Newbie view of Apex

[ukdave]

First, I would like to state I am no airbrush expert having started a few months before Christmas when I purchased an H&S Evolution. I have learned the basics and have become fairly confident in using the Evolution so much so I don't know why I didn't start before.
I realised it would be advantageous although not essential to have a second airbrush so when the Apex was announced I decided to purchase one. I had to wait for the second shipment to arrive at Ultimate towers before getting my hands on one.
I have now had a little time to give it a try and these are my thoughts.
Bearing in mind I was used to using the evolution I did find the first use of the Apex a bit strange and had to adjust my technique a little. I am guessing this is the case with any airbrush. I am sure you long term users will put me right on this but there is no doubt the Apex has a different feel about it.
I have used the Apex for spraying Stynylrez primer and Vallejo model air so far without any problems other than my own inexperience.
When it came to cleaning it is a even easier than the evolution. The wide aperture in the bottom of the colour cup makes for really easy cleaning and I like the nozzle arrangement.
My verdict. I like it, if it was available at the time I was looking for my first airbrush I would have got one. It is a robust easy to use and easy to clean tool. Having said that, I will be honest and say I prefer the Evolution but I think the two brushes complement themselves nicely and feel I have a good kit to see me through for sometime yet.

[Twokidsnosleep]

This is good news as I just bought an Apex for spraying Ultimate primer pretty much exclusively
Glad to hear it worked out for you

[ukdave]

That is what I have decided to do. Use the Apex for things like Ultimate (Stynylrez) primer and the like as it handles that beautifully, not to say it doesn't handle anything else just as well. I just feel my Evolution is best for finer painting. This is purely based on my limited experience and I don't intend to upset anyone by my personal views.

[Twokidsnosleep]

The other attraction for me was the cleans-ability of the Apex airbrush
I am anal and want to beak her down quickly and get every part sparkling clean easily
In Paul's review, that was one area where the Apex shined.
He has a system where he uses a different airbrush for different purposes and it made perfect sense to me.
So, I have a H&S for my fine work, a Grex trigger as the workhorse and now the Apex will do primer...unless I like it so much I use it for everything else
Can't wait for the Apex to get here!!!

[ukdave]

You are right Scott, the Apex is very easy to clean. As I said I like the nozzle arrangement no spanners needed, no risk of shearing threads and extremely easy to reassemble. There is no doubt, this airbrush is worth every penny. It is robust, easy to maintain, sprays without problems and at a very reasonable price. What more could you want?
Sorry to hark on but I do feel the message needs to get out there to those looking for their first airbrush or wanting another for what ever reason. You really need to check the Apex out.

[OneSmallStep1966]

I am anal and want to beak her down quickly and get every part sparkling clean easily

I used to be like that but I'm now less aggressive with my cleaning because I've since learnt from others that over aggressive cleaning is unnesscessary and even damaging to the airbrush.

I now content myself with cleaning the paint cup out thoroughly and back flush cleaner until there's not a hint of paint to be seen.
My air caps and nozzles now only come off when needed and the needles come out every now-and-then for a bit of superlube.

[ukdave]

i follow the advice given in Paul's video regarding cleaning. However, if I'm not going to use the brush for awhile or I have used the Ultimate primer I do tend to be a bit more thorough. Not sure if it is the way I use it but I find the primer a little harder to shift from the nooks, crannies and occasionally sticking to the needle requiring a bit more attention.