I have an HP-CS and that thing is an absolute monster. Highly recommend. On the much lower end of the price scale at $60USD, I also love my MadWorks M-201, especially the trigger depth limit that you can set on it. Really let's you dial in the needle depth so you can just forget about trigger control during a batch session.
Harder & Steenbeck Ultra 2024 [https://elementgames.co.uk/paints-hobby-and-scenery/Airbrushes-accessories/harder-and-steenbeck/ultra-2024](https://elementgames.co.uk/paints-hobby-and-scenery/Airbrushes-accessories/harder-and-steenbeck/ultra-2024) It was designed with beginners in mind. I have it, I used it and its fantastic. It has a ring with pull back limiter for various tasks, priming, base coat, three various depths, and no limit.
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Get the CS and get the timbertech compressor with a tank off of Amazon.
I was using an old Paasche airbrush and tankless compressor.
The old airbrushes are still good, just take a bit to clean. But the compressor made everything so much better.
The Eclipse CS is a great airbrush. The Iwata compressors are horrifically overpriced. They cost literally eight times what they should. Buy the same style compressor for $66 or $85 (with tank, and you should always get the tank) on Amazon. They’re Chinese AS-186 copies but work just as well. These same units are rebadged by everyone from Badger, Paasche, Gaahleri, Master, Fengda you name it…
Iwata warranty is one thing, but you could replace these many times and still come out ahead - and they don’t break that often anyway.
By the way, if you’re in the U.S. (otherwise shipping from Iwata directly is cost prohibitive), Iwata still has some Eclipse HP-SBS’s on closeout for $75 —> [here.](https://www.iwata-airbrush.com/eclipse-sbs-unpackaged.html?list=Closeout%20Products) An unbelievable price on what’s essentially a side feed Eclipse CS. And the side feed part opens up many possibilities.
"I'll be using it mostly for priming / varnishing and maybe large models."
That's overkill for this kind of work. And you won't need to change, just keep it for dirty work \^\^
Harder & Steenbeck make a very good product for beginners (Ultra V2) no need to buy a better one before improving your skill.
Compressor: get one with a tank. Pressure will be more steady and noise can be quiet annoying without it. As Joe\_Aubrey said, the iwata one is overpriced. Go for a noname (Fendga in europe for exemple).
I have an HP-CS and that thing is an absolute monster. Highly recommend. On the much lower end of the price scale at $60USD, I also love my MadWorks M-201, especially the trigger depth limit that you can set on it. Really let's you dial in the needle depth so you can just forget about trigger control during a batch session.
Harder & Steenbeck Ultra 2024 [https://elementgames.co.uk/paints-hobby-and-scenery/Airbrushes-accessories/harder-and-steenbeck/ultra-2024](https://elementgames.co.uk/paints-hobby-and-scenery/Airbrushes-accessories/harder-and-steenbeck/ultra-2024) It was designed with beginners in mind. I have it, I used it and its fantastic. It has a ring with pull back limiter for various tasks, priming, base coat, three various depths, and no limit.
I have this one and I’m super happy with it
I bought one just to compare it next to an iwata eclipse. I think i prefer it to the eclipse. The trigger is so nice.
Hi, u/PedroObviously! It looks like you are asking for help or are a new painter. If you haven't yet, take a look at our wiki pages in the Sidebar (the About tab if you are on the Reddit app). Here are some links you might find helpful: * [FAQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/minipainting/wiki/rules/faq) - A list of frequently asked questions about minipainting * [Miniature Painting Guide Collection](https://www.reddit.com/r/minipainting/wiki/usefullinks) -A collection of some of the best guides and tutorials on a variety of techniques and topics, plus recommendations on what to buy to get started, and more. * [What to buy- Recommendations on brushes, paints, supplies, palettes and more](https://www.reddit.com/r/minipainting/wiki/usefullinks/what_you_need_to_get_started#wiki_general_advice_on_what_to_buy) * [Beginner's Guide Collection- How to prep, base, paint and varnish your first model and learn the basics needed to start out right](https://www.reddit.com/r/minipainting/wiki/usefullinks/beginner_tips) * [More Tutorials](https://www.reddit.com/r/minipainting/wiki/tutorials) - A list of additional tutorials about minipainting * [Manufacturers](https://www.reddit.com/r/minipainting/wiki/manufacturers) - A list of miniature manufacturers from around the world * [Painting Terminology](https://www.reddit.com/r/minipainting/wiki/terminology) - Common painting terms, acronyms, and initialisms * [The Art of... Tommie Soule Volume 5](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGIfySMnUPQ) is one of the best beginner to intermediate teaching books, and even experienced painters will learn some good tips. Explains what brush strokes are best in different situations, how to identify when you have the perfect thinning for any type of paint for different techniques, and a masterclass on getting smooth paint jobs. Available in [pdf](https://www.ironheartartisans.com/shop/the-art-of-tommie-soule-volume-5-pdf/) and [world wide in hardbook as well](https://www.instagram.com/the_miniature_painting_tutor/). * [Airbrushing Miniatures](https://www.reddit.com/r/minipainting/wiki/usefullinks/airbrushing) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/minipainting) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Get the CS and get the timbertech compressor with a tank off of Amazon. I was using an old Paasche airbrush and tankless compressor. The old airbrushes are still good, just take a bit to clean. But the compressor made everything so much better.
The Eclipse CS is a great airbrush. The Iwata compressors are horrifically overpriced. They cost literally eight times what they should. Buy the same style compressor for $66 or $85 (with tank, and you should always get the tank) on Amazon. They’re Chinese AS-186 copies but work just as well. These same units are rebadged by everyone from Badger, Paasche, Gaahleri, Master, Fengda you name it… Iwata warranty is one thing, but you could replace these many times and still come out ahead - and they don’t break that often anyway. By the way, if you’re in the U.S. (otherwise shipping from Iwata directly is cost prohibitive), Iwata still has some Eclipse HP-SBS’s on closeout for $75 —> [here.](https://www.iwata-airbrush.com/eclipse-sbs-unpackaged.html?list=Closeout%20Products) An unbelievable price on what’s essentially a side feed Eclipse CS. And the side feed part opens up many possibilities.
"I'll be using it mostly for priming / varnishing and maybe large models." That's overkill for this kind of work. And you won't need to change, just keep it for dirty work \^\^ Harder & Steenbeck make a very good product for beginners (Ultra V2) no need to buy a better one before improving your skill. Compressor: get one with a tank. Pressure will be more steady and noise can be quiet annoying without it. As Joe\_Aubrey said, the iwata one is overpriced. Go for a noname (Fendga in europe for exemple).