I have really been shocked at how the budget Badger Patriot has become my go-to airbrush over the past few years. Very forgiving, easy to use, works quite well, and just feels good in the hand.

Matt

A BIG plus for a Paasche model H! That is my most used brush!!

For a dual action, I might recommend the CREOS/Mr. Hobby/Procon Boy PS-270/289. The only difference between the 2 is needle size, the 270 being 0.2mm, the 289 being 0.3mm. About $110 each, and works great. Both have a built-in MAC valve. These have been called the poor man's Iwata. I'd do some research. There are videos and reviews to look into.

I note that many folks here have been recommending Badger airbrushes. My personal experience with them has been terrible. The Badger quality control is awful, and I received 3 Badger SOTAR brushes, brand new, with manufacturing defects, and I've been told by a dealer that working with the Badger company has become a nightmare. Of course, this is just MY experience, and obviously, others have had good service. But something to consider, before you get your next airbrush.

I have to admit I am a bit suprised that people from the US dont suggest US made airbrushes. I thought it would be easier to get replacement parts and service compared to European or Japanese manufacturers, which is a pretty good reason for chosing which airbrush to buy. I guess I am mistaken.

I bought my Badgers (100, 150, 200, Velocity, Krome) when I was in the US and also got a Paasche Talon from the local retailer here in Greece (the box with the 3 needles and nozzles etc). I am pretty happy with them although that I had to do a bit of grinding to the Paasche main body because the trigger was not moving freely (some casting residue, a couple of minutes work with the dremel).

Lately a friend of mine started importing H&S airbrushes and so I got an Infinity. The machining is top notch, performance is great but I have gotten used to Krome for my detailwork.

I have been using an Iwata HP-CS for just over a year, and love it. Before that I had a Revell Basic brush, and the Iwata is so much better in terms of feel, etc. As the Neo is Iwata's budget brand, subject to the caveat that I have not used one, I would assume that it would be similar, although obviously the build standard would be lower.

Hey Dustin... I know this thread was started in 2017, and that you’ve probably already got an airbrush from the suggestions here.... but for my 2 cents worth:

I have 4 airbrushes, and each has its pros and cons.

My two Iwata models, a Revolution CR, and a Neo CN both work fine for most everything model related. My biggest issue with both of them are the fragility of the needles and nozzles, all of which are tiny and delicate compared to my 2 best friend’s components.

Those are my Paasche models, a Talon TG-3F and my Vision TGX-2F. Both of these have large and robust nozzles, and come with .28, .33, and .66mm needles and corresponding nozzles and spray caps. The Vision also has an on gun air pressure control valve to make micro adjustments during use.

I use my 2 Paasche airbrushes way more often than my Iwata now, relegating them to mostly topcoats and varnishes...

Again, I imagine you have an airbrush or two by now, but for those who may be on the fence, or weighing options I present my 2 cents worth.

Happy modelling, Dave

I use an Iwata Eclipse and its really very good. It was quite expensive though, I think I paid about £130 for mine.

I used a Paasche before that. Nice enough, but quite heavy and after a period of time, it seemed to deteriorate to the point that the spray would come out at an angle and this had to be compensated for.

I don't think it matter what brush you have - buy the best you can afford - but I can't stress enough that an airbrush is only as good as its compressor. This is where the money should be invested.

Yes... If you think a 150$ airbrush is expensive, look at good compressors. For my two pence, I would recommend the Iwata Eclipse also. Well made, parts are easily found, works well and will do all but the finest of lines. If people are honest, the superfine line work is seldom done. What you are looking for is good atomization( where you do not see tiny paint speckles on the edge of your work) and how sharp of an edge you can make without masking. The brush needs to put out enough paint that you do not need 5 coats to have even coverage unless that is what you want. It needs to feel right in your hand and be easily cleaned. The Eclipse does all of that. It is a very good all-round airbrush. Anything more then you are looking for a special purpose airbrush. There is no one airbrush that does everything well. If there were, then the professionals would only have one airbrush.

Or you can do what I did and lay out $200 for a Grex Tritium TS3. But Paasche are great starters and I used both of mine for 30 years.