AIRBRUSH SURVEY by Terry Miesle

Several months ago I asked for people's comments and opinions about the airbrushes they use. A fair number of people responded to the survey. The results of this survey are presented in a document, without any editorial manipulation beyond some grammar changes. Users have presented their honest opinions about various airbrushes, and you will notice that some airbrushes will receive good and bad reviews from different people. Some people own multiple airbrushes, and have provided comments on each of them, which provides a useful comparison between makes and types. You can read each person's comments and use that information to help you make a decision.

In my opinion, a lot of an airbrush's utility lies in the user's level of accomplishment and comfort with that particular model. The major manufacturers, Iwata and Badger, both produce similar models but approach the brush construction somewhat differently. In many ways, it's what you get used to. This is why it can be a revelation to switch types either by borrowing a friend's airbrush or having some "hands-on" time at a demonstration.

Gentle Reader, I urge you to examine the contributors' comments about the subjects and genres they typically model. Some of these brushes are more suited to one task or another. Some people use a single-action airbrush for metallic paints, or broad lacquer coats. This might save a more sensitive airbrush like a Sotar or Iwata detail brush for more fine work. There's no reason you can't use a Sotar for all your airbrush needs, but its small gravity-fed color cup means you will have to refill frequently and run the risk of spilling. The Sotar also has very expensive replacement parts, which might make you think twice before making it your everyday airbrush for applying base coats etc. There are a lot of factors to consider when purchasing an airbrush which will, if you care for it, last decades.

I also think the intenet is a very useful tool for researching airbrushes. You may decide that you'd like to purchase your airbrush at a hobby shop, this is good for the shop and also helps the buyer with support and a convenient place for spare parts. Often the increased initial cost is justified. The internet, however, is a great way to investigate airbrushes. Sites like www.bearair.com and www.dixieart.com have schematics and spare parts listings. These will frequently allow you to be more familiar with your airbrush.

Single-action. This means when you press the trigger for air, paint flows. The paint flow may be regulated via adjusting a nozzle.

Double-action. The air and paint flow are separate. Typically, the trigger is depressed for airflow, and pulled for paint flow. This allows a more dynamic paint regulation and is very suitable for blending colors or fading.

Internal vs. External paint mixture. A double action airbrush is internal by default. A single action can have external mix, where airflow over a valve draws paint directly from a tube. An internal mix features a chamber within the airbrush where air and paint mix before being sprayed from the airbrush. Generally speaking, internal mix provides a smoother paint flow, but external mix airbrushes are sometimes equal in this regard.

Color cup or paint cup. A container for the paint. This can be integral or external. Some models allow for large bottles to be mounted.

Cup mount. This is where an external color cup is mounted. This can be beneath the airbrush or on its side. This may affect how the paint cup interferes with your hand.

Siphon feed. The paint cup is suspended beneath the body of the airbrush, and paint is drawn into airflow via the reduced pressure caused by airflow over or through a chamber.

Gravity feed. The paint cup is built into or mounted above the body of the airbrush, allowing gravity as well as the airflow to draw paint. This is commonly found on detail airbrushes, where a low air velocity is desired and on "spraygun" type airbrushes where thick mixtures are sprayed at high pressures.

Teardown or Breakdown. The physical act of dissembling the airbrush. This is usually done to ensure complete cleaning. Some people almost never tear down their airbrush, but just run thinner through. However, with acrylic paints I've found this is unreliable. The easier to tear an airbrush down, the more likely you will manually clean the internal parts. Some airbrushes like the Paashe H series use an allen bolt to hold the assembly in place, which makes teardown more difficult.

Needle. Just that, a needle. It is the part which moves when you pull the trigger, it forms a valve with the tip. It's held in place with a chock, or clamp.

Tip. A cone-shaped part which forms a valve with the needle to regulate paint flow. The shape of the tip may allow a broad range of paint flow, or might be specifically shaped for very fine flow. Some models have a number of different tip and needle size combinations for various rates of paint flow.

Acrylic paint. Generally I'm referring to Tamiya, Gunze-Sangyo and Testors Acryl. These are water soluble, so they have low odor, clean with soap and water (or windex etc), and will not stink your house up.

Enamel paint. These thin with mineral spirits. Mineral spirits must also be used to clean the airbrush.

Lacquer paint. These thin with lacquer thinner, and perform very well in airbrushes, but are also the smelliest of paints. The airbrush must be cleaned with lacquer thinner, which can damage rubber parts like o-rings and gaskets.

Sotar 20/20. Badger

Sotar 2020

Price: $100 at the US IPMS Nats (Badger Booth). But sells for $159 at Dixie
Ease of dissembly and cleaning: Very easy
Cost and availability of replacement parts: Replacement parts can be obtained from Dixie Art or Bear Air.
Performance with acrylics, lacquer, enamel: With the medium needle, I can use any type of model paint.

Why did you buy this brush? I bought the brush because I wanted to go from single action to double
action. I first used an AZTEK top of the line AB and it was a POS! Very little trigger control,too sloppy. The Sotar has excellent trigger control. With the gravity feed you can operate at low air pressure.

