Still an excellent review 6 years later I've been looking to upgrade my current Iwata Neo airbrush and seen a lot about trigger/pistol grip style airbrushes and this review really sold me. I tend to be very heavy handed with my Neo, and while that's mostly okay, I do like how much control you have with finer details with this brush One of my local hobby shops has a few of this exact brush for sale at a really good price and I think I might - excuse the pun - finally pull the trigger on it
I got one of these Tritium TG3 even having an "XT" already and this is the best, most excellent air gun ever, and I have 5 Iwatas and been doing airbrush since the 1970's. I bought all of the needle options for the TG3 and thus this is the only gun I use now.
Wow I'm so glad that you made this video that's on my next purchase I just been so hesitant about purchasing one cuz I didn't really know how it would feel in my hand so thanks so much great video
thinking of purchasing this as ive problems with my hands and need a trigger grip instead of the usual design. Just need to try and get it in the uk now.
I've been holding off getting an airbrush for a couple years now. I finally caved but after doing a bunch of research, figured this one would be the best to dive in with. As a beginner, I don't want to struggle with any of the challenges of lesser units. Cleaning, spray quality, control, blah, blah blah. I figure this will be my 'lifer' go-to airbrush for many years, so might as well coin up and make it a better experience. And, since I never used a conventional airbrush, I should find the Grex trigger pull system more intuitive. Looking at conventional airbrushes, I didn't like the idea of pulling back on a button from the get-go. A trigger approach should be the way to go.
Good review video! Will link to it when I am recommending the TG to others. I've had mine for a year and I love it. A couple of things: 1. Do not clean with ammonia based product. 2. Grex will soon be selling a fan spray tip for the Tritium that will allow broader coverage. For those on a budget, you might want to look at the Neo by Iwata TRN items. Not as high quality at the Grex, but half the cost.
The only online store I can find this at is one in Canada selling it for $271. I like this style as the idea of a trigger style airbrush as is more comfertable and controlling, compared to the button atop on other airbrushes. Should I wait for a sale, or wait for the closets hobby shop near my province across the Canadian border to have a sale ad ship it to where I am in Canada? Good viewer I am glad you made it.
I found this in 30 seconds. www.amazon.com/s?k=airbrush+grex&adgrpid=56091406516&gclid=Cj0KCQjws536BRDTARIsANeUZ5_E7XvWVzPYp9E1fuItQbretb2Kaea6D1vU15MqkAONNyXPLyDR9XAaAgj8EALw_wcB&hvadid=410012747487&hvdev=m&hvlocphy=9027278&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=14773370024018785790&hvtargid=kwd-301078049931&hydadcr=15369_11430184&tag=hydsma-20&ref=pd_sl_34t2g54ksu_e
@@TacticalJackalope Hey thanks, but it brings up multiple results, and I have too scroll down to find it. Its $202 but keep in mind it's the America Amazon.com you liked me too.
I got my Grex kit around Labor Day for 50% off. I've been wanting to branch out from spray cans to airbrushes for many years now but it's always been too expensive to do so and had no real work space for large tanks id have to refill and noisy compressors that would no doubt bother the neighbors. This purchase was unexpected but so far its been awesome. Thing is its true there arent many videos around covering Grex airbrushes. I'm actually on here trying to get more info on the air control valve located on the quick release adapter and want to know exactly where its function is different from the PSI control on the compressor. Looks like i'm going to have to head to the forums to see if i can get some questions answered.
The fine air control valve or MAC valve (Micro air control) is for fine adjustment of pressure. It will let you make very small adjustments to achieve specific results i.e. stippling etc. However, this is not part of the normal Grex airbrush package and an accessory. As far as compressors go I would recommend this : www.amazon.com/AIRBRUSH-COMPRESSOR--Airbrush-Published-Exclusively/dp/B001738DXU/ref=sr_1_1?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1418377795&sr=1-1&keywords=airbrush+compressor+with+tank It is small and very affordable and extremely quiet. I have had this model for over a year and it has been great and you definitely want to get one with a tank so it doesn't run all of the time. Hope this helps.
TacticalJackalope Yes the G-MAC. I'm thinking I should just leave it on full open and use it for very minor adjustments to the air flow, if it even needs it. I got the GCK03 kit. I downloaded an app that reads decibels and it gave me a reading of about 54 or 64dBs. Can't quite remember. What I'm trying to figure out is what readings to follow and which to ignore. Lets say, for example, I adjust the PSI to 24. When I press on the airbrush and air begins to flow, the readings on the gauge will drop to, for example, 20 PSI. I'm not sure which of the two readings I should follow. BTW, I also got one of those cheap $60-$90 portable airbrush booths from Amazon. The decibels on that came to about the mid 70s dBs. Thanks for clarifying what the G-MAC is for.
