I have had a double action Badger 150 for many years, and it has really been a good one, but now it is long due for a complete internal overhaul. I am going to send it in to Badger for a new teflon needle seal and some other replacement parts before I start my camo scheme on my 1:35 Pz. IV J model.

I have been thinking about getting a new airbrush to do fine details and just using the 150 for broad spray patterns like base coats, and shading etc.

I like the idea of a top feed gravity airbrush, and although I am impressed with what I have seen some of you guys do with the Iwata's, but I know absolutely nothing about anything but my old Badger 150 double action.

The double action bottom feeders definately have their quirks, and are a booger bear to control doing fine details until you get used to them. That is why I am wondering if I might would want to check into a single action top feed "something"?

Can you guys give me some insight on a good top feeder, and what you would recommend from either Badger or Iwata, in the $100.00 to $150.00 range? All of my fittings, hoses and stuff are Badger threaded so if I went with another brand all of that would have to be changed out .. bummer .. And would single action be a better choice for camo schemes, and fine details?

Also, can the needles be changed out on these newer brushes for example Fine, Medium, Heavy etc.??

Thanks for all help you can throw at me

Greg

Badger Patriot, solid, works well for both detail and coverage. Cheers.

The Badger Sotar 2020 is a brilliantly engineered ab. The smaller color cup took a little bit of getting used to. It will hold 10 drops of paint. Sprays an even, fine line and has a grommet allowing it to keep your spray pattern consistent. Without a regulator, I can spray hairline patterns by careful manipulation of the trigger. Last time I checked, they sell for $78 on Amazon.

Iwata Eclipse. The best DA AB for modeling IMO. For some reason, Badger parts are not readily available in my experience, whereas Iwata parts can be easily found. Plus, if Hobby Lobby is near you, you can always use a 40% in-store coupon to get Iwata parts real cheap.

Thank you Damon. Sorry it took me so long to get back to you, I've been on the road all day today and just read your reply a few minutes ago. I too like Badger products very much, they have served me well for many years.

I have heard that the Iwata products are very well made too, but I am told that replacement parts are considerably more expensive than the Badger line. I find that as I am getting older that controlling the double action trigger for long periods of time is becoming more painful in my right hand and finger as well. That's another reason that I am thinking about a single action brush for detail work.

I will check out the Patriot. Thanks for the reply, and the help Sir.

Greg

Matt, I saw a review on YouTube on the Badger Sotar. The gentleman that did the review had very high praises for it. It also seemed to be a nice, and well made brush.

The Sotar is also a possibility.

Thanks, Greg

We have a Hobby Lobby within about 50 miles of where I live. As a matter of fact, everything that is anything is within a 50 mile radius of where I live I live in extremely rural America.

I am considering all possibilities, and I would consider double action, but I really don't think that I want to have two DA's since I already have my Badger DA 150. That's why I'm looking into a Single Action Top Feed for a second brush. Just not sure which one I want

Thanks for the input.

Greg

I do have the badger 105 and it is a top feed which is nice. Though in my opinion it is a good overall brush. Nothing stands out about it. I just got it for dirt cheap, wonder why. I have no complaints about it. It just does not have the finesse that I want. Next brush for me is an Iwata. Used them love them.

I am fond of the Testors Aztek line. Really easy to clean. Swap tips really fast if you need to do many paint sessions. But it is not your typical AB. IMHO

Cheers

If you have been happy with Badger, stick with Badger. Good quality, reliable, inexpensive. As for parts, use Chicago Airbrush Supply...all parts in stock and you get them in three days (and the best customer service you will find anywhere). Great prices on ALL major airbrush brands. I like the Krome as it has an adjustable needle stop that simplifies double-action work (regardless of what you end up with, I strongly suggest buying one with adjustable stop, or purchasing optional parts to convert).

For a good comparison of airbrushes, check Don's site: https://sites.google.com/site/donsairbrushtips/

Grex make nice pieces as well.

It is a coincedence (if I spelled that correctly) that you mentioned the Krome. I have been doing some research on that particular model and I find that it has caught my attention. I also noticed that it has the adjustable needle stop, which should be a great help for control.

Yes, I am partial to Badger products. The 150 is what I got started with, and has really been a solid and reliable work horse tool for me. I am by no means a professional artist, I'm just an average Joe who loves to build model cars, trucks and military vehicles. But I guess it's kinda like Chevy, Ford, Toyota etc. people just prefer what they feel comfortable with, and that is a good thing.

I noticed that at one time there was a discount coupon being offered on the new line of Badger Airbrushes but I guess that is no longer in effect or is it?

Thanks for your help as well.