How long have you used this model? I have had the brush for over a year and it is the only one I use.

What type of work do you do with it? I paint 1/48 aircraft.

Would you recommend it to others, and why? Yes, This is a fantastic brush.

Steve Eisenman

Manufacturer and Model of Airbrush: Badger Sotar 20/20
Cost of Airbrush: Retail $240-350 depending on where you get it, I paid $90
to a freind who paid that at Wonderfest

Durability of parts such as needle, tip etc: I’ve had mine over a year now and
it's still working fine.
Cost and availability of replacement parts (specific or broad idea): parts
are high and relatively easy to find
Ease of use: Simple design, easy to learn to use. Be careful of color cup,
it's easy to spill it
Performance with acrylics, lacquer, enamel: Enamels/lacquer/inks spray
wonderfully, I don't spray acrylics through it
Do you find the design easy hold, and comfortable to use? Yes, most
comfortable airbrush I have.
"Cool" features: Laser-etched increments on needle adjustment knob, rubber
trigger guard, rubber index finger guard, through-handle needle release
Why did you choose this airbrush? Because it's the best, period
How long have you used this model? 1 year
What type of work do you do with it? detail and figures
Would you recommend it to others, and why? Because it's the best.

Manufacturer and Model of Airbrush: Badger Sotar 20/20
Cost of Airbrush: I paid $90 at Wonderfest

Durability of parts such as needle, tip etc: I don’t use it constantly, but have had no problems in two years.

Cost and availability of replacement parts: Easy to find, but expensive. Tips and Nozzles cost $26.
Ease of use: Very straightforward, but does not tolerate thick paint mixtures well.
Performance with acrylics, lacquer, enamel: I run Gunze-Sangyo, Testors Acryl, Tamiya through very easily. I even run Reaper Pro Paints, when thinned 20% with Windex.
Do you find the design easy hold, and comfortable to use? Very comfortable, except for a rubber triggerpad which tends to pop off.
"Cool" features: All the goodies, cut-out handle to access the needle chock, an incremented needle adjustment knob, wrench access for nozzle removal, paint heads have needle guards – very cool.
Why did you choose this airbrush? I wanted an airbrush to do fine detail work difficult with my Omni, for painting miniatures and camoflage.
How long have you used this model? 2 years
What type of work do you do with it? Mostly miniatures, though sometimes aircraft and craft-type work.

Would you recommend it to others, and why? Yes, if they’re already comfortable with double-action airbrushes and need to do detail work.

Manufacturer and Model of Airbrush: Iwata Eclipse (bottom feeder)
Cost of Airbrush: I think it was around $60.00
Is it more suitable for fine lines or broad coverage? It does both fairly well
Optional parts: color cups, multiple nozzles/tips, trigger pads etc.: All that stuff, but no interchangeable nozzles/needles. Crown cap available but a waste of $
Ease of breakdown and cleaning: A lot easier than my old Badger 150
Durability of parts such as needle, tip etc: I seem to go through tips more often than I'd like, but I think it is just me.
Cost and availability of replacement parts: Parts are a bit more expensive than the norm, availability is fair.
Performance with acrylics, lacquer, enamel: Like my Badger, it doesn't do well with acrylics when doing fine work. Clogs too much. For others it works great.
Do you find the design easy hold, and comfortable to use? I like it.
Why did you choose this airbrush? Wanted a more precision brush than my old Badger. It is an improvement.
How long have you used this model? About a year
What type of work do you do with it? Models, what else!
Would you recommend it to others, and why? Yes. It has provided me with good performance, it's relatively easy to clean and just feels like a precision tool.

Manufacturer and Model of Airbrush: Iwata Eclipse CS.
Cost of Airbrush: 150 USD.
Ease of breakdown and cleanin: Easy.
Durability of parts such as needle, tip etc: Quite durable until they fall down.
Cost and availability of replacement parts: 30 USD for a nozzle, 10 for a needle
Ease of use: Easy
Performance with acrylics, lacquer, enamel: Only used with acrylics and it is excelent
Do you find the design easy hold, and comfortable to use? Very comfortable
Why did you choose this airbrush? Basically reading some reviews from the internet. I also wanted a gravity model since they are a lot easier to clean and can be used with small amounts of paint
How long have you used this model? 2 years
What type of work do you do with it? Everything about models sci fi and aircraft
Would you recommend it to others, and why? Definetly, it performs very well and it is easy to clean

Manufacturer and Model of Airbrush: Iwata Eclipse HP-BPS.
Cost of Airbrush: $79
Ease of breakdown and cleaning: Easy
Durability of parts such as needle, tip etc: 3 years and no breakage
Cost and availability of replacement part: Fairly easy, have never had to go hunting really.
Ease of use: Easy, if you're used to double action brushes
Performance with acrylics, lacquer, enamel: Have only used it with acrylics & model master metalisers, has some issues with large flake metalics.
Do you find the design easy hold, and comfortable to use? yes
"Cool" features not generally available: Longest hose I've ever seen, cut away rear.
Why did you choose this airbrush? Tried a friend’s,
How long have you used this model? 3 years
What type of work do you do with it? Modeling & some art
Would you recommend it to others, and why? In a heartbeat. Easy to clean, reliable, better than either of the other 2 brushes I've had, adaptable.

