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Hi guys
I'm hunting around for a decent "my first" airbrush. I've looked at Don's site and his write-up on the Neo was a bit iffy - talking about needle seating issues etc This was back in 2012 though and apparently changes were made to production and Im assuming those issues were ironed out.
Initially I considered the Iwata Eclipse HP-CS, but it's a little pricey here in Oz. I can get a Neo at slightly less than half the price of an Eclipse.
Is the Neo worth buying at all or should I bite the bullet and go for the Eclipse?
BT
I like mine, bought it about 3 years ago and haven't had any issues with it. Have used it on a dozen models. I shoot acrylics, some Vallejo, and mostly Tamiya and MM
K4BeeTee Hi guys I'm hunting around for a decent "my first" airbrush. I've looked at Don's site and his write-up on the Neo was a bit iffy - talking about needle seating issues etc This was back in 2012 though and apparently changes were made to production and Im assuming those issues were ironed out. Is the Neo worth buying at all or should I bite the bullet and go for the Eclipse? BT
modelmaker66 Will you see the difference, maybe but probobly not if you are newer to airbrushing.
Will you see the difference, maybe but probobly not if you are newer to airbrushing.
To me this means I'll get a better result in the long run from the Eclipse :o
The Minister of War and Finance has given me the blessing to choose whichever so I guess that's half the battle won! :)
I live in Aus too, and I would strongly recommend the Eclipse over the basic Neo. I have had my Eclipse for several years and it has been sensational.
Check out Airbrush Mega Store.
https://www.airbrushmegastore.com
damouav I live in Aus too, and I would strongly recommend the Eclipse over the basic Neo. I have had my Eclipse for several years and it has been sensational. Check out Airbrush Mega Store. https://www.airbrushmegastore.com
Awesome thanks for the info mate!
It's all good mate.
You cant really go wrong with any Iwata, but the Eclipse wins hands down over the Neo.
The Neo is an excellent mid entry level air brush. I have one and use it a lot. Love how easy it cleans up and how well it atomizes my paints. Now if I want to get tighter mottling patterns then I use my Badger Renegade. I have several Badgers and all are excellent.
You cannot go wrong with a Neo specially using a 40% coupon from HL. It's very affordable, well made and will deliver great results. Of course experience at air brushing, paint thinning ratios etc. play a major role in getting good results regardless of which AB one uses.
Too many models to build, not enough time in a lifetime!!
plasticjunkie The Neo is an excellent mid entry level air brush. I have one and use it a lot. Love how easy it cleans up and how well it atomizes my paints. Now if I want to get tighter mottling patterns then I use my Badger Renegade. I have several Badgers and all are excellent. You cannot go wrong with a Neo specially using a 40% coupon from HL. It's very affordable, well made and will deliver great results. Of course experience at air brushing, paint thinning ratios etc. play a major role in getting good results regardless of which AB one uses.
With that said I own both and at times I’ll utilize both the NEO and the HP-CS on the same build. The NEO is like a Mack Truck as the HP-CS is a BMW. I purchased my NEO as an absolute apprentice four years ago and learned diligently with it. So far I replaced the needle and the nozzle due to just learning how to handle a AB.
The replacement parts on a NEO are very very inexpensive compared to other Iwata‘s AB. This is due to the fact that Iwata does not produce/make the NEO. It is contracted out to a company in Taiwan if my memory serves me right, hence the cost efficiency. Iwata‘s high end AB can start at $500.00 American Dollars and up.
I also picked up a NEO TRN1 Trigger AB of which handles amazingly as it’s very ergonomic. My three year old grandson likes it as it fits his hand perfectly. If I had the money my next AB would be a Thayer-Chandler but that’s a whole nother discussion. Ultimately, just have fun hand brushing, utilizing a rattle can, or a AB. Building a kit should be relaxing.
Your Friend, Toshi
Reside in Streetsboro, Ohio
Thanks for the info man. One question, what is this 40% coupon at HL you mention? HL? Still learning all the acronyms lol
Tosh So far I replaced the needle and the nozzle due to just learning how to handle a AB.
So far I replaced the needle and the nozzle due to just learning how to handle a AB.
Uh oh...unless you're a gazillionaire, BMWs don't make the best learner driver vehicles....something to consider, thanks.
Tosh Ultimately, just have fun hand brushing, utilizing a rattle can, or a AB. Building a kit should be relaxing. Your Friend, Toshi
Ultimately, just have fun hand brushing, utilizing a rattle can, or a AB. Building a kit should be relaxing.
Yup I agree 100% and this is exactly the main reason I am coming back into modelling. Can't wait to get started! :)
HL is Hobby Lobby, a craft store chain in the states. They put out a 40% off coupon every week, good on any one item except for clearance stuff.
goldhammer HL is Hobby Lobby, a craft store chain in the states. They put out a 40% off coupon every week, good on any one item except for clearance stuff.
