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So, after only 2 clean ups my cheapo Chinese HS-30 is a wreck! This was a really long post that I've deleted before posting (really long unnecessary rant). The main reason (from a large batch of reasons) is the lose trigger that prevents me from controlling the paint. I was totally expecting this coming, but the brush came for free with the compressor.

I really need your advice on my next step - buying a new airbrush. I buy a lot of stuff on Ebay, but lately too much items does not get delivered and I am not a very patient man. Some local art shops that are around me have this in stock:

Sparmax - 4 models, different DH - something and they are all priced 90 USD. I don't know nothing about those brushes. However all the 4 models look the same and they look depressingly familiar to my HS-30 that is falling apart.
Paasche Talon - This one looks beautiful and by the reviews I saw it should spray nicely. A strong con is that there should be a lot of spare parts, but I hear people complain that It wont fit their hose and etc. I guess it needs some adapters and stuff. Also I don't see how I can back flush the paint. The needle cap of this brush looks atrocious.... non the less I guess it should be nice brush - ~110 USD
IWATA REVOLUTION HP-CR - Reviews says that this is THE AIRBRUSH. However this goes quite over my budget ~170 Dollars. Yes I know it is not a 300 dollars airbrush, but is still quite a lot of money. Other thing that is teasing me - I don't know if there are any rubber plastic elements inside, because I've heard that alcohol thinners like Mr. Leveling Surface can "eat" them. Now, I know that Paasche is 100% metal, but Do not know how the Iwata is and I do not want to destroy the beautiful brush if I go on the Iwata route - one broken Chinese cheapo is more than my heart can handle.

Now, I am aware that a lot of people will tell me to get Badger. There are not a lot of spare parts for this one one around me, because no one is selling it. They are available only online for me so I don't think it is an option.
So I will be happy if you give me any guides guys.

Own the Talon, and it's a great brush. I've had no problems with my hose or anything else. Would recommend

 TheLumberJack wrote:
Own the Talon, and it's a great brush. I've had no problems with my hose or anything else. Would recommend

Thanks man! I hope more people can help me decide, cause you know money are money. I know that you cannot buy skill, but it helps when the tool is at least working properly.

I haven't used enough high end brushes to really make any suggestions. Most the experienced guys I know say not to stress too much because it's mostly down to the operator.

On the cheap Chinese side, my first airbrush was an Artlogic brush, which is basically a Sparmax knock off, cost $55 and I got it for about $45 by doing a deal with my local hobby shop when I bought my compressor. It wasn't awesome, but it lasted me for like a year before I bothered to upgrade and for the most part anything I can do with a more expensive brush I can do with the cheaper one as well. The main problem I had with it was the rubber nozzle seal died, if I tighten the nozzle down it still seals, but the nozzle isn't perfectly straight so I get an asymmetric spray cone.

I read a review of the one you got, the HS-30, and they also said the trigger was quite loose. Though still make sure the spring retaining collar is properly tightened. If it's loose the needle will be floppy.... it's the thing called "Spring Screw" in the picture on this page...

https://www.megahobby.com/blog/how-to-clean-an-airbrush-properly/

I'd you can stretch to an Iwata, do it. The amount of people I've heard give the same advise convinced me to do the same and I couldn't be happier with mine.

AllSeeingSkink wrote:
I haven't used enough high end brushes to really make any suggestions. Most the experienced guys I know say not to stress too much because it's mostly down to the operator.

On the cheap Chinese side, my first airbrush was an Artlogic brush, which is basically a Sparmax knock off, cost $55 and I got it for about $45 by doing a deal with my local hobby shop when I bought my compressor. It wasn't awesome, but it lasted me for like a year before I bothered to upgrade and for the most part anything I can do with a more expensive brush I can do with the cheaper one as well. The main problem I had with it was the rubber nozzle seal died, if I tighten the nozzle down it still seals, but the nozzle isn't perfectly straight so I get an asymmetric spray cone.

I read a review of the one you got, the HS-30, and they also said the trigger was quite loose. Though still make sure the spring retaining collar is properly tightened. If it's loose the needle will be floppy.... it's the thing called "Spring Screw" in the picture on this page...

https://www.megahobby.com/blog/how-to-clean-an-airbrush-properly/

The problem that If i tighten it a bit more the trigger from loose turns to tight and it shoots only air. It is literately impossible to release any paint. I am between spraying way too much paint or spray nothing. I've placed a piece of paper between the trigger and the back lever and it is way better, but I don't think that this is the idea of having an airbrush.
About Sparmax... I know absolutely nothing of this brand. From your post I see that there are knock offs of this brand, but I was previously thinking that Sparmax are iWATA knock offs...

Runway 13 are Iwata knock offs if memory serves, they aren't bad but they aren't terribly cheap so if you're spending that much money you're probably better off just getting the real deal. Though Runway 13 replacement needles, nozzles and seals are pretty cheap.

If you're spending a decent amount of money on a brush, you want it to last a long time so make sure it uses good seals that won't degrade quickly. Typically anything with teflon seals is fine. The main seals to worry about are the nozzle seal (rubber gets eaten up very quickly in this area because you pull the nozzle on and off every time you clean the brush) and also the needle packing seal (that's the one that stops paint flowing down the needle and in to the trigger mechanism). My brush has a rubber seal around the cup but I don't really care because it's not critical if it dies, but the nozzle seal and the packing seal are critical.

If it doesn't have good seals, make sure you can get replacements cheaply and easily.

There's Iwata HP-CS Eclipse in the same range, and for half the price, if not lower. It's not a compromise in quality.

I own 2 Talons and both have come down with gasket problems. Paasche does not stand behind there product but happily charge you to have a look at them.

The Iwata I have had a small backflow problem. I was able to send it to them and they got it working properly and didn't charge me for parts or return shipping.

Badger takes care of their customers too. A friend of mine had something going on with his. They took it in and got it working like new. Again no charge.

Most airbrushes work about the same. But does the company that makes them back them up or not.

Iwata HP-CS master race, checking in