My first brush was a Thayer & Chandler, now owned by Badger, lovely brush for ink and super fine paints but didn't care much for model paints and refused to spray metalics.

Next I had a Paashe VL, not a bad brush but after several tips, numerous needles and even a full body replacement, its just a pain to keep clean and the parts seem to damage easily. I did, however, spray just about anything you could put into the color cup...swear it'd spray plaster of paris if I'd put some in. It would tho, clog up just as soon as you stopped spraying for a moment.

Now I have and Iwata after talking to a friend of mine whose a professional painter and uses Iwata's.

Olympus 18HB

Manufacturer and Model of Airbrush: Olympus 18HB.
Cost of Airbrush: £96.00.
Type: Single.
Is it more suitable for fine lines or broad coverage? 2mm -30mm.
Paint head: internal.
Body construction: chrome plated brass.
Internal construction: chrome plated brass.
Fitting type: 1/4inch BSP.
Optional parts: tyre valve connector, colour cup for gravity feed, different jar sizes for suction feed.
Ease of breakdown and cleaning: easy.
Durability of parts such as needle, tip etc: excellent - good quality parts.
Cost and availability of replacement parts: nozzle - £18.00 needle - £20.00.
Ease of use: easy to learn and use.
Performance with acrylics, lacquer, enamel: no problems weith any medium - handles them all.
Do you find the design easy hold, and comfortable to use? Excellent.
"Cool" features not generally available: none.
Why did you choose this airbrush? reccomended by automotive artist friend.
How long have you used this model? 12 years
What type of work do you do with it? models, automotive art etc.
Would you recommend it to others, and why? yes, it’s an expensive brush but extremely hard wearing - paid for itself several times over.

Type: Single action.
Is it more suitable for fine lines or broad coverage? Broad coverage and fine lines down to about 1/16 of
an inch (using 20 psi noisy compressor and acrylics)
Paint head: external mix.
Body construction: plastic body and air hose. Aluminum (I think) head. Brass (I think. Anyway,
it feels like sturdy metal, unlike the head part) nozzle & tips.
Internal construction: Not much is internal. See Body construction.
Fitting type: Badger
Optional parts: Small colour cups (don't remember how many ounces), larger bottles, Medium/Fine tips.

Ease of breakdown and cleaning: Breakdown is easy. Only have to remove the tip, nozzle and head
for cleaning. I find it hard to clean the inside of the tip and nozzle because the openings are very small. Most
would probably rate the ease of clean up to be easy though.
Durability of parts such as needle, tip etc: The Needle and Nozzle seem pretty durable. The head is is easy to scuff with pliers. The worst part is the o-ring between the body and the head. This small o-ring cracks easily (within months of use) so there is slight air leak between the head and the bottle.
Cost and availability of replacement parts (specific or broad idea): Readily available and relatively cheap.
Ease of use: Really simple to use.
Performance with acrylics, lacquer, enamel: Acrylics tend to dry up on the tip/nozzle fairly easily.
Enamels don't do this to the airbrush. Coverage and smoothness looks fine.
Do you find the design easy hold, and comfortable to use? Easy to hold. It is bottom feed. When using the color cup, have to remember not to tilt the airbrush too much in one direction to avoid spills.
"Cool" features not generally available: interchangeable color cups/jars.
Why did you choose this airbrush? Cheapest one available that allowed spraying of fine lines and that was a "real" airbrush. Seems to be a "standard", albeit low end, airbrush, based on all the modeling magazine articles. These articles always seem to have the 350 as an example.
How long have you used this model? Only one I have ever owned (can't justify buying a nicer Iwata). Had one since high school, so over 20 years. Had to replace it because I soaked the head under water for a week, and I think that dissolved the seal between the body and the part that the head screws into. This "part" now comes off easily with any air pressure so I had to buy another one last year.
What type of work do you do with it? Mainly airplane, and mainly simple camouflage. Haven't tried the tough squiggly Luftwaffe type camouflages yet. Did mottling for a Fw-190 in 1/72 but that is difficult with the high air pressure of my compressor.
Would you recommend it to others, and why? Recommended as a beginner airbrush, or for those who don't have any need to done really fine work, or if on a budget, or if not sure if they really want to take up building models.