Wow. Nice n shiny.....I like it! See, I thought the pistol grip would take some getting used to but you said it was very intuativd and easy to use. Hmmmmm. Nice. Oh, and thats a GREAT ste for airbrushes.
Ouch ! 3 big ones hey ??? but what a cool tool thou ! Nice catch Andy ! I like the paint cups options...makes it even more versatile; very neat in deed ! Let us know when you get to Clean it really good after a few paint sessions.... and let us know your thoughts then as well! I have been eyeballing this brand for some time and being a high quality tool it has a price to match ! but with Quality tools comes quality work ! in all its all good ! Thanks for sharing your first impressions... looks mighty slick !
I bought it from www.Chicagoairbrushsupply.com and they run promotions from time to time. This place is a favorite of Gilberts and he made me aware of them some time ago.
I have this airbrush also and about five other brushes. Love it. I have more control with the pistol grip than the regular trigger type and it is easy to clean also. I'm still trying to find the fan nozzle that is suppose to be coming out..
great review Andy this could be a good alternative for modellers alike maybe with arthritis, that trigger and handle design when i first saw iwata make this design i was put off it straight away may coz i'm old school and prefer the standard dual action design but the grex however does look awesome and the amount of detail you can achieve is pretty damn good i'd say if i win the lottery i'll buy or just save hard for this top stuff bud awesome review :)
Faron Adams You bet bud if you are patient I think you can find one. I waited about 7 months before getting one and I did occasionally see one used on Ebay. I even bid on one of those but I didn't win it.
Actually, that's not a bad price since they include all three cups and caps. I think F.S.M. did a review on this air-brush. This is a good looking and seems to be a very user friendly air-brush. I think the trigger would be more comfortable and offer better control. Thanks for the review. If anything changes after prolonged use, pass the info along. Besides that, I'm sold! - Bob
Cool review and product. I've been toying with the idea of one of those or a NEO trigger grip for large jobs (priming, base and clear) as it did seem they wouldn't cramp the hand over time. I would have picked one or the other up by now, but they both need the wrench to get the nozzle off and I'm spoiled by the Harder and Steenbeck, compression system for the nozzle. The NEO is a bit cheaper, but only a .35 needle is available and it doesn't have the magnetic caps, so I'm still sitting on the fence...
I have the .02 and .04 kits for the H&S, but on long/big jobs my hand begins to cramp. So I was thinking a pistol grip would be better, and you know it's going to be better because it has a trigger! Not a silly button...
I've been wondering about the Grex airbrushes for a while now, so thanks for the review. Definitely on my list for a next airbrush at some point. I know you have the quick connect, but what size hookup does it use for the air hose? Same as the Badger brushes?
This is a great airbrush!! I have the Tritium.TS side feed pistol version and now debating if I should get this gravity feed version of it also. I would like to have 2 sets just don't know if I should go with a gravity version or another side feed version of this
This is a pricey airbrush but looks great; question, is it possible to spray automotive 2 part Urethane Clear Coat with this gun? If so what tip would I have to use?
The way to buy this brush is to wait for a sale at Chicago Airbrush Supply. They recently had a July 4th promo with 17% off everything site wide. This is how I bought mine. They have sales pretty regularly you just have to be patient. www.chicagoairbrushsupply.com/
Yeah, too expensive for me and I'm not good enough to justify it. I'm going with the Iwata Neo TRN1. The point is really that trigger action airbrushes like these are a good thing.
Excellent. I can't compare it with the Grex because I've never used it but the Iwata does me extremely well. My hands are the problem and the trigger action is much easier for me to use than a traditional double-action airbrush.
I know the feeling. I started with a traditional double-action and it just did not feel right to me. The minute I used the pistol trigger on the Grex, I never looked back. Like I stated, I see on Ebay the Neo going for 50% off retail and it would be nice to have a back up as well as another utility brush. What make Grex cool is that it is easy to clean, the magnetic crown caps and the ability to change the needle out to a .2 .3 or .5. If I get the Neo, the Grex will be used for fine detailing. Thanks again for the info.
