look, and a handful switched back to a standard-gauge mag for heavy saturation work.
SMP Suitability
62%
38%
A subset of SMP practitioners reported positive results using the Mast Cyber needles for certain scalp micropigmentation applications, particularly for softening hairline transitions where a finer needle deposit is desirable. The controlled ink release from the bugpin gauge was noted as an advantage in this context.
The 1013RM configuration is not a standard SMP tool, and most SMP-focused reviewers treated these as an experimental option rather than a primary needle. Results varied significantly based on machine, pigment viscosity, and technique, making it difficult to endorse these cartridges as a reliable SMP solution across the board.
Ease of Use
83%
Artists at various experience levels found the Mast Cyber needles straightforward to work with, particularly those transitioning from coil setups to cartridge systems. The cartridge clicks into place without excessive force on compatible grips, and the membrane prevents the kind of messy ink backup that can frustrate newer cartridge users.
First-time users of bugpin gauge needles occasionally noted that the finer needles require a more deliberate hand speed to avoid under-saturating the skin on the first pass. This is not a flaw in the cartridge but rather a technique adjustment that a small number of reviewers did not anticipate.
Build Quality
81%
19%
The plastic cartridge housing was described as solid and free of manufacturing defects in the overwhelming majority of reviews. The needle tip showed no burring or misalignment issues that would affect skin entry, and the overall feel of the cartridge in the hand was described as comparable to mid-range competitors from established brands.
At this price tier, the materials are functional rather than refined. A few experienced artists noted that the cartridge body lacked the premium tactile feel of higher-end options, and one recurring comment mentioned that the color-coded purple cap, while useful for identification, felt slightly thin compared to other brands.
Pack Quantity
77%
23%
A 20-pack is a well-judged quantity for solo artists and small studios. It is enough to run multiple sessions before needing to reorder, yet not so large that you are locked into a significant inventory commitment if you decide to switch brands or configurations after testing.
For high-volume studios running multiple artists simultaneously, a 20-pack moves quickly and ordering frequency becomes a logistical consideration. Bulk purchasing options or larger format boxes are not prominently available, which some studio managers flagged as a minor inconvenience in procurement planning.

Suitable for:

The Mast Tattoo Cyber 1013RM Cartridge Needles are a strong pick for professional and semi-professional tattoo artists who regularly work on shading, color realism, or gradient-heavy pieces. The curved magnum formation is especially practical when tattooing over contoured areas like ribs, shoulders, or thighs, where a flat mag would struggle to maintain even skin contact. Artists who have recently moved from coil machines to pen-style setups will appreciate that these cartridges slot into virtually any standard cartridge grip without fuss or adapters. Studios with strict hygiene protocols benefit from the individual sterile packaging, which makes per-session traceability simple and straightforward. SMP practitioners may find these worth evaluating as a secondary option, though results will depend heavily on individual technique and machine settings rather than the needle alone.

Not suitable for:

The Mast Tattoo Cyber 1013RM Cartridge Needles are not the right choice for artists whose primary work involves fine line detail, script, or portraiture — configurations like round liners or tight round shaders are better tools for that work. Hobbyists or at-home users should look elsewhere entirely; these are professional disposables designed for use in a controlled studio setting with proper technique and safety knowledge. Artists who are deeply loyal to a specific premium cartridge brand and have dialed in their machine settings around that brand may find that switching introduces an adjustment period, particularly around needle feel and ink viscosity. Those with grip systems from certain niche manufacturers should test compatibility with a small batch before buying in volume, as fit tolerances can vary. Finally, anyone expecting this 1013RM pack to function as a versatile all-rounder will be disappointed — it is purpose-built for shading and blending, not a one-size-fits-all solution.

