Which Airbrush is best?

Modeling Subjects Armor
1

Hello all,

The title says it all: Which airbrush do you folks find most useful? I’m specifically looking for something that is versatile, but simple and inexpensive. Back in the day, I had a Badger with that can of compressed air. But I can’t remember if the tip on that model was adjustable to accomodate overall painting along with finer work like camo stripes.

Thanks so much,

Roy[:)]

2

I have an Aztek A470. It comes with different nozzles for different spray paterns[:)]. there is also a dial on the airbrush that lets you adjust the amount of paint for finer lines[:D]. you can use it as either a single or double action airbrush[:0]. it comes with siphon and gravity cups[8)]. and finally, you don’t take it apart to clean it.[8D]

3

Can’t really say which one is the best… but I use 3 airbrushes…all having it’s own use.

I use my Badger 200 single action for general purpose primining and basecoating. I will use my Badger 150 double action for camo and panel shading, and my Tamiya HG Superfine for detailed camo and fine line work. All three are great in my opinion, espeically the Tamiya HG SF, it can do lines as small as .2mm.

Cheers

Mo/Rob

4

I LOVE my Badger 150. It came with 3 different nozzles. I would suggest getting any decent double action brush. I hear that the Tamiya Brushes are some of the best, but they seem kinda pricy.

5

after 15 years with my badger 200 i defected to the 150.
It handles like a dream.
I would spend a little extra and go for a double action brush, no matter what make
I was on the dixie art website and saw that the paasche airbrushes were very inexpensive.
Even the Badger150 ,which is approx $150 in the UK was only about $60 with Dixie.

6

I love my Badger 150 also, while I know some do not. It is all a matter of preference. I have been using it for so long, that I am just used to it.

As for Tamiya brushes…they are the best IMO. They are made by Iwata, so their quality is very high. Like I said in my earlier post…I have a HG Super Fine, which has a .2mm nozzle (about .3 mm less then the Badger 150’s fine nozzle). It is perfect for getting that camo crisp, with limited overspray.

Only downfall with the Tamiya brushes is the air nozzle, which needs an Iwata hose or adaptor to fit to aztec and or Badger compressors. Other then that, I highly recommend any Tamiya Airbrush.

Cheers

Mo/Rob

7

In my view go for an Aztech:

  • lifetime warranty
  • easy to maintain/clean
  • change the nozzles for whatever need you have (quite cheap too)
  • very light (can be an advantage or a disadvantage. If you prefer it heavier there’s a metal one too)
    Ciao
8

Time for a Paasche fan to chime in. IMHO I would take a look at one of the single action “H” series brushes, you should be able to find one for about the cost of a Tamiya or Hasegawa kit. I have had my “VL” for years and it just keeps on spraying, only thing I have had to replace is the fine needle when it bounced off the work bench.

9

I’ll put my $0.02 in too. I haven’t tried out anything else but I do like my Paasche H.

10

Badger 200. Love it!!

11

Since I’ve only owned one airbrush, I can’t really give a comparative analysis, but my Tamiya HG Trigger AB has served me flawlessly for 4 years now. I thought about getting a “finer” AB, like Tamiya’s HG Superfine, but I’ve found I can get lines as sharp and fine as I need with the good ol’ Trigger.
I really like the trigger design, too. Very comfortable to hold, especially with my big mitts.