Question about the Rapier II

[Shizzai]

After hearing all the good things everyone has to say about the Rapier II, I'm considering dropping the coins to try one out. In all the photos I see, it appears as though the top of the machine may be too thin to keep proper tension on the needle bar with a standard rubber band (unless you double wrap?), and I also don't see any type of needle glide or guide clip. My question is how are you guys maintaining tension on your needle bar to get proper ride?

[OwlsDen]

I wrap my rubberband all the way around the back of my machine. If I feel I need more tension I wrap it around the higher part at the back of the machine. I can post a picture if this is confusing.

[peter clements]

Needlerunners work ok with Rapiers don't they?

[slicksteel]

yea needlerunners work great also the smaller size neuma #bands around the front guide and like owlsden said cary actuallty extended the plug area to loop the band around it better as compared to the rapier1

[jboo75]

I use mine everyday with one "regular" rubberband., type you get 1000 for $5 us from kingpin.

[wildboy]

Thank god the Rapier 2 doesnt have a needle clip... I already thought about cutting off the needle clip on my Bishop but I want to sell it and leave it as it soon... Rubber band are better imo but I like the neelde tensioner from the Dragonfly also.

Im not so sure about what a standard rubber band is? I bought some 40mm diameter one which are 1mm thick 2mm wide and one is enough on the Rapier II to have the needle sit properly. The extended plug area is the perfect place for the rubber band. I tried it on another spot when I got the machine and I had a lot of vibration from the needle and the ink was spraying because of that.

[The Limey]

Another vote for the Neuma bands (#8?)

[Baldrick]

I use these on my rapier, I run 2 of them and there a good size.

eBay item: 260755245273

Sorry could make a link for some reason

[Shizzai]

I wrap my rubberband all the way around the back of my machine. If I feel I need more tension I wrap it around the higher part at the back of the machine. I can post a picture if this is confusing.

I hate to bug ya, but yeah, a picture would be great. Not quite following.

[Shizzai]

Also, I used to scoff at needle clips as well until I picked up a Vivace from Neo-Tat. I have to say that I'm now a convert. As far as the Neuma elastics go, I'm pretty sure since Neuma had that whole fiasco with the backed up orders, they've quite selling tattoo supplies and are strictly working on filling existing orders and machine orders, but I may be wrong. Also, good luck getting a hold of those guys, I've been locked in heated back and forths over a delayed order and now trying to get a refund from them. Had to go directly to Carson to get anything done, and even at that it was like pulling teeth. Still waiting on my check seven months later, so good luck with that one.