Best airbrush these days?
#280
Texas, United States
Joined: May 14, 2012
KitMaker: 493 posts
Armorama: 358 posts
Posted: Tuesday, November 19, 2013 - 02:56 AM UTC
I'm about to wade into murky, controversial waters, but here I go...
What's the best armor and figure painting airbrush on the market? I've done quite a bit of googling, reading, and research and it's hard to tell what the favorites are in this context. Plus, it seems like more than 6 weeks old, and the reviews are outdated because of better, newer product releases!
I currently have a Badger Chrome Renegade and like it, but am looking to buy a second AB so I can keep enamels and acrylics separate. I may default to getting a second Chrome, but before I did, I wanted to see what the latest is.
Thanks!
On the workbench:
* Tamiya FAMO + Alliance Modelworks 88 Flak conversion
* Takom Mk. 1 Male
* AFV Club Sd. Kfz. 251/20 Ausf. D + Blast Models add-on set
Skåne, Sweden
Joined: January 05, 2009
KitMaker: 83 posts
Armorama: 69 posts
Posted: Tuesday, November 19, 2013 - 08:35 AM UTC
It depends on what you value the most. Fine detail ability, atomising ability, workmanship, ease of cleaning, price, spare part availability and so on.
Arkansas, United States
Joined: June 29, 2009
KitMaker: 11,610 posts
Armorama: 7,843 posts
Posted: Tuesday, November 19, 2013 - 09:13 AM UTC
For detail work, I recommend the Badger Sotar 2020 fine setup. It runs for under $100, on Amazon. To keep the needle from freezing, back it off bit after each use. For a larger spray pattern, I use Iwata's HP-C. This airbrush is available as a 50th anniversary package. Or you can go with the HP-C+.
Ideals are peaceful. History is violent.
#280
Texas, United States
Joined: May 14, 2012
KitMaker: 493 posts
Armorama: 358 posts
Posted: Thursday, November 21, 2013 - 12:07 PM UTC
Thanks, Matt!
Two follow-ups:
Any idea where to buy that Iwata 50th? I can't seem to find anywhere.
What do you mean "back off"?
On the workbench:
* Tamiya FAMO + Alliance Modelworks 88 Flak conversion
* Takom Mk. 1 Male
* AFV Club Sd. Kfz. 251/20 Ausf. D + Blast Models add-on set
United States
Joined: August 02, 2013
KitMaker: 99 posts
Armorama: 95 posts
Posted: Thursday, November 21, 2013 - 02:31 PM UTC
I needed a new AB and bought a new Iwata HP-C a couple of months ago, I had been using a 1980's model Badger 150 for many years. The Badger has been a real work horse for me but it was getting kinda sloppy due to wear. The Iwata is a fine piece of workmanship, it is very smooth and precise. It seems to be easier to control, and much, much easier to keep clean.
Hope this helps
Ontario, Canada
Joined: March 25, 2003
KitMaker: 427 posts
Armorama: 348 posts
Posted: Thursday, November 21, 2013 - 02:38 PM UTC
Jake,
Before you make a decision, have a look at Iwata Eclipse HP CS for general and some detail work. For detail work look into the Custom Micron series.
From experience, no Badger comes close to it.
I personally own the two ( the HP CS and the Custom Micron C) and I cannot be happier (I am actually considering getting the Custom Micron B for the most detailed work on my figures).
I've had two Badger before getting into the Iwata world. My first airbrush was a single action, then I've got a double action one - forgive me, but I cannot remember the exact models. Regardless of that, Iwata stands out as the absolute best in my books. If you want just OK results, dependability and experience, then go with Badger. If you want the absolute best, choose Iwata.
Nevertheless, be happy with you choice and happy modelling.
Indiana, United States
Joined: March 12, 2013
KitMaker: 170 posts
Armorama: 141 posts
Posted: Thursday, November 21, 2013 - 02:54 PM UTC
Has anyone had any experience with the Grex? I've seen them sold at several hobby shows. They also make air tools like Brad nailers which get good ratings from the woodworking magazines.
