Only thing I would say is the Eclipse may be a little more convenient to clean since it uses a drop in nozzle where the Neo uses a threaded, screw in nozzle. Not a big deal, just a little easier. If you feel the need for the trigger on the Neo then that may be the more important feature. I imagine either one will serve you well.

I agree with wingman. I have owned both and the neo has a miniscule nozzle! The eclipse one is fairly large in comparison. And the eclipse is a better airbrush in build quality and spray quality.

DaRodent

I am returining to Modeling after close to a 40 year hiatus (boy have things changed!)

I am looking for anairbrush and would concider myself a novice at this point as I have not touched on in that long and frankly sucked at it then.

I have narrowed it down (I think) to the Iwata eclipse or the Neo with the trigger (old hands).

My question is what is the diffrence between the 2 other than the odvious trigger. I live in Canada so though I know there are other brands they may be problimatic getting them or parts for them.

 

Thanks for you help in advance

 

Bill

 

Another advice just to save you some frustration along the road.

You need at least two airbrush as I learned along the way.

First airbrush. Get a 0.5 airbrush, like the Iwata HP-TH or similar. Similar in nozzle size and needle. Coz I found out Iwata 0.5 and Sparmax 0.5 is not using the same needle. The Iwata more blunt needle gives you a more coverage then the Sparmax pointy needle. Get the Proncon Boy PS290. Its the same as IWATA.

The 0.5 performs like a dream on wide area coverage, specially priming and gloss coating. 0.5 spray so much paint that it wont have time to dry up in the air before it hit your model. Avoiding that gritty finish on matte or orange peel for gloss paints.

Second airbrush. That woukd be a 0.3 or 0.35 airbrush. I'm using the IWATA Eclipse SBS. Its a side feed airbush. I use this when I want to get close to the model and paint a small area. The side feed also doesnt block your view when you are working close and low pressure painting on a model.

Besides the airbrush. A good air supply is a must. Don't get those compressor from a airbrush manufacturer. They are just too expensive.

I'm using one of this...https://www.californiaairtools.com/quiet-flow-series-of-air-compressors-consumer-grade/1-0-hp-air-compressor/cat-4710sq/

I'm using a 25L/6.6 Gallon tank. The high CFM is just perfect for my IWATA Hi-Line HP-TH using the fan spray.

Connect a good air pressure regulator and you are good to go.

Just to share. And have fun returning to the hobby.

As for myself,

I bought a Tamiya 74545 Spray-Work HG 0.2mm Airbrush III Super Fine 4 months ago for around $97.37 total.

             AWESOME.

                            And I am absolutely loving it!

My criteria after owning a bunch.

Ease of cleaning.

Reassemble w/o adjustment.

Conclusion: Badger Patriot 105 with three tip kits.

20 years and happy.

I just want to say the Neo has a couple of things going for it, at least that Neo with the pistol trigger action. First the trigger itself but secondly it features a needle stop. Now to me that stop is a superior feature, my DA has one and for me, an aggressive trigger puller, it's invaluable. And I think that's a very useful feature for a beginner too.

In terms of needles, both .35 and .5 are available. Tips and needles. Unless you want a really fine needle this will cover you for a long time. All this is Just my opinion, I don't even own Iwata but I surely could make that Neo serve my purposes very well. I know that several members here own them and like them, for some it's all they use or desire to use. Just sayin.... I'm not advocating it but just pointing out those features.

The eclipse models are really great brushes.  I have been using acylics through mine for some time now. I still have a lot of testors enemal paint around and decided to use them up as much as possible.  Although owning my brushes for a little while, I was still new to the whole paint composition, mixing, and maint. thing. I decided that if was going to spray enemal I wouldnt do it through my 150 dollar airbrush. Hence a trip to Hobby Lobby to get a "cheap" airbrush.  I settled for the NEO, hell it was only 55 bucks and it said ewata on the side... SURPRISE, I havnt really used the eclipse much at all the NEO pretty much does the job. I guess we all learn what we learn from our hobby If I had hindsite I would have bought the Neo before buying the much more pricey Eclipse