Paasche Talon Airbrush Review
Paasche Talon Airbrush Review
Today’s review candidate is a dual action, gravity feed, internal mix airbrush called Paasche Talon from Paasche Airbrush Company. First of all I want to say that without ChicagoAirbrushSupply.com this review will not be possible. Thank you guys!
The Paasche Airbrush Company is one of the oldest companies in airbrush industry. I have written a bit about history of Paasche Airbrush Company some time ago. It was just a matter of time to review one of their airbrushes.
What’s in the Box
According to price tag I have to admit I was not expecting something huge. So let see what will we get for this price? Airbrush comes packed in a generic Paasche cardboard box. All the parts are protected with flat foam inserts. Good enough for shipping but not the best for storage (this is what makes this airbrush cheaper).
In the box, apart from the gun (0.38mm nickel silver tip, 0.4 Ounce cup with cover, pre-set needle stop, crown air cap) you will find another needle with the tip (0.25mm size), airbrush wall holder, wrench set and 6ft (2m) braided hose.
Interesting thing I’ve noticed when I opened the box was the large paint cup. I said to myself that this can be very heavy or cause balance problem until I will get used to it. But this is only the feeling.
Key Features and Design
Crown Air Cap
Unusual is a crown cap but its function makes sense. What I mean is that many artists, while painting fine details, are taking the cap off risking destroying the needle tip. Crown cap gives you a possibility to paint fine art close-up without need to take cap off. I must give Paasche Company a big plus for decision to use it here.
Air Cap and Nozzle Tip
Air cap and nozzle tip is very simple and functional. Tip is screw in type, so there is nothing like self-centering, it also means that tip does not rely on the air cap to hold it in place. You can use tip wrench to tighten the tip properly but be careful not to strip the threads.
Paint Cup Design
About the big paint cup - I liked the lid. It provides more functions in one. Besides that your paint won’t dry very quickly it gives you the ability to tilt airbrush sideways without any paint spillage.
Trigger and Control Mechanism
The trigger itself is in a solid piece opposed to high-end brushes. It is ball and socket design which provides very smooth movement. Assembly is also much easier.
At the rear of the handle you can find the pre-set adjustment knobs. There are actually 2 knobs that move independently. Operation is simple. Smaller knob is used to limit the trigger pull back motion and helps to obtain stable width of the lines. Using this feature allows you to pre-set the maximum amount of paint flow.
Once you have the travel set, you can move the larger knob to line up the marks. Using just the smaller knob from this moment on will move both knobs together.
Every Head Size the Talon Takes
The Talon ships with the 0.38 mm head fitted — that is the standard, not the 0.25 mm — and the whole series shares one interchangeable head system, so any of these screws straight in:
| Size | Paasche code | What it is for |
|---|---|---|
| 0.20 mm | #0 | The finest detail the Talon will do |
| 0.25 mm | #1 | Fine lines and detail work |
| 0.38 mm | #2 | Fitted as standard, general purpose |
| 0.66 mm | #3 | Base coats and larger areas |
| 1.0 mm | #4 | Heavy coverage and thick paint |
Sets bundling the 0.25, 0.38 and 0.66 mm heads together are sold as a kit, which is the cheaper route if you want more than one. The same heads fit the Paasche Vision, so a set moves with you if you upgrade.
👉 Check current Paasche Talon prices on Amazon → (also at SprayGunner)
Replacement Parts and Needles
Besides the needle and nozzle tip inside the brush you are getting replacement needle and nozzle tip with air cap. I thought that it is just replacement but when I compared them I found out that it is in fact a different size.
All these parts look solid and almost unbreakable.
After rough describing of the brush I think I should mention that you will get a booklet and manual with this brush.
In the manual book you will find useful lessons for beginners. Even if you are totally new to airbrushing you should not have any problem to start using it from day one.
Performance Testing
I have run till today a bit of Createx paint through this airbrush and I have to admit I was not expecting that airbrush in this price range will be that good.
Here are some lines and dots compared to 2 cent euro coin.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Cleaning this gun is simple and after short time it becomes routine and takes just a moment. There is one thing that has been wrecking my head for a week - Allen wrench. I just could not find where it goes. No signs anywhere on the Internet how to use it. I was going to write to manufacturer but then I found it myself. No more words, here is the picture.
Conclusion
With the 0.38mm and 0.25mm head set-up, this is a really surprisingly very good airbrush which can take care of most tasks, from the base coat to fine art details. All The parts are very well machined with feeling of durability and German solidness. The airbrush has everything it should have and no useless parts. I have to take my hat off to the engineers from Paasche Company. Any parts are available to get and are inexpensive. The only con on my side was the short hose (at least for me). Of course you can buy longer one and get more freedom but this is only my personal feeling. If your art piece has small size you’ll be alright with 2 meters hose.
My overall feeling is that I really like this tool and I still can’t believe that this quality airbrush gun can be that cheap (Update: My gun is still fine but there are people with kind of different experience, check this out - bad talon).
Big thanks to Chicago Airbrush Supply, who were kind enough to sponsor this review back when it was written. The shop has since closed.