I would have to seriously question that. Future or Pledge is just a Acrylic based product. Windex has nothing stronger in it than ammonia. Why would an airbrush be o.k. With far more corrosive enamel or lacquer based products and then not with water based or acrylics... doesn't make sense.
Still an excellent review 6 years later
I've been looking to upgrade my current Iwata Neo airbrush and seen a lot about trigger/pistol grip style airbrushes and this review really sold me. I tend to be very heavy handed with my Neo, and while that's mostly okay, I do like how much control you have with finer details with this brush
One of my local hobby shops has a few of this exact brush for sale at a really good price and I think I might - excuse the pun - finally pull the trigger on it
I got one of these Tritium TG3 even having an "XT" already and this is the best, most excellent air gun ever, and I have 5 Iwatas and been doing airbrush since the 1970's. I bought all of the needle options for the TG3 and thus this is the only gun I use now.
I just ordered this exact airbrush from SprayGunner and I’m really looking forward to trying it out.
Thanks for your review!
Wow I'm so glad that you made this video that's on my next purchase I just been so hesitant about purchasing one cuz I didn't really know how it would feel in my hand so thanks so much great video
No worries I enjoy making the video.
thinking of purchasing this as ive problems with my hands and need a trigger grip instead of the usual design. Just need to try and get it in the uk now.
I've been holding off getting an airbrush for a couple years now. I finally caved but after doing a bunch of research, figured this one would be the best to dive in with. As a beginner, I don't want to struggle with any of the challenges of lesser units. Cleaning, spray quality, control, blah, blah blah. I figure this will be my 'lifer' go-to airbrush for many years, so might as well coin up and make it a better experience. And, since I never used a conventional airbrush, I should find the Grex trigger pull system more intuitive. Looking at conventional airbrushes, I didn't like the idea of pulling back on a button from the get-go. A trigger approach should be the way to go.
Iwatas are the bomb. Many parts and styles available. Im looking for a trigger now.
Thanks for review thinking about it for like you said car body’s and primer coat. 👍🏻
Thanks for the review, Andy. I have seen these and was curious about them, and you've answered my questions.
No problem Jim thank you for watching.
Awesome review! I recently got this airbrush and this review really helped me figure out the basics!
+Luke Hardy Thank you I hope you enjoy the using such a great tool!
Like it. Think I will get this airbrush. Thanks Andy
Nick Ruz That awesome you will have to let us know how you like it when you get it.
Good review video! Will link to it when I am recommending the TG to others. I've had mine for a year and I love it. A couple of things:
1. Do not clean with ammonia based product.
2. Grex will soon be selling a fan spray tip for the Tritium that will allow broader coverage.
For those on a budget, you might want to look at the Neo by Iwata TRN items. Not as high quality at the Grex, but half the cost.
What to clean with?
I have the Iwata Neo TRN2 and it's my favorite out of all my airbrushes.
Very nice review. Thank you.
The only online store I can find this at is one in Canada selling it for $271. I like this style as the idea of a trigger style airbrush as is more comfertable and controlling, compared to the button atop on other airbrushes.
Should I wait for a sale, or wait for the closets hobby shop near my province across the Canadian border to have a sale ad ship it to where I am in Canada? Good viewer I am glad you made it.
I found this in 30 seconds.
www.amazon.com/s?k=airbrush+grex&adgrpid=56091406516&gclid=Cj0KCQjws536BRDTARIsANeUZ5_E7XvWVzPYp9E1fuItQbretb2Kaea6D1vU15MqkAONNyXPLyDR9XAaAgj8EALw_wcB&hvadid=410012747487&hvdev=m&hvlocphy=9027278&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=14773370024018785790&hvtargid=kwd-301078049931&hydadcr=15369_11430184&tag=hydsma-20&ref=pd_sl_34t2g54ksu_e
@@TacticalJackalope Hey thanks, but it brings up multiple results, and I have too scroll down to find it. Its $202 but keep in mind it's the America Amazon.com you liked me too.
Very nice airbrush looks like you could do it all with it thank you for sharing my friend
Roadhog0822 You bet I am glad you enjoyed it.
I got my Grex kit around Labor Day for 50% off. I've been wanting to branch out from spray cans to airbrushes for many years now but it's always been too expensive to do so and had no real work space for large tanks id have to refill and noisy compressors that would no doubt bother the neighbors. This purchase was unexpected but so far its been awesome. Thing is its true there arent many videos around covering Grex airbrushes. I'm actually on here trying to get more info on the air control valve located on the quick release adapter and want to know exactly where its function is different from the PSI control on the compressor. Looks like i'm going to have to head to the forums to see if i can get some questions answered.
