Paasche VL airbrush - what do you think of it?

[lesthegringo]

Guys, looking at replacing a worn out double action airbrush of uncertain parentage. It was a cheapie that lasted OK, but here they are selling the Paasche VL which will be five times the amount and I want to know if it is worth it. For info the worn one has the nozzle tip worn through on one side, so it doesn't have a correct spray pattern, and no spares are available

Anyone with experience of the Paasche VL?

Les

[Kurt H.]

I have had a VL for about 20 years or so. I do not use it that much, but It is a nice airbrush. As far as I know, it is one of the very few double action airbrushes with an adjustable trigger lock, there is a little wheel that you can adjust so the trigger does not go back forward, allowing you to keep the trigger back where you like it, kind of a "single action mode".

When it comes to picking an airbrush, one consideration is the availability of parts, like needles, color cups, bottles, etc. You can get the parts on line, but if you do not want to wait, it is nice to be able to buy the parts at a store. So, take a look around the stores near you and see what they carry. At this point I do not think there are any airbrushes to avoid, except maybe the no-name ones which you can not get parts for.

[Shaka HI]

I love this airbrush. And I got mine at Amazon for under $70 (come'on, it's cheaper than a lot of kits nowadays)!

[Cyrus Tan]

The Paasche VL is a very reliable brush. I've had mine for over 20 yrs and it's still going strong. It sprays base coats fine and will shoot just about anything (paint, Mr. Surfacer, Future, etc) however if you're trying to do fine lines, a dual action gravity feed would be better for that type of work.

[cag_200]

I have one, its a fine airbrush the VL but its bottom feed, I prefer gravity feed.

My favourite airbrush is the Badger 100Lg. Badger allows you to switch between other types like the 150 and the 200 easily.

All parts are interchangeable.

The PaascheVL doesn't feel like a Badger since its wider and heavier. Badger offers a smooth design.

Still it is a professional airbrush and spareparts are still out there.

Like with Devillbiss its another story, great airbrush but no spareparts these days.

The Olympus, same thing, great airbrush no parts available.

Edited April 8, 2014 by cag_200

[Don Wheeler]

The VL is a good general purpose airbrush. If you like the fat body, you might want to look at the Badger 175 Crescendo. They are very similar. For a slimmer body siphon fed, I like the Badger 155 Anthem.

Don

[Netz]

As mentioned, I'd go to your local or nearby shops and hold one, it's best to 1st get one that fits your hand.

Then I'd stay with the name brands, Badger,Paasche and Iwatta parts are usually carried in most hobby shops, Badger being one of the less expensive when it comes to parts.

Curt

[SteveL]

The VL is a good brush. I used one many years ago and as stated above its a good all-purpose brush. I used to tell people that you could "spray mash potatoes through it!"

If you are wanting something for more fine line work, there are many options out there for a lil bit more money.

My all-time favorite airbrush is an Iwata. But there are a lot of comparable brushes on the market nowadays!

You just need to find which one fits your needs, your budget and your hand!!

Good luck!!

[lesthegringo]

Thanks guys.

The shop that sells it also carries the spares, so that was a good point to make.

I still have a gravity feed double action brush for fine stuff (0.3 tip) so this would be more the general purpose one. I'll get it!

Les

[balls47]

Check out a Paasche Talon. If you want to stick with Paasche, It's a dual-action, gravity feed airbrush that will do fine lines. Check out the set. It comes with 3 different sized needles and a fan spray unit that lets you spray large areas. Also, parts are cheaper and readily available. It's not an Iwata, but it's a nice airbrush.

[jager]

I have had very good luck with both pricing and customer service and recommend these folks:

http://www.coastairbrush.com/

Jager

[vic modeller]

Bang for buck, the Paasche VL is an awesome tool. I've had mine for 18 years using it at least once a week the whole time and it's still got another 15 years in it yet. If using the fine needles just keep a few spares as they're dead easy to bend and good for a stirring stick after that. I also tend to replace the hose every 3 years because once the rubber starts to get a little brittle those little bits of black rubber will sure as hell wind up your model! Just that and throw a seal kit at it every 5 or so years.

[balls47]

Bang for buck, the Paasche VL is an awesome tool. I've had mine for 18 years using it at least once a week the whole time and it's still got another 15 years in it yet. If using the fine needles just keep a few spares as they're dead easy to bend and good for a stirring stick after that. I also tend to replace the hose every 3 years because once the rubber starts to get a little brittle those little bits of black rubber will sure as hell wind up your model! Just that and throw a seal kit at it every 5 or so years.

vic is right on. I use a Paasche H and Paasche Talon. I keep spare parts on hand, especially for the Talon. Also, keep in mind that parts are inexpensive compared to other brands, and they're made in the U.S.A. and show up quickly. Last thing, Paasche's service department is top notch.

[DrGlueblob]

If you look around, you can find the "VL Set" for around sixty bucks. I've used mine since 1970. It's an excellent tool.