Grex parts reveiwed

[draggin81]

There's been alot of talk lately about Grex airbrushes, and how some members have said that they are the closest thing to Olympos as they've found.
Naturally, this got my curiosity piqued. When I found that BearAir had all of thier Grex stuff on clearence, I figured I'd have to check them out. Plus, most of the parts should fit my Olympos HP100-B (haven't checked the nozzle or needle yet). Anyway, I figured that having a look at some of the parts would be a good way to see the quality as well.

DISCLAIMER- this isn't meant to be a full review of Grex. These are just my observations of what I recieved. Read the whole article before you get all pissy and leave me nasty PM's ;-)

First item; The needle. The machining on the needle is terrific. The line where the needle starts it's taper is dead straight (I've had some Iwata needles that were less than impressive in that regard). The fishing was a bit of a dissappointment, though. It wasn't polished well at all. This isn't a major problem for me, since I like to shape and polish my needles anyway, but for someone who isn't in that habit it could be a negative point. I tried to get the best pic I could, so here it is..
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m192/draggin81/th_DSCN0847.jpg (http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m192/draggin81/DSCN0847.jpg)
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m192/draggin81/th_DSCN0846.jpg (http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m192/draggin81/DSCN0846.jpg)
You can see what I mean about the lack of polishing, especially at the tip.

Second item; Back lever. I bought this mostly because the original one in my olympos has seen better days, and you can only polish something so many times.
For me, this part was the biggest dissappointment. The fit and finish on it wasn't impressive in the least. There was a big barb sticking out near the top of the back lever. It was bad enough that when I tried the trigger and back lever in my AB I could feel a "grittiness" in the action.
Once again, though, I sand and polish everything anyway, so for me it just meant doing a little extra work to sand the barb off. Here are a few pics.
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m192/draggin81/th_DSCN0856.jpg (http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m192/draggin81/DSCN0856.jpg)
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m192/draggin81/th_DSCN0854.jpg (http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m192/draggin81/DSCN0854.jpg)

Item 3; The trigger. I had no problems here. There were a few very minor marks on the sides, but not nearly enough to effect the feel or function. The trigger felt comfortable, and the angle on the head of the trigger was great for gripping. Of course, I sanded it with some 2500 and polished it, but like I said, I do that to pretty much every moving part. Here's some pics
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m192/draggin81/th_DSCN0853.jpg (http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m192/draggin81/DSCN0853.jpg)
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m192/draggin81/th_DSCN0852.jpg (http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m192/draggin81/DSCN0852.jpg)

Item 4; The nozzle. I didn't get a chance to spray throught it at all, but from a visual inspection with a magnifying glass, it certainly looks good. Good, even machining, no splits or cracks, no thin spots. I polished the inside, and got a little more "goop" than I normally do with other brands, but I have no doubt it will work just fine. Here's some pics.....
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m192/draggin81/th_DSCN0858.jpg (http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m192/draggin81/DSCN0858.jpg)
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m192/draggin81/th_DSCN0857.jpg (http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m192/draggin81/DSCN0857.jpg)

Item 5; Just for shits and giggles, I ordered a pre-set type back handle, just to see if it would fit my olympos. I very, very rarely use a pre-set, but for what I paid for it, I figured what the hell, might as well.
To my (somewhat) suprise, it fits!!!! The first time threading it in was a little snug, but I think that was just from the powder coating. It's been on and off a few times now, and fits just fine.
Here's a pic of my half-new Olympo-rex. LOL
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m192/draggin81/th_DSCN0860.jpg (http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m192/draggin81/DSCN0860.jpg)

Bonus Item- I also got a Sparmax "Micro-Air Valve". At first I was pretty dissappointed. I figured that it was more like an air regulator, but it's more or less just an air bleed valve.
I figured, for the sake of science, I'd try spraying a bit with it, and lo and behold, I actually would up using it a few times. It actually works well for those times when you need to dial the pressure back a touch just to get that little detail. Plus, it acts as a handle, too. I think I'll end up keeping this one on my AB. It's nothing fancy or incredibly clever, but it does come in handy.

DISCLAIMER-CON'T- My reviews of the Grex products are simply my observations on the pieces I recieved. I have heard that there fit and finish work has improved dramatically recently. Since the items I got were on clearance, it's a good possibility that they are older iitems that have been sitting in stock for quite a while.
I have absolutely no reason to doubt those who have tried Grex recently and have given them positive reviews, and I'm DEFINITELY not implying that they are wrong, or are being dishonest or anything of that sort.
In fact, I'd love to hear some reviews/opinions from people who have newer Grex items on how they thought the fit and finish and overall quality are.

