Iwata Eclipse HP-CS Airbrush Kit with Hose Cleaner & Paint - Professional Airbrushing for Artists, Hobbyists & DIY Projects - Perfect for Model Painting, Tattoo Art & Cake Decorating

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.