Ah righto thanks for that.
They don't seem to accept international orders though... bah humbug.
I wouldnt call the Iawata Neo a mid range AB, in any way, shape or form.
It maybe good, but not mid range.
Mate, Iwata have a very good following in Australia with good access to parts.
You cant go wrong with which ever you decide to go with.
Everyone calls this thing an Iwata Neo except the box which calls it "Neo For Iwata". To my simple mind this would indicate to me that it is not an Iwata at all but made for them. Just sayin, it may not be a bad airbrush at all but don't think you're getting an Iwata for half price..
damouav I wouldnt call the Iawata Neo a mid range AB, in any way, shape or form. It maybe good, but not mid range. Mate, Iwata have a very good following in Australia with good access to parts. You cant go wrong with which ever you decide to go with.
Damian, when compared to the junk being sold on Ebay and Harbor Freight I consider it mid quality. It's geared for the beginner offering a taste of good performance while keeping the cost down. I'm no beginner but I love using my Neo cause it does what I expect and have no complaints.
You are correct about Iwatas being excellent products hands down and if the OP can fork out a bit more $ then go for it. Just remember whether using an economic Neo or a high end $ air brush, it comes down to the operator's skill.
plasticjunkie damouav I wouldnt call the Iawata Neo a mid range AB, in any way, shape or form. It maybe good, but not mid range. Mate, Iwata have a very good following in Australia with good access to parts. You cant go wrong with which ever you decide to go with. Damian, when compared to the junk being sold on Ebay and Harbor Freight I consider it mid quality. It's geared for the beginner offering a taste of good performance while keeping the cost down. I'm no beginner but I love using my Neo cause it does what I expect and have no complaints. You are correct about Iwatas being excellent products hands down and if the OP can fork out a bit more $ then go for it. Just remember whether using an economic Neo or a high end $ air brush, it comes down to the operator's skill.
No argument from me, having used a cheap chinese AB for several early projects then moving to the Eclipse was a game changer.
I belive that the tools we use play a significant part in the results we achieve along with skill, in that, dont bother including cheap AB.
Not every body can stump up the coin for a high end AB, but an extra month of savings to get a good entry level AB instead of a dirt cheap one is possible.
For those here in the states...just noticed that HL's 40% coupon no longer honored on Iwata Eclipse or Neo's.
Kind of like me trying to play golf with high end Taylor Made or Calloways.I can slice or shank with them as easily as with the cheapo stuff.
Tojo72 plasticjunkie damouav I wouldnt call the Iawata Neo a mid range AB, in any way, shape or form. It maybe good, but not mid range. Mate, Iwata have a very good following in Australia with good access to parts. You cant go wrong with which ever you decide to go with. Damian, when compared to the junk being sold on Ebay and Harbor Freight I consider it mid quality. It's geared for the beginner offering a taste of good performance while keeping the cost down. I'm no beginner but I love using my Neo cause it does what I expect and have no complaints. You are correct about Iwatas being excellent products hands down and if the OP can fork out a bit more $ then go for it. Just remember whether using an economic Neo or a high end $ air brush, it comes down to the operator's skill. Kind of like me trying to play golf with high end Taylor Made or Calloways.I can slice or shank with them as easily as with the cheapo stuff.
LOL Tojo. Since you mentioned Calloways, I just gave my son in law a complete golf club set with even the bag that my neighbor threw away back in 04. I had an interest in learning how to golf so I grabbed it out of the trash bin but never got around to golfing.
My son in law's jaw dropped when he saw they are Calloways.
Maybe some are able to improve with good tools and others, well....
i dont play golf, but they difference for me is like the difference between an i3 vs i5 processor.
Any how... moving on.
Hi guys,
Thanks for all the info. After a lot of hoohing and hahing I've decided to go with the Neo.
It makes more sense to me logically and financially considering my skill and experience in airbrushing (which is zero!).
Plus if things go well and I survive the learning curve, I'm sure I can ask Santa for that Eclipse...
Congratulations! Enjoy it.
plasticjunkie......but never got around to golfing.
......And you will never have a clue how much frustration, wasted time and wasted money you saved yourself. Smart man. Smart, smart man.
Good for you.
Do let us know how you get on with it.
I think you're giving yourself a fair start there. Congrats !
Good choice. You would eventually have bought one, so as long as you can afford it, it will save you in the long run.
Modeling is an excuse to buy books.
Greg plasticjunkie ......but never got around to golfing. ......And you will never have a clue how much frustration, wasted time and wasted money you saved yourself. Smart man. Smart, smart man.
plasticjunkie ......but never got around to golfing.
Hey Greg my son in law said the same thing but you got to check this out!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNauilZRzHk
Sorry K4 not trying to not hijack the thread but I couldnt pass this one up!
You will love using the Neo.
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