List Price: $189.99
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This is my first compressor and seeing how it runs, will probably be the only compressor I will own. I have used a model master compressor before and I feel it performs the same. Everything is included in this set to get started airbrushing (well everything but the paint). The airbrush holder (with the two slots) is super helpful when you need a place to put your second airbrush for quick changes as well as a great way to refill your gravity fed airbrush. Best part is the compressor does not sputter.
Loudness and heat:
The compressor is rather quiet. It auto shuts off when not in use (auto as in it stops humming, you still need to actually flip the switch to turn it off when you are done). I have never had a problem with it overheating or getting anything hotter than warm to the touch.
Regulator and water trap:
A water trap is crucial for any small scale model painter because water destroys paint jobs. The set comes with one so no worry here. The regulator works great and shows little discrepancy between the psi you set it at and the psi that is maintained when airbrushing (up into the 30s). Past 30 psi the difference starts to show so do some tests sprays to see where the compressor actually maintains at. Max psi is 57, this should not be a problem for most because model kit builders use psi around 15-20 and 30 for heavier paints.
Airbrushes:
The airbrushes that come with this set are nice. The G22 is a gravity feed dual action with a .30mm needle, the S68 is a siphon feed with dual action and .35mm needle, and the E91 is a single action external mixed with a .80mm needle. The hose that comes with the set does not fit the single action (in fact doesn't fit any single action) and you need to purchase a new hose (should run about $8 online) if you would like to use the single action (which I would recommend for beginners or when applying to large surface area with no need for detail. As far as performance of each brush here goes:
G22: Decent weight and fits well with the contour of your hands (I am right handed but I would imagine it feels the same left or right handed). Cap comes off relatively easily to allow for filling and cleaning. The trigger requires that you first push down then pull back to adjust the amount of paint that comes out (dual action). Definitely not as smooth as my Iwata-Medea HP-CS; however, did not cost nearly as much ($120). It performs well with model master acrylics straight from the glass bottle without any thinning. Cleaning can be a little tricky though. Clean by spraying water until color goes away but for a full clean dissembling it is required. The nozzle is not removable (at least not easily) so it requires that you drag the needle out from the back which deposits paint inside the brush. Rinse the brush thoroughly to make sure no paint is left behind. Careful of the trigger though when you remove the needle because it tends to fall out and sometimes can be a pain to put back in.
S68: Again the weight is good; however a little more awkward due to the bottom feed when holding. The small metal cup that comes with the set is of poor quality though. Airbrush works ok for the most part I would recommend getting a different siphon feed if you paint a lot of large surface area things. However for model painting this is fine. The trigger is quite sensitive and i had issues with the gun "leaking" air because the trigger was stuck in a semi press. This made the compressor turn off and on which can be annoying and requires you to fidget with it to stop it from leaking. Cleaning is a pain because of all the crevices that a siphon feed presents. You will probably need to invest in a mini brush to get in there and clean the bottom feed as well as the feed in the cup.
E91: Never bought a hose to connect this so I never tried it out. I heard a few good reviews though and it would probably be worth it to invest a few bucks to get a hose and try this hose out if you are a beginner.
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