Hi guys. Well, my Sotar 20/20 airbrush is kaput. I was unscrewing the nozzel assembly on it and the threads broke off inside the airbrush body. Not sure why but it was 12 years old. Time to get a new airbrush. I have an Iwata HP-SP side feed that needs a new nozzel that i plan on using for Future/Dull Cote applications. Now i need a new all around airbrush. I was looking at the Harder and Steenbeck line of airbrushes after doing some research. I had never heard of them before but they seem to get real good reviews and from what i hear are well made. Im torn between the Evolution 2 in 1 that is $200.00 and the Infinity 2 in 1 that is around $300.00. The evolution comes with a .2mm needle/nozzle set and a .4mm needle/nozzle set along with a 2ml and 5ml paint cup. The higher end Infinity comes with a .15 needle/nozzle set and a .4mm needle/nozzle set, it also has a knob that lets you abjust the trigger tension, a quick fix end piece that allows you to set the needle stop to allow for the same line over and over along with a 2ml and 5ml paint cup. My question is this: Do i really need the features of the top line airbrush? I plan on using this airbrush as my every day brush for armor modelling with the occassional aircraft or ship model. I want it to be able to spray everything from base coats to fine line camo and detail work. Thanks for any thoughts guys.

Hi Dave,

Nice choice looking at the H&S brushes, I can't say enough good things about them.

What I have is an Evolution Silverline 2 in 1 with fPc, with this I added a Quick Fix and .2mm needle/nozzle.

90% of the time I use the .2 needle, I don't get along at all with the .15, and hardly need the .4 since the .2 gives me a wide range of spray pattern. The .4 is pretty amazing too as it's surprising how fine a line you can get with that needle...I'd be happy with either.

The quick fix I find invaluable, especially with acrylics, for blasting out the nozzle and being able to get back to my fine line setting with just a push of the button. Best feature on an airbrush that I've used.

The FPC I use since it's there, if it wasn't I'm not sure I'd miss it.

So, cost wise:
Evo Silverline 2in1 $230
Quick Fix $27
.2mm set $55
Total $312

For me, if I was going to do it again, I'd go with:
Evo solo $146
Quick Fix $27
5ml cup $13
Total $186
And add on from there if I found I needed more.

or:
Evo 2in1 $198
Quick fix $27
Total $225

HTH

It does, thank you. Few questions. What is a fPc? What is the difference between the silver line and the regular evo?

The fpc is a Fine Pressure Control to somewhat adjust the pressure at the brush where the hose hooks up to. Like I said, I have it so I use it...if it wasn't there I don't think I'd miss it as my regulator is close by.

The only difference (besides looks) between the Silverline and regular Evolutions that I can see is the Silverline comes with an adjustable paint control handle, which is the Quick fix but in a screw in/out affair instead of the push in/out of the Quick fix. The regular comes with a plain handle. Otherwise, the needle/nozzles and seals are the same for the Infinity and Evolution series.

Perfect, thanks a lot.

I have the evolution 2´n´1 with quick fix as well. Great brush and easy to clean. Still using the same set up after 6 years without buying or needing any reserve parts. Thumbs up from me as well.

Awesome, thanks guys. Thinking of going with the Evolution 2 in 1 with the quick fix handle, the quick connect coupling for my Iwata air hose and their cleaning set. Should be a good setup.

Hey there Dave,

I think I responded to you on SMA but I will put it here as well.

Being a H&S dealer and user, I can't say enough about them.

I personally have an Infinity 2n1, however I do understand that they are about $100 more than the Evolution 2n1.

Trigger tensioner, I haven't really used it. I have used the quickfix quite a bit, so it is a good option. The one other thing with the infinity is the nozzle cap....while the Evolution is a normal screw on cage to protect the end of the needle, the Infinity has a press fit 2 prong cap, which allows you to pinch the end of the needle with your thumb and finger to take off any dried paint. Quick and easy no fooling around.

There is a third option. Buy the Evolution 2n1, and then maybe down the road get yourself the Quick fix rear end, as it will fit on the Evolution no problem. As well if you wanted to change out the nozzle cap for the Infinity one you can buy that separate and install it on the Evolution, as well the fPC valve can be purchased separately if you want to have finger tip control of your air pressure (even if you went with the Infinity, the fPC would be separate, however there is an Evolution 2n1 fPC as well).

This would allow you to get the airbrush now without spending as much money, and then just save up for the other options you might want to try down the road. In the end you will probably end up spending the same or more...just no all at once up front.

No matter what you choose from the H&S line...you won't be sorry!

Thanks for the reply Scott. What is SMA? . Will i see a big difference between the .15 nozzle set and the .20 set? Ive seen some people say the .15 set is hard to work with. Especially with acrylics. Thats one of my reservations about going with the Infinity. I spray mainly Vallejo Air. Thanks.

SMA=Scale Model Addict, I think you asked the same question over there....maybe just coincidence.

I spray Vallejo Air through my Infinity with the .15 all the time. You may have to add a drop or 2 of water to your color cup with the paint, but its not a big deal. I would think you would have to do the same with the .2mm as well.

In general, yes if you were thinning other paint, probably have to thin it slightly more when using the .15mm, but it will do tinnier lines also. Lots of effects you can do with the .15mm, that would be hard to do with the .2mm....only a .05mm difference and you would think it wouldn't matter, but it does make a difference.

That being said...if you went with the Evolution and decided that the .2mm wasn't cutting it...you can always buy the .15mm needle and head, and it will work in the Evolution also. Pretty much all the parts are interchangeable between the 2.

Hi Scott. Thanks for the answer. Im still torn between the two. Not sure the extra $100 is worth it for me in particular. Been debating it in my head for a while now. I like the idea of the quick fix and what you said about the needle guard. Leaning towards the Infinity. Oh, and ive never been on SMA Just a coincidence.

Thanks for all the replies and advised guys. I made my purchase today from Chicago Airbrush Supply. I purchased the Harder and Steenbeck Infinity 2 in 1 along with the cleaning kit and the quick release adapter for the Iwata hose i have.

Congrats Dave, excellent choice