[AndyW]

Hi Draggin, It's an honest opinion it's not knocking one brand against another.
I have a 4 month old Grex XG, but I know nothing, after owning a cheapy/copy, I decided to upgrade, as I took the Grex out the box, the quality difference was apparent.
It seems well made, a nicely turned out brush. Trigger action is smooth, very comfortable in the hand and seems to do what it was made for, chroming looks ace, no burrs, but couldn't compare it to an Iwata, or the Olympos. Cannot fault it, but that may be inexperience and not knowing better.
From what I have heard from the more experienced brushers the XN is a dream to use.
No doubt Airart(Gordon), will be able to say more.

[redanner]

Well Lenny I don't polish anything on my airbrushes! I keep them immaculate clean! And when they seem to be dragging I just cough up a colored gooby and spit on it for lubrication! :smilie_barf::laughing_rolling::rotflmao:

[draggin81]

NOTICE TO ALL


It has come to my attention that there is a very, very high likelyhood that most of the parts I recieved are not genuine Grex parts. I will post a pic of the packaging that the parts came in so you all can contrast those to the pics of the packaging that Aerart is going to post.
In the meantime, I would like to make a point of saying that the review was of "Grex" parts received from Bearair.com. I'm planning on getting some genuine Grex parts from a more reputable dealer and comparing those to what I got from Bearair. I have a feeling the results will be very different.
In the meantime, I can't in good conscience recommend buying anything from Bearair.com, and feel it's my duty to warn others of the possible desceptions.
I've been in contact with others who have reported the same problem, even with other brands. I also contacted Grex bought the matter to thier attention, and they replied that they have had several other complaints regarding Bearair.
I have alot of reservations about calling Steve Bear out on this, especially since I've used and recommended thier products many times in the past, but I feel that due to the overwhelming evidence here, I couldn't in good conscience remain silent on the topic.

[draggin81]

Here are some samples of the packaging that my parts came in. And no, the back lever and trigger didn't come in the same bag, I just put both of them in there and threw the other bag out.
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m192/draggin81/th_DSCN0864.jpg (http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m192/draggin81/DSCN0864.jpg)
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m192/draggin81/th_DSCN0863.jpg (http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m192/draggin81/DSCN0863.jpg)
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m192/draggin81/th_DSCN0861.jpg (http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m192/draggin81/DSCN0861.jpg)

[AndyW]

From the couple extra bits and pieces of Grex bits I have had, completely different packaging, biggest diff is the lack of the Grex green theme in the pics, also they have been in sealed bags not the snap together type as shown, you know the rip apart with your teeth jobs. But whether thats down to rebranding etc I can't help.

[zackarybancroft]

Yeah, the packaging seems a little odd! Also the lack of copyrights makes me wonder if they are real Grex's products.

[draggin81]

So far the overwhelming evidence is that no, they are not genuine Grex parts. Of course, had I known that beforehand, this post would have had a very different title.
I've been in contact with Grex, and sent them a link to this thread, so they very well might chime in.

[airarts]

.........DISCLAIMER- this isn't meant to be a full review of Grex. These are just my observations of what I recieved. Read the whole article before you get all pissy and leave me nasty PM's ;-)


:rotflmao:

Oh do tell us where you got those fraudulant parts so that others can be wary, or at least tell us where you didn't get them, so we know where it is ok to buy them. I am guessing that if I bought them from a reputable dealer like Dick Blick, that I would be safe to say that they are genuine. Maybe Gordon can show us what a genuine package really looks like so others fdon't get burned as you have draggin, sorry for your loss.

[Whit]

Mabye the generic packaging should say,,,
"FITS" Grex,, instead of "Grex" !!!
Looks like a bulk order,, just repackaged !!!
Awful lotta knockoff's out there now,, so,,
it's a buyer beware market today !!!

[draggin81]

hmmmm, yeah, if you study the two sets of packaging, you can see a subtle difference. LOL.

I think it's safe to say, at this point, that buying parts from Bearair is a bad idea. I'm working on getting a full refund, but I told them I'm not sending that crap back so they can send it out to someone else. So we'll see how well that goes.
In the meantime, I think the lesson to be learned here is that you sometimes can't even trust "reputable" dealers.
I've bought numerous parts from Bearair, and 2 airbrushes, not to mentionpaints, supplies, etc. This sure is making me wonder about all those "Richpen" parts I bought. For the most part, I haven't had any problems with my orders from them, but after all this, I think I can safely say "fuck Bearair, and the horse they rode in on"

[Whit]

Not to slam anyone,, but,,,
this could be the foundation for the
problem they have with Iwata ,,,

[zackarybancroft]

Yeah, you might be right Whit. Right after Iwata dropped him as a retailer, he started selling all these knockoff Iwata parts on his site. I bought some parts (nozzle and needle)from him, and they were crap, not close to Iwata high quality. 50 bucks down the drain!!

[Cowboy]

All I gotta say Draggin81, Is if Ya have sumpthin ta say. Say it on there forum , I Just dont see the need for the drama over here. If Ya bought from Bear air & not happy , Thats Between them & You . Thats just My opinion.

