Airbrush Recommendation's Choosing the Best Airbrush for Warhammer & Table Top Gaming : Harder & Steenbeck Ultra 2024 vs Evolution 2-in-1 vs Iwata HP-CS"
Airbrush Comparison for Miniature Painting
Looking for the perfect airbrush for Warhammer or tabletop miniatures? This guide compares the Ultra 2024, Evolution 2-in-1, and Iwata HP-CS—three of the most popular models for hobbyists. See how they stack up in nozzle size, ease of cleaning, upgrade options, and beginner-friendliness so you can choose the one that fits your painting goals.
Airbrush Comparison for Miniature Painting
Choosing the right airbrush can dramatically improve your painting results, especially for Warhammer or other tabletop miniatures. Below is a side-by-side comparison of three popular airbrush models to help you make the right choice based on your experience level and painting needs.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Ultra 2024 | Evolution 2-in-1 | Iwata HP-CS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nozzle Size (default) | 0.45 mm | 0.28 mm & 0.45 mm | 0.35 mm |
| Upgradable | Yes | Yes | Yes (up to 0.50 mm) |
| Paint Cup | 2 ml (5 ml optional) | 2 ml & 5 ml | 9 ml |
| Seal Material | PTFE | PTFE | PTFE |
| Cleaning Ease | Easy | Easy | Easy |
| Ideal For | Beginners | All-purpose | All-purpose |
- Ultra 2024 is perfect for beginners just learning the ropes of double-action airbrushing.
- Evolution 2-in-1 gives you versatility and performance in one package—ideal if you're looking for a reliable all-rounder.
- Iwata HP-CS remains a favourite for consistency and ease of use, especially for artists who value smooth spray.
Whether you're just getting started or upgrading your kit, all three options are trusted by painters in the miniatures community. Choose the one that fits your painting style, budget, and goals.
1. Harder & Steenbeck Ultra 2024
The Ultra 2024 is the latest evolution of Harder & Steenbeck’s entry-level airbrush—perfect for newcomers to miniature painting and Warhammer hobbyists. It combines German precision engineering with a beginner-focused feature set, making it one of the best options for learning and progressing in airbrushing.
Key Features:
- 45 mm needle/nozzle setup
- Versatile for both base coats and moderate detail work.
- Ideal for priming, base layering, and shading miniatures.
Trigger Limiting Function
A five-stage paint flow limiter lets you dial in consistent spray output. Great for maintaining control and reducing the learning curve, especially during long sessions or when painting small areas.
Beginner-Friendly Design
The Ultra 2024 includes features that help users master the double-action airbrush technique:
- Start control: Smooth trigger response helps build confidence.
- Color control: Adjustable flow prevents accidental flooding or dry-spray.
- Clog control: Tapered needle design and forgiving nozzle size make clogs less frequent and easier to clear.
Modular & Upgradeable
Compatible with components from other H&S models, including:
- PTFE seals for solvent compatibility
- 5 ml compression fit paint cup for larger jobs
- quick-connect adapter
- Precision trigger upgrade from Evolution line
Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning the Ultra 2024 is exceptionally easy thanks to:
- Tool-less
- Quick-access needle and nozzle
- Smooth internal finishes that reduce paint buildup.
2. Harder & Steenbeck Evolution 2-in-1
The Evolution 2-in-1 is a professional-grade airbrush known for its precision, versatility, and dual-needle capability out of the box. It’s widely used by serious modelers and miniatures painters.
Features:
- Comes with both 0.28 mm and 0.45 mm needle/nozzle sets, so it’s ready for fine detail and broad coverage.
- Superior build quality with tighter tolerances and smoother trigger than Ultra. Solvent-resistant PTFE seals as standard.
- Removable paint cups (2 ml and 5 ml) included.
- Modular compatibility with Infinity parts.
Ease of Cleaning
Equally user-friendly, Disassembly is straightforward, and the needle chuck system is robust. PTFE seals hold up well with both acrylics and solvent paints.
Why Choose It Over the Ultra?
If you plan to paint armies long-term or value long-lasting precision, the Evolution 2-in-1 is a future-proof choice.
3. Iwata Eclipse HP-CS
The Iwata Eclipse HP-CS is a high-quality Japanese airbrush revered for reliability and consistency. It’s considered a top-tier choice for both beginners and pros in the miniatures space.
Features:
- 0.35 mm needle – a perfect middle ground for detail and base coating.
- Durable nozzle and needle construction.
- Large 1/3 oz (9 ml) paint cup – great for batch painting
- Smooth trigger and consistent air delivery.
- Iwata’s precision-machined parts ensure long-term reliability.
Ease of Cleaning
Equally user-friendly, Disassembly is straightforward, and the needle chuck system is robust. PTFE seals hold up well with both acrylics and solvent paints.
Why Choose iwata Eclipse HP-CS? If you want a reliable workhorse that doesn’t need upgrades and delivers consistent performance with minimal fuss, the HP-CS is a rock-solid choice.