The fine air control valve or MAC valve (Micro air control) is for fine adjustment of pressure. It will let you make very small adjustments to achieve specific results i.e. stippling etc. However, this is not part of the normal Grex airbrush package and an accessory. As far as compressors go I would recommend this : www.amazon.com/AIRBRUSH-COMPRESSOR--Airbrush-Published-Exclusively/dp/B001738DXU/ref=sr_1_1?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1418377795&sr=1-1&keywords=airbrush+compressor+with+tank It is small and very affordable and extremely quiet. I have had this model for over a year and it has been great and you definitely want to get one with a tank so it doesn't run all of the time. Hope this helps.
TacticalJackalope Yes the G-MAC. I'm thinking I should just leave it on full open and use it for very minor adjustments to the air flow, if it even needs it. I got the GCK03 kit. I downloaded an app that reads decibels and it gave me a reading of about 54 or 64dBs. Can't quite remember. What I'm trying to figure out is what readings to follow and which to ignore. Lets say, for example, I adjust the PSI to 24. When I press on the airbrush and air begins to flow, the readings on the gauge will drop to, for example, 20 PSI. I'm not sure which of the two readings I should follow. BTW, I also got one of those cheap $60-$90 portable airbrush booths from Amazon. The decibels on that came to about the mid 70s dBs. Thanks for clarifying what the G-MAC is for.
Tactical Jackalope - How do you like this Grex after using it for a few years?
Wow. Nice n shiny.....I like it! See, I thought the pistol grip would take some getting used to but you said it was very intuativd and easy to use. Hmmmmm. Nice. Oh, and thats a GREAT ste for airbrushes.
Stevie Gibson Thank you Stevie it is a neat tool for sure.
Ouch ! 3 big ones hey ??? but what a cool tool thou ! Nice catch Andy ! I like the paint cups options...makes it even more versatile; very neat in deed !
Let us know when you get to Clean it really good after a few paint sessions.... and let us know your thoughts then as well!
I have been eyeballing this brand for some time and being a high quality tool it has a price to match ! but with Quality tools comes quality work ! in all its all good ! Thanks for sharing your first impressions... looks mighty slick !
No it wasn't that bad they are $209 at retail and with the Labor Day weekend promo it was 12% so it was like $183.92 but still not cheap.
Oh! Amazon isn't giving them away like this ! LOL Much nicer price.... that I could do !
I bought it from www.Chicagoairbrushsupply.com and they run promotions from time to time. This place is a favorite of Gilberts and he made me aware of them some time ago.
I have this airbrush also and about five other brushes. Love it. I have more control with the pistol grip than the regular trigger type and it is easy to clean also. I'm still trying to find the fan nozzle that is suppose to be coming out..
+Ron Zufelt store.spruebrothers.com/category_s/2000.htm
Thanks but I did get one from Chicago Airbrush. Awesome nozzle. It's like using a touch up gun.
great review Andy this could be a good alternative for modellers alike maybe with arthritis, that trigger and handle design when i first saw iwata make this design i was put off it straight away may coz i'm old school and prefer the standard dual action design but the grex however does look awesome and the amount of detail you can achieve is pretty damn good i'd say if i win the lottery i'll buy or just save hard for this top stuff bud awesome review :)
Faron Adams You bet bud if you are patient I think you can find one. I waited about 7 months before getting one and I did occasionally see one used on Ebay. I even bid on one of those but I didn't win it.
Actually, that's not a bad price since they include all three cups and caps. I think F.S.M. did a review on this air-brush. This is a good looking and seems to be a very user friendly air-brush. I think the trigger would be more comfortable and offer better control. Thanks for the review. If anything changes after prolonged use, pass the info along. Besides that, I'm sold! - Bob
You know you are right I had not thought of that it does pretty much come with everything you could need. Good point sir!
Thanks im an iwata fan but wanna try this now.
I got the same one, love it.
Awesome! Where did you get yours?
I bought mine from a local art store. Bought the combo pack w/ Compressor and Tg3
That looks NICE!!
Thank you sir.
Chicago Airbrush has it for $209, time to buy.
Paul
Great! You will enjoy it.
