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Taper vs. Bugpin: What is the Difference?
Understanding Taper vs. Bugpin Tattoo Needles
Taper vs Bugpin Tattoo Needles are often misunderstood in the tattoo industry. Although both are essential aspects of tattoo equipment, many artists confuse the two terms. It is crucial for professionals to know the difference. Therefore, in this article, we’ll walk through their features step by step to clear up any misunderstanding. Let’s dive in.
The Frequently Asked Question
At REBEL, artists often ask whether we have BUGPIN needles. For example, just the other day I was at the office when a fellow artist called:
“Do you have BUGPIN needles?” he asked.
“Yes, we do, in certain configurations and categories,” I replied. Then I asked what he actually meant by BUGPIN. He explained that he thought BUGPIN described the angle at which the needle is sharpened.
His definition was incorrect. As a result, I clarified respectfully and explained that he was describing the taper, not the gauge.
Why the Difference Isn’t Clear
To be fair, artists shouldn’t blame themselves for this confusion. Our industry is self-regulated and mainly shaped by self-taught professionals. Because we don’t have formal education or a standard curriculum on tattooing, we rely on experience and peer-to-peer learning. As a result, information often gets distorted or incomplete.
Fortunately, we learn from one another, and today it’s my turn to help you understand the taper–bugpin difference with precision. Moreover, knowing the difference strengthens both your terminology and your equipment choices.
Understanding Tattoo Needle Taper Lengths
Dictionary Definition of Taper
The official dictionary defines taper as:
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A tapering form (noun): something that progressively narrows.
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To taper (verb): to diminish thickness toward the end.
In tattooing, taper describes the length of sharpening at the steel wire’s tip. Unlike hypodermic syringes, which use hollow needles, tattoo needles are solid. Therefore, taper length directly defines how a tattoo needle performs.
Tattoo Needle Taper Variations
Artists often confuse taper vs bugpin tattoo needles, but in reality, they describe two very different things. Tattoo needles usually fall into four taper categories:
- Short taper – 2 mm
- Medium taper – 3–5 mm
- Long taper – 5–6 mm
- Extra-long taper – 6–8 mm
For more context, see our earlier article: Tattoo Equipment Evolution – Part 2: Tattoo Needle Types.
Why Taper Matters in Manufacturing
Different needle types can come from the same gauge but use different tapers. As a result, manufacturers can create almost any tattoo needle configuration from multiple taper options. In other words, taper choice directly shapes performance.
At REBEL, we focus on long taper and medium taper. Our entire cartridge lineup builds from these two taper lengths, combined with gauge and needle shape (liner, round shader, magnum, or curved magnum).
We’ve broken this down in earlier posts:
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Liner Tattoo Needle Configurations Explained – Tattoo Equipment Evolution Pt. 3
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Round Shader Tattoo Needle Configurations Explained – Tattoo Equipment Evolution Pt. 4
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Magnum Tattoo Needle Configurations Explained – Tattoo Equipment Evolution Pt. 5
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Curved Magnum Tattoo Needle Configurations Explained – Tattoo Equipment Evolution Pt. 6
Note: The longer the taper, the closer a group of needles can be soldered together. Consequently, longer tapers allow for finer liner configurations, while shader setups provide smoother, more refined tattoo work.
Gauge vs Bugpin in Tattoo Needles
Gauge simply means the diameter (thickness) of the uncut steel wire that forms the tattoo needle.
The three most common gauges in tattooing are:
- #8 (0.25 mm) – Fine → also called Bugpin
- #10 (0.30 mm) – Normal → industry standard
- #12 (0.35 mm) – Bold → referred to as Power
As a result, understanding gauge ensures you always know what type of needle you’re holding, regardless of taper.
Defining Bugpin Gauge in Professional Tattoo Needles
In tattooing, bugpin refers to the fine gauge (typically #8 / 0.25 mm) — the diameter of the wire the needle is made from. With bugpin gauge, many different needle types and configurations can be manufactured.
The name probably comes from the thin pins originally used to mount butterflies and insects for display.
At REBEL, we offer liner and curved magnum configurations in #8 bugpin (0.25 mm). This choice highlights the role bugpin gauge plays in the ongoing debate of taper vs bugpin tattoo needles. These setups are especially popular among artists who want smooth blending and reduced skin trauma.
Professional Guide: Taper vs Bugpin Tattoo Needles Simplified
Knowing the difference between taper and bugpin (gauge) keeps your terminology accurate and your professionalism intact. If you ever confuse the two, here’s a quick cheat sheet:
- Taper = the narrowed, sharpened end of the tattoo needle
- Bugpin = the gauge or diameter of the tattoo needle
Ultimately, understanding taper vs bugpin tattoo needles helps you make smarter equipment choices, deliver precise results, and tattoo with REBEL confidence. In other words, clear knowledge leads to better artistry and stronger professionalism.
To keep supporting your work with reliable and up-to-date insights, I’ll continue sharing educational posts on tattoo industry secrets. Stay tuned and keep following The Rebellion Reads.
Do your part to build The Rebellion — pass this information on to your fellow tattoo artists, just as it’s supposed to be.
Thank you for reading!