Where I come from a person has the right to, Explain themselves, If not defend themselves. & If in the wrong. Have a chance to make it right . Before there Belittled or attacked in a Public forum. & I aint slammin Ya. Just wondering where this all came from. We,ve got a Grex expert on the board allready I beleive . Sorry If Ya got burned , & I truly hope it works out for Ya. Good luck .

[draggin81]

cowboy- you don't want to read it, then don't read it. I'm just trying to warn others so they don't get ripped off, too. There is no explaining for Bearair to do. They marketed, labeled, and sold parts as genuine Grex, and they simply aren't.
This thread didn't start as an "I got ripped off" thread.
I'm pretty sure if the same thing happened to you, you'd be doing and saying the same exact things I am, which is spreading the word about a rip-off. I'm not going to sit on my hands and let others get ripped off just because someone's feelings might get hurt.

Whit- I'm not positive, but if memory serves me, this is the exact reason Iwata dropped him, for selling non-Iwata parts as being genuine Iwata.

[Cowboy]

Thats Exactly what I thought Yer response would be. Nuff said.

[draggin81]

I was going to write a long retort to your pretty thinly veiled accusations. In fact, I had it written, but deleted it.
I have no personal vendetta against Bearair, Steve Bear, or anything like that. I've purchased alot of products from them in the past, and have been happy with them.
If you actually read the entire thread, you'll see that in first post is meant as a review of Grex products. Bearair is only mentioned as the place where I got the parts.
The jist of it was the overall, I was pretty dissappointed about the quality of the products I recieved, but couldn't comdemn Grex as a whole, especially given thier growing reputation, and the recommendations of some very respected artists. I simply figured that the parts I got were old stock from early production runs, hence, the quality control might not be there, and spending time sitting on a shelf may have degraded the finishes.
Shortly after posting that, I went over to Bears forum and read fontgeeks piece on counterfiet parts. Putting 2 and 2 together, I did some more investigation. I contacted Grex directly, I tried to contact Bearair (no response), and spoke to some knowledgable people on here and other forums. The last thing I wanted to do was to make a false accusation against anyone.
After getting all the facts I could, it left me with no possible conclusion except that Bearair had sent me counterfiet parts. I will be obtianing some ACTUAL Grex parts in the near future to compare with the parts I recieved, looking mainly for any physical design differences between the parts.
So, Cowboy, do you think I should have left it go, and made Grex look bad, or corrected the situation to make the proper party look bad? What do they say about that were yer from?

[anderekel]

I don't think that cowboy was saying that you should let grex take the fall. If it's bearair's fault, then it should be pointed out. I believe cowboy meant that you should also start a thread at airbrush.com and see what steve has to say, give him a chance to defend himself. Then you can get both sides of the story, if the facts don't match up, then call bullshit, but let him have his chance.

[airarts]

They did over there, but I almost bought some Grex parts for my Olympos, and since I already knew what happened with Iwata, I had enough sence to ask someone if there parts were real or not, and thankfully this person was honest and said no. I at least had the advantage of knowing what happened with Iwata at Bear, but others may not, and Iwata ended up having to replace many guns, and fix them because of faulty parts that weren't genuine. I have allot of money invested in my guns, and especially my Olympos', some are irreplaceable, so I would be up "Shits Creek" if I damaged one of them buying Iwata or Grex parts that are the same size, threading, and quality. I would only buy Iwata for the irreplaceable ones though, but I do have a 100B that is a work horse that needs a nozzle and needle.

[draggin81]

andrekrel- I actually tried to take of this privately and sent them a few emails, but they have yet to respond. Although, I'm not exactly sure what they could have to say.
Anything short of, "OK, we did this with Brand A, Brand B, Brand C, and Brand D, and if anyone wants a refund egt intouch with us. If anyones airbrush has been damaged by these parts, we will fix them for free, and pay shipping" just doesn't seem like it will cut it.
I'm just glad I didn't put the needle or nozzle in my Olympos. I'm in the process of getting about 35 pieces done by February, and being a brush down wouldn't help anything.

[Cowboy]

I,m not sure what ta say Draggin, I wasn,t aware I made any accusations against You or anyone. So i,m not sure what ya read outa My post. But I think Ya took it wrong somewhere. I only Replyed to this thread, Not because I thought it was BS, Obviously You took alot of time Checking the parts & making a very credible post .

I only replyed , because of the F##k Bearair statement that You made here right before I repled. & I noticed You were in the thread over at the other place . Without saying anything of where You bought the parts. So Ya might reread My post ( keep in mind I aint real good at wording things ), Cuz it wasn,t intended to Acuse anyone of anything. Just trying to keep the 2 forums seperate , If that makes sense .

As I said lastly in My first post. , I hope it all works out great for You ,& Good luck. Have a Great Day.