Peter Kwong

_________________
Manufacturer and Model of Airbrush: Paashe H-3
Cost of Airbrush: $29.95 or so
Type (single, double): Not married
Is it more suitable for fine lines or broad coverage? larger areas
(can't you mask fine lines?)
Paint head: Internal.
Body constructio: chrome plated brass and plastic.
Internal construction: metal.
Fitting type: Paashe
Optional parts: color cups, multiple nozzles/tips, trigger pads etc. lots.
Ease of breakdown and cleaning: easy.
Durability of parts such as needle, tip etc: takes a house fire to destroy one (in my experience so far).
Cost and availability of replacement parts: cheap.
Ease of use: I'm training my house plants to use one.
Performance with acrylics, lacquer, enamel: use the right tip, sprays everything (sort of like an excited cat).
Do you find the design easy hold, and comfortable to use? Yup
"Cool" features not generally available: sprays 'most anything.
Why did you choose this airbrush? First, it was cheap, replaced the
destroyed one cause it ALWAYS WORKS fairly well to extremenly well.
How long have you used this model? 25 years?
What type of work do you do with it? Paint models, do acrylic paintings.

Would you recommend it to others, and why? Hell yes. Economical, works well without 'airbrush voodoo', good balance, light flavor, steams well with rice.... er...
_

[Hail En’til’zog! We live for the sprue, we die for the sprue] –ed.
________________
Badger 150
Cost of Airbrush: was given it.
Type: double.
Is it more suitable for fine lines or broad coverage? Both.
Paint head: internal.
Body construction: chrome plated brass and plastic.
Internal construction: metal.
Fitting type: Badgers.
Optional parts: many.
Ease of breakdown and cleaning: fairly easy.
Durability of parts such as needle, tip etc: went flaky after a few months.
Cost and availability of replacement parts: cheap/easy.
Ease of use: until it began coughing without reason, fine. After that.... no cure...

[sounds like the rear seal is blown –ed]
Performance with acrylics, lacquer, enamel: good for most things..
Do you find the design easy hold, and comfortable to use? yup
Why did you choose this airbrush? My old one wound up encased in a half
pound of squidgy plastic sheet after a house fire.
How long have you used this model? several months.
What type of work do you do with it? models
Would you recommend it to others, and why? no. don't know if it's
unfixible stuttering is part of it's genetic makeup or just this
particular maltreated one (used)....
_______________

Clyde Jones

Iwata B
Cost of Airbrush: $90 (long ago).
Type: double
Is it more suitable for fine lines or broad coverage? 'most anything,
fine work esp.
Paint head: internal.
Body construction: chrome plated brass.
Internal construction: metal.
Fitting type: Iwata – same as Badger.
Optional parts: color cups: built in teeny color cup, gravity feed.
Ease of breakdown and cleaning: fairly easy.
Durability of parts such as needle, tip etc: fairly durable, pro quality.
Cost and availability of replacement parts: not cheap, nor easy.
Ease of use: fair.
Performance with acrylics, lacquer, enamel: meant for inks and washes, fine tip.
Do you find the design easy hold, and comfortable to use? yup
Why did you choose this airbrush? A friend recommended it.
How long have you used this model? 25 years
What type of work do you do with it? fine detail.
Would you recommend it to others, and why? Expensive, but superb for inks and washes...
__________________

Clyde Jones

Iwata C
Cost of Airbrush: $90
Type: double
Is it more suitable for fine lines or broad coverage? covering women...er.....
Paint head: internal.
Body construction: chrome plated brass.

Internal construction: metal.
Fitting type: Iwata, same as Badger
Optional parts: lots.
Ease of breakdown and cleaning: fairly easy.
Durability of parts such as needle, tip etc: pro quality.
Cost and availability of replacement parts: not cheap, and not easy.
Ease of use: takes getting used to.
Performance with acrylics, lacquer, enamel: for paints, not inks....
Do you find the design easy hold, and comfortable to use? Yup.
Why did you choose this airbrush? A friend recommended it.

How long have you used this model? 25 years.
What type of work do you do with it? area coverage, moderate detail.
Would you recommend it to others, and why? Expensive, but superb for paints...
_______________
I have other brushes, but these I've actually used. The Thayer &
Chandler 'detail' brush is great - for furniture and cars....
The Paashe is the best for the money for mos modelers IMHO.

Clyde Jones

Badger 360 Universal
Type: double action

Is it more suitable for fine lines or broad coverage? more of a jack of all trades.
Paint head: internal mix
Body construction: all chrome plated brass
Internal construction: all chrome plated brass
Fitting type: Badger
Optional parts: built in cup rotates to accept Badger jar, one tip for all applications (hence Universal), trigger pad that falls off pretty quickly.

Cost of Airbrush: $150? at WonderFest
Ease of breakdown and cleaning: easiest I've ever tried.
Durability of parts such as needle, tip etc: a year and a half of service and no issues - my Badger 200 needed stuff 2x a year.
Cost and availability of replacement parts: should be good.
Ease of use: very easy.
Performance with acrylics, lacquer, enamel: I have better luck with enamels, acrylics clog for me (Future works great though!).
Do you find the design easy hold, and comfortable to use? Light, even weight, maybe not as comfortable as some Iwatas I've tried.
"Cool" features not generally available: rotating color cup accepts paint jar - also very easy to clean.
Why did you choose this airbrush? ease of use and cleanup, great value for money.
How long have you used this model? 1.5 years
What type of work do you do with it? I build MODELS!
Would you recommend it to others, and why? It's been a great tool, and my Iwata using friend says it's better than his much higher priced airbrush. Ease of clean up is so important to me that any other brush seems like a real drag to use now!

