Hey Mark. Definitely spend extra on the Iwsta Cs. As mentioned the neo is better than a cheap knock off, but isn't in the same class, and doesn't have the longevity, and quality of materials or manufacture, so you will likely be replacing parts often. Knock offs sometimes don't work properly at all, or are so soft that after cleaning,are already damaged. It's cheaper to buy another knock off than to replace parts. Do that a couple of times (and you likely will - voice of experience here
) and you'll wish you had just spent out on a good brush to start.
I guarantee there isn't a member here who didn't buy a knock off or other cheap brush and hasn't upgraded, or if they are that way inclined, 're-worked it, swapped parts out for more expensive ones etc. In airbrushing buying cheap is a false economy.
Also it is easier to learn on a reliable brush. You can concentrate on learning reductions and techniques without the complication of an underperforming brush.
As you are into surfing and drums, I can see boards and drum skins getting the AB treatment in future
. The eclipse will be ideal for that, as it can do larger areas as well as fine art. The .35 nozzle is more forgiving when learning reductions, and you wont heow out of this brush (-though you may wish to add to it like some of the other an junkies around here)
Createx is a popular choice of paint. Most people choose Createx Illustration these days. I use Wicked as it a multi-surface paint, but as I was recently reminded you can add the 4030 additive to CI for painting on hard surfaces.