[ABD]

This is the 1st time I peeked in here..As an outsider coming in..I think I picked up on CB's vibe rather quickly...(as in getting what he's getting at)....After going over yonder and seeing the thread there..Draggin, you seem to be minding your P's and Q's and not naming names...(I see a few are even asking for them)....Then in this thread on this forum..Ya speak right up and have no hesitation....Treading lightly on the home Turf of the problem source while venting over here:).....Makes no matter really..Most people bounce back and forth between multiple Forums..In all their copy and paste glory..essentially turning many small unique Forums into one big bubble bath of pretty pics, and familiar faces.

Not that anything is right or wrong either way...It's a simple observation that needs no retort....I saw no accusations on anyones part...I tell someone I think the Sky is blue today..I don't need to hear why someone else thinks it isn't.

I agree Draggin in telling others of yer lil ordeal..Naming names and the whole 9 yards...Nothing wrong with this thread..Just a guy looking out for fellow sprayers...It may help a bunch of people.....I don't know why you speak freely here and keep quite over there though? Seeing how the very guy you bought the parts off "might" tell you anything ya wanna know..Now some guys are talking "buy from a reputable dealer like bear air"..They don't know that's the very dude yer talking about....I guess if yer gonna have to get into it..ya better go in head 1st........Personally I'd let this thread here die..It severed it's purpose by telling people to watch out....Continue the good fight on the guy that screwed yas front porch.

Again..Just observations here..

Good luck..I hope somebody makes right on yer parts.

[Whit]

Well,,, I've just always been a Dixie person,,,
other than a backorder once,,, never had a prob !!!

[zackarybancroft]

Yup, Dixie is great! I get all my AB supplies there!

[airarts]

The person from yonder who started the thread IS the honest and reputable person who told me that those parts weren't genuine. I also feel that they are voiding speaking freely over yonder because you can't! I am censored ALL the time, it is actually quite amusing now HAHAHHAHAHAHA:multistars: Spreading the love! I think that is why they are ONLY showing pictures there, and as myself, feel very comfortable here, and will speak freely here. I try to tone things down though, because otherwise much of the text can be misleading in the context. :jump: I hope that is what happened here, because all you guys are great.

I love Coast, Az Art, and Dick Blick. I haven't tried Dixie yet though, but after seeing some posts from people I trust, I might give them a go.............

[draggin81]

Cowboy, I owe you an apology. I mis-interpreted your comments, and being already in a fairly foul mood due to the circumstances, lashed out at the wrong people.
The reason I named names over here is that the cat had already been let out of the bad on the first post, which wasn't intended to have anything to do with Bearair. I even "pulled punches" quite a bit in that first post about the quality of the parts, mostly because I thought they were genuine Grex parts, and alot of people I respect on here are big fans of Grex. My thoughts at the time were that I had probably gotten some old stock or parts from a bad run or something of that sort.
My ORIGINAL intention, before I got the parts, was to do a review of how good they were, and to mention that Bearair had them on clearance for a hell of a deal.
Unfortunately, things didn't go that way, and since I had already let the cat out of the bag, I felt I had to point the finger at the right culprit, like I said before.
Over at the other forum, the problem was already public and being handled by others, so I'm letting them "run the show" over there. I'm not a big fan of the hinting around, I'm more of the "subtle as a sledgehammer" type, but they asked me to follow thier lead, and I'm trying to respect thier wishes.
My suspicions are that they don't feel as if they've uncovered the full extent of the problem, and are waiting until they know exactly what other brands he's doing this to, and how wide spread the problem is before bringing it up over there. Basically, they want to know they got the biggest stick before they pick a fight, since we all know things are going to get mighty ugly over there.
I offered to be the "sacrificial lamb" over there and take the heat, but they asked me to hold off for now. So I'm respecting thier wishes, for the time being at least.

[anderekel]

Ok, I think that a few of us were under the impression that you mostly just wanted to complain without a chance of getting in trouble. It's good to hear that what's really happenin'. :hug2::wave:

[airarts]

Ok, I think that a few of us were under the impression that you mostly just wanted to complain without a chance of getting in trouble. It's good to hear that what's really happenin'. :hug2::wave:

HAHAHHA Dasggin is behaving over there! That is a first HAHAHAHHAA:jump::wasntme:

You are right andereckel :wave: let the Big Dogs handle it! :poodle_run_grey: HAHAHHA :laughing_rolling:

[draggin81]

yeah, mark it down on your calendar, Karrine, for the very first time ever, I'm holding my tongue. LOL.

[JimmyG]

So where can I buy me a Grex airbrush to try out....?

[airarts]

So where can I buy me a Grex airbrush to try out....?

There may be other places, but I have seen them here http://www.dickblick.com/zz250/69/

[draggin81]

yeah, I know for sure that Dickblick.com has them, as well as chicagoairbrushsupply.com, plus a few others that escape my mind at the moment.
If you do a Google search for "grex airbrush" you'll probably come up with a few more.
Let me know if you find any that have parts and prices listed. I can't seem to find any places that have them listed on thier sites.

