I’m looking at making a new airbrush purchase to use up some Christmas money and gift cards. I’ve used a Master G22 (double action, gravity feed) for a year and a half while I decided if I really liked the hobby. It turns out that I do and I’m looking at making a new airbrush purchase.
I’m looking for a double action, gravity feed airbrush, something a step past entry level. I’d like to spend under $100 and it to function as a good all-around brush, something that I can use for both detail and base coating.
I typically build cars/planes/jets in the 1:48 scale.
You might look at the offerings at Chicago Airbrush Supply. Now until Jan 14th,they are offering 14% off any airbrushes over $100.00. Anything from Badger to Iwata, to Harder& Steinbeck, etc.
The best deal right now is probably the Badger Sotar from AMAZON for $88. It had been $59 a month ago. Only disadvantage is the smallish cup. According to Don’s Airbrush Site the Badger Renegade needles and nozzles will fit the SOTAR and work fine if you want a bigger nozzle. I got one when it was $59 - great airbrush.
Edit - The Sotar is usually $170 or more depending on seller
Howdy I own a couple of Master airbrush’s and several Badger’s and I will say that the Master’s work pretty good, but the Badger’s are better designed and built.
I will recommend the Badger 105 Patriot as a good basic airbrush. It is the Gravity feed version of the 155 one of which I’ve been using for years. I’ve been wanting one of these and Just went to check the price and found it on Amazon.com for only $59.99 down from the usual $125. Needless to say I ordered myself one, so I’ll thank your post for having me check.
The Iwata Eclipse HP-CS is a very natural upgrade from the G-22. It meets all your requirements except price. You will never regret if you spend the extra $20 or so on the Iwata.
I also have the Badger Krome and Harder & Steenbeck Evolution Sliverline Solo that I can recommend without any reservation. All three are slightly over $100 new in retail. But they all have the gentle, linear trigger stroke that is good for detail. I cannot think of an under $100 with equivalent performance.
All these are gravity feed. If you have developed a color change and cleaning process using backflush with the G-22, it will work with any of them too.
Personally, I do not like airbrush with a double cone needle. Its quick release type trigger action drives me crazy.
local club friend replied to a club email with a nice review and, since i use a badger now, shouldn’t need new connectors unless i get some quick disconnects.just ordered one of these and i had enoigh amazon purchase points it was free. i have a 1/35 TYPE XXVII and a HG DIV 251/16 FLAK i am already thinking of trying it out on. maybe this is how to get the narrow black on NATO MERDC 3 color camo sans brush painting.
You really can’t go wrong with Iwata or Badger. It’s a matter of personal preference. I just love the “feel” of my Iwata ABs (I have 3: HP-CS, HP-B+ & SAR). I personally don’t like the trigger action of H&S.
I strongly recommend the HP-CS. It’s extremely versatile and very easy to clean. It’s over $100, but you won’t regret spending a little bit more. Also, you’ll eventually need to buy needles and nozzles for your new AB. If Hobby Lobby is near you, you can get Iwata parts really cheap thanks to HL’s 40% off coupons.
I have 4 brushes (all of which I got for pretty good prices).
For enamels I use a Badger 200 and a Badger 200 fine. They are both single action bottom feed, internal mix. I like both of them. I use the 200 for general painting and the fine for detail or getting into tight spaces painting.
I use a badger 350-9 spray gun for future, I think I found it on amazon for $10-$20. It’s external mix bottom feed. I wouldn’t use it for paint personally, but for large areas or misting it works well.
I have a Paasche H I use for acrylics. This is probably the nicest brush I have and it came with ehavy, medium, and fine needles. It is also external mix bottom feed, but comes with a color cup for top feed.
I have experienced that the external mix brushes are a LOT easier and quicker to clean. I have also had the color jar get a little loose, though not fall out, on the external mix ones (but not the internal mix even though they are all bottom feed).
Of note, I don’t think I paid above $100 for any of them, but I was able to take advantage of sales. I think I found the best prices at either amazon or chicago airbrush.
I will fully claim that I am NOT up for a double action airbrush at this point, so I haven’t branched out in that direction. I think they are a little pricier, and I’ll probably experiment in that direction someday, but I’m not there yet. I find a single action forces patience and a deliberate approach on me.