Manufacturer and Model of Airbrush: Badger 360
Cost of Airbrush: $149.99
Ease of breakdown and cleaning (easy, moderate, difficult): EASY!
Durability of parts such as needle, tip etc: Like steel
Cost and availability of replacement parts (specific or broad idea): Free replacement
Do you find the design easy hold, and comfortable to use? Very confortable, like a pen.
"Cool" features not generally available: Siphon or gravity feed, 1/35" to 4" spray with one nozel
Why did you choose this airbrush? The best there is, easy replacement,
How long have you used this model? One day
Would you recommend it to others, and why? Yes, see above

Best. Airbrush. Ever.

Manufacturer and Model of Airbrush: Badger 360

Cost of Airbrush: I believe $91 for the "deluxe Universal" pack
Ease of breakdown and cleaning: This brush is extremely easy to break down and clean. With my Testors el cheapo, it was a single action nightmare!
Ease of use: Extremely easy to use. Heck.. I figured it out!
Performance with acrylics, lacquer, enamel: I only spray Acrylic thus far, and i haven't found a reason to use anything else. If you use the right amount of thinner, it throws paint like a dream.
Do you find the design easy hold, and comfortable to use? Very much so.
"Cool" features not generally available: Well, as the name suggests, the "360" allows me to rotate the syphon so that I can have a bottom feed or a gravity feed.. or even a "side" feed.. though I don't know why I would do that. The gravity feed is really good for smaller details.
Why did you choose this airbrush? My friend Terry suggested I give it a shot, when I asked his opinion of which airbrush to purchase.
How long have you used this model? About 2-3 months.
What type of work do you do with it? My passion is sci fi, and out of sci fi, Star Trek is the cruelest of mistresses. I tend to work mainly in resin Star Trek models, in he 1/1400 scale.
Would you recommend it to others, and why? I would suggest it in a heatbeat. Its fairly inexpensive, doesn't feel like a toy, easy to clean, easy to use, and most important of all, professional results.

Justcrash

Paashe V Series
Cost of Airbrush:
Type: Double
Is it more suitable for fine lines or broad coverage? Both, depending on the tip chosen.
Paint head: internal
Body construction: Chrome plated brass and plastic.
Internal construction: Brass.
Fitting type: Paashe.
Optional parts: Came with 2 paint bottles, a cup, and a bunch of other stuff. including a
stand which is very useful as it won't stand up on its own....
Ease of breakdown and cleaning: One of the easiest to break down.
Durability of parts such as needle, tip etc: Had the same brush for 20 years.
Performance with acrylics, lacquer, enamel: Outstanding if thinned properly.
Do you find the design easy hold, and comfortable to use? Easy to hold.

Why did you choose this airbrush? I chose this because it was one of the first double action airbrushes patented. as a result, it has realitively simple internal components. Additionally, It is easy to get replacement parts.
How long have you used this model? 20 years
What type of work do you do with it? Everything from 2D illustration to fine 3D work.
Would you recommend it to others, and why? Yes, durability and simplicity of use.

Paashe VL
Cost of Airbrush: $50-150 depending on where you get it.
Ease of breakdown and cleaning: a friggin’ nightmare to clean.
Durability of parts such as needle, tip etc: Well, mine worked once, maybe twice. So far I have replaced every part but the body and it still won't spray without spatter. The needles are like they are made of solder they're so soft.
Cost and availability of replacement parts: Prices are average for airbrushes, fairly easy to find at art stores/online.
Ease of use: Annoying. To adjust needle you must remove the handle, making for a pain in the butt when it's loaded with paint. I do like how big the airbrush is as it's more comfortable than others, but so far this airbrush has done nothing but piss me off. I must have a lemon because this thing has never worked right, ALWAYS spattered or wouldn't pick up the paint from the jar/cup.
Performance with acrylics, lacquer, enamel: moot, can't get it to work correctly no matter what I spray.
Do you find the design easy hold, and comfortable to use? I like the bigness of it, much more comfortable than other brushes, too bad it don't work.
"Cool" features not generally available: Paashe has tons of accessories, none stand out in my mind
as being overly cool.
Why did you choose this airbrush? Was told it was one of the best when I bought it
How long have you used this model? I used it for about a month, owned it for 15 years now.
What type of work do you do with it? Well, if it worked it would be a great all-around brush, but more for overall spraying.
Would you recommend it to others, and why? No, too complicated to put together correctly, I hate the tip assembly, the needles are soft, mine never sprayed without spattering, the remove the handle to adjust the needle thing is just annoying as hell.
Erin Lantz