[Cowboy]

As said Draggin, Much appreciated but not necesary . Half the time I just cant explain things quite right , so,s I get misundersood alot . Also Probly what got My attention more, Was the ( & the Horse They rode in on ) lmao. It,ll be interesting ta see the final outcome .

[zackarybancroft]

Well....at least the ABs weren't counterfeit, right?

[fontgeek]

There are several retailers for the Grex products, in fact aerarts is the head distributor for the UK (and probably Europe too!). In the states, there is Chicago Airbrush Supply, Jerry Carter Air Tool, Dick Blick, and a bunch of others. I think you can get a list of their current sellers from their website. The people at Grex were extremely polite, helpful, and knowledgable, and if they didn't have an answer for me, they would take the info, get the answer and get right back to me within minutes. When I talked to them, THEY ACTUALLY LISTENED AND CARED!

Grex is not the only one being falsely represented though, it has happened with several brands, and it may be happening with other dealers as well. You have to keep the old adage in mind "If it looks too good to be true, then it probably is"

At this point, I have purchased a bunch of stuff from Grex, I have one of each of their airbrushes, a few of their grips, and a handful of G-MACs and optional side cups. For other Olympos owners, their side cups and the Grex cups are interchangeable, they have cups going up to 50ccm and they have siphon feed attachements, so that if you have an Olympos HP 101 or HP 102C or B, an HP 88 or HP8, or HP 18, then you have lots of options, the Grex prices are great!

I bought a handful of the G-MACs after trying one of their beta models at the IMATS show in Los Angeles. The G-MACs give you a MAC valve that can be used on any airbrush! They have a quick-disconnect on them so you can switch out brushes as you wish, and all with a MAC valve that gives you finer control than any of the Iwata Highline models (I have some of those and compared them), and they don't throw the balance off on your airbrush by making it front heavy. The Quick-Disconnect lets you swivel the valve to any direction, so it works well for left or right handers. I think they list for around $25 a piece, but I bought mine a $19.33 each.

They sell grips that will work on most of the Grex brushes, as well as most other brushes out on the market. The grips keep the painter from trying to paint with their hand clenched in a fist. It has been a great help for some of my students who have physical ailments that keep them from being able to hold the airbrushes like most people would. I have had a few people use them who are now able to paint for the first time in years due to arthritus.

I purchased a Harder Seinbeck Infinity earlier this year, not bad, In playing around, I found that the cups from the Grex XA fit it perfectly, and again, they have cups that go up to 50cc, whether you want to paint with a tanker truck on your airbrush or not is up to you, but it sure is nice to have the options and not have to pay through the nose.

[airarts]

Fontgeek, will you please go over here to give your feedback on the Grex'so that we have someone who has ACTUALLY tried them, so that people who are interested can get some idea before purchasing a gun. Thanks.

http://www.airbrushtech.info/AIRBRUSH/reviews/showcat.php?cat=8

also for anything else since you are so knowledgeable.

http://www.airbrushtech.info/AIRBRUSH/reviews/index.php?styleid=2

Thanks!

[zackarybancroft]

The G-MAC sounds pretty cool! Might buy one in the near future.

[draggin81]

I have to second what fontgeek said about the people at Grex. They have been exreemly helpful, and even found a distributor willing to give me a discount to replace the counterfit parts.
I think that was above and beyond both for Grex and the retailer. The fact that they went through that trouble to satisfy a customer with such a small sale says alot to me. Imagine what they'd do if you had a problem with one of thier airbrushes. lol.
Also, I have to give a big thanks the Acceleart.com, the retailer that helped me out. I highly recommend doing business with them, and can't thank them enough.
Now that Steve has outed himself over yonder, I imagine the drama will be shifting over there, and most likely I'll get called just about every insult imaginiable, I'm going to hand this thread over to anyone else who has anything to add.
Once I recieve the actual Grex parts I'll do an update to compare the two, and pass on any more info I can.
Until then, I guess it's time to take the fight to the guys front porch ;-)

[zackarybancroft]

I bought a handful of the G-MACs after trying one of their beta models at the IMATS show in Los Angeles. The G-MACs give you a MAC valve that can be used on any airbrush! They have a quick-disconnect on them so you can switch out brushes as you wish, and all with a MAC valve that gives you finer control than any of the Iwata Highline models (I have some of those and compared them), and they don't throw the balance off on your airbrush by making it front heavy. The Quick-Disconnect lets you swivel the valve to any direction, so it works well for left or right handers. I think they list for around $25 a piece, but I bought mine a $19.33 each.

