This was "Product of the Month" in the second edition of Model Military. The Editor said he'd been very happy with his Aztec 470 for years but found that the Iwata was much better for detail work.

Now, I've got an Aztec 470 and am very happy with it - I much prefer it to the Badger 150 I had before. However, If the Iwata is so much better for detail work it would obviously give me the opportunity to do other paint schemes.

What I'm interested to know is if people agree that this is a quality brush and also how easy it is to maintain and use, including adjusting for the fine work.

Obviously having two airbrushes is a real luxury, so I want to know if it's worth shelling out the extra £££


Sean

Yep... easy to use & Clean. It's my Primary AirBrush.
Problem is No more HP-C only the HP-C Plus.

Hi Sean

I recently purchased an Iwata HP-C Plus. I upgraded from a Paasche VL which had served me well for years. But I didn't find airbrushing to be much of a joy - spray for 5 minutes, clean for 15.

Now that I have the Iwata - my eyes have been well and truly opened. This AB is an absolute breeze to clean. For a color change, just splash some of the appropriate thinner in the cup, spray and you're good to go. The clean up at the end of a session only takes a few minutes as well. To say I'm happy with mine is an understatement.

I have been able to get fine feathered edges that I had only been able to dream about in the past.

The only draw back I can see is that the spares are expensive. A nozzle alone can cost upwards of $50 !!

I still use my Paasche for base coats and gloss coats etc, but for anything else the HP is the way to go. One try and you'll be hooked.

HTH

Peter

Thanks for the replies chaps - very helpful.

Now I just have to show them to SWMBO


Sean

I saw this and just had to ad my $.02. I was a Iwata lover myself having a HP-C and CS. I read some on-line reviews about the Harder & Steenbeck Evolution and bought one from Obeelik's. Not only was the customer service fantastic but so is the airbrush. It is now my favorite. With the Evolution 2 in 1 you get two needles and two color cups (gravity feed). It breaks down much easier and faster than the Iwata and the best feature is that you remove the needle from the front of the brush not the rear. I never did like pulling a dirty needle back through the airbrush body. It also comes with a pre-set trigger and the engineering and balance are great. Even though I live in the US it was shipped to my door in about 3/4 days. The cost is comparable with the C or C plus. Anyone thinking about an Iwata should check out the Evolution at Obeelik's. BTW, given their excellent customer service Obeelik's also carrys the other brands and would be a great source for airbrush stuff.

Hope this helps,

Chuck B.

Charles

I agree big time with the needle being removed from the front. Not much remains on the needle with my HP compared to the Paasche, but it's never completely clean.

Wouldn't it be great if there was somewhere you could "test shoot" an airbrush before you buy ?

Peter

It is a great brush and easy to maintain.

I have the HP-C and I have to say (even as an airbrush newbie) this thing is a real joy to use. Very easy cleanup, can switch colors quickly and it does do great detail work. Only problem I have with it is the operator isn't as good as the tool, yet.