Yet another H&S vs. Iwata purchase thread...

[BarryW]

I prefer that kind of tip myself. No-one is more clumsy than me and I have not had a problem with it!! With these tips you can clean off the needle point by 'pinching it' between your fingers with some kutchen towell. Thats particularly important when using water based acrylics when tip drying can be an issue.

[Guest]

I think you're right Barry because most airbrushes apart from entry level, or perhaps I should say "learner" level, have the needle open in one way or the other, and it must work since people are using this.
I just learned airbrushing with my Ultra and that's what I got used to, but I can see many benefits with this one!

The only thing that I don't like as a first impression is the "feel in the hand" compared to my Ultra. The infinity is a lot heavier. This was expected due to the various extra functions compared, but I understand why they've made an aluminium one, to cut weight.

I've got a real mancold today, fever and all, so perhaps it's not the best time to "review" this airbrush, but mechanically it looks and feels like clockwork! German engineering is great, even today when everything has to be cheaper and cheaper every year! And since Iwata now owns Harder & Steenbeck the debate Iwata vs. H&S is now solved once and for all!

[Guest]

In order to test the Infinity and the new compressor I wanted something with detail, or tiny parts, and I decided to build and paint the Revell Horten Go 229 1/72 kit that's going to sit next to my Haunebu II to give it some scale.
This is not the best aircraft kit to start with as a tank modeller because of many reasons, but a bit so-so fit and certain features lacking detail are some of them - but a challenge outside the comfort zone for sure!

I first played with the airbrush on paper for 3-4 minutes before I started priming the model with XF-69, and although my airbrush knowledge is limited - I know what quality tools feel like, and this certainly feels like quality!
I was able to paint consistent thin lines with accuracy and control. A shame that I can't paint straight lines because that'd be perfect, but I felt I was in total control after just a few minutes.

The only complaint I have is that the cap for the small cup doesn't fit properly. It's just a wee bit too wide to grip properly... This means that it falls off if I turn the airbrush to the side - not that you're supposed to do this, but still... Big enough movements and I think it might come off?! If yours are the same then it's by design but if not then please let me know and I'll get another cap.
The cap on the large cup has a better fit.

I should've bought this airbrush from the start instead of the Ultra I bought 4.5 months ago, but back then I had zero experience with airbrush and the Ultra sounded better than some cheapo eBay stuff.
I'm going to put the 0.4 mm needle & nozzle in the Ultra and use it for primer and for painting large areas so it's not going to be wasted money, but if you're thinking of buying an airbrush and you're going to use it a lot then buy the Infinity from the beginning av save the money on the cheaper one because you're going to upgrade soon anyway!
Also spending the extra money on a descent compressor made a huge difference. Even pressure and full control over pressure means better paint job, and the pump is only running when it needs to top up the tank so it's a lot quieter than with my previous non-tank compressor.

Another difference is that I've got zero overspray or splatter and to test this I didn't use my spray booth for the Horten Ho, I just used the box lid for a Tamiya kit. There was no black paint outside the spray area and that means that I can do details and similar smaller paint jobs with just some paper underneath and no spray booth! I'm using iso as thinner so it doesn't smell anyway.

I also tried to clean the airbrush with the patented Iwata back-flush method, which didn't work on the Ultra, but it does with the Infinity. Just a few drops of cellulose thinner on the last flush and it's as good as new!
I will still tear down the airbrush after a long session, but between colours I think I might start using this new method. Not because it's faster, but because it's simpler and less messy.

Well spent money if you ask me and if you're thinking about buying a new airbrush and the Infinity is on the shortlist you can't go wrong! Clean it properly and it'll easily last a lifetime.

[Guest]

Similar findings here! This airbrush genuinely gives you confidence, and behaves itself impeccably!

[PhilJ]

I was told once never to backlash and to be honest it has caused me problems in the past even on my Iwata. I have a H&S evolution and a Iwata HP-CH which I use for my gunze and Vallejo, the Iwata is just an incredible bit of kit for my 1/48 aircraft builds.
What I am getting shortly is the Neo TRN2 pistol trigger side feed, this will be used for priming and base coats only as it has a 0.5 needle any this will allow for a wider more even coat and and hopefully less blockages with my primer.
I think it's good to have a couple of airbrushes for dedicated work and should see your airbrushes perform better and more "full maintenance" free for longer.

