Infimity Cult of Paint vs normal

[Marshal Vespasian]

Hi guys,

 

Pretty much as the title says. I am thinking of buying my second airbrush. Currently I am using a H&S Evolution and I want to get something finer and more precise. Now I could get either the normal H&S Infinity as well as the cult of paint edition. The latter one would be a good bit more expensive since it needs to be imported from the uk (even though H&S is like 100km or so away from where I live but whatever). Now I havent really found an answer to the question: what is the definite advantage of the cult of paint edition over the 'normal' h&s infinity?

So if someone has compared rhose two airbrushes I'd be thankful for your insight.

Edited August 9, 2020 by Marshal Vespasian

[Arkhanist]

 what is the definite advantage of the cult of paint edition over the 'normal' h&s infinity?

A differently shaped 'saddle' trigger and 30g lighter, as the main body is made of aluminium. Oh, and it's painted black. It also comes with the 0.4mm needle/nozzle, while some of the infinity versions come with a 0.15mm or 0.2mm instead. (you can get the 0.4mm included as part of a 2-in-1 set, or buy it separately). The main actually useful difference is the lighter alumnium body, which is the main reason for the price difference.

 

H&S used to sell an aluminum bodied infinity, the chameleon, but no longer apparently - just the aluminium evo. It's a quality of life feature having it be a bit lighter in the hand, i.e. if you're airbrushing for hours a day, but makes no functional difference to how it sprays, same with the saddle trigger.

 

For robustness, you'd also want to compare to the crplus infinity - the chrome coating does make a difference to the robustness of the finish compared to the stock infinity, if you have sweaty hands; my crplus inifinty still cleans up to look brand new even after several years. (the aircap, less so, after a few too many trips through the sonic cleaner!)

 

The evo and infinity share a lot of parts in common, so I'm not sure you're going to find much difference between them in terms of how they actually spray; the needles, nozzles, aircaps and paint cups are all interchangable, and the main body is near identical. To have the same spray guts as the cult of paint infinity, you could fit the 0.4mm nozzle set [126843] which includes needle, nozzle, aircap and two prong needle cap (picture). The 0.2mm evo needle & nozzle is already the same needle and nozzle as the infinity, so you just need the alternative aircap and needle cap.

 

The other difference is the infinity end piece and adjustable trigger spring assembly; you would have to spend a good chunk of the price of the airbrush to fit those alas; if you find the trigger tension too high on the evo, i.e. it's too stiff, you can either replace the spring with a weaker one (such as from a ballpoint pen) or snip off a couple of the coils on the stock spring.

 

You should be able to do a hair-thin line with the 0.2mm or 0.4mm needle on the evo (or infinity); the 0.4mm has a narrow spray pattern to start, but broadens out more at full trigger due to the dual taper needle; but the bigger nozzle is more forgiving for thinning acrylics. I tend to use mainly inks with the 0.2mm for my own sanity.

 

Something else to consider is the the fPC valve addon (for evo or infinity) - I use that constantly so I can fine tune the air pressure to match the liquidness (viscosity) of the paint; much more control than i have with the bIg valve on the compressor.

Edited August 9, 2020 by Arkhanist

[Firedrake Cordova]

Basically, what Arkhanist said   (although I would add that you can get an Infinity CR+ with the 0.4mm needle as standard - you don't need the conversion kit)

 

Be careful with the smaller needles - they don't necessarily allow you to spray a finer line (if you're spraying from the same distance, the line is basically the same width), and are significantly more prone to clogging (even with FW Inks and similar).  The quick-fix end piece is useful for spraying consistent lines, or preventing trigger accidents (I have an Evolution CR+ 2-in-1 kit [0.2mm/0.4mm], to which I added the quick-fix end piece).

Edited August 9, 2020 by Firedrake Cordova

[Bung]

I have both an Evo and a normal Infinity.

 

The Evo is a great workhorse with the 0.4 needle but i upgraded to the fine line noozle set from the Infinity.

Easier to clean dried paint from the tip while working.

 

To be honest i dont think the Cult of Paint airbrushes gives you anything you need in this hobby except if you are a CoP fanboy.

 

If you want something more precise than an Evo or Infinity you have to go for something like an Iwata Custom Micron. Myles from Lil Legend Studios uses it in his painting vids.

But its rather expensive. Thunderhawk level expensive.

[Marshal Vespasian]

Thanks guys! So I guess I'll be going for a normal infinity then. Sure I do sometimes paint for a few hours but weight hasnt been an issue yet.

 

Jeah Myles does seem to love his custom micron, but 500€ is hefty.

Edited August 11, 2020 by Marshal Vespasian

[Firedrake Cordova]

Jeah Myles does seem to love his custom micron, but 500€ is hefty.

Also, don't forget to look at the cost of the consumables - they might give you a shock! (needle and nozzle run to just under £80 :O)

[Marshal Vespasian]

Holy cow jeah thats a bit much right now. Otoh not more expensice than a weeks worth of skiing and I'd use it daily. Edited August 12, 2020 by Marshal Vespasian

[Firedrake Cordova]

From everything I hear, they're nice brushes (but a bit finicky due to the needle size).  I just keep on reminding myself that Angel Giraldez uses an Infinity... :lol:

[Bung]

 

Jeah Myles does seem to love his custom micron, but 500€ is hefty.

Also, don't forget to look at the cost of the consumables - they might give you a shock! (needle and nozzle run to just under £80 )

 

 

The nozzles in the Custom Micron should last longer, they are made of steel and not brass like the H&S ones.

 

For the needles, i got myself a SharpenAir tool.

Even if its not the cheepest tool, it makes it costes back cause you need to buy less needles.

There are alot tips to bend needles back in shape with 2 glass plates but i tried and it didnt go well enough for me.

 

Here is a link:

https://sharpenair.com/

You will even find some reviews online. 

 

I would really like to have a Custom Micron, but to be honest thats something for people that airbrush everyday and get paid for it.

[Firedrake Cordova]

The nozzles in the Custom Micron should last longer, they are made of steel and not brass like the H&S ones.

Given the cost difference (3-10x depending on if you follow Iwata's advice and replace the head system, or just the nozzle), I'd hope they would.   I'm not saying they're not nice airbrushes (they are), just that the cost of some consumables are something to be aware of prior to purchase.

 

For the needles, i got myself a SharpenAir tool.

That's neat.   Thankfully, I've not yet bent a needle, but you never know ...

Edited August 12, 2020 by Firedrake Cordova

[Bung]

I bend a needle while stabing myself while cleaning it.

The bend needle hurt more than my thumb.

 

But replacement parts should be considered too.

[Marshal Vespasian]

That looks like a VERY handy tool.

Bending my needle and then screwing it up completely is one of my more realistic fears given how hamfisted I am

Edited August 12, 2020 by Marshal Vespasian