Choice of three airbrushes

radiofrog · Post by **radiofrog** » Tue Aug 11, 2009 3:52 pm

I've never even used an airbrush, but I've been wanting one for many years.

There's a local sale that has 3 different models discounted, and I wanted to get people's takes on the deals:

Paasch VL-Set (double action, internal) - $70
Iwata Eclipse - $126
Aztek Deluxe Professional - $119

Any opinions are very welcome!

Rogviler · Post by **Rogviler** » Tue Aug 11, 2009 4:11 pm

I would take either of the other two over the Aztek. I've never felt like Testors puts a lot of quality into their equipment, especially for the price. I'm not a big fan of the shape, either. I know it's more ergonomic, but it feels like they're disguising something they don't want me to know about.

As for choosing between the Iwata and Pasche, you can't go wrong, just pick a price.

-Rog

photoguy · Post by **photoguy** » Tue Aug 11, 2009 4:26 pm

Which Aztec are we talking about? The plastic bodied one pretty much stinks. It's too light in your hand, and just doesn't feel right. I've been using the Chrome body for the past couple of years as my principle model/hobby brush, and I like it quite a lot. The wide selection of heads, including a "Spatter" (tan) for weathering effects is very nice, and they come with an unconditional lifetime guarantee that they are very good about honoring.

You can't go wrong with the Iwata. Get the 3.5mm needle and head assembly, and you should be able to do everything from general coverage, down to hairline details with the same brush. The new triple action handle is really a nice functional add-on too.

talon · Post by **talon** » Tue Aug 11, 2009 4:38 pm

I have an Eclipse BCS and its great but I'd recommend the gravity cup over the siphon bottle.

I use the Eclipse BCS for general base coat sprayings with custom mixed colors and then use my Custom Micron C+ for fine detail work.

Kylwell · Post by **Kylwell** » Tue Aug 11, 2009 4:48 pm

Iwata, Iwata, Iwata.

Joseph Osborn · Post by **Joseph Osborn** » Tue Aug 11, 2009 6:02 pm

I have all three of them. I was never able to use the Paasche for more than a few minutes at a time because it made my hand cramp. It's a good instrument, but is not the easiest thing in the world to clean. The Aztek sees a lot of use mainly in priming and covering large areas. I keep the nozzles in a small jar of Createx airbrush cleaner and they are always ready to go. Virtually no cleanup involved. The Eclipse HP-CS is used for detail work, shading, and generally anything that's going to require a very small amount of paint that needs to go in a specific place. If I had to choose just one, it would be the Iwata.

Scanam2006 · Post by **Scanam2006** » Tue Aug 11, 2009 6:26 pm

I prefer the Iwata and you can often find it discounted on the net. Iwata's have high precision and can last for most of your modeling career. The new triple handle as others mentioned is a great accessory

Thomas E. Johnson · Post by **Thomas E. Johnson** » Tue Aug 11, 2009 7:04 pm

Iwata all the way. Best airbrushes by far and away.

modeler1964 · Post by **modeler1964** » Thu Aug 13, 2009 3:43 pm

I use an Iwata HP-CS wonderful brush, easy to clean too!

psytce · Post by **psytce** » Fri Aug 14, 2009 11:58 am

Iwata Airbrushes are the best available.
Just get the Iwata and forget any others.....

Scanam2006 · Post by **Scanam2006** » Fri Aug 14, 2009 3:20 pm

It is very interesting about the consensus for Iwata. I started with an HP-BC over twenty years ago and all I had to replace was a little gasket in the air valve for a few dollars. The nozzle and needle are still perfect due to the steel precision construction

radiofrog · Post by **radiofrog** » Sat Aug 15, 2009 7:37 pm

Thanks for all the replies!

Sounds like I can't go wrong with the Iwata.
Here's the one I saw:
http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/993/1405.jpg

And thanks, Scanam2006, for the info on discounted ones online. I guess I was just assuming it was a good deal because it was 30% off. After minimal searching, it looks like I can find it for less. 30% off "WAY too much" can still be too much.

redfinger · Post by **redfinger** » Sat Aug 15, 2009 10:15 pm

radiofrog wrote:Thanks for all the replies!

Sounds like I can't go wrong with the Iwata.
Here's the one I saw:
http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/993/1405.jpg

And thanks, Scanam2006, for the info on discounted ones online. I guess I was just assuming it was a good deal because it was 30% off. After minimal searching, it looks like I can find it for less. 30% off "WAY too much" can still be too much.

I am a big man, and my hands are the size of a small grizzly.....this is why I prefer the Iwata, something about it feels good in my hand, it has some weight and size which is nice.

Ashton

Blappy · Post by **Blappy** » Sun Aug 23, 2009 9:55 am

Kylwell wrote:Iwata, Iwata, Iwata.

Dotto, Ditto, Ditto.

Iwata's are wonderful tools.

stephenmorphey · Post by **stephenmorphey** » Mon Aug 31, 2009 1:20 am

Hello everybody.

I think that three airbrushes are used in hard-spray for a flawless tan. The spray used will depend on your personal skin tone.
I want to spray for a special event on pure sunlight, so give me the right suggestion which spray type is preferable to me.

Rogviler · Post by **Rogviler** » Mon Aug 31, 2009 1:50 am

^ Uuuh...

-Rog