Airbrush comparisons, please help.

Navboyry · Post by **Navboyry** » Thu Nov 16, 2006 9:04 am

I'm going to purchase an airbrush, want to get some feed back on these.

Number One

Number Two

Number Three

Compressors?

One

And Two

Vince Hoffmann · Post by **Vince Hoffmann** » Thu Nov 16, 2006 10:16 am

Go for the Badger (number 1). You'll be happier with it in the long run because they are higher quality than the Paasche and you'll have a much easier time finding replacement parts and aftermarket accesories that will work with it.

As for the compressor... make sure your hose fits (a badger airbrush hose wont fit a paasche compressor) and get an oil-less diaphram compressor, preferably with a moisture trap and pressure regulator built in.

USSARCADIA · Post by **USSARCADIA** » Thu Nov 16, 2006 4:10 pm

I love my Paasche VL as well as my H and have never had any problems with them. Easy to use and easy to clean.

rocketrider · Post by **rocketrider** » Thu Nov 16, 2006 4:45 pm

Not on your list: Iwata (pricey, but the best in my opinion)

Then the Paasche Professional DOUBLE-Action Airbrush (I have 3 of these)

Then the Badger (although I have heard these are just as good as the Paasche)

If you are going to get a compressor, get one with a tank on it, you will get a smoother airflow.

just my .02

Glen

compucrap · Post by **compucrap** » Thu Nov 16, 2006 5:25 pm

I have a badger 150 anthem, and its an excellent airbrush for just about anything you throw at it. Its a good airbrush for a beginner, its easy to clean, and the 150 has an adjustable spray nozzel, which has handled ever situation I've given it.

Josh

Navboyry · Post by **Navboyry** » Thu Nov 16, 2006 6:39 pm

Thanks for all the advice. It helps to get others opinions.

Post by **TER-OR** » Thu Nov 16, 2006 8:24 pm

The Badger 155 is a good brush.

I don't like the "feel" of the Paashes, myself.

Iwata makes really fine brushes, I recently got a Revolution - not a bad general use brush.

robiwon · Post by **robiwon** » Wed Nov 22, 2006 10:15 pm

I seconed that on the 150. I have had mine for about 8-9 years and it will do just about anything. Great brush. Good luck with your decision.

CaptainHawk1 · Post by **CaptainHawk1** » Thu Nov 30, 2006 6:57 pm

This what I love about this site. I din't even have to post this question and yet the answers have magically appeared.

-Shawn

The Mad Klingon · Post by **The Mad Klingon** » Tue Dec 05, 2006 4:26 pm

I own both a Badger Crescendo and a Iwata HB-BCS. Both are excellent brushes. I find I get a finer line with the Iwata but I can't rave enough about Badger's customer service.

I mailed my busted Badger (my fault) off and and a couple of weeks later received an almost completely rebuilt brush! Very pleased.

compucrap · Post by **compucrap** » Tue Dec 05, 2006 5:43 pm

MadK wrote:I own both a Badger Crescendo and a Iwata HB-BCS. Both are excellent brushes. I find I get a finer line with the Iwata but I can't rave enough about Badger's customer service.

I mailed my busted Badger (my fault) off and and a couple of weeks later received an almost completely rebuilt brush! Very pleased.

interestings, I've never had to called customer support, but thats good to know. did you have to pay anything for the repair?

The Mad Klingon · Post by **The Mad Klingon** » Tue Dec 05, 2006 6:46 pm

Not one cent!

Digger1 · Post by **Digger1** » Tue Dec 05, 2006 6:51 pm

My wife and I went to Michaels tonight inspired by this thread.

I found two that I like. The Badger 175-7 and the Badger 155. I like them both and I think I'll be satisfied with either.

Post by **TER-OR** » Tue Dec 05, 2006 10:54 pm

The 155 Anthem is a great brush, Mike. You won't be disappointed. It has a very broad performance range, and replacement parts are readily available. The tip (cone piece) will be the first thing to wear out, so be careful and buy a spare if you can when you buy the brush. There's nothing worse than being ready to paint and having that tip disappear....

The Mad Klingon · Post by **The Mad Klingon** » Tue Dec 05, 2006 11:06 pm

Good idea to have a spare needle or two as well. The tips are very fragile.

compucrap · Post by **compucrap** » Wed Dec 06, 2006 12:58 am

I second the badger 155. I own one and I love it, it has to be one of the best airbrushes on the market. The fact that you can change spray patterns without having to change the tip/needle is brilliant, and its easy to take apart and clean.

Josh

TREKKRIFFIC · Post by **TREKKRIFFIC** » Mon Dec 18, 2006 2:23 pm

I own a Paasche dual-action VL series airbrush and it works great. The one drawback is finding hobby shops that stock replacement parts. Most seem to carry Badger.

ignatz · Post by **ignatz** » Mon Dec 18, 2006 4:12 pm

I've owned Paasche VLs and Millenium and they are both work horses (the Millenium is pretty much the same as the VL, only you get the fancy barrel with the cutout and a fatter trigger--which I don't like). The brushes abe built like tanks but I've had a ton of trouble getting good replacement parts, bent needles and the like. So I switched to an Iwata brush and I think it was a good move. Maintenance is about the same as Paasche, but the level of control is fantastic. I don't know why, but Badger brushes and I don't seem to get along. I know how to use and care for airbrushes, but for some reason I always jam up the couple of Badgers that I've purchased.

shelldweller · Post by **shelldweller** » Sun Feb 04, 2007 10:12 pm

TREKKRIFFIC wrote:I own a Paasche dual-action VL series airbrush and it works great. The one drawback is finding hobby shops that stock replacement parts. Most seem to carry Badger.

I'm late to this party, but here goes...

Go into some place that uses airbrushes as production tools, eg custom t-shirts or license plates or auto detailing, and they'll probably be Paasche VLs. Paasche is the most likely airbrush you'll find for sale in an art supply store. Badger got in early in the hobby shops and have dominated that market, but there's nothing wrong with Paasches as model painting tools.
I've had mine for twenty years.

Lonewolf · Post by **Lonewolf** » Mon Feb 05, 2007 4:04 pm

I recently bought a Paasche "H" single-action set, and have been impressed with the performance. Heck, if a noob like me can figure it out in under 15 minutes, folks with practice should be able to (and do) get fantastic results. I'll look into getting a double-action brush later.

The set that I bought came with: Airbrush, No. 1, No. 3 and No. 3 needle sets, 1 oz. mixing jar, 1/4 oz. spray cup, 1 oz. spraying jar, 3 oz. spraying jar, 6-foot air hose, wrench, Allen wrench, and a brush hanger. My LHS stocks the brushes and replacement parts, so I'm not too worried about being able to get parts if I need them.

Lt. Z0mBe · Post by **Lt. Z0mBe** » Mon Feb 05, 2007 11:11 pm

Let me ask something here. I'm thinking of adding a new airbrush. What about the Badger 155 versus the 360?

Kenny