Picking Your First Iwata Airbrush

What to consider when picking your first Iwata

1. Feed Style
-Gravity Feed: Paint cup on top -> easier to use, less paint waste, better for thin acrylics and fine work

-Siphon Feed: Paint container located on the bottom or side of the airbrush -> Larger paint resovouir potiential, more options in container size but comes with a more complex learning curve.

Generally, we recommend Gravity-feed airbrushes for Beginners

2. Action Type
-Single-action: Trigger controls only airflow; The size of your spray is fixed to the nozzle/needle set up. Easier but less versatile and control

-Double-action: Trigger controls airflow AND paint flow; This allows you to change the size of your paint spray on the fly with the trigger. More control but a slightly steeper learning curve

Generally, we recommend Double-action for beginners. Gives you far more control as you improve, this option also teaches proper technique

3. Trigger Style
- Pencil Style Trigger, The most common Trigger style you'll find on NON-spray gun airbrushes. Great for hobby related uses as it easily allows you to control the airflow and paint from the double action (push down for air, pull back for paint) this distinct action separation allows for great control for detail or small scale application

- Gun Style Trigger, The most common trigger style you see on spray gun airbrushes. Often preferred by those doing large scale work where detail isnt a concern or need for a specific project. These triggers are often also double action but the actions are not distinct from each other (initial pull of the trigger for air, pull more for paint)

Generally Pencil style triggers are recommended for beginners as it provides an easier avenue for control

4. Nozzle Size
- ~0.35mm - a great middle ground between detail and overall coverage for general use.

- Smaller (~0.2mm) for ultra fine detail often more suited for advanced users

- Larger (~0.5mm) for base coating or large scale work, also great for thicker paints that cant be properly thinned

Generally, we recommend a middle ground nozzle size (0.35mm) as they are great for general purpose airbrushing.

     

So what is the best Iwata Airbrush options for a beginner?

in no particular order:
- Iwata Neo CN Gravity Feed Dual Action Airbrush
   - Great mix of control and ease of use
   - 0.35mm nozzle size, the perfect middle ground for detail and general use
   - Highly rated and affordable

- Iwata Eclipse HP-CS Gravity Feed Dual Action Airbrush (Beginner -> Intermediate)
   - Versatile workhorse with smooth seemless performance
   - Great for learning basic and advanced techniques
   - Very easy to clean and maintain compared to other airbrushes

- Iwata Eclipse HP-BCS Siphon Feed Dual Action Airbrush
   - All of the Strengths of the Eclipse line but with a Siphon Feed instead of the standard Gravity feed
   - Great for people that are doing large scale work with an occasional need for detail without switching to another airbrush
   - Paint containers can be switched out to different sizes/shapes
 
- Iwata Neo TRN Gravity Feed Dual Action Airbrush (Gun trigger style)
   - All of the strengths of the Neo line but with a gun trigger
   - Great for users who are doing large scale work or are putting a lot of paint down over a longer period of time
   - Ergonomically beneficial for longer paint sessions, trigger allows a more relaxed hand when spraying


Iwata Sets & Compressors Great for beginners
   As long as your compressor can hold a steady 15-30psi, you're in a good spot for most airbrushes and applications

- Iwata Ninja Jet
   - Small form factor, great for portability
   - Adjustable pressure knob up to 15psi
   - Includes hose

- Iwata Silver Jet
   - Small form factor, greate for portability
   - Adjustable pressure knob and gage up to 20psi
   - Includes hose

- Iwata Smart jet
   - Auto shut off
   - Moisture trap
   - Adjustable pressure knob and gage, pressure up to 30psi
   - High quality, oil-less, and robust

- Iwata Sprint Jet
   - Moisture Trap
   - Adjustable pressure knob and gage, pressure up to 30psi
   - High quality, oil-less, and robust

Great Iwata Beginner Sets
   - IW126 - Iwata - Beginner Airbrush Set (Neo BCN), Includes siphon feed Neo and a Ninja Jet compressor

   - IW125 - Iwata Beginner Airbrush Set (Neo CN), includes Gravity feed Neo and a Ninja Jet compressor

   - IW200 - Iwata Deluxe Airbrush Set (Eclipse HP-CS), includes gravity feed Eclipse and a Smart Jet compressor