Iwata-Medea - Power Jet Pro Air Compressor (IS975)

UPDATE: I've now had this compressor for 7 years, and it's still just as awesome as it was when I got it. Zero problems after all this time, still runs like a dream. It may be pricey, but Iwata makes quality stuff.Original review: This compressor has been absolutely perfect for me. Being new to airbrushing, I wanted to invest in something that would fit my needs now, as well as any that may crop up in the future. So far, I have been incredibly pleased with both the performance and overall quietness of this compressor. I live on the third floor in an apartment building, and I have had absolutely no complaints from my neighbors. I don't think they even know I have an airbrush. It was very easy to set up right out of the box and get going, all you have to do is plug in the power cord, hook up the hose and airbrush, turn it on and away you go! I have yet to use the dual airbrush feature, but I like that the potential is there to run one airbrush for larger areas and another for more detail work, both at different psi settings. Overall, I'm incredibly pleased, and really feel like I got my money's worth on how high of a quality this compressor really is.

Over the years I have used many airbrush compressors and while I managed to get the projects completed my compressors were on the cheaper and noisier side. Following the failure of my 6-year-old compressor, I felt it was time to invest in a better more robust compressor. I did the research and I wanted a tank based compressor that ran quietly and this Iwata Medea Studio Double Piston is top notch.Here is what I like:1. Double piston with two Airbrush ports with independent air pressures.2. Quiet - runs under the table with only a notable hum.3. Top Quality materials and craftsmanship - this is a well-engineered compressor.4. Independent air filters for each piston5. Independent moister captures with easy access to drain out moister as needed and one the tank as well6. Two independent air pressure adjustments that support TWO airbrushes.Here is what I wished was improved:1. The airbrush holders are for only one style of airbrushes - top gravity fed without mac brushes.- I use side fed so these are only useable if I place the airbrush in backward.Out of the box you have everything you need to connect to your airbrush and begin airbrushing. I enjoy the dual airbrush support which allows me and my son to work together on projects.

This is essential for the advanced enthusiast. I've owned the Iwata-Medea Studio Series Power Jet Pro Double Piston Air Compressor for three years now. In that time, it's performed flawlessly, able to consistently push large amounts of heavy primer, like Mr. Surfacer, for perfect base coats and the smoothest surfaces. I can also supply the lightest touch, what you need for your finest airbrush detail work. It's reliable, and quiet. It's perfect to have two separate regulators in one unit. I don't fumble with re-connecting and re-adjusting what and when I need. Whatever brushes or paints you prefer, this compressor will deliver for all of them.

I have recently been airbrushing more. I am an amateur when it comes to airbrushing and I use it to make painting miniatures easier. Base coat, zenithal highlight, shading and highlighting are my main uses. The compressor is fast, reliable and very quiet. The two different regulators on it are convenient as I use an airbrush for base coating with a bit higher PSI and an airbush with a .15 tip to make highlighting and lining at lower PSI so this is perfect.The quick connects are a bit awkward but I guess it makes travel easier. They disconnect at the compressor end.The connection on the quiick connect required I get new hoses with the larger connection (I believe 1/4) on one end. My Iwata Airbrush comes with a 1/8 threaded connector so new hoses for me.It is really pricey so I hope it lasts and besides the price point it is the best Airbrush compressor I have ever used.

The media could not be loaded. I had a Badger Airstrom compressor for my starter setup, but it got hot too quickly with heavy use (about 1.5 hours of spraying). I was looking for a replacement and this one stuck out to me. Expensive, but people seemed to like it. So I bit the bullet and got it. I got an Iwata Eclipse HP-CS airbrush to accompany it and couldn't be happier.The unit is very heavy - weighs about 30 pounds. Compared to my old Badger that's about 6 or 7 that's quite a lot. With all the hardware and features it has it makes perfect sense. The thing is a beast. The unit has 2 quick disconnects so you can run two airbrushes simultaneously. Included in the box are adapters to use Badger, Paasche, and Aztek airbrushes. I like my Badger Anthem airbrush, so that was a nice little surprise for me.The unit has a lot of power and both reaches pressure quickly and fills the 2 liter air tank quickly. Noise isn't too bad. Not any worse than my previous compressor, which is impressive as this unit is a two piston compressor and my Badger was one. Pressure can be adjusted independently for each airbrush and each pressure regulator has an attached moisture trap. The air tank also has a pressure relief valve and a drain plug for cleaning out moisture. Air flows freely and I can spray for quite a bit before the compressor will kick back on to refill the air tank.I was a little antsy laying down 500 bucks for a compressor, but for the amount of modeling I'll be able to do without having to take as many breaks and utilize two airbrushes, the value and versatility makes this well worth the price. Can't wait to start painting with this thing.

Some think this compressor is overkill. However, it is fantastic tool to help with all airbrush projects. It is quiet and keeps the pressure consistent.

Expensive item! Thank goodness I spent EXTRA $60 on warranty. After 3rd use toggle ON/OFF switch fell apart, then gave me an electrical shock!!! Afterwards company made it difficult to file a claim. I am still waiting to see if it is approved and processed for a new replacement.