Paashe VL
Cost of Airbrush: about 70 bucks...
Ease of breakdown and cleaning: Easy
Durability of parts such as needle, tip etc: Built like a tank. Fine needle is obviously fragile but it also cheap.
Broke the trigger once too... new one was 8 bucks from the local shop....
Cost and availability of replacement parts: Every decent store has parts for this and are cheap cheap cheap
Performance with acrylics, lacquer, enamel: Excellent. As long as you thin the paints out so they look like milk or thinner you'll be fine.
Do you find the design easy hold, and comfortable to use? Its big and heavy, which actually may not be a bad thing.... It does have a nice feel.
“Cool" features not generally available: Not really. It has an adjustable preset wheel that makes is operate like a single action if that’s what you want... useful for just misting tiny amounts of paint.... can use bottle or paint cup... I'm a lefty and it doesn't foul any part of my weird mutant anatomy....
Why did you choose this airbrush? It was what they had in my local store. I thought it looked crappy and I
wanted a Badger because they look a lot nicer... the Paashe is all scratched and dented under the chrome... this brush is no work of art....Since then I considered upgrading and after talking to Steve Bear at BearAir.com was convinced to stick with what I have....
How long have you used this model? 5 years
What type of work do you do with it? Everything from 28mm figures up to 1/10 scale RC Car bodies
Would you recommend it to others, and why? Its the standard student airbrush in the States I think... its built like a brick out house and parts are easy and cheap to get. Getting parts is key... I recently bought 4 fine needles for less than $10, so now if I bend one there is no major drama... of course since laying in a stock of the things I haven't bent one... I don't clean mine that often, I just spray thinner through it. I use enamels and Tamiya acyilics and have no problems. Taking the needle out and wiping down with thinner after use is generally enough. If I'm using acrlyics I like to spray hot soapy water through it after use...

I think the key to airbrushing though isn't the brush, it’s the compressor.... If you have a quiet yet infinite supply of air you can get good at using the brush... before I either used canned air (which doesn't last long and the pressure drops as you use it) or a really shoddy compressor which was so loud I hated to use it as I live in an apartment
complex. I treated myself to a better compressor with a tank and a pressure regulator 2 years ago and since then I've become happy with my airbrushing ability... I really think that’s the key. I don't feel rushed because I'm not making my entire block vibrate and I'm not worried about running out of air! Also I can adjust my air pressure at the source which is helpful for fine tuning after the paints been thinned. I now hardly use a paint brush except for figures. Even tiny jobs get done with the Paashe...
Also a moisture trap is a good idea if you live anywhere wet. I used to live in England and there is was mandatory... but now I'm in California and I've never seen a drop of moisture in my trap.

Dave Coombes

Manufacturer and Model of Airbrush: Paasche VL
Cost of Airbrush: ???
Optional parts: color cups, multiple nozzles/tips, trigger pads etc., Color cups and bottle.
Ease of breakdown and cleaning: very easy.
Durability of parts such as needle, tip etc: one needle bend (my fault ).
Ease of use: ok, no problem.
Performance with acrylics, lacquer, enamel: right good.
Do you find the design easy hold, and comfortable to use? Easy to hold.
"Cool" features not generally available: mini- and maxiflow can be adjusted.
Why did you choose this airbrush? was a gift from a friend.
How long have you used this model? 2 years.
What type of work do you do with it? model painting (from 1/72 airplanes to sci-fi and 1/35 armor...)
Would you recommend it to others, and why? Yes, durability and simplicity of use and very good handling

Badger 200
Cost of Airbrush: $45-50 depending on where you get it
Type:single
Is it more suitable for fine lines or broad coverage? broad coverage, but can spray 2-3mm lines with fine tip.
Paint head: internal.
Body construction: chrome plated brass.
Internal construction: brass.
Fitting type: Badger.
Optional parts: color cups, multiple nozzles/tips, trigger pads etc.: you name it, they make it for this brush.
Ease of breakdown and cleaning: simple and easy.
Durability of parts such as needle, tip etc: I have one that's 20 years old
and it still works, how's that for durable?
Cost and availability of replacement parts: on the low side, and available everywhere.
Ease of use: can be problematic with thick paints, but otherwise simple.
Performance with acrylics, lacquer, enamel: sprays all well if properly thinned.
Do you find the design easy hold, and comfortable to use? Nice, heavy body. Comfortable I guess.
"Cool" features not generally available: none, it's just yer basic airbrush.
Why did you choose this airbrush? It was my first one. For workhourse
brushes this one is my favorite.
How long have you used this model? 22 years.
What type of work do you do with it? big coverage, priming, spraying metallics and acrylics.
Would you recommend it to others, and why? Yes, I have 4 of them. Best value all around of any airbrush out there. My workhourse for sure. Cheap, simple, tough, dependable, easy to use, easy availablity of parts, sprays anything you run through it

