How good are AZTEC Airbrushes

Not very good (IMHO). I have one, but ever since I got my Paasche VL, I haven't touched my Aztek.

Also, Welcome to the asylum.

had an Aztek and thought they're not bad to clean, I bought a Badger 155 Anthem The anthem takes apart in seconds and takes just a min or two to clean... reall awesome! the kit with everything (hoses, bottles etc...) is about 60 dollars at dixieart.com all you would need is a compressor. (about 75 at Lowes or Home Depot, 136 cheapest I've seen for a hobby style compressor)

If you're looking for easy to use, easy to clean the Badger 155 is my vote!

I had an Aztec. Hence had. I now have a Badger 200. Very simple to use and gives you some dual-action capabilities. Easy to clean also. I only spray acrylics for easier cleanup. Also less obnoxious fumes too.

I had an aztek. then i had a badger. I still have the badger.

Have an Aztek and an Iwata. Done beautiful work with both.
Both have their upsides and down sides.
Just don't try to make the limitations of either exceed your experience or ability. They are tools and are only as good as thier operators.

Started out with an Aztec, was a good one to learn on. It finally died and even though Testors does have that lifetime warrenty ( which they honored with a new brush to the recipient of it) I went ahead and got an Omni 4000 and have loved it.

I have a Aztec and enjoy it also it is easier for replacement parts for me to get a hold of.
I can tell you this much that when you choose a brush that you want to write down a check list for yourself.One is the eases of replacement and two how much is it going to cost me in the long run.Three will I have wait for replacement due to breakdown or can I fix it and be up and running.Four how long to clean and what can I do as far as painting with my brush.These are my questions that I asked myself on buying so I got a Aztec because it meant these needs.Digger

In my opinion they should be sold on those infomercials.
But wait! Order now and receive a second Aztek absolutely free.
Order within the next 10 minutes and we will throw in a set of kitchen knives.

Mike

An airbrush is a tool, nothing more, nothing less. Get a good one, learn to use it properly, and never look back. Get a Badger, Iwata, or Paasche and you'll not be sorry.

I don't want plastic tools, and I don't want a plastic airbrush. I realize a lot of people like the Aztek, and since I have never personally owned one I can't speak from firsthand knowledge, however the vast bulk of the posts regarding them on this forum are not positive. 90% of the abilities of an airbrush are in the hand that holds it, but the tool has to work properly to be effective. Go to the painting forum and search the posts for the word "Aztek" and you'll see what I mean. To the guys that use and enjoy them, I think that's great and I'm glad they are working for you.

Edit ... I forgot to mention that I think Digger's idea of a check list is a great one. Find out what is availably locally and think long and hard about them. Needles and nozzles never break until you absolutely positively have to paint. Having a local source for parts is a big plus.
I recommend a double-action airbrush because of the flexibility. They are slightly more difficult to learn to use initially, but the flexibility is worth the effort.

Like so many others have said.....it's a "tool" which is only as good as it's user.

However, I wouldn't own one, they just look cheap....no matter what might come out on the model....

I have seen some beautiful work done with them though....

get badger

All the airbrushes I have used so far were made either by badger or a company called BB Rich.

Heard both good and bad reviews of the Aztec brushes, personally, I am a bit sceptical.

Better go for iwata or badger. Oh, BTW, welcome to the forums.

Mine has been good a collecting dust on the shelve where it will remain

Thad

I would like to thank everyone for there input. I think I will go with a Badger 155
Thanks Tim

congratulations on your purchase of a fine product. Your badger airbrush will last you many years, and provice many hours of enjoyment.

hop on down to the airbrushing forum, about 1/3 of a page up for more details

seems there is lots of horror storys about the Azteks and a lot of dedicated Aztek users.. I used an aztek but went to badger 175 and 360 myself.. and never went back..

there are also lots of Dedicated badger, ommni paasche ect users out there.. but are there any "horror" stories about these where the owners went to Aztek's?

just curious...