Hi,
I'm kinda interested in the Grex's G-MAC. I have a question about it. Is it a true MAC valve and not just a bleeder valve? I bought a so called MAC valve from Bearair and it turned out to be a damn bleeder valve! I just want to make sure. I don't need another one.
Thanks!
Zack

[draggin81]

I'd be curious to know more about the G-MAC, too. I have one of the bearair bleeder valves, and it works OK, but I'd much rather have an actual air pressure controler.

[sharonsstudio]

Must of missed this post the other night.. to let you know I'm Glad I found it. I order my stuff from bear air and was wondering why I couldn't order my Iawata parts from them Now I Know.. I'll have to so else where... and I did have trouble with the last needle I got from them it didn't sit right in my brush.. thought I damaged it so haven't used it,, Now I Know Thank you for the post Draggin..

[airarts]

WE WANT GREX AS A SPONSOR!!!! Tell them to get over here!!!

[draggin81]

One step ahead of you Airarts (as usualy. LMAO) I mentioned this site to Danny, the guy at acceleart.com I worked with, and dropped the hint that spsonsorship might be a good way to get thier name out, since there are alot of Grex fans on here. So with a but of luck, we could be seeing them as a sponsor soon, and with a little more luck, maybe even discounts for members, ala Xotic/Pro1

And Sharon, you're more than welcome. Just lookin out for my fellow sprayers. A big part of me is saddened at the amount of dishonestly that seems to be growing in this business, but hopefully catching one of the "big fish" will convince others to change thier ways, or from starting.
As for Iwata parts, airbrush-depot.com has always done good by me, coast is another good one, I hear alot of good things about Dixie, and Jerrysartarama.com has very good prices, but they are a bit slow.

[zackarybancroft]

Cool! Thanks Aerart!

[fontgeek]

The G-MAC is a genuine MAC (Micro Air Control) valve, unlike the the BearAir version.
The G-MAC was designed from the ground up to give the capabilities that the original Olympos MAC valve offered, with fine threading for smoother and more accurate control, but with the capability to use it on any brush, and have it versatile enough for right or left handers. Rather than the tiny knob that the cheap ones offer, this has a large knob that offers much better control, and less fumbling around when using it. The quick disconnect lets you use it with any brush on the fly, so the stippling effects can vary rather dramatically with the change of brushes. But the fine tuning capability also allows the painter to get even finer lines without the overspray because they can make adjustments while they are painting, which is pretty difficult to do with a regulator. The cost of the G-MAC is a fair bit less than the difference between an Iwata HPC+ and a HPC-H, and it lets you have the MAC capabilities with all your brushes, rather than with just the 3 or 4 that Iwata offered.

When Olympos first offered the airbrush with the MAC valve, painters waved it off, saying it was a gimmick, and that nobody would have a use for it. Low and behold, 10 or so years later Iwata made this great "discovery". The original Olympos brush is a fair bit heavier than the typical airbrush, it was designed to keep the balance and control smooth and even for the painter, when Iwata added the MAC to their line, they just drilled and tapped a hole in their existing line and added a coarse threaded needle valve to close off the air passage. This was better than not having the capability at all, but it lacked the balance and smoothness of the original. Grex nailed it perfectly, by having the valve on the airvalve connection, it keeps the balance on any brush it is connected to because it is hanging from the middle of the brush, the quick-disconnect lets you swivel the valve to any direction as well as hook it to any airbrush, so you get the options without having to buy new brushes, or put up with garbage knock offs. The quick disconnects you may already have can use the same male end, so you can keep a hose or hoses with either the G-MAC or a standard quick-disconnect, and move the airbrushes around as you wish, one set of hoses for all your different airbrushes. Nice!

I have a handful of them, I will get more as Christmas and Hannakuh gifts for my airbrushing friends.

airarts, I was going to send you one with an XN, but you beat me to it.

[ABD]

Thanks for all the info fontgeek...i've never messed with any valves...(figured like the others, just another bleeder valve)...But you peaked my interest in this G-mac...Got any good links where to get one?..I'd hit Gordon up but he's waaaaay over Yonder..hahaa!

Anyplace like Dixie and all them sell them?..I'll have to do some hunting:D

[zackarybancroft]

You can buy them at BearAir! JUST KIDDING!!!:smashfreakB:

draggin81 mentioned this site Acceleart.com for Grex's products.

[ABD]

You can buy them at BearAir! JUST KIDDING!!!:smashfreakB:

draggin81 mentioned this site Acceleart.com for Grex's products.

hahaha...Thanks Zack...I saw he mentioned that but didn't put the ole 2 n 2 together.

They got em for about $22...They're not pretty Green like the ones on Gordons Site though..hahahaha!

[draggin81]

I got my Grex parts today from Acceleart. All I can say is WOW. What a difference. I ALWAYS "tune" my parts by sanding off any little burrs left over frome the factory or polishing the needle a bit, but I really don't think I'll have to with these.
I haven't had a chance to try them out yet, but I gave them a good looking-over and I'm very impressed. The needle and nozzle especially. They look better finished than the Iwata "Micron" parts I was using before.
I'll post some pics as soon as I get a chance, and let you all know if they work as good as they look as soon as I throw them in. :smiley_bliss:

[airarts]

airarts, I was going to send you one with an XN, but you beat me to it.

