Iwata Eclipse HP-G5

Review and Opinion:

• I’m a big fan of the entire Iwata G-series, to me they’re what Trigger Guns are actually supposed to be.
• The HP-G5 in particular is a small spray gun.
• The blunt needle means you can avoid tip-dry and it should be difficult (though not impossible) to clog.
• The HP-G5 doesn’t use much air, (It uses a little more air than the G3) so you can run it off a small airbrush compressor and still use all the fan pattern features.
• The G5 is perfect for background work.  Don’t get carried away and try to paint a car door with it, but a helmet or motorcycle gas tank should be fine.  You should also be able to spray tan or paint large special F/X on people.
• There’s a nice little hook on the top of the gun.  This is so you can hang it from a conveniently located bolt, screw, or rod.
• I know Iwata likes to recommend the HP-G6 for spray tanners, but I’d prefer to recommend the G5.  You can’t poke anyone with the needle tip.  You don’t have to worry about tip dry.  And you can run it off a smaller compressor and still use the fan pattern.  It’s a seriously Good Thing.

Features

• Stainless steel paint passage
• Pre-set Fluid Adjustment Knob
• Built-in Pressure Regulator
• Adjustable Fan Pattern
• Cartridge Style Air Valve Set
• 8 oz Aluminum Steel Cup
  I’ve never heard of Aluminum Steel–so I looked it up on Wikipedia.  The summary is that Aluminum Steel is basically lighter than steel, more flexible than steel, and less corrosion resistant than pure aluminum.  Oh, and it’s less expensive than stainless steel.

Matching Rules

1. No need for details smaller than a nickel or quarter
2. Need for decent coverage
3. Perhaps wanting to use a spray gun with a small airbrush compressor

Information

Specifications

Useful Accessories

• A bolt screwed into the wall to hang the HP-G3 from or a stand to hold the airbrush gun while you’re not working

Links

• Manufacturer’s Product Page
• Eclipse G-Series Manual, Parts and Troubleshooting

Cleaning Guide Links

• Rinse a G-Series Airbrush Gun Between Colors
• Rinse a G-Series Airbrush Gun After a Spray Session
• Deep Clean a G-Series Airbrush Gun

Outstanding/Common Problems

• Clogs