Badger 200 vs 150

Actually, if you were to compare the 150 with an older (pre-NH) model 200 or what is now marketed as the 200-20 "detail brush" you would find that they share the same head assembly, thus the spray pattern would be identical, only the mode of operation (ie. single action vs double action) being different. I am not familiar with the current generation 200NH range, so I can't comment about the spray pattern (but I believe there is not a great difference).

Double-action brushes aren't that difficult to use and offer you a little more versatility in operation.

Whilst either 200 or 150 will do the job adequately, for my money, I would look at a top-feed (aka gravity feed) double action brush for even more versatility.

Agreed- a double action air brush is the best way to go.

I have a Badger 200 single action airbrush that a friend and I chipped in to buy back in 1980 or so, and I still use it to this day.  (It is my primary airbrush)  I have bought double action airbrushes since then, but I either didn't like them (Aztec), or I was just too unskilled to use them properly (Iwata).

For me, the primary advantage of the double action airbrush is the ability to quickly clear minor clogs.  With the single action 200, you have to stop and advance and retract the needle until the clog is cleared.  That can get annoying if you are doing detailed work like German ink spotting.  I always use masks to paint camouflage, so ultra fine spray control is not terribly critical for me.  If you want to do really intricate stuff like the German "mirror wave" pattern, the double action airbrush would probably be better.

Hope I didn't muddy up the water too much!

I third that, and, to elaborate on Phil_H's suggestion, recommend the 100LG.  Again, same head and tip assembly as the 150.

The 200NH uses the same tip and regulator as the 155 Anthem or 360 Universal.  The tip is .70mm and the needle has a double taper. You can use the 155 or 360 needles in the 200NH but they have a ball on the back end of the needle and are a little longer. That means that you could also use the Patriot tip/regulator/needle combination which would give you a .50mm set up. The only real difference in how the 200 and 200NH spray is that you can also use a Fine needle and tip combination that is either .25mm or .30mm with the original 200. The 150 uses the older style needles and tips that the 200s and 100s use. For a little clarification, the 200NH, 105, 155 and 360 use a drop in style tip and the old style 200, 100 and 150 use a smaller screw in tip. The 200NH, etc use a needle that has a double taper and the old 200, etc use a needle with a straight taper.

There's also the 200G. It's a gravity feed, although it has a small cup, and uses the older style tips and needles. With a gravity feed you can generally use lower air pressures and that will reduce overspray. So, if you don't think a double action is for you, you could still have a gravity feed brush. Also have the option of using Fine, Medium or Heavy tips and needles. When you're painting camo and switching colors that small cup will last longer than you might think.

Not going to try to persuade you one way or the other but double actions aren't hard to get used to. In the end, you can make anything work. I seldom use my single actions but they're still there. I don't use suction or bottom feed brushes as much as I used to but if I'm painting something that's going to take a lot of paint that's what I reach for. I get tired of filling that cup over and over and over when I can do it all with one bottle and just keep spraying.

Tony

I have used a Badger 200 ever since I moved up from the "basic spray gun" back in my teens

one thing about the 200, it mixes the paint the same way as a double action airbrush does,,,,,,and after a bit of practice using one,,,,,,you get pretty good at reaching over with your free hand to adjust the flow on the fly

this is one of the very helpful sites, and helpful guys, when it comes to airbrushes

https://sites.google.com/site/donsairbrushtips/home

he does reveiws of the different Badgers there, too,,,,,,,,that might help you

Rex

You might want to have a peek at the reviews on my site.  They include the 200, 200NH, and 150.

Don

Thanks, guys, you've been very helpful!

Cadet Chuck

Agreed- a double action air brush is the best way to go.

I would say it is the only way to go.

I have one single-action airbrush and it never gets used.

If you do opt for a double-action I would skip the older designs and get a Patriot or one of the Velocity series airbrushes.

LOL Don

YOU should go take a look at the site I posted for him,,,,,,,you might get a laugh

Just yanking yer chain, Don,,,,,,,I send anyone there that has airbrush questions

Rex

That's a really great site, Don.  I've looked it over before and it's very informative.  Thanks for putting it out there.

Dump the badger and get a aztek

Khalee2

Dump the badger and get a aztek

Why would he want to take a step down in airbrush design?

The Aztec is a gimmick in my opinion.

TarnShip

 LOL Don YOU should go take a look at the site I posted for him,,,,,,,you might get a laugh

I notice this when I was scrolling through too! I agree with the others. Don's site is a great resource.

I can't contribute much to this conversation but to say that I own an Aztek brush. I bought it used from a friend and I didn't know any better. I thought he had researched it and bought the best money could by, that's typically how he rolls. Anyway, in my very limited experience, the Aztek has suited me just fine. I plan on using it until I've got a few buildings under my belt to make sure I stick with the hobby for a while and then replace it when it becomes necessary. I may replace it before I need to, or I may just keep using it. I'm hoping practice makes perfect.

TarnShip

 LOL Don YOU should go take a look at the site I posted for him,,,,,,,you might get a laugh

I notice this when I was scrolling through too! I agree with the others. Don's site is a great resource.

I can't contribute much to this conversation but to say that I own an Aztek brush. I bought it used from a friend and I didn't know any better. I thought he had researched it and bought the best money could by, that's typically how he rolls. Anyway, in my very limited experience, the Aztek has suited me just fine. I plan on using it until I've got a few buildings under my belt to make sure I stick with the hobby for a while and then replace it when it becomes necessary. I may replace it before I need to, or I may just keep using it. I'm hoping practice makes perfect.