I have been using the cheap airbrushes that came with my compressor so far, but one failed a couple of months ago (still can't figure out why), the other just got it's nozzle blocked, and I have no idea how to clean it out. (Tried... now it's soaking in isopropanol...)

Anyhow,I would like to finally get a new airbrush that actually works well. (This one is "leaking": the air started to run lately even when the trigger is not depressed, so even if I can fix it, it's still going to be crap.)


What would be the best option for a "general use" double action airbrush for around 100GBP? Are the Aztecs ones worth considering, for example? (The option of changing the heads looks pretty cool.)

Thank you

I recommend the Badger 150 . Its a great general purpose a b . It comes with 3 needles fine,medium and large. it has a lifetime guarantee . Ive had mine about 10 years with no problems or complaints ! It cost around $100 USD !

I had one of those freebies ( with compressor) too . they are garbage . Mine lasted a few weeks . I dont know anything about the Aztec , but heard their easy to clean !!

I have been using the top Aztec now for about 25 years. When seeing my models and asked what kind of airbrush I use the reaction is usually stunned silence or just an "oh." I am lazy so the low maintenance and ease of cleaning are a great appeal to me, especially as I use Tamiya acrylics. Just remove the nozzle place it in some Windex, shake, and rinse with water. It is also fairly light and fits comfortably and naturally in your hand, similar to holding a pencil. Many here do not particularly care for the Aztec preferring instead an Iwata or some other much more expensive brand. Using the fine tip nozzle I am able to achieve freehand cammo patterns with little difficulty.
As with all airbrushes it takes some time to get the right paint to thinner ratio and the proper pressure but these things are a matter of preference and style. I tend to use very thinned paint and spray at low pressure building up thin layers to achieve the degree of coverage I want. Their lifetime warranty is also very good as they replaced my airbrush even though at that time it was about 20 years old and I told them I had accidently backed over it with a chair when I dropped it. No questions asked and no hassle.

Dear all,
Thank you very much for your response

Best,

Andras

Badger Patriot 105 or 105 extreme,cheap,very easy to use and clean,easy to find and cheap spare parts,you can buy the 3 set up,details,fine and general pourpose,you have life time garantee and the famous Badger custom service

http://www.badgerairbrush.com/Patriot_105.asp

Aztecs are great or a disaster. I have no idea why they are so inconsistent. I am an Iwata guy but I used a Badger 200 for 20 years and can highly recommend it in the mid priced airbrushes. Easy to upkeep, reliable, parts are easy to get, and easy to clean. It behaves well and is consistent in how it sprays.

Thank you all. It seems like Badger -or if I feel bold, Aztec There's a lot of info out there about how to handle Aztecs; perhaps those guidelines will help with avoiding disasters.