Airbrush Iwata Eclipse HP-CS Value Set

I have used Badger air brushes for almost 30 years... specifically the 200 and 150. They are good solid airbrushes amd they work generally quite well. A friend showed me his Iwata (not the Eclipse featured here), and I was impressed by the overall quality. And this got me thinking: what have I been missing?Keep in mind there are Chinese knock-offs being sold that are only a fraction of the price of the "true" Iwata. What I am about to report on my Iwata does not apply to these.The airbrush was delivered within the predicted time with no problems whatsoever.First, the overall fit and finish is flawless. This high-quality chrome finish is also present inside the airbrush, where it is extremely important. This airbrush is by far the easiest to clean of any that I have used or owned. Paint residue simply does not stick to the inside; most of it comes off by just blowing solvent through the airbrush. The front end of the airbrush comes apart in four small pieces. This allows full access to the air and paint passages, as well as full access to the bottom of the colour cup. I use disposable mascara brushes for cleaning, and they successfully reach and clean out all passages.Secondly, the two-way control is easier and more predictable to use than the Badger 150, mostly because the back-and-forth travel is slightly longer. The spray pattern of the Eclipse is also very sensitive to air pressure changes, so spraying close at 10 psi gives a significantly wider pattern than doing so at 5 psi. (I use a shop Makita compresoor, which has a very good regulator allowing small air pressure changes. This system also has a moisture trap.). For the first time, I have been able to spray moderately-thinned paint in a very narrow pattern - a real asset when painting model aircraft. I can do this without the typical activity of changing to a fine tip amd needle. This is a saving of money, as well as time.Third, this airbrush is heavier than a Badger, which makes for steadier control. At higher pressure, it does not kick back when the trigger is pushed.And fourth, being a top-feed airbrush, one can spray paint that is less-thinned, making coverage better, and, if needed, thicker. Yet, very thin paint can be sprayed successfully as well. Some have criticized the top-feed design because the colour cup blocks the view when doing up-close work. I have found this not go be the case Simply view the work from the side!Some suggestions: when dismantling the front end of the airbrush for cleaning, be very careful to keep track of the four small parts that make up the nozzle. Lose any one of them and the airbrush is out of commission. Secondly, I suggest getting the Iwata cleaning station. This not only acts as a safe "dump" for waste paint and solvent coming from the airbrush, but also is a secure parking station. This second point is quite important... you frequently have to put the airbrush down, and it needs to be steady. If you don't, the weight of the airhose alone is enough to pull the airbrush off the table, and it will invariably hit the floor nozzle-first, doing significant and expensive damage to the front end (been there and done it!). The cleaning station also holds the airbrush at the right angle so you can more easily put paint in the colour cup.Overall, this is a painting instrument of high quality that will give satisfaction from the outset as well as superb paint application. For me, the greatest advantages are the amount of paint control it provides and the ease of cleaning. No wonder those who own it swear by it.

I've tried a few different airbrushes and agree with the sentiment that this is the best 'all around workhorse'. It's reliable, rarely clogs, easy to clean after use / changing colors. This is my go-to for primer / base coats / topcoat.

The media could not be loaded. This kit is great for artist wanting to buy into the medium with a tool. This gun is great! I don’t have anything to compare it to, but I know it seems to do what I want it to do and fast! I work in heavy body acrylics and pencils too. I would say that airbrushing is fantastic! I’m addicted, and a great gun to start my new learning journey!

Like many of you, I'm sure, I was reluctant to spend a bunch on money on my first airbrush. I bought an Awata Neo (from Hobby Lobby) as my first airbrush. The Neo is a great airbrush and its not expensive. However, due to the less expensive build, the trigger is less than consistent. This becomes quite frustrating when you are trying to learn the basics. It becomes most annoying once your skills overtake the capabilities of the airbrush. I have no regrets about buying the Neo first (I use it as a backup and to spray clear-coat), but the difference between the Neo and the Eclipse is immediately obvious the moment you take it out of its box. The weight, the balance, and the finish are all clearly superior.The first time you pull the trigger, you know that you're holding a quality tool. The experience is so consistent and so precise that you can even tell what color paint you are spaying (each pigment flows slightly differently past the needle); its THAT sensitive.I highly recommend the Awata Eclipse. My detailed airbrushing jumped two levels with this brush in my hand.

I just started airbrushing and purchased the HP-CS due to multiple recommendations on various fishing lure forums. I wanted something good to start with rather than something that would leave me frustrated. The only difficult thing I had finding information about was the 1/4" compressor end of the supplied hose. I wanted to use a compressor, not designed for Iwata, and after reading reviews, searching all over the internet to find conflicting answers, and reaching out to Iwata this is what I found for the fitting type. The fitting type is compatible with 1/4" male NPT fittings. The original male NPT fitting I had was used in the past and the threads were deformed which is what is supposed to happen with NPT to NPT connections. This prevented the hose from easily threading on to the old NPT fitting. When mating the hose end with a new 1/4 MNPT fitting it went right on by hand and the seal was formed against the o-ring vs the threads. So to hopefully help someone out, the fitting is not an NPT fitting but one that is compatible. Many people found issues trying to mate with a garage compressor and it may be due to the fitting being mated in the past with another FNPT fitting.