Erin Lantz

Aztec A4709
Cost - $90.00 (IIRC)
Type - Double Action
Suitability - Interchangeable tips make it suitable for fine lines or broad coverage.
Paint Head - Internal mix, interchangeable tips.
Body - Primarily plastic.
Internal – Same.
Fitting – Proprietary.
Optional parts - numerous sizes and types of color cups, multiple nozzle (tip) choices.
Ease - Very easy to clean, I have never needed to break down the body or the individual tips.
Durability - seems to be very durable.
Replacement parts - new tips are readily available (about $10.00) at most hobby shops, Testors will replace body for free.
Ease of use - very easy to learn to use, rapid color cup changes, rapid cleaning
Performance - performs very well with enamels, never tried acrylics
Ease - the design is very comfortable to hold, would work well for right or left handed user
Cool features - interchangeable color cups make for very quick color changes, different capacity cups are handy, too
Why did I choose? - It sure looked cool in the mahogany box!
Length - I've used it for a little over two years
Work - 1/48 WWII aircraft (so far), and I repainted a yard art frog (OD over French sand - very nice)
Recommendation - I would recommend the A4709 to anyone. I have tried a Paasche VL and VS, and I prefer the Aztec hands down.

Happy modeling (or airbrushing).

Terry Floyd

Aztec 470
Cost of Airbrush: $40 at Wal Mart
Type: supposedly double, more like point and blast
Is it more suitable for fine lines or broad coverage? no, it's junk. I couldn't get any consistent lines with it
Paint head: in the tip like all other Aztecs (dumb idea IMHO)
Fitting type: proprietary, and best yet It's PLASTIC! Yeah, that'll last...
Ease of breakdown and cleaning: supposedly easy, just spray thinner through it till clean. I'm dubious on this point. How do you know it's clean if you can't see the parts inside? Stupid design.
Durability of parts: According to everyone I know who's had an Aztec, they last about a year.
Cost and availability of replacement parts: expensive for what they are, available everywhere.

Ease of use: simple, load with paint, point, push trigger, ruin model. See?Simple.
Performance with acrylics, lacquer, enamel: sprays all equally terribly.
Do you find the design easy hold, and comfortable to use? No, it's unnaturally light because it's plastic, the trigger is like the trigger on a squirt gun, toy like. The whole thing is like a Fisher-Price toy.
"Cool" features not generally available: Mine is cool because it proves to me that Aztecs are crap, other than that, it is not cool at all.
Why did you choose this airbrush? I figured I'd try one to see what the fuss was about. I was right, they were all lying or clueless as to what make a good airbrush
How long have you used this model? I used it twice, both times for about 2 hours. Haven't touched it since. In fact, I don't even know where it is!
What type of work do you do with it? Collecting dust, tips make great nozzles for scratchbuilds
Would you recommend it to others, and why? I wouldn't. It's crap. Garbage.
Junk. The makers should be put on trial for fraud.

Erin Lantz

Is it more suitable for fine lines or broad coverage? Both, with an innovative tip design.

Durability of parts such as needle, tip etc: tips are the least durable part, these are brass. Everything else is very durable.

Cost and availability of replacement parts: Very inexpensive, tips are only $3. Two years ago they were $6 apiece.

Ease of use: Quite easy, the tip design allows you to paint fine lines and broad areas by merely regulating the flow. This was the first design I ever saw with a cutout allowing access to the needle clamp.

Do you find the design easy hold, and comfortable to use? Fairly, though the trigger can be fatiguing over prolonged periods of paint blending.

"Cool" features not generally available: The color cup has a straight siphon tube, which allows it to mount either left or right. The needle can be inserted and removed from the nose, instead of the rear, minimizing paint buildup in the airbrush body.

Why did you choose this airbrush? My Paashe H model had become too limiting, and too unreliable. An artist friend loaned me his Omni, and within two weeks, I had mailordered one for $99. It has proven to be an extremely versatile airbrush.

What type of work do you do with it? Model aircraft, armor, sci-fi, also miniatures.

Would you recommend it to others, and why? Very much so. The Omni seems to be the basis for the Badger 155/360, but has some unusual features of its own. It is very much an artist brush, and very inexpensive for its utility.

Terry Miesle

Passche H
Type: Single action
Is it more suitable for fine lines or broad coverage? Broad coverage
Paint head: External Venturi cone
Body construction: Chrome plated Brass and plastic
Internal construction: Brass
Fitting type: Paasche
Optional parts: color cups, multiple nozzles/tips, trigger pads etc.: 3 different nozzles, and a few paint cups

Cost of Airbrush: $45 from BearAir.com
Ease of breakdown and cleaning: Easy - I really ought to do it more often!
Durability of parts such as needle, tip etc: The tips of the needles seem to bend easily, but it could just be me...
Cost and availability of replacement parts: A new needle and nozzle costs about $9 together.
Ease of use: Easy - point and paint.
Performance: Enamels spray well, but lately I've had spatters with acrylics no matter what I do.
Do you find the design easy hold, and comfortable to use? YES!
"Cool" features not generally available: Umm... does shinyness count?
Why did you choose this airbrush? I wanted a durable, easy to use tool that would last - so far, it has!
How long have you used this model? 7-8 months
What type of work do you do with it? Nothing too precise, but that depends on what I buld. For now it's base coats and top coats.
Would you recommend it to others, and why? Yes, it's inexpensive, easy to use, and lays paint on very nicely! Great first airbrush!

