I've got a couple Badger 150 airbrushes, and a piston compressor (with no tank or regulator). I'd like to upgrade. Although I've been in this hobby for 35 years, I'm really still learning. All of my equipment is over 20 years old. What should I upgrade here? Money is somewhat of a concern, but I could afford to spend a few hundred if necessary. Options I'm considering are...

1. Buy a regulator for $20-$25. This is the cheapest option, and I'm sure I could improve my results.

2. Buy a compressor off of ebay. I can get a better compressor with a tank and regulator for about $120. Very tempting, as I get a lot of pullsating off of my current setup. My step father wants me to set him up with an airbrush and compressor, so I could give him one of my Badgers and my old compressor.

The ebay compressor I am considering...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/AIRBRUSH-AIR-COMPRESSOR-HI-PERFORMANCE-W-TANK-1-6-HP-/230670443145?_trksid=p5197.m263&_trkparms=algo%3DRPSI%252BSIC%26itu%3DUCP%252BUA%252BMAGEXP%252BUCI%252BIA%252BFICS%252BUFI%252BDDSIC%26otn%3D12%26pmod%3D290589322707%26po%3DLPV%252BLVI%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D2711233694521529439#ht_3880wt_1140

3. Get a compressor and airbrush. I'd like a gravity feed brush. Spendy, but who doesn't like new toys?

I'm looking at the MASTER G35

http://www.tcpglobal.com/airbrushdepot/master-precision.aspx#G44

...or the Iwata Revolution

http://www.tcpglobal.com/airbrushdepot/irevo.aspx#IWA4247

Any advice or thoughts would be appreciated.

I would suggest an Aircompressor with a tank, having a tank gives much more control over air pressure and gives a constant air pressure.

I have the Aztek compressor with tank, and love it. For airbrush I have two, a Paasche VL(bottom feed) and an Iwata Revolution(top feed) I like both of them, the Iwata is a much better air brush, especially for control and detail. I use the Paasche for primer, base coats, etc.

My gear is a little pricey, but I figured, buy good quality, it will last longer, and you definately get a better quality finish.

I've got your solution...Evolv (a Craftsman sub-brand) makes an oil-free air compressor with regulator, 1/3 running HP, 3 gallon tank, hose, full load of accessories, and a nail gun for just $80. You can pick it up at Sears or online here. I've this compressor for about 2 years now, never had a single problem with it. It's small and lightweight, very easy to use, efficient, very quiet, and a fully charged tank will last for a long spraying session (especially if you use a gravity-feed). I really can't sing enough praise for this baby.

As for the airbrush, the Iwata revolution CR (larger cup). Chicago Airbrush Supply has it for just over $70. I bought mine from them. Great customer service, great products, and great prices. Follow my advice here and you'll have yourself a reliable new compressor and airbrush to use for the next 20 years all for about $150. Not bad at all, my friend. Not bad at all