How did I beat you to it? I only have Olympos', Iwatas, and Paaches. Although, I wish we would have a representative here in our forum from the USA .......:wink2:

[fontgeek]

Thanks for all the info fontgeek...i've never messed with any valves...(figured like the others, just another bleeder valve)...But you peaked my interest in this G-mac...Got any good links where to get one?..I'd hit Gordon up but he's waaaaay over Yonder..hahaa!

Anyplace like Dixie and all them sell them?..I'll have to do some hunting:D

I think all the Grex suppliers are selling them, but you can go to accelart.com (?) Draggin mentioned them earlier, I know Chicago Airbrush Supply and several others carry them. Even if you don't use a Grex brush, these are a blast.

[draggin81]

It's acceleart.com
A bit odd on the spelling, I know, but good people. All they sell is Grex, so they know there stuff. Very fast shipping, too.
Once I get a chance I'll probably do another review like this post started as, but I'll start a new post for that. It'd just get buried on this one.
I can honestly say I don't think I've ever been more satisfied with any AB purchase, with the possible exceptions of my "discovery" of E'Tac, and getting my Olympos for $30.

[JimmyG]

I noticed the Grex Genesis XT trigger brush there at Accele....How could that one give true double action...? How many of you guys would use one like that and would one really have the same control....?

[ABD]

I really like the idea of the Trigger like that XT....I often use my full size Binks HVLP for backgrounds and stuff...Turn that all the way down..Hell it'll blow an 1inch line...Some mini guns are almost as good as an Airbrush...You'll never get hairlines with em..but they work they same way for bigger stuff.

I'd like to try one of those XT's someday..I bet it'd be handy:D

[fontgeek]

ABD and Jimmy, I don't know why or how, but my XT will pull finer lines than any of my Iwata HP Cs, the Grex XT has a needle and nozzle that they say are a 0.35mm, but if you compare them to the Iwata HP C needle and nozzle, you would have a really tough time telling which is smaller. Regardless, the XT is a true double action, granted, it doesn't give you the option of letting off of the air while keeping the paint going, but lets be realistic, how often would you ever do that anyway? The first half of the trigger pull activates/releases the air, just like you were pushing down on a traditional push button, the second half of the pull is the paint control, and just like a traditional push button, the further you pull the trigger back, the more paint it lets out. The feel is extremely different between the first half of the pull, and the second half, the first half is a very light touch, then you hit the halfway point and it has a solid feel. You can adjust the spring tension just like you would on most other airbrushes, so you can make that trigger as light as you want, but even right out of the box, it can do some amazing work. And for doing those bigger jobs that still require the detail, having the option of cup sizes up to 50cc or using it as a siphon feed let you paint for a long, long time without having to refill. If you are already used to a spray gun, you will love this baby.

[JimmyG]

Thanks Brian....that's the kinda user info I needed to read about...especially the option on syphon feed bottle 30ml which I hadn't seen....I'm thinkin' it's perfectly suited for my work which is most always larger areas on signwork, with the ability to tune to fine....Yeah I'm a basic paasche user, mostly the bottles because of the paint volume needed, and my paint type really messes with me on clean up, storing for short times and such...Hehehe...storing for short times....Teflon seals look to be a real plus on the solvents I tend to use.....

I'm highly interested....Now to find the best price...I've only been looking at AcceleArt so far....Ahhh...the price research required......

[fontgeek]

I think accelleart has some really good prices, but you can check with airarts, he is the head distributor for Europe and the UK, and he is also a retailer so he will have a good idea on what the prices are. But you also have the option of going to Grex's website, I think they are listing their dealers, I know that the Dick Blick chain is carrying them, and I know that a whole bunch of stores are just picking up the line, and that the website may be having a tough time keeping up with the list.
I don't know where you live, but you might ask the Dixieart people and the rest if they are carrying them.

I think that Grex might be at the giant CoastAirbrush party in December, so that would be a place to try and buy any or all of the brushes, compressors, etc. I hope they do go, I think they would have the kind of exposure they deserve, and there's nothing like the hands on experience for airbrushing.

[ABD]

but you can check with airarts, he is the head distributor for Europe and the UK,

Aerart (Gordon)...is the guy ya want!

Airarts (Karrine) is a Sassy Cat from Arizona..Hahahaa!

[fontgeek]

Laugh it up funny boys! LOL
There is or was at least one more AIRARTS who got onto another forum on a regular basis, apparently the use of the uppercase letters was enough for the forum to see him as a separate person from the other two culprits. But poor airarts got all the nagging and whining that was meant for AIRARTS, the two personalities were completely different, but people didn't think or look, so she got docked points, lots of complaining and whining by those too lazy to look.