YodaMan

Ease of breakdown and cleaning: It's a cinch!
Durability of parts such as needle, tip etc: Appears to be durable enough for prolonged use.
Cost and availability of replacement parts: Moderately priced, easily found.
Ease of use: Not bad. Perfect for a beginner to intermediate level modeler.
Performance with acrylics, lacquer, enamel: Acrylics & enamels. Haven't done lacquers yet.
Do you find the design easy hold, and comfortable to use? Reasonably comfortable for the money.
"Cool" features not generally available: Not really.
Why did you choose this airbrush? Recommendation from modelers on ARC, MM, HS.
How long have you used this model? Under 1 year.
What type of work do you do with it? Just model planes.
Would you recommend it to others, and why? Great value for the money. Simple to operate and very reliable.

Cost of Airbrush: I've had it for over 25 years - I think it was $15 or so - steep in 1977
Is it more suitable for fine lines or broad coverage? It'll do fine lines if you tighten down the nozzle and use low pressure.
Ease of breakdown and cleaning: very easy.
Durability of parts such as needle, tip etc: quite durable, so far anyway.
Cost and availability of replacement parts: Seem to be generally available, reasonably priced. A new can fitting was $6.50, turned out I didn't need it. The old one still held pressure even after 10+ years of not being used.
Do you find the design easy hold, and comfortable to use? Yes, no complaints.
Why did you choose this airbrush? I could afford back when I was a teenager. It was one step up from the least-expensive model, IIRC.
How long have you used this model? 25 years, but that includes a large gap.
What type of work do you do with it? Plastic scale aircraft.
Would you recommend it to others, and why? I think it's still made. It's durable and works well. I recently bought a 5-gallon air tank and regulator, but 5 gallons at 80 psi only lasts for one painting session.

Corrie Bergeron

Manufacturer and Model of Airbrush: I have three, a Badger 200, a Badger 150, and an Aztek 470

Cost of Airbrush: The 200 was purchased in 1978 as a gift, don't know what it cost--it was a Sears-boxed set with a hose and 3 jars. The 150 cost me US $79 in 1990 (just the tool and a hose), and the original Aztek (then known as the Testor Model Master Professional) cost $89 in 1991 (it came with three tips, a hose, and a color cup).

Types: The 200 is an internal mix single action gun, the 150 is a dual action (internal mix), and the Aztek can be set up either way.

Is it more suitable for fine lines or broad coverage? All three do any task quite well. No need to "speacialize" in airbrushes--with practice, you can do most anything with most any airbrush.

Body construction: The Badgers are chrome plated brass, the Aztek is a polycarbonate plastic.

Internal construction: Badgers are chrome plated brass, Azteks are plastic tips with metal needles and return springs.

Fitting type: The Badgers are Badger, the Aztek is Aztek. In other words, proprietary...

Optional parts: color cups, multiple nozzles/tips, trigger pads etc.: See "Cost" to see what came with them when purchased. I use jars and color cups when I paint. The Aztek came with the three tips available in 1991--high-flow, general purpose, and fine line. The 150 came with a spare needle.

Ease of breakdown and cleaning: I have no difficulty with any of them.

Durability of parts such as needle, tip etc: The Badgers are nearly indestructable. The Aztek tips do wear out and need to be replaced. I usually buy new tips annually. That's also one reason I have gone back to the Badgers recently...

Cost and availability of replacement parts: Aztek tips run US $9.95 a shot. Badger parts vary, but unless you soak it in MEK or Toluene, you don't have to replace parts that often. I had the 200 for 10 years before I replaced the needle bearing.

Performance with acrylics, lacquer, enamel: All three are excellent with lacquers and enamels. The Badgers had problems with some of the early acrylics, but I haven't had a problem using PollyScale or Testor Acryls.

Do you find the design easy hold, and comfortable to use? None of them are really truly ergonomic, although the Aztek is probably the closest of the three.

"Cool" features not generally available: The Aztek has the interchangeable side color feed, plus can be set up as a single action, dual action or what Testor calls a "fixed dual action". The Badgers don't have any fancy features, they are just good solid tools.

Why did you choose this airbrush? As I said, the 200 was my first airbrush and was a gift. I bought the 150 based on my experience with the 200. The original Aztek was bought sight unseen (I had read some reviews in a few magazines, that's what sold me), and the two I had (the first is still here, just a minor leak out the roller) served me well through 10 years.

How long have you used this model? The 200 was bought in 1978, the 150 in 1990, and the original Aztek in 1991. I acquired a second Aztek in 2000 from a fellow club member who didn't like it.

What type of work do you do with it? Everything. I am a firm believer in "practice makes perfect. I used the 200 for 12 years, it was my only airbrush. I used the Aztek for 10, it was the only one I used. I don't see a need for one airbrush for general coverage, one for fine lines, and one for weathering--it seems to me that some folks just do it for the sake of saying that they used three airbrushes to paint one model....

Would you recommend it to others, and why? Yes to all three for the reasons cited.

Cheers!

Ralph Nardone