Texas, United States
Joined: March 08, 2010
KitMaker: 2,465 posts
Armorama: 2,383 posts
Posted: Thursday, November 21, 2013 - 03:43 PM UTC
Iwata Eclipse HP-CS. Best Diverse AB ive ever used....bar none! Ita like my right arm!
However, lots of good AB's out there.
Ontario, Canada
Joined: March 25, 2010
KitMaker: 514 posts
Armorama: 261 posts
Posted: Thursday, November 21, 2013 - 04:23 PM UTC
For an excellent selection and a fair price go to Chicago airbrush supply. THey carry the whole range of Iwata, badger and such. Check them out, they also give a good description of each brush. I know what my next brush is and it will be an Iwata.
Skåne, Sweden
Joined: January 05, 2009
KitMaker: 83 posts
Armorama: 69 posts
Posted: Thursday, November 21, 2013 - 05:45 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Has anyone had any experience with the Grex? I've seen them sold at several hobby shows. They also make air tools like Brad nailers which get good ratings from the woodworking magazines.
The Grex airbrushes are excellent value. The Genesis line is comparable both in style and quality to more expensive Japanese brands, like Iwata. The Tritium line is a bit more high end, and have some very nice features.
Indiana, United States
Joined: March 12, 2013
KitMaker: 170 posts
Armorama: 141 posts
Posted: Thursday, November 28, 2013 - 11:30 PM UTC
#280
Texas, United States
Joined: May 14, 2012
KitMaker: 493 posts
Armorama: 358 posts
Posted: Thursday, December 05, 2013 - 06:17 AM UTC
Just to close out, I ended up purchasing a Iwata HP-CS and couldn't be happier with it. First time out of the box, I got beautiful results. And I mean beautiful. I was surprised how well it the paint laid down and how easy it was to control.
As mentioned, my original intention was to get a new airbrush for enamels and keep using my Badger Krome for acrylics. Now I'm inclined to sell the Krome and get another HP-CS!
Thanks everyone for your help and input!
On the workbench:
* Tamiya FAMO + Alliance Modelworks 88 Flak conversion
* Takom Mk. 1 Male
* AFV Club Sd. Kfz. 251/20 Ausf. D + Blast Models add-on set
United States
Joined: August 30, 2010
KitMaker: 749 posts
Armorama: 521 posts
Posted: Thursday, December 05, 2013 - 07:46 AM UTC
How is it to break it down and clean it ? You will spen a bit of time taking care of it .
#280
Texas, United States
Joined: May 14, 2012
KitMaker: 493 posts
Armorama: 358 posts
Posted: Thursday, December 05, 2013 - 08:02 AM UTC
It breaks down very easily. The nozzle isn't "smaller than a grain of rice" like the Krome. It also feels more "sealed" going back behind the paint cup.
I broke it down (not fully, just enough to clean) after my first session - a long one. There was little paint in places other than exactly where you'd expect it to be.
On the workbench:
* Tamiya FAMO + Alliance Modelworks 88 Flak conversion
* Takom Mk. 1 Male
* AFV Club Sd. Kfz. 251/20 Ausf. D + Blast Models add-on set
Connecticut, United States
Joined: November 02, 2003
KitMaker: 984 posts
Armorama: 846 posts
Posted: Thursday, December 05, 2013 - 08:49 AM UTC
I just received my New Paasche TG airbrush in the mail today.
I hope to try it in the next few days. It is replacing my 8 year old Paasche VL series. I looked at the Grex and the Iwata's, but i figured i have my equipment set up for the Paasche ABs anyways, so i'll try this out.
The VL has served me well for those years.
Texas, United States
Joined: November 22, 2010
KitMaker: 33 posts
Armorama: 17 posts
Posted: Thursday, December 05, 2013 - 08:59 AM UTC
I concur with the Eclipse CS. I just got mine a week ago and am really liking it. Its fast and great on paint consumption. Never quite seen an airbrush atomize paint like this thing does. It sprays circles around my old Paasche.
Armed Forces Europe, United States
Joined: January 01, 2009
KitMaker: 1,036 posts
Armorama: 1,033 posts
Posted: Wednesday, December 11, 2013 - 01:14 AM UTC
INFINITY CR plus from Harder & Steenbeck is my choice since I do a lot of NATO-3Tone camo or similar modern stuff it's perfect for my needs.
