Badger Patriot 105 vs Iwata Eclipse
Researched by Johnny Alto · Published July 21, 2026
Short answer: For most buyers, the Iwata Eclipse HP-CS is the better pick over the Badger Patriot 105. For most painters the Eclipse HP-CS is the better airbrush.
Top pickIwata Eclipse HP-CSView offer →
Iwata Eclipse HP-CS
For most painters the Eclipse HP-CS is the better airbrush. Its trigger is smooth and forgiving, the 0.35mm nozzle lays a fine line and broad coats equally cleanly, and parts and service are easy to find. It is the airbrush miniature painters most often call the last one they needed to buy, which is why it is the default upgrade recommendation.
View on Amazon Editorial illustration.These two are the airbrushes hobbyists cross-shop most for miniatures and models, both dual-action gravity-feed workhorses. The Iwata Eclipse is the refined, buttery one people keep for years; the Badger Patriot 105 gives most of the performance for less money. Here is the honest split.
Iwata Eclipse HP-CS vs Badger Patriot 105: what is the difference?
| Pick | Product | Why it makes the list |
|---|---|---|
| Top pick | Iwata Eclipse HP-CS | For most painters the Eclipse HP-CS is the better airbrush. |
| The value pick | Badger Patriot 105 | Pick the Patriot 105 to spend less and still get a genuinely capable dual-action gravity airbrush. It sprays well, is made in the USA with easy-to-find parts, and handles the same priming-to-detail range; the trigger and finish are a small step below the Eclipse, but for the money it is hard to beat. |
Which one should you buy?
The two are close, so the choice comes down to a few things: nozzle, trigger feel, parts and service, and price. Here is how they split.
- Nozzle: the Iwata's 0.35mm sprays finer detail; the Patriot's 0.5mm leans toward primer and broad coats.
- Trigger feel: the Eclipse's action is smoother; the Patriot is slightly less refined.
- Parts and service: both are well-supported; Iwata and Badger parts are easy to find.
- Price: the Patriot costs less and is the value pick; the Eclipse is the buy-once upgrade.
Head-to-head specs
| Spec | Iwata Eclipse HP-CS (pick) | Badger Patriot 105 |
|---|---|---|
| Nozzle | 0.35 mm | 0.5 mm |
| Feed | Gravity | Gravity |
| Trigger | Dual-action | Dual-action |
| Made in | Japan | USA |
When to pick the Badger Patriot 105 instead
Badger Patriot 105
Pick the Patriot 105 to spend less and still get a genuinely capable dual-action gravity airbrush. It sprays well, is made in the USA with easy-to-find parts, and handles the same priming-to-detail range; the trigger and finish are a small step below the Eclipse, but for the money it is hard to beat.
View on AmazonBottom line: the Iwata Eclipse HP-CS is the smoother buy-once airbrush, while the Badger Patriot 105 gives most of its performance for less and is the value pick.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Iwata Eclipse HP-CS better than the Badger Patriot 105?
For most buyers, yes. For most painters the Eclipse HP-CS is the better airbrush.
What is the main difference between the Iwata Eclipse HP-CS and the Badger Patriot 105?
Pick the Patriot 105 to spend less and still get a genuinely capable dual-action gravity airbrush.
Which airbrush is better value, the Iwata Eclipse HP-CS or the Badger Patriot 105?
It depends on your budget and needs. The Iwata Eclipse HP-CS is the all-round pick; the Badger Patriot 105 wins in the cases below.
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This is a research-based buying guide, not a personal hands-on review. Product details, prices, and availability can change; confirm the current listing on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.
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