I went up to my local michaels craft store in search of an airbrush because they are running a 50% off one item coupon. They had the following airbrushes:
Badger 150-7, Deluxe 200, 350 set, 350, 250
Aztek A320, A4702
Any thoughts on which one I should get? I’m basically an aircraft modeler. I tried to do a little research, but really didn’t get anywhere. Though I would try this board, you guys seem to really know your stuff. Any thoughts would be great.
brian
What are the prices with the 1/2 off? Sometimes even with 1/2 off can be more expensive than Dixie Art or Bear Air.
Mike
Brian, I have the 200 and like it very much. It has a needle adjustor on the back that adjusts the paint width and flow. I don’t know if you are doing camoflauge jobs or not, but if you do, I have seen the Badger Anthem and Crescendo models at Michael’s before. The Cresendo has removable tips like an Aztek. Since they are dual-action airbrushes, they take a little bit more practice. Most of the better modelers prefer a gravity fed cup as oppossed to the bottom feed jar as is on the Badger 200. My brush could paint planes, the others may give you more, but it all boils down to how good you are with an airbrush. I highly recommend a compressor which you can get for as little as $80 or so at Wal-mart. I’m sure you’ll get plenty of responses from many different airbrush users. Also, I hear Dixie-art and Bear-air are good places to check out. Good luck.
“It is well that war is so terrible, lest we grow too fond of it.”-R.E.Lee
Brian,
If you really want an education on airbrushes give Dave Monnig a call at Coast Airbrush. He is one of the most knowledgable people in the U.S. on airbrushes and compressors.
Here’s the web site for his store:
His number is (714) 635-5557
Mike
I had very good results with both the Badger 200 and 150. The 150 is double action and you’ll have better control of the air and paint volume due to the trigger design, typical of double action airbrushes. The 200 is good to. Similar spraying characteristics as the 150 only you’ll have to use the knob at back of the airbrush to adjust the paint volume. I’ve used booth with excellent results, but I I would suggest you get the 150 for it’s better control and versatility. Check the Dixie art website MikeV mentioned first though…he’s correct, I purchased my 150 there years ago for under $70.00 for the complete set…a far better airbrush over the Aztek in the long run.
thanks guys, i’ll check the recommended places out. i appreciate the replies.
brian