I have had a couple different Paasche airbrushes that I have used over the past couple years. The first one is a single action model H, which has been rather easy to use, and works well for larger subjects. The other airbrush being a double action Paasche VJR. I have had mixed feelings for this airbrush, as it works decently, though has some issues with spattering and clogging and it struggles to form crisp lines when doing finer work for camouflage schemes,thus sometimes making painting a rather frustrating experience. As having to clean the tip every 5 minutes, and thinnning paints has given disappointing results even at a lower pressure. I am looking into getting a Badger or Iwata gravity fed, double-action airbrush in the price range of $100-$200. I was wondering if anyone could provide any advice for a decent airbrush, that could be used for both detail work, and for larger stuff such as a base coat for models. Most of my work is in 1/35th, though I do occasionally 1/72nd stuff.

I just bought a H&S silverline 2 in 1,it has the .4 needle and the .2 and I truly love it.I got it from Hobby easy for 149$ shipping included.

That looks like a good deal I may have to get that, and it comes with both needles. What type of air hose does it use, as it doesn't appear to come with one. As I will be connecting it to a quick connect with 1/4" NPT.

I have 4 air brushes For general work you cant beat the badger 150. its reliable comes with 3 needles and Ive never had a problem with it . and they guarantee it for life ! I have a badger patriot for close fine work. and a iawata.i recommend the badgers

I just use the standard type hose and adapter.I'm very very happy with it so far,it just feels right in my hand and sprays great

Krome

I strongly recommend H&S Evolution. Mine is an Evolution Silverline 2 in 1 and I'm fully satisfied with it. High quality airbrush and the 0.2 + 0.4 needles are perfect for all kind of airbrushing.
cheers,
Zsolt

I got a Grex TS3 last winter. Very nice, the pistol grip and trigger is intuitive, it's ambidextrous which is great as I'm a south paw. But it's at your $200 limit and maybe a few bucks more.

if you have a Hobby Lobby around you, I STRONGLY recommend getting a 40% off coupon and going there and picking up an IWATA NEO. Its a cup gravity airbrush with a pistol grip design..... I paid 106 for mine with the coupon and it is my go-to airbrush!

Hi, I recommend too the NEO TRN1 the pistol grip one. With the .35 tip.

Cheap, but works very well.

HTH

Alvaro

I don't know anything about your skill level so there is no disrespect implied of any kind. A good airbrush artist can take a POS and do great work. Some of the issues you mentioned sound like thinning/mixing issues and tip dry. In that case more experimenting with technique might be helpful. If it is really the brush where the problem is, then I would recommend trying out several if at all possible. You want one that works for you and sprays like you expect. I have an Iwata Hi Line with a Mac valve for my detail bursh and an Iwata revolution for my base coats. I use both with a CO2 cylinder. I had a Badger 200 for 20 years and it was an excelent mid level brush. Never had a complaint with it. The Iwata does everything I expect from it and have been happy with it.

I ordered it, any idea how long it takes to ship from Hong Kong? I also ordered a separate air hose and tip cleaner, those parts were sort of expensive, but I think the tip cleaner will be a good investment, as that part is always rather difficult to clean when paint builds up there, even with solvents, it can be a challenge.

Thanks for the suggestions everyone.