Your Favorite Airbrush

My two most used airbrushes are an Iwata Eclipse BS (with the small cup) and a Badger Patriot. As for the Iwata, I would have preferred the CS, with the large cup, but I got this one, a display model, at a firesale price when a local art supply company was getting out of the airbrush business. I didn't get the wrench it was supposed to come with, but I got a free quick disconnect. Before I had the Iwata, I owned a Badger Patriot and a 100G. The 100G was my first double action, and I think it actually sprayed better than the Patriot, but I found I chose it less often because it was harder to clean!

I also tried the Neo-Iwata TRN (the gravity-feed pistol grip) but I was rather disappointed. I had trouble holding it in a manner in which my big fingers did not interfere with the trigger, and it's a bear to clean. There were places deep in the body for the paint to hide. Sadly, it gathers dust.

The Iwata Eclipse is a very well made, easy to clean brush and you notice the quality at once. It's the expense of replacement parts, if needed, that I'm not looking forward to. That is an area where Badger shines.  

I like my old junkie Badger 200 single action best.  It was my first real airbrush bought around 1980, and I still use it as it is simple & reliable.  The only downside is that it is somewhat humbug to strip and clean.  But I can do this operation practically with my eyes closed now.

I have tried the Aztek, but immediately hated it due to the troublesome needle design's tendency to clog then stop working.  Another thing I didn't like was the super light weight, which for some may not be a bad thing, but I like some heft.

I also have an Iwata double action airbrush which works great and is easier to clean than the Badger, but I'm just too dumb to master double action airbrushes so I stick with the Badger.

Iwata

http://junaustriamodel.blogspot.com/

I use several different airbrushes, most are double action for a variety of different needs. But my most frequently used is the old steady Freddy Badger 200, both the basic version and the gravity feed 200G. For solid colors and primer coats it's unbeatable, simple and reliable, easy to clean, tough as a hammer.

I have Badger, Iwata, Paasche and Binks in the inventory, after many decades of airbrush use I'm strictly in the Badger camp. Reasons follow.

)1 Very robust materials and build quality, they are just plain durable to an extreme.

)2 If needed, replacement parts are very low in cost in comparison.

)3 Low acquisition cost, especially when you take the time to watch for sales at the authorized dealers, like Chicago Airbrush and TCP Global.

)4 If service is ever needed, Badger factory is fast, inexpensive and friendly.

)5 My Badger's spray at least the same quality of finish as any of my others, often better.

I have no affiliation with Badger, just a very satisfied customer and I enthusiastically recommend them to others.

Patrick

patrick206

I use several different airbrushes, most are double action for a variety of different needs. But my most frequently used is the old steady Freddy Badger 200, both the basic version and the gravity feed 200G. For solid colors and primer coats it's unbeatable, simple and reliable, easy to clean, tough as a hammer.

Patrick,

I have a couple of questions about the 200G: do you have clogging problems? I've heard it said before that because the needle doesn't close when you're not spraying it gives a chance for paint to dry. Also, do you have problems with paint leaking out the nozzle when you aren't spraying? 

Halibut -

I have no issues with internal clogging, only tip dry. Easily and instantly corrected with a cotton bud, moistened with a drop of lacquer thinner. Just dampen the Q-tip and place straight into the regulator/tip, a light swirl, voila, gone. No pressure needed.

With the 200G I experience no more tip dry issues, than with any other airbrush. The minor tip dry issues I do encounter are as you would think, caused by acrylic paints.  For Tamiya paints I use the Tamiya X-20A thinner, with a drop of Liquitex Flo Aid or Slo Dri, that minimizes any tendency to have tip dry.

No issues with leaking at the tip when not spraying, even with the thinnest of paints. I recommend having a look at "Don's Airbrush" site, he has tested the 200G and addressed the subject at length.

As said, I rely on my 200G and 200 for the majority of my basic painting needs. Love 'em.

Patrick

patrick206

I use several different airbrushes, most are double action for a variety of different needs. But my most frequently used is the old steady Freddy Badger 200, both the basic version and the gravity feed 200G. For solid colors and primer coats it's unbeatable, simple and reliable, easy to clean, tough as a hammer.

I have Badger, Iwata, Paasche and Binks in the inventory, after many decades of airbrush use I'm strictly in the Badger camp. Reasons follow.

)1 Very robust materials and build quality, they are just plain durable to an extreme.

)2 If needed, replacement parts are very low in cost in comparison.

)3 Low acquisition cost, especially when you take the time to watch for sales at the authorized dealers, like Chicago Airbrush and TCP Global.

)4 If service is ever needed, Badger factory is fast, inexpensive and friendly.

)5 My Badger's spray at least the same quality of finish as any of my others, often better.

I have no affiliation with Badger, just a very satisfied customer and I enthusiastically recommend them to others.

Patrick

 

 

 

 

Badger airbrushes remind me of the old Timex commercials, "It takes a licking but it keeps on ticking!".