I’m hunting around for a decent “my first” airbrush. I’ve looked at Don’s site and his write-up on the Neo was a bit iffy - talking about needle seating issues etc This was back in 2012 though and apparently changes were made to production and Im assuming those issues were ironed out.
Initially I considered the Iwata Eclipse HP-CS, but it’s a little pricey here in Oz. I can get a Neo at slightly less than half the price of an Eclipse.
Is the Neo worth buying at all or should I bite the bullet and go for the Eclipse?
I like mine, bought it about 3 years ago and haven’t had any issues with it. Have used it on a dozen models. I shoot acrylics, some Vallejo, and mostly Tamiya and MM
The neo is a good airbrush. Had one for a couple years. The eclipse is marginally better, but is double the price too. Will you see the difference, maybe but probobly not if you are newer to airbrushing. Go get one and try it. Let us know what you think.
The Neo is an excellent mid entry level air brush. I have one and use it a lot. Love how easy it cleans up and how well it atomizes my paints. Now if I want to get tighter mottling patterns then I use my Badger Renegade. I have several Badgers and all are excellent.
You cannot go wrong with a Neo specially using a 40% coupon from HL. It’s very affordable, well made and will deliver great results. Of course experience at air brushing, paint thinning ratios etc. play a major role in getting good results regardless of which AB one uses.
I must strongly agree with what plasticjunkie wrote. Any tool in art is only as good as it‘s Master. Hence; “Of course experience at air brushing, paint thinning ratios etc. play a major role in getting good results regardless of which AB one uses.”
With that said I own both and at times I’ll utilize both the NEO and the HP-CS on the same build. The NEO is like a Mack Truck as the HP-CS is a BMW. I purchased my NEO as an absolute apprentice four years ago and learned diligently with it. So far I replaced the needle and the nozzle due to just learning how to handle a AB.
The replacement parts on a NEO are very very inexpensive compared to other Iwata‘s AB. This is due to the fact that Iwata does not produce/make the NEO. It is contracted out to a company in Taiwan if my memory serves me right, hence the cost efficiency. Iwata‘s high end AB can start at $500.00 American Dollars and up.
I also picked up a NEO TRN1 Trigger AB of which handles amazingly as it’s very ergonomic. My three year old grandson likes it as it fits his hand perfectly. If I had the money my next AB would be a Thayer-Chandler but that’s a whole nother discussion. Ultimately, just have fun hand brushing, utilizing a rattle can, or a AB. Building a kit should be relaxing.
Everyone calls this thing an Iwata Neo except the box which calls it “Neo For Iwata”. To my simple mind this would indicate to me that it is not an Iwata at all but made for them. Just sayin, it may not be a bad airbrush at all but don’t think you’re getting an Iwata for half price…
Damian, when compared to the junk being sold on Ebay and Harbor Freight I consider it mid quality. It’s geared for the beginner offering a taste of good performance while keeping the cost down. I’m no beginner but I love using my Neo cause it does what I expect and have no complaints.
You are correct about Iwatas being excellent products hands down and if the OP can fork out a bit more $ then go for it. Just remember whether using an economic Neo or a high end $ air brush, it comes down to the operator’s skill.
No argument from me, having used a cheap chinese AB for several early projects then moving to the Eclipse was a game changer.
I belive that the tools we use play a significant part in the results we achieve along with skill, in that, dont bother including cheap AB.
Not every body can stump up the coin for a high end AB, but an extra month of savings to get a good entry level AB instead of a dirt cheap one is possible.
