Good Afternoon,

This all very informative and I learned more here than on any web site of searched. 

I just tried out my new Patriot doing some basic exercises (best I can do!) on my test pad.  All I can say is WOW!  Compared to my Paasche H and VL this AB is fantastic from my limited experience.  The control and and detail is far better than what I've been able to do with the others.  Clean up is very easy as well.  I can't wait to try it on a model.  From this first test I would say this is a great AB.  It is well made and nicely balanced.  Now if I can just get good enough to realize all the benefits.................

I would say it´s primary a combination of nozzle diameter and taper that defines how thin lines you can do with an airbrush. Other things that might affect the line is gravity feed vs siphon feed, the airvalve, design of the needle cap (if you use it at all) and not least the general design of the airchannels. And don´t forget that a steady and even airflow from your compressor might be the most important factor.

But nozzle size isn´t the only thing to look for, as you say. As an example, I´ve had several Fuso made airbrushes that made thin lines with almost any modelling paint, and I´ve had a H&S Infinty that made thinner lines with it´s 0.4mm nozzle than with the 0.15. Even with ink. I was so frustrated by this that I bought an extra 0.15 setup just to see if it was faulty, but it behaved the same way.  

Keilau is right and let me also add that needle taper determines line width, not needle or tip diameter.

Those numbers are more of a selling point than anything else. I think Badger is beginning to list them now so others can compare since so many fall into the "smaller is a finer line" mentality which is not true necessarily.

Thanks for the info!

Upstate John

I am curious as to how Badger terminology for tip size differs from others?  

I just received a Patriot for Christmas.  It certainly seems well made and nicely balanced particularly  when compared to my Paasche brushes.  Hopefully tomorrow I will do some test patterns with it.   

I must emphasize that there is NO standard on what is called fine, medium, or largee nozzle of airbrushs. In the following, I am using general terms. The size that I cited are +/- 0.05 mm, etc.

For example, the Iwata has nozzle sizes of 0.18, 0.35 and 0.5 mm. They call these fine, medium or general purpose and large nozzle. Similarly, the Paasche Talon has 0.25, 0.38 (standard) and 0.66 mm nozzles. The Harder Y Steenbeck has 0.15, 0.2, 0.4 (default) and 0.6 mm for the Infinite and Revolution lines. Even the Testors Aztek uses similar terms for fine, medium and large.

Badger makes the Renegade Infinite with a 0.19 mm and the SATA a 0.25 mm nozzle, and call them ultra-fine. I ordered the Patriot 105 with a fine nozzle which comes with a 0.51 mm nozzle. The standard nozzle for the Patriot is 0.76 mm. It is the same as their 100, 150 and 155 airbrushs. Nothing wrong with Badger's terminology, just different from others. The old Paasche's fine, medium and large nozzles may be different from their new Talon too.

All these numbers mean nothing until you try the airbrush and find out what you like the best.

keilau,

I am curious as to how Badger terminology for tip size differs from others?  

I just received a Patriot for Christmas.  It certainly seems well made and nicely balanced particularly  when compared to my Paasche brushes.  Hopefully tomorrow I will do some test patterns with it.  

I build 1/72 scale USN and JNAF WWII planes and plan on doing more detailed camoflage patterns with it and hopefully general use as well.

Thanks in advance for any info on tip sizes.

Best Regards,

John McMakin

Don Wheeler

In my opinion, either tip will do anything you need.  The fine tip gives plenty of coverage unless you're into really big models.  If that's the case, you might be better off with the 155 so you can use a bottle feed.   You can see examples done with both tips on my website.

Don

Be aware that Badger uses different terminology than other airbrush manufacturers. The fine Badger nozzle is 0.51 mm and medium is 0.76 mm. You can find a more detailed description in Don Wheeler's "3155 hybrid" web page.

In addition to the nozzle size, the taper of the needle cone also affects the characteristic of the airbrush. I like the gentle linear trigger pull of a steeper (longer but shadower) needle taper. The newest Patriot Badger 105 is moving in this direction too. The Badger 105 takes the 3155 type fine tip needle (0.02" or 0.51 mm). I will recommend you to order the Patriot with the 0.51 mm fine tip assembly. It will give plenty of coverage even for larger models.

In my opinion, either tip will do anything you need.  The fine tip gives plenty of coverage unless you're into really big models.  If that's the case, you might be better off with the 155 so you can use a bottle feed.   You can see examples done with both tips on my website.

Don

Awfully tempted to pick up this airbrush myself, even though I just bought one. Still, can never hurt to have one as a backup, just in case.

Is the standard fine tip good enough for all modelling tasks, from base-coating to fine work?

As Bill said I am a little biased too as I own a couple of Badger airbrushes.

The 105 Patriot is an awesome airbrush and you should be real happy with it.

I think if a modeler wants only one gravity feed airbrush the 105 Patriot is it.

 When you say you bought the medium tip, I hope you meant that you also got the medium regulator and needle to go with it.  Please come back and tell us what you think of the Patriot.  I think you will like it.

Don

Well, other than your wife killing you when she finds out, you've made a fine choice. Here are some reviews from the Badger site (yeah, I know they're not going to put up negative reviews, but I haven't found one yet!). Jon, Don and Stephan are regulars on FSM, and Keith is a friend on another forum. I trust them all!

FYI I have four Badgers, two 100LG, one 150 and one 200-20, so I'm a bit biased. Haven't used the 105 myself yet, but my experience with the others lets me believe that you'll love this AB.