Review: Iwata Revolution CR airbrush

[John]

The Iwata Revolution airbrushes have been released with the new airbrush user in mind: Quality, Performance and Value. They excel in all areas - the way they look, the way they handle, and especially the way they spray. All parts are made to Iwata exacting standards of quality, and can be removed for easy cleaning. The spray quality is superb for an airbrush of this price range and category, and one nozzle size does it all. An easily replaced Teflon needle packing, impervious to solvent based paints ensures these airbrushes are totally suitable for those using solvent based auto paints or hobby enamels.

* Internal mix airbrush

* Ergonomic handle design

* Detail to 1-1/2" spray pattern

* Larger nozzle and needle combination (0.5mm) makes for easier spraying of thicker or heavier paints

* Redesigned trigger mechanism and larger needle-chucking nut for easy assembly

* Replaceable internal Teflon™ needle packing for use with solvent-based paints

* Value priced

Revolution Nozzle/Head Assembly

Each nozzle is precisely made on the industry's most sophisticated machinery. They are hand tested to assure accurate control and fine atomization of the spray, and they are self-sealing, which eliminates the need for messy sealers. Unlike conventional brass nozzles, steel alloys are more durable and resist damage from harsh chemicals.





The first time I used this airbrush I could feel the difference, it is well balanced, comfortable to use, and the action is smooth and positive, the Revolution CR is a double action, internal mix airbrush, It has a large 0.5mm needle so you can spray pretty thick paints, but still has delicate enough control to produce fine lines, this should be more than enough for most modelling needs, you do have the option of buying another needle and nozzle to take it down to 0.3mm.

Cleaning is easy too, when changing colours it only takes a couple of minutes, put cleaner in the cup, run through, then a quick back wash, pour out and that's about it, I couldn't believe how much quicker it was compared to my other airbrushes which would take me ages.

When you need to disassemble it, that's easy too, removing the needle chuck guide I noticed the lever is attached to it which makes it easy to replace after cleaning, you will find in cheaper airbrushes the lever is loose and can be quite tricky to put back in.



Tip: The needle has a very delicate tip, when cleaning the airbrush remove the nozzle, loosen the chuck nut and remove the needle from the front, once cleaned replace it in the front and not putting it from the back of the brush, this will protect the needle point and stop it from being bent or blunt which will cause your airbrush to not work at it's full potential, and it will also stop paint from being pulled back up in to the airbrush body. With the airbrush you also get a small tube of superlube, no it's not a sex aid just a drop of it on the needle will lubricate and protect it.

Pros: Comfortable to use, nicely balanced, easy to clean.

Cons: I will let you know if I ever find any.

Excluding this one I have 4 airbrushes, the CR is by far the best, you can buy cheap airbrushes from places like ebay (which I have done) and they will do the job, from my experience you get what you pay for, I've spent more on 4 airbrushes than the cost of the CR, only £81.73 which I feel for a well made precision airbrush, it's great value for money. Not only that you get 5 years warranty with this airbrush but airbrushes.com will extend that to 10 years. I think that speaks volumes for the quality of this product.

Thanks for airbrushes.com for supplying the Iwata Revolution CR airbrush for review

You can now buy the Revolution CR from our shop

[Guest]

Great review John. I know that I am starting to get a little annoyed with my cheep Chinese AB. Don't get me wrong, it is better than I can do and it has produced some pleasing results with very few problems. However, I have just done a marathon 5 colours and Klear session and although it has out performed my abilities, I have noticed a little sticking point in the trigger and an initial resistance to pressing down for air. These are not new, it has always been like this but it is a sign I am starting to outgrow it. This one you have reviewed may make a great next step up.

[stona]

Excellent review.I've had two of this one's close relatives (Revolution BR and an Eclipse CS?) and would recommend them without hesitation.

Steve

[Guest]

I have been using this airbrush for just under a year on both Acrylic and Enamel paints and cannot fault it. Solidly build, disassembles and cleans easy. Derek

[John]

I've had two of this one's close relatives (Revolution BR and an Eclipse CS?)

From what I understand the CR & BR are the same, apart from the BR has a 0.3mm nozzle, no lid and a smaller cup, not tried the Eclipse but like the sound of a self-centring nozzle.

[Guest]

I was surpirsed to see this while browsing the net. This recently posted article advert makes it seem like this airbursh is new. The revolution airbrush is probably more than 5 years old, there's nothing new about it. I've had one for about three years now, and can't use it becuase the tips keep splitting and you can't get parts for Iwatas low end stuff at US hobby shops. When it did work it was OK, but certainly not as good as other airbrushes in this price range. I found this "review" to be misleading/confusing to uninformed visitors, so I had to join the forum to make sure readers know this airbrush is not a new model as implied.

[John]

Thanks for you comments. I didn't say it is new I was reviewing as an airbrush not as the latest product on the market, I and don't feel I have misled anyone.