Specifications

  • Needle Configuration: Each cartridge uses a 1013RM formation — a curved magnum arrangement with 13 needles soldered in a curved arc for smooth, even ink distribution.
  • Needle Type: Super bugpin needles are used, meaning the individual needle diameter is finer than standard gauge, allowing for softer ink deposit and smoother gradient transitions.
  • Pack Quantity: Each box contains 20 individually packaged, single-use cartridges ready for studio use.
  • Sterilization: All cartridges are pre-sterilized using EO (ethylene oxide) gas sterilization and sealed individually to maintain sterility until opened.
  • Inner Membrane: A silicone anti-blowback membrane is built into each cartridge to prevent ink from traveling back into the machine grip during use.
  • Needle-Plunger Build: The needle and plunger are manufactured as a single overmolded unit, which eliminates independent movement between components and improves overall stroke stability.
  • Compatibility: These cartridges are designed to fit universal cartridge-system grips and are compatible with the vast majority of cartridge-style tattoo pen machines on the market.
  • Available Styles: The Mast Cyber line is offered in Round Liner, Round Shader, Magnum, and Curved Magnum configurations across various needle counts.
  • Material: Cartridge bodies are made from medical-grade disposable plastic, and the needles themselves are constructed from surgical-grade stainless steel.
  • Package Dimensions: The retail box measures 8.15 x 3.46 x 1.54 inches, making it compact enough to store easily in a standard supply drawer.
  • Package Weight: The full 20-pack box weighs 5.61 ounces, which is typical for a standard cartridge needle retail unit.
  • Use Type: These are strictly single-use disposable cartridges and must not be re-used, re-sterilized, or shared between clients under any circumstances.
  • Brand: Manufactured and distributed by Mast Tattoo, a brand with an established presence in the professional tattoo supply market.
  • Application: Primarily intended for traditional tattooing applications including shading, color packing, and blending, with secondary suitability for scalp micropigmentation depending on technique.
  • Needle Count: The 1013RM designation indicates a total of 13 individual needle points arranged in the curved magnum configuration per cartridge.

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FAQ

It is a standardized needle code used across the tattoo industry. The first two digits indicate the needle count — in this case 13 — and the letters at the end indicate the configuration, where RM stands for Curved Magnum. The leading 10 refers to the needle gauge type, specifically the bugpin diameter. So in plain terms, you are getting a 13-needle curved magnum in a finer-than-standard gauge.

These curved mag cartridges use a standard cartridge format that fits the vast majority of pen-style tattoo machines, including most popular brands. That said, fit tolerance can vary slightly between grip manufacturers, so if you are using a proprietary grip system, it is worth testing one pack before ordering in bulk to confirm the fit feels snug and secure.

The membrane sits between the needle bar and the grip section and acts as a one-way valve. Its job is to stop ink from being pushed back up into the machine during the needle stroke, which would otherwise cause ink to pool in the grip and potentially contaminate the machine internals. In practice, most artists who use cartridges with a membrane notice less cleanup time and fewer interruptions during longer sessions.

They can be used for scalp micropigmentation, but with some important caveats. SMP is a highly technique-specific discipline and needle selection plays only one part in achieving good results — machine speed, voltage, depth, and pigment all matter just as much. These cartridges are not purpose-built for SMP, so if that is your primary application, treat them as a secondary option to test rather than a go-to solution.

No. These are single-use disposables and should be discarded immediately after each session, even within the same appointment. Re-using any tattoo needle cartridge — even on the same client — introduces contamination risk and is considered a violation of standard studio hygiene practice in most jurisdictions.

A bugpin needle is physically thinner than a standard-gauge needle, which generally means it enters the skin with slightly less trauma per pass. For the client, this can translate to a marginally smoother feeling during shading. For the artist, the trade-off is that bugpin needles typically require a bit more patience to fully saturate color compared to a standard mag, but the blending results tend to be softer and more controlled.

Each cartridge in the box is individually sealed in its own sterile packaging. You open only what you need per session, and the rest stay sterile in the box. This also makes it easy to document which cartridges were used on which client if your studio keeps that kind of log.

Probably not as your primary needle. The 1013RM curved magnum is built for shading, blending, and color work rather than fine line or detail work. For black and grey fine line you would typically reach for a round liner or a tight round shader in a smaller count. These cartridges are better suited as a companion needle for the shading and background fill portions of a piece.

Mast Tattoo cartridges are sterilized and sealed with an expiry date printed on the packaging, though the specific date will vary by production batch. As a general rule, sterile cartridge packaging maintains its integrity for several years when stored in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight. Always check the seal and expiry before use.

Based on consistent user feedback, the Mast Cyber needles tend to perform reliably within their price tier, with most artists noting good consistency between individual cartridges in the same box. They are not quite on the level of premium brands in terms of needle taper precision, but for studios that go through high volumes of cartridges, the balance between performance and cost makes them a practical everyday option.