For base paint work I still use my trusted BADGER 200sg.
Cheers
Christopher
" He who seeks to defend everything, defends nothing " Frederick the Great
Bayern, Germany
Joined: October 25, 2011
KitMaker: 126 posts
Armorama: 116 posts
Posted: Wednesday, December 11, 2013 - 02:32 AM UTC
Quoted Text
I'm about to wade into murky, controversial waters, but here I go...
What's the best armor and figure painting airbrush on the market?
I've done quite a bit of googling, reading, and research and it's hard to tell what the favorites are in this context. Plus, it seems like more than 6 weeks old, and the reviews are outdated because of better, newer product releases!
I currently have a Badger Chrome Renegade and like it, but am looking to buy a second AB so I can keep enamels and acrylics separate. I may default to getting a second Chrome, but before I did, I wanted to see what the latest is.
Thanks!
Hi Jake,
I´ll make it short. Take a look at this shop:
http://www.pleasedshop.com/index.php?main_page=indexI´ve bought 2 airbrushes from their shop and some spare parts like needles and air filters, some 14 months ago. It is the same quality as Iwata and Co.. To be honest, all expensive brands are still producing in China, at the same factory. You only pay for the name.
Model madness knows no bounds, until the wallet is empty !
Skåne, Sweden
Joined: January 05, 2009
KitMaker: 83 posts
Armorama: 69 posts
Posted: Wednesday, December 11, 2013 - 04:04 AM UTC
I be to differ. In my opinion there's a quite noticable quality difference. And no, most companies are not producing their airbrushes in the same factory or China.
#280
Texas, United States
Joined: May 14, 2012
KitMaker: 493 posts
Armorama: 358 posts
Posted: Wednesday, December 11, 2013 - 05:18 AM UTC
@Nenad -
Paasche is made in Chicago
Badger is made in the US
Iwata is made in Japan
Just sayin...
On the workbench:
* Tamiya FAMO + Alliance Modelworks 88 Flak conversion
* Takom Mk. 1 Male
* AFV Club Sd. Kfz. 251/20 Ausf. D + Blast Models add-on set
New Brunswick, Canada
Joined: October 18, 2002
KitMaker: 2,247 posts
Armorama: 1,138 posts
Posted: Thursday, December 12, 2013 - 04:55 AM UTC
Quoted Text
INFINITY CR plus from Harder & Steenbeck is my choice since I do a lot of NATO-3Tone camo or similar modern stuff it's perfect for my needs.
For base paint work I still use my trusted BADGER 200sg.
Cheers
Christopher
Ditto on the Harder & Steenbeck airbrushes.
Smallest needle in the business, easy to clean, great service. All I carry in my shop!
Thanks!
Scott Millican
Elm City Hobbies
1779 Route 640
Hanwell, NB E3C 2B3
Phone: 506-454-8273
Web site: www.elmcityhobbies.com
e-mail:
[email protected]
Hours of operation:
Tue, Wed, Thu, & Sat: 10 to 6
Fri: 10 to 9
Canada
Joined: November 17, 2007
KitMaker: 109 posts
Armorama: 103 posts
Posted: Thursday, December 12, 2013 - 07:34 AM UTC
I've got an hp-cs and a revolution cr or cs, can't recall and honestly I can hardly tell the difference. The eclipse is a bit smoother and easier to clean but if you factor in the price the revolution will stomp a mud hole in the eclipse.
Both great brushes and much better than the badger I owned for a week... I don't recall the model but some special edition with cheesy gold anodizing. The trigger got stuck and the needle was bent out of the box, I'm sure you can imagine but it really soured me on badger.
Maryland, United States
Joined: April 18, 2006
KitMaker: 1,794 posts
Armorama: 1,431 posts
Posted: Saturday, December 14, 2013 - 12:45 PM UTC
After years using Iwata airbrushes I decided to try a Harder & Steenbeck airbrush. Bought the Evolution CRplus and all I can say is that I was FLOORED by its performance. Simply the BEST airbrush I've ever used. I am now looking to buy the ALplus (Aluminum body) just to see how it feels.
Rob