[stona]

I was surpirsed to see this while browsing the net. This recently posted article advert makes it seem like this airbursh is new. The revolution airbrush is probably more than 5 years old, there's nothing new about it. I've had one for about three years now, and can't use it becuase the tips keep splitting and you can't get parts for Iwatas low end stuff at US hobby shops. When it did work it was OK, but certainly not as good as other airbrushes in this price range. I found this "review" to be misleading/confusing to uninformed visitors, so I had to join the forum to make sure readers know this airbrush is not a new model as implied.

I've had the Revolution BR for some years as well and the only problem I've had with it was caused by me bending the needle (tip).Because I've sprayed laquers through it,and cleaned with celullose thinners, some of the chrome is starting to go from the cup but this hasn't effected the functioning of the airbrush. It isn't my first line airbrush as it has a small cup but I use it frequently. If by "the tips keep splitting" you mean you are breaking the little removable nozzle I'd love to know how you are doing this! I've had the same nozzle for years. I don't consider it fragile but I do treat it with respect,like any precision tool. I'd avoid jamming the needle into that little nozzle for example.

It's a shame about the lack of back up available in the U.S. That lack of customer service does not reflect my experience here in the U.K.

Cheers

Steve

[Guest]

Thanks for you comments. I didn't say it is new I was reviewing as an airbrush not as the latest product on the market, I and don't feel I have misled anyone.

Hi John,

I for one cannot see where or how you have mislead anyone with your Review of the Iwata Revoltion CR Airbrush. There was no need whatsoever for the member called Kosmont to Post such comments.

He says he has been using the CR for 3 years but cannot use it because the Tip keeps spliting and he cannot get the parts in the US. I find this hard to beleive if he has been using it for 3 years; he must have been able to purchase new Nozzels.

The reason the Nozzel (Tip as he calls it) keeps spiting is due to the Neddle drying on the Nozzel, which can be alleviated by two things:- 1, always apply a drop of SuperLube which is an Iwata Medea product after each cleaning session. 2, withdraw the Neddle away from the Nozzel by about 2mm, (so the tip of the Needle is not touching the Nozzel) and lock the Needle in the withdrawn position and protect with the handle. If you do this before putting the airbrush away after each use you will find the nozzel will last a long time.



John, your review of the RV-CR is spot on. I have 7 Iwata Airbrushes and demonstrate with them all at Model Railway Exhibitions, so if anyone has any questions about the Iwata Range, Post a question on the Forum and I will try and answer any questions.

Regards,

Leslie.

http://www.railwaymodels4u.co.uk

[John]

Hi Leslie thanks for the input and welcome to the forum, I've just ordered some more SuperLube, it's good stuff and I've also ordered the preset adjustment handle, hopefully they should be here in a couple of days.

[PJP]

I was sufficiently convinced of the objective nature of the review to order one of them, with adjustment valve, this very day!

[John]

I was sufficiently convinced of the objective nature of the review to order one of them, with adjustment valve, this very day!

Let us know how you find it.

I also bought a Tamiya turntable the other day from my local model shop £16 it's worth getting saves you having to touch your models, it has holes for sprues, clips and the second turntable has clips that spring back great for holding car chassis

[ATTACH]22481.IPB[/ATTACH]

[Guest]

I was surpirsed to see this while browsing the net. This recently posted article advert makes it seem like this airbursh is new. The revolution airbrush is probably more than 5 years old, there's nothing new about it. I've had one for about three years now, and can't use it becuase the tips keep splitting and you can't get parts for Iwatas low end stuff at US hobby shops. When it did work it was OK, but certainly not as good as other airbrushes in this price range. I found this "review" to be misleading/confusing to uninformed visitors, so I had to join the forum to make sure readers know this airbrush is not a new model as implied.

The Iwata Revolution CR may be one of the better airbrush in the under $80 US dollar range. The needle and nozzle replacement parts are cheap and readily available in the US. The steel nozzle is probably less likely to be damaged than other brands at the same price range.

I don't know kosmonot's motivation, but he is definitely confusing people. "I had to join the forum to make sure readers know"??? To know his misinformation?? For example, saying "you can't get parts for Iwatas low end stuff at US hobby shops" is simply not true. Where does he come from? A marketing person from an Iwata competitor?

[PJP]

PJP's Iwata Revolution.

As a newcomer to airbrushing, I bought a kit with compressor, airbrush etc.

The airbrush that came with it seemed quite satisfactory to a newcomer, but following John's review, I went mad and bought the Revolution.

It is in a different league from the one I have before. It seems well balanced and somehow smoother to use.

The paint pattern is wide enough to cope with the large surfaces of a 1/16th King Tiger much better that its predecessor which seemed to have a much narrower spread and therefore not to cover well.

I have yet to develop the confidence to try it on fine work, but as I'm in the Group Build with a Ta 152 I expect to be finding out fairly soon.

On the whole therefore, nice piece of kit.

Peter

[Guest]

Hello

Hey guys!

Need your help now.

I checked iwatas site and they said i need to buy needle, nozzle, both caps and o ring to transfer it to 0.3 :frown:???

Do i need to buy whole set or just needle and nozzle!

Thanks