Glad to see you new brush is working well it's a lovely bit of kit

[stillp]

The cap doesn't seem loose on mine Jens.

Pete

[Guest]

The cap doesn't seem loose on mine Jens.

Pete

Cheers Pete!
That's what I suspected...

I'll drop an email to the seller and see if they can send me a replacement?!

[Guest]

Thanks John for your detailed story on how you found your solution! I'm about to make your, and many others, journey and I'd prefer to not have to buy several different airbrushes before I'm happy. It's money I don't have to be honest and if I'm going to spend ~£200 on an airbrush it better be one I'm happy with.

Looking at the Iwata I've found three models that would suit me according to their descriptions and they are High Performance Plus C, Eclipse CS and HI_line CH.
However I'm very happy with my current "cheapo" H&S and how it's easy to disassemble so I'm currently in favour of that brand due to inexperience with everything else...

Before I wrote this question I was looking at the H&S Infinity CRplus Two 0.4 mm but only based on my gut feeling and my experience with my Ultra, and thanks Tony for your words on this model!
As long as I can limit the air flow and paint volume I think I'm going to be happy, but getting an airbrush that's going to last me a very long time is also important so I will spend a bit extra on quality for sure.

I think I'm going to consult youtube a bit later tonight when the kids have gone to bed in order to see the above mentioned airbrushes in action, specifically cleaning, and make some sort of decision on that.

Thank you!

I'm new to the hobby but when I reached out to the father-in-law (30 years in the hobby) for a recommendation he sent me this link to a list the best airbrush for models and said to pick one on the list at a price I'm comfortable with and I cant go wrong. Went with the Eclipse HP and though I don't have much to compare it with it is a damn fine tool.

As for my FIL, he has High Performance Plus C and some Badgers and raves about the Plus C and given his years spraying it must be good. However, he has said it is probably more airbrush than most modelers need and only recommends it to folks that are really looking for more with that price point. Given the price of the Infinity, do you feel it was worth it?

[colin m]

Given the price of the Infinity, do you feel it was worth it?

I do. Myself and Jens bought the same AB quite independently at the same time. Just about an hour ago I used it for pre-shading a 1:72 model. I've done this before, but it was so much easier with this AB. The 'quick fix' facility was used a few times - I spray Vallejo !

[Guest]

Good to know! If you don't mind me asking, what other higher end AB's do you have experience with and how do they compare to the Infinity?

[colin m]

Good to know! If you don't mind me asking, what other higher end AB's do you have experience with and how do they compare to the Infinity?

The only other decent (I don't think it counts as high end) AB I own is a H&S Evolution Silverline fpc 2 in 1. I'm leaving this set up with a 0.4 needle for primer etc. The infinity is more adjustable and has a quick fix function (very useful for acrylic users like me) Crucially, I can do finer work with it, well I say that, I need more practice using it, but early indications are very satisfying.

[Guest]

Given the price of the Infinity, do you feel it was worth it?

Oh yes! This is the airbrush I should've bought from the beginning and not the Ultra, but I've since put a 0.4 mm nozzle and needle in the Ultra so I'm using it for primer etc from now on.
The Infinity is so easy to paint with and I can dial down the pressure really low without splatter so it has certainly enabled me to excel in the paint department!
With the 0.15 mm nozzle and needle I can paint really tiny details with ease and although I mainly build in 1/35 scale I've now tried some 1/72 scale too and it was no worries with the Infinity.

Me and Colin made the same choice at the same time after going back and forth about what to get - and if it was worth the extra money with the Infinity? We both went for it and none of us has regretted that decision!

So don't do the same mistake I did - and so many others - and buy the best you can get from start, otherwise you'll spend even more money getting there because eventually you will buy that expensive airbrush and leave all the intermediate ones in a drawer.

[Guest]

Makes sense Colin! Also, I totally agree Jens, my motto is buy once cry once! Rarely do I waste money on cheap stuff and when I do I fully expect it to be a throw away or something I don't need to last long. Anyway, great responses, thanks!