Wingman_kz4
I have BR and CR Revolutions but not an Eclipse. Never force delicate parts, especially the needle and nozzle.
Conclusion: Which IWATA Airbrush Should You Choose?
Choosing an IWATA airbrush mainly depends on your skill level, intended use, and budget.
Every Iwata airbrush comes with a 5 Year Limited Warranty.
You will definitely find find one model that suits you needs and your budget.
Iwata airbrush
This is the Iwata airbrushes range:
- NEO for Iwata: design for beginners on a budget
- Iwata Revolution Series: Quality, Performance
and Value.
- Iwata Eclipse Series:Versatility, reliability and performance.
- Iwata High Performance Plus Series:High-Precision,High-Detail Work.
- Iwata Hi-Line Series:Hi-Control of Hi-Precision Work
If you are a beginner on a budget, rather than going for a 30 $ low quality build airbrush, I would suggest to go for one of the NEO for Iwata airbrushes.
With its 0.35 mm nozzle, it covers a wide range of uses: priming, basecoating, gradients, shading, fine lining. H&S Evo. I just love to compare notes with other owner of the airbrushes.
IWATA Airbrushes Comparison Chart
In this post I am going to give you an overall view of the full IWATA range of airbrushes and present you the complete Iwata airbrushed comparison chart.
Iwata is a Japanese leading manufacturer of high quality airbrushes for both professional and amateurs.
Each Iwata airbrush series have a different function, from the budget NEO series to the absolute precision tool that is the Custom Micron (CM) series, through the more versatile Eclipse series.
Popular for custom work, decoration, or large miniatures.
| Pros + | Cons – |
|---|---|
| Maximum comfort during long sessions | Less precise for fine detail |
| High flow rate for quick paint or varnish coverage | Bulkier model |
| Good grip if used to spray guns | Requires more air, so needs a suitable compressor |
| Sturdy and reliable for heavy use | Not suited for miniature precision work |
Our opinion: Perfect for large projects or users who prefer a spray gun-style trigger.
Conclusion: 4.2/5
TOP 6 – Iwata Custom Micron CM-C Plus Airbrush: The Ultimate for Professionals
SEE THE AIRBRUSH
- Dual-action with ultra-fine 0.18 mm nozzle
- Gravity feed, integrated cup
- Built-in MAC valve for real-time pressure control
- Extreme control for ultra-detailed work
- Premium build quality, hand-assembled in Japan
- Used by professionals in miniatures and illustration
The CM-C Plus is built for experienced users who demand absolute precision.
With its 0.5 mm nozzle, it easily handles thicker or lightly thinned paints. Despite its entry-level price, it allows you to do fine work, gradients, and priming with good control. I don’t remove the nozzle from the Revolutions that often, there doesn’t seem to be much of a problem with paint buildup. So what does the price difference reflect?
Wouldn’t be surprised to see other online shops do the same soon. They appear to take the same neeldes/nozzles. I always seal the threads on the Revolution and you wouldn’t need to do that with an Eclipse.
BTW, I see Chicago Airbrush Supply has raised their prices on Iwatas recently. Widely used by Warhammer hobbyists to test airbrushing without risk, it offers excellent value for money.
| Pros + | Cons – |
|---|---|
| Low price for real IWATA quality | Less durable over the long term |
| Works well with low-output compressors | Less suited for large surfaces |
| Easy for beginners to use | Not ideal for thick paints |
| Two cup sizes included | Less precise than higher-end models |
Our opinion: The best entry point into the Iwata world for learning on a budget.
Conclusion: 4.5/5
TOP 3 – Iwata Revolution HP-CR Airbrush: Best Value for Money
SEE THE AIRBRUSH
- Dual-action with 0.5 mm nozzle
- Gravity feed, fixed 9 ml cup
- Robust body, good grip
- Good flow rate for priming and fast basecoats
- Simple maintenance with accessible parts
- Suitable for acrylics and varnishes
The HP-CR is a model appreciated by painters who want a solid, reliable, and efficient tool for most tasks.
Iwata Revolution or Eclipse?
EBergerud1
Need a decent #1 brush for my other place. It is easy to swap out bottles of specific colors quickly with siphon-feed airbrush model. Perfect for background , basing but very good also for details. It’s ideal for fast work such as priming, basecoats, or varnishing, while still allowing decent finesse for intermediate layers.
Suction feed is useful for larger volumes or covering large surfaces.
What nozzle size is best for painting miniatures?
A 0.35 mm nozzle is the most versatile for basecoats, gradients, and lining. This is a specialist tool, made for those seeking the best possible result with no compromises.
| Pros + | Cons – |
|---|---|
| Unmatched precision for extreme detail | Very high price |
| MAC valve for maximum control | Requires flawless maintenance |
| Hand-assembled, flawless quality | Not suited for fast or rough work |
| Ideal for pro miniature painters and illustrators | Too demanding for beginners |
Our opinion: A precision machine built for demanding, experienced painters.
Conclusion: 4.9/5
Which IWATA Airbrush Should You Choose Based on Your Painter Profile?
- The Neo CN is ideal for a beginner with a small budget.
- The Revolution HP-CR suits a serious beginner or general-purpose use.
- The Eclipse HP-CS is recommended for intermediate users seeking versatility.
- The Hi-Line HP-BH is perfect for detail enthusiasts and precision painting.
- The TRN2 / HP-TH is great for those who prefer a trigger or work on large surfaces.
- The Micron CM-C Plus is aimed at experts or professionals needing extreme precision.
FAQ: Choosing and Using Your IWATA Airbrush
Which feed type should I choose: gravity or suction?
Gravity feed is ideal for small amounts of paint and offers better precision.
Others, like the Micron or Eclipse, need a more stable and powerful compressor.
Should beginners buy a high-end airbrush?
No. Cosmetics aren’t a big deal but if the Eclipse has some qualitative edge it would be worth it. Perfect for general-purpose art-and-craft projects, as well as model-railroad detailing, R/C car bodies, plastic kits and automotive painting