I have 5 airbrushes. I have the Iwata Eclipse HP-CS, a Badger 105 Patriot, a Paasche H, a Powercat 203 (Iwata C+ knockoff) and a Powcat 800 (Badger 155 knockoff). I use only the Iwata and the Badger regularly for modeling.
The Iwata HP-CS is my primary airbrush for most modeling works. Iwata Eclipse HP-CS trigger have very short vertical travel. It is almost like an on-and-off only. The amount of paint control (back and forth) is smooth and percise. The Iwata CS has the smoothest trigger and the most linear fine control among the above mentioned AB. The Iwata needle is very springy which makes it harder to get damaged. Clearing is relatively easy by back flush compared to my first AB. I can get replacement needle and nozzle very cheaply from local Lobby Hobby store.
I ordered the Patriot with the fine nozzle which is still larger than the CS needle/nozzle combo. Therefore, it is a bit more tolerant of less thinning of paint. I find it very convenient when I want to put down more paint over large area quick. I suspect that many modeler may prefer the larger nozzle 0.5 mm of the Patroit over that of a CS, 0.35 mm. It is perfectly adequate if you need to paint fine details with the Patroit. When I first received the Patriot, the trigger would not return to the forward (neutral) position. I was not sure whether the spring was too weak or there were some obstruction. I finally decided that it was just rough finish from the factory. It works better now after I “worked out” the trigger a few hundred times. The needle had a dark greyish color like unpolished steel which was quite different from the shiny finish of the Iwata or clone needles. When I laid them side by side, the cone section of the Patriot is about half the length of the Iwata’s. The paint atomization is very good.
I got a “higher end” Powercat 203 airbrush with 0.2 mm nozzle and the MAV (micro air valve) out of curiosity. It actually works quite well. Good balance and fine atomization. I like it better than my old Paasche. It costed about half of the Patriot. It is now put aside for a rainy day
I got the Powercat 800 (a Badger 155 knockoff) dirt cheap (~$17) thinking that I may want a siphon feed bottle when I paint large models. But I found that the cup on the CS and the Patriot is large enough for me in 99% of the occasion. I had not touch it since trying it out.
Both the Powercat’s worked quite well for the money and are better buy than name brand external mix AB’s. The trigger is smooth, but lack the precision feel of the Iwata, too loose. No sure about their long term use and durability. The diameter of the Iwata needle is 0.053" and 0.047" for the Powercat. They are NOT interchangable. It may be difficult to find spare needle for the Powercat in the long run.
I started with a Paasche H 20+ years ago. It did what I needed. Nice finish without brush marks and covering larger area (1:16 scale tank) relatively fast. I found changing color, upkeeping and cleaning the airbrush a drag. I used it very sparsely and stayed with brush or rattle can most of the time. I still have the Paashce H in very good condition, but I soldemly touch it. I changed my view on airbrushing when I got the Iwata a year ago.
I got an Aztek 4709 for a little while before the Iwata. I don’t like the control or shape and the all plastic construction. I sold it on Ebay when I got a new replacement from the hobby shop.
I am no airbrush expert, just a weekend modeler using an airbrush now and then.