I think I will be upgrading my cheap airbrush within the next couple of months. I’m currently using one of those Amazon kits by Gocheer with a cheap box type compressor. I’ve already got the new compressor on the way, a Timbertech. I’m trying to do a lot of research and I’ve narrowed it down to two airbrushes so far with a couple of possible contenders.
But the two I’m torn between are the Iwata Eclipse HP-CS, and Harder & Steenbeck Evolution 2024. From the videos I’ve seen, the Iwata sprays amazing, but I like a lot of the features on the H&S, like the improved trigger design and needle lock.
What do you guys use and what are your thoughts on these two?
I’ve been using an Iwata Eclipse for many years. I’ve had no issues with it and will keep on using it. It takes some finesse and a lot of practice to get really fine lines but they are doable with this brush.
After using a lot of airbrush over the last 20 years, I can say that I find the Revell “Vario” masterclass the best for model kit airbrushing.
I have multiple for different uses in different configurations (big area, small area, fine lines ECT).
The airbrushes needle thickness is specially designed for model paints (both enamel and water based paints) which is a lot thicker then thin paint for canvas.
Cleaning is easy, and a lot less trouble with dry tips then all the other airbrushes I used over the years.
I have both, the 2 in 1 (0.5 & 0.3 headsets) CS for 15 years, & it was a massive step up from the Badger 100 & 150’s. & the H&S 2 in 1 (0.4 & 0.2 headsets) for 2 years.
The CS [in my hands] has always been ‘sensitive’ esp. with StyNylRes primers, tip dry etc. but I could achieve freehand NATO camo in 1/35th very easily, even with the 0.5 headset.
Downside, when I dropped it the repair was UKP£50.00 + UKP£60.00 on parts!
Spares were then in the £15.00 to £65.00 range.
The H&S is (again in my hands, your milage may vary) is far and away easiest to use and CLEAN, very forgiving in use. I get all the finesse I want, it sprays everything I want to throw through it, & still haven’t used the 0.2 headset.
The needles are notched, & nozzles are marked, so not easy to mix up, & the 0.4 nozzle is big enough to hold.
The research I did before I bought the H&S Infinity, showed parts were £3.00 to 15.00 or therabouts, so I bought, nozzles & seal kits at the same time.
I watched a lot of videos, & note that some people don’t like the long pull on the trigger needed before paint was delivered at the tip, but this is intentional to give a larger range to the paint/air mix window. There is a workaround if you prefer a shorter response time.
BUT H&S has now been bought by Iwata, & parts are now in the Iwata price range
Summary: Haven’t used the CS since.
Another contender that I’m eyeing is the GSI PS-289. A little cheaper than the Iwata and H&S but I’m seeing good reviews and tests.
It’s boiling down to: $169, $179, and $119.
All three look great, but I’m trying to get the most bang for the buck, staying at the lowest price, and being happy with the purchase. I really don’t need the 2in1’s since I don’t see myself doing that fine of details, AND I have an older brush with .2 of needed. Looking for the basic workhorse that can kinda do everything. I normally stick to acrylics, but will shoot enamels if I don’t have the acrylic color on hand.
And thank you everyone for your comments/help. Keep ‘em coming as I still don’t know what I want yet
Whatever you decide, be sure to consider the customer service reputation of the manufacturer. A good airbrush should be a long-term investment, and as such, you may find that you need some sort of warranty work or available spares in the future (and that future may be years or decades away).
So, go with a solid brand that has a well-established reputation for providing parts (and potentially, service) to its owners.
The H&S Infinity is excellent. I use it for most of my work. I have an H&S Evolution with a .4 needle that I use for primers and clear coats. The infinity handles everything else. It is finely machined and has to be kept scrupulously clean. Make sure you buy the tool for replacing the needle seal and a couple of sets of seals and gaskets. The airbrush itself appears to be a lifetime investment.
Iwata and Badger have good service in the parts and repair department and many service locations. H&S has fewer service and parts locations. I think Midwest airbrush is the H&S go to.
Thanks everyone for your help. I went ahead and got the evolution 2024 with .4 needle. I like the features on it and saw some impressive videos on its use. Thanks everyone who replied and hands their advice!
I was torn between the evolution and the PS-289, but I really like the floating nozzle and trigger pad. Ergonomics and ease of cleaning are a major factor. Thanks for the reply buddy!
