Hey there- I’ve been using a cheapo Harbor freight double action badger knock off for a while. I can get decent results- but it’s not very tight and doesn’t behave that well. The obvious choices for me (I’m in the US) are an iwata or badger. I like using color cups. I’m usually shooting small subjects- so paint quantitiy is rarely an issue.
Any opinions on a good brush? It seems the Iwata eclipse is popular.
Thanks for the input
I have an Iwata CR and HP-CS. Both shoot very well, but I have a bit of trouble with gripping them. My finger slips off the trigger, and my hand cramps after using them for a while. I had to add a dab of epoxy sculpt to the top of the trigger with a little hook shape. It helps to keep my finger from slipping. I also made a grip from wood to make a larger “handle”. It’s very comfortable now.
Don’t pass up looking at Grex brushes. My next brush will be a Tritium.TS. I’ve tried it out at conventions. Feels great, and easy to contol. I’ve also tried the Iwata HP-TR1. It’s nice too, but I still like the Grex better.
Good luck!
I enjoy my Iwata HP-CS
One thing I like about Badger is their ruggedness and reliability. I recently had my single action Badger finally go bad, but the thing is about 45 years old and saw heavy use. I have noted several others having really old Badger airbrushes. I have a Badger DA brush, so there is no panic in replacing the 200, but I am looking for a good sale on one.
I would recomend Badger because their customer service is TOP NOTCH. Having said that, I have a hard time recommending any name brand because there are many good brands on the market. It comes down to what you need and comfort, I guess price would be another factor.
Do some research, look at Youtube videos of products you may want, read reviews, get knowledgeable on airbrushes and their uses. It will serve you better than asking for recommendations. I find that most people will recommend the gun they use, and thats to be expected, but it also come with quite a bit of bias, and that really dosent serve your needs. As much as I like Badger, and know that Iwata is a good gun, there are many other brands on the market that will serve you well. Just because a gun is not labled Iwata or Badger, that dosent make the brush any less usefull.
Devilbiss
Peake
Paasche
Richpen
Grex
Harder & Steenbeck
Other than Iwata or Badger, these are a few popular well respected brands and should be easy to locate. Do the research, it will serve you well.
Good luck.
Send that Badger gun to Badger, they will fix it for free. They have a lifetime waranty on labor, you may spend 8.00 on parts, thats it. Ship it off and in two weeks your gun will come back like new. I recently sent my 150 (I had this gun for over 20 years) and my 175 to them, they came back flawless.
9128 W. Belmont Avenue. Franklin Park, IL 60131
800-AIR-BRUSH • Fax: 800-57BADGER
website: http://www.badgerairbrush.com
I was a Paasche user for many years, H, F, VL, V, VJR and Talon, very satisfied with them. Then, just a few years back the replacement parts quality nose dived and I went to Badger and Iwata. Although I have several models, I keep relying on and most often using the most basic of the Badgers, the 200, 200G and 100G. They just plain work.
Tough, durable, excellent spray quality and easy to clean/maintain. There are many great branded airbrushes today, mostly it’s about budget and what is most comfortable to use. My Iwata works very well, they are pricey but worth it, but overall I still reach for one of my Badgers before any others.
Having owned and used so many brands over the years, my personal input is that Badger fully meets all of my needs, I consider them to be first rate, reliable and affordable. My first priority when I go to my spray booth, is knowing I won’t have any trouble with the airbrush.
Having used Badger’s extensively now for a few years, I have had zero issues with any of them. That sums up my experience.
Patrick
This video link should give you a good idea of how to approach a choice. The author of the video is sponsored by Badger, but he shows Steenbeck and Iwata in the video. Give it a look if you have time.
Be sure to check out Don’s airbrush tips for reviews.