Greg

Try the Grex trigger-type brushes. I've got one (the Tritium TG3) and love it. It is one smooth motion instead of two separate ones, so it's much easier on the hand compared to normal DA airbrushes. It's also very easy to use and works very well.

Though I previously posted that he should stick with Badger if he feels comfortable with that brand, I too have a Grex TG and it is the best a/b I have ever used. Other than use my workhorse H for primers and area coverage, I have benched all my other airbrushes. Considering I also bought .5 and .7mm needle/nozzle set as well as the 3 sizes of cups that come with it, the H might get retired as well. LOVE the trigger action! Easy to clean and disassemble too. Incredible customer support.

I've just started using the Grex TG as well...the trigger is so much more comfortable than my older brushed (Badger 100 and Paasche VL). I got the adaptors so I can may use those for heavy duty or if I'm setting up a three color scheme that might need frequent color changes. Cleaning it is way easier than the older brushes. So far I've shot Model master acrylic and enamenl and Vallejo acrylic. No problems at all.

The Krome's action is really smooth and will be gentle on your joints, but you should really check out all of these airbrushes in person and see what feels best for you. You already know what you're really looking for, so just start playing with them and see what you like most. Personally I'm looking into getting a Grex when I can because they seem like they will be more natural to me based on their design. These are all good quality airbrushes, so you really can't go wrong in that aspect.

Thanks for the help. There aren't any dealers, or suppliers around here that have any sort of selection of airbrushes to physically walk in and choose an airbrush from. That's the catch.

I had pretty much made up my mind to go ahead and order a Krome, but there seems to be a mad cult buying rage rush going on right now, and everyone is out of stock except Blick, and they are priced higher than Chicago or Coast...So....To heck with the Krome.

Tell me about the Iwata brand airbrushes if you would, pros and cons.. ? .. How about the Iwata Eclipse HP-CS or which series in that product line seems to be more popular with those of you who are familiar with that brand?

I will look at the Grex line too, and please tell me more if you all will keep sharing your knowledge. All of this information helps me to make a solid choice on which way to go. Money is tight everywhere these days, so my decision has to be for quality, performance, reliability, cost effectiveness and good parts availability.

Many, many thanks for all of your help and advice.

Greg

I think of the Iwata Eclipse HP-CS as THE standard for a high quality airbrush for plastic model work. Versatile with several needle/nozzle options. You will not be disappointed if you purchase one and I doubt anyone would criticize your purchase. It will serve you for the rest of your modeling life. Order the optional adjustable needle stop (around $30), and you will be very happy.

The Grex Genesis series is an excellent product at a price point below similar Iwatas (about $130 from the usual sources). Based on my experience with the Tritium, they build an outstanding product and back it up with excellent customer service. The XG comes with adjustable needle stop standard. The new XGi offers removable paint cups of various sizes (same as those that come with the Tritiums) as well as optional needle/nozzle sets and ergo grip handle (but priced about $40 higher than the XG).

Here's a review of the Tritium TG and here is the discussion thread about Grex airbrushes. They are worth a read for the pros and cons. I myself have both the Tritium and a Thayer and Chandler Omni Matrix airbrush (made by Badger and essentially the same as the Badger 360). I still use the Matrix, but I prefer the Grex.

Thank you all very much for taking the time and effort to help me decide on which way to go with my purchase, and I have made my decision.

I ordered a brand new Iwata Eclipse HP-CS with a free 10' braided hose, a quick connect nipple, and the upgraded needle package last night, and according to the supplier it should ship in the next couple of days. If the needle stop assembly isn't part of the package, I will add it in the near future as well.

I am looking forward to recieving my new Iwata, and getting thru the learning curve with it. I am very excited, and have heard, and read many, many, many good things about this brand of airbrush. I was a little dissapointed at first that the Badger Krome wasn't available, but after talking to the different suppliers it seems that for some unforseen reason the Badger Corporation is having some problems getting their products out to the retailers for shippment.

I was also told that Badger had internally forcasted to their suppliers that it would be 2 to 4 months before their Krome series would hit the shelves again. That was the clincher for me to move over to Iwata, and I am happy that I made the decision that I did.

Thank you good people once again for all of your time, and help. I will post an update after I get used to this new brush, as soon as I get used to it, and if my PZ.IV J turns out decent I'll post a few pictures of the final results. I'm working on the upper structure, deck plates, and turret asm. now, and getting ready to start thinking about painting the road wheels, a base coat and shading.

Greg

Good on you Greg!

You will have many years of excellent service from that airbrush. Keep in mind that if you havent used a brush like this one before, it may take some time (or none at all!) to get proficient with it. Practice, practice, practice
Cheers!

Thanks a plenty my man. Not a stranger to double action, so maybe the curve won't be too bad.

Greg