I used to get snags when I'd use my mid-length neotat when I first started using it. It took me a little while to get used to the machine, and now it doesn't happen any more. I had to pull my needles back inside the tube a little more than I would with a coil or some other machines. I also had to change my hand pressure with it if I'm just riding the tips of the needles. If I'm riding the tube, I'll barely hang the needles out at all - maybe 1.5mm. That seemed to work for shading/coloring. I prefer using the longer stroke variety for lining (needle snags don't happen with that at all). I have to line with the mid-stroke at more of an angle rather than straight up and down like I would with a longer stroke machine or a coil.