Cool review and product. I've been toying with the idea of one of those or a NEO trigger grip for large jobs (priming, base and clear) as it did seem they wouldn't cramp the hand over time. I would have picked one or the other up by now, but they both need the wrench to get the nozzle off and I'm spoiled by the Harder and Steenbeck, compression system for the nozzle. The NEO is a bit cheaper, but only a .35 needle is available and it doesn't have the magnetic caps, so I'm still sitting on the fence...
Forbes Hutton Why don't you just buy the .4mm conversion for your H&S?
I have the .02 and .04 kits for the H&S, but on long/big jobs my hand begins to cramp. So I was thinking a pistol grip would be better, and you know it's going to be better because it has a trigger! Not a silly button...
I’m having trouble with mines it not allowing me to attach the different front pieces it comes with
I've been wondering about the Grex airbrushes for a while now, so thanks for the review. Definitely on my list for a next airbrush at some point. I know you have the quick connect, but what size hookup does it use for the air hose? Same as the Badger brushes?
No it was the same size as Iwata I forget what is is 1/4" maybe?? I think the Badger is 1/8" but don't quote me on that.
Okay, thanks for the info.
Great review. I like the pistol grip design I sprayed the other day for about 4 hrs and hand was getting tired so this looks like a great solution
Thank you for watching.
This is a great airbrush!! I have the Tritium.TS side feed pistol version and now debating if I should get this gravity feed version of it also. I would like to have 2 sets just don't know if I should go with a gravity version or another side feed version of this
I'm glad you like yours I have found it to be a bit paint finicky but overall I'm pleased with it.
Great review
Robert Thatcher Thanks.
Now that I think about it, I'm surprised you went with Grex for a pistol grip A/B over a Tamiya.
Why is that?
Your Tamiya addiction!
BTW- are you going to review the Tamiya sanding sponges?
That Tamiya one costs about 90% of the Grex and didn't come with all of the accessories. I did consider it though.
I will eventually get around to making a review for you on those.
This is a pricey airbrush but looks great; question, is it possible to spray automotive 2 part Urethane Clear Coat with this gun? If so what tip would I have to use?
+Gotallofthem1 My understanding is that they now have a fan tip for just such an application.
Thanks for the review my wallet will be taking a huge blow but I'll be happy with this airbrush.
The way to buy this brush is to wait for a sale at Chicago Airbrush Supply. They recently had a July 4th promo with 17% off everything site wide. This is how I bought mine. They have sales pretty regularly you just have to be patient.
www.chicagoairbrushsupply.com/
Nice, thanks for the link
Why didn't you use the other tip?
Acetone works better and cheaper.. don’t get on seals , lube with glycerin. I have the side feed grex airbrush love it .
looks like you have better control with the trigger
angel trieber It can be a nice advantage yes.
Yeah, too expensive for me and I'm not good enough to justify it. I'm going with the Iwata Neo TRN1. The point is really that trigger action airbrushes like these are a good thing.
I used the Grex but have been interested in the Neo for a second airbrush. Did you get it? What is your experience with it?
Excellent. I can't compare it with the Grex because I've never used it but the Iwata does me extremely well. My hands are the problem and the trigger action is much easier for me to use than a traditional double-action airbrush.
I know the feeling. I started with a traditional double-action and it just did not feel right to me. The minute I used the pistol trigger on the Grex, I never looked back. Like I stated, I see on Ebay the Neo going for 50% off retail and it would be nice to have a back up as well as another utility brush. What make Grex cool is that it is easy to clean, the magnetic crown caps and the ability to change the needle out to a .2 .3 or .5. If I get the Neo, the Grex will be used for fine detailing. Thanks again for the info.
I think i might get better results with fine lines with that type of airbrush
angel trieber You should consider giving it a try.
TacticalJackalope yup as soon as I get alittle time there are similar airbrushes right?
Pricey, but very nice!
FYI - just saw a vid - where Grex do not suggesting you use Windex or Pledge in their airbrush - eat the chrome.
I would have to seriously question that. Future or Pledge is just a Acrylic based product. Windex has nothing stronger in it than ammonia. Why would an airbrush be o.k. With far more corrosive enamel or lacquer based products and then not with water based or acrylics... doesn't make sense.
TacticalJackalope it's the ammonia in Windex and if the Pledge dries in the airbrush - they both will attack the finish
you think that's expensive. Iwata has some that are over $550
Me pueden enviar uno de esos a Colombia lo necesito
were you nervous or did you need to eat'? youre shaking like a leaf brotha