looking for a decent dual action airbrush

Tools, Techniques, and Reference Materials Painting and airbrushing
1

With so many brands out there (Paasche, Badger, Iwata, etc…) what’s a good, decent dual action airbrush to get? I was thinking of getting this one:

http://www.tcpglobal.com/airbrushdepot/master-performance.aspx#G41

Thoughts?

2

Google Don Wheeler - Great resource. I have a Badger Patriot and an Iwata HP-CS. Both DA, like them both for different reasons. I guess I’ve used the Badger more (still not much) so it seems more comfortable to me. But, the Iwata is nice, too. I’d stick to a name brand, though.

3

Badger 150,all steel construction,will last forever,easy to disassemble and clean,and fairly easy to master.

4

Like Geezer said, Don Wheeler’s website is a wealth of info to help you decide.

My choice is the Paasche VL. Three tip sizes plus a small spray gun type nozzle for broad coverage, no nasty little teflon washers, and complete from Chicago Airbrush (on sale) for less than $100. Shoots great, easy to clean, and reliable - I still use a VL that I’ve owned for decades.

5

OOPS! Meant to say Talon - the VL is my old mainstay. I’ve had the Talon for about three years and jhave yet to find fault wiht it.

6

I suppose it all depends on your finances.

The badger 150 is a very diverse airbrush that you can needle fine, medium or large. It’s easy to clean and take apart. If you are looking for something a bit nicer, I’d recommend the Iwata HP-CS.

I don’t know anything about the TCP global.

7

TCP Global is where I got my air compressor. They also carry Badger, Iwata, Paasche, and airbrush brands as well.

Thanks Geezer for the tip. I’ll have to check it out later tonight. I’ve been scanning the net last night looking for reviews on various brands of airbrush and couldn’t find any.

I was looking at Paasche and Badger as well then I came across Masters brand in TCP Global website.

8

Just so you won’t have to search for my site, here is the URL. I hope it’s helpful.

Don

9

Don’t forget to look at Grex and H&S as well. Both make wonderful airbrushes. I don’t own a Master branded airbrush but there are reviews (search YouTube for ‘Master airbrush’) and there are a number of people on this forum that use and LIKE them.

10

Thanks Don. I did get a chance to go to your website and read the reviews of the various airbrush models. Whew! LOL!

I am very impressed with the site and it looks like I’ve finally come to a decision between choosing one of 2 models - the Badger 155 and the Iwata Eclipse HP-CS.

11

Thanks for the comment on the site. My personal favorite is the 155, but both it and the Eclipse are great airbrushes.

Don

12

I second Tojo’s recommendation of a 150. I like it for just the reasons he said. I also have Badgers SA brush, the 200, which shares the same attributes.

13

Don’s website is an invaluable asset to modelers.

I use the Iwata HP-CS and believe it is one of the best choice for modeling. If you want to consider Badger, take a look at their Badger Krome model which was designed with help from Cyrus Tang, a well respected modeler.

I do not have the Badger 155, but had the Badger Patriot 105. It is the gravity feed version with the same nozzle/needle system. I am not a big fan of the Badger NH (New Head) series design because of the dual cone needle. It results in a trigger action too sensitive for beginners. You barely pull back the trigger, paint comes out in a hurry.

The Badger 150 and 200 Old Style design have a different nozzle/needle which is much less sensitive than the Badger NH series. The Badger 200 comes in both OS and NH design. See Don Wheeler page for the difference.

The choice of an airbrush is very personal. You have to try it yourself to determine if you like the gentle, linear stroke trigger action or the HP-CS and Krome, or the quick release type action of the 105/155…