Look how many Airheads there are out there, So far, I have counted about a dozen in forums accross the world.

[ABD]

Laugh it up funny boys! LOL
There is or was at least one more AIRARTS who got onto another forum on a regular basis, apparently the use of the uppercase letters was enough for the forum to see him as a separate person from the other two culprits. But poor airarts got all the nagging and whining that was meant for AIRARTS, the two personalities were completely different, but people didn't think or look, so she got docked points, lots of complaining and whining by those too lazy to look.

Look how many Airheads there are out there, So far, I have counted about a dozen in forums accross the world.

hahaha..I remember that when Karrine was getting the shaft for that other Dudes mess..Hahaaa!:D

[Whit]

hahahahaha,,, (no comment),,,
the difference in a$$holes 'n elbows !!!

[fontgeek]

I couldn't agree more, I think there are still a lot of people who blame her for a lot of his statements, it's hard to get out of that kind of shadow once it's cast, and being as softspoken as she is, (snicker), it makes it even tougher. Funny, that was kind of the whole reason I started the "Beware of fake parts..." thread on that forum. The companies being fraudulently represented get branded with a reputation they may not have earned. With well known companies, they may have an easier time living through the flack, but for the newer companies, they can get branded, and pushed off to the dumpster before they even have a chance to show their stuff. Not to mention the problems that occur for the newbies trying to make a brush work with new "Grex" or "Iwata" parts, only to find that those parts didn't make the brush work, and then thinking that they, the painters were the problem and tossing the whole medium because of it.
I like the two airarts/aerarts we have just fine, they are way more than enough to fill any quota.

[draggin81]

Yeah, I remember that little, ummm, confusion, over yonder. I think most of us who were smart enough to realize the difference between airarts and AIRART (not to mention the two opposing personalities) knew who AIRART really was. Which is reason 1,468 is prefer this forum to that one. There's really none of that kind of BS going on over here, and what disputes there are are usually quickly settled and forgotten.

[zackarybancroft]

I ordered a G-MAC Valve from acceleart.com today, if anyone cares. It's not like I need another gadget for my airbrush, LOL! But it sounds pretty cool! I might have to get the the Grex airbrush grip too!

[ABD]

I ordered a G-MAC Valve from acceleart.com today, if anyone cares. It's not like I need another gadget for my airbrush, LOL! But it sounds pretty cool! I might have to get the the Grex airbrush grip too!

Let us know on the Dilly if ya will...Always like a good opinion on things:D

[BiggMike]

Well I have been working with Tracy at Grex Airbrush. I tell you they want to hear what I have to say. I am also trying to get the time to go to the corp office in LA with a Face to Face. I am designing a new brush and they want to see it and talk to me about making it. I have a Grex XB and a XG. I will say that in my 30+ years airbrushing this is the most impresive brush I have ever used. First the packaging is top notch. Hard plastic cases with foam. A hose end to convert your hose to fit there brush (so you dont have to by a new hose to). The prices are un belevably low for the quality. Not only that they make affordable silent compressors. I got the XB and the XG plus a compressor and a 6 foot hose for around $600.00 Shipped to my door. These guys really want to make a better product for us. You can see them on my web page in my classes section. www.theartofroyall.com the compresssor show is really good, I just got the newest model with a tank on it (first one out I think) and its unreal. If you have any questions contact me in any way you can, email, pm, smoke signals aand I will be happy to tell you more about them. I AM IMPRESSED WITH THIS COMPANY!

Mike

[fontgeek]

Zack, I'd like to hear your oppinion on the G-MAC too. The only quams I had with the grips was the two prongs that rest against the palm of your hand. I have big hands, and I don't use the grips for myself, so my personal exposure in using it is pretty limited. The two prongs kind of dug into my palm. These are plastic, and could probably be reshaped with some heat applied to them. I used a pair of snips and did some major modifications on one of the grips. I took it to the minimum that would still function right. I removed the long tail end, and the top rails and part of the front where they come way up the sides on the airbrushes, to me, they were distracting physically and visually, they didn't serve any purpose other than the cool looks of the original design. If you have a tendency to bang around on things with your airbrush, then I would leave those parts un altered. I can see where they would help protect the handle and the sides and top of the brush in some circumstances. The price is right on the grips though, if you have carpul tunnel syndrom, or problems with cramping or going numb from gripping your airbrush, these are a great solution. Because they open your hand up when you hold the airbrush, they make you relax a bit more, but they don't make you sacrifice your hold or control, quite the opposite from the reactions I have seen with my students. It got them out of the Krylon fist mode, and for many, it made it easier to change the way they hold and operate their airbrush even when they don't have the grips on them.

I think you will love the G-MAC though, the fine threading and the big knob make it so easy to control the air just the way you want from any airbrush.