If you’re choosing between SATA’s Jet X and the Anest Iwata WS-400, you’re not shopping “good vs bad.” You’re deciding which spray “feel” and workflow you want in your booth—especially when you switch between basecoat (control) and clearcoat (flow + finish).
In this guide, I’ll break down the real-world differences that matter to production painters and high-end refinish work: atomization style, fan behavior, speed vs control, compressor demands, and which gun makes the most sense for your mix of base and clear.
Quick verdict (so you don’t waste time)
- Pick SATA Jet X if you want a modern “do-it-all” premium platform (HVLP or RP) with two spray characters (“I/Control” and “O/Speed”) and a very consistent, controlled pattern.
- Pick Iwata WS-400 if your priority is premium clearcoat results and a clear-focused gun that’s widely used in professional refinish for fast, uniform clears.
Shop the exact guns featured in this comparison
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SATA Jet X i/O (HVLP/RP)
Premium platform with “I/Control” and “O/Speed” spray shapes—built for consistent patterns and modern refinish workflows.
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Iwata WS-400-1301HD (1.3)
Clearcoat-focused “Supernova” feel with fine atomization and a large, uniform fan—popular for production clears.
View & BuyWhat “Basecoat vs Clearcoat” really changes in your spray gun choice
Basecoat is about control: metallic orientation, even coverage, and predictable fade-out. Clearcoat is about flow: wetness, leveling, and minimizing texture without runs. A gun can be “great” and still not match your priorities depending on what you spray most.
Core differences at a glance
| Category | SATA Jet X | Iwata WS-400 (Supernova) |
|---|---|---|
| Main “identity” | Premium multi-application platform (HVLP or RP) with two spray shapes: “I/Control” and “O/Speed”. | Premium refinish gun marketed for clearcoat performance with fine atomization and a large fan. |
| Recommended inlet pressure | Common spec is 2.0 bar (HVLP and RP variants). | Common spec is 2.0 bar / 29 psi (varies by setup/model). |
| Air consumption (reference) | Higher demand depending on HVLP vs RP (manufacturer lists different values by technology). | Often listed around 13 CFM for the 1.3 HD setup. |
| Spray distance (reference) | Manufacturer lists different distances for HVLP vs RP. | Typically run at common refinish distances; follow your tech sheet and comfort. |
| Best use-case (most typical) | Base + clear with tunable feel (Control vs Speed) and consistent fan behavior. | Clearcoat production work and high-finish clears where the “Supernova” atomization shines. |
Note: Exact performance depends on nozzle/air cap choice, material, reducer, booth conditions, and painter technique. Always follow product and paint manufacturer recommendations.
SATA Jet X: what you’re paying for (and why painters like it for base + clear)
The Jet X is built around a premium nozzle concept and gives you two personalities:
- “I” (Control): made for a more controlled, predictable application feel—helpful when you care about consistency, fade-out, and metallic control.
- “O” (Speed): aimed at faster application with the same fan dimensions across nozzle sizes, so you can change flow without “re-learning” the fan behavior.
On top of that, Jet X is offered in HVLP and RP technology. If your shop sprays both base and clear every day, that matters because you can choose the technology and spray character that matches your workflow instead of forcing one setup to do everything.
Where Jet X tends to win
- Consistency across jobs: the concept is built around repeatable spray behavior as you move through different nozzle sizes.
- Control for tricky colors: when metallics/pearls are sensitive, controlled pressure + controlled pattern is your best friend.
- Future-proof options: Jet X variants can be purchased in versions that are prepared for (or include) digital monitoring features—useful in process-driven shops.
Iwata WS-400: why it’s still a “clearcoat favorite”
The WS-400 Supernova is widely known as a premium option for clearcoat application. It’s positioned around fine atomization, a large uniform pattern, and transfer efficiency—exactly what you want when you’re trying to lay clear fast and clean.
Where WS-400 tends to win
- Clearcoat feel: many painters choose it specifically for how it lays clear—smooth, uniform, and confident.
- Production rhythm: it’s designed for repeatable clear work where time matters but finish still has to look expensive.
- Established ecosystem: lots of shops already know the WS-400 “language,” which makes training and consistency easier.
Basecoat comparison (control, fade-out, metallic orientation)
If basecoat is your daily bread—especially metallics—your priority is a controlled fan that doesn’t surprise you panel-to-panel.
- Jet X advantage: choosing HVLP plus the “I/Control” feel is a logical path when your goal is controlled application and stable fade-outs.
- WS-400 reality: it can be used in refinish workflows, but it’s commonly positioned as a clearcoat standard—so if base is your main job, many shops match WS-400 with a separate “base-dedicated” gun.
Clearcoat comparison (wetness, leveling, speed)
Clear is where the money shows. The best gun is the one that lets you go fast without chasing texture or runs.
- WS-400 advantage: it’s specifically positioned for clearcoat performance—this is the reason it’s a staple in many refinish booths.
- Jet X advantage: if you prefer the SATA “speed + pattern” approach, the Jet X platform lets you select the technology (HVLP vs RP) and the spray character (“Control” vs “Speed”) to match your clear style.
Compressor check (don’t ignore this)
Premium guns don’t care about your feelings—if the compressor can’t feed the gun consistently, the finish will tell on you. Before you decide, confirm:
- Real compressor delivery (CFM at working pressure), not just “peak” marketing numbers.
- Regulator and hose setup (restriction kills consistency).
- Water/oil management (a good gun + dirty air = heartbreak).
My practical recommendation (2026)
Use this simple decision rule:
- You want one premium platform for base + clear: go SATA Jet X. Pick “I/Control” when you prioritize consistency and controlled fade-outs, and consider “O/Speed” when you want faster application without changing fan behavior.
- You mainly want the best clearcoat behavior you can get: go Iwata WS-400. It’s positioned as a clearcoat standard and is a strong “clear-only” choice for professional refinish work.
FAQ
Is one of these “better” overall?
Not universally. The Jet X is a platform built for flexibility (HVLP/RP and Control/Speed spray shapes). The WS-400 is heavily associated with clearcoat excellence. “Better” depends on what you spray most.
Do I need HVLP or RP?
Pick based on your paint system, shop preferences, and how you like the gun to feel. Many pros prefer a different setup for base than for clear. If you’re unsure, start by matching your most common job (base-heavy vs clear-heavy) and build from there.
What nozzle size should I start with?
Most refinish shops start around 1.3 for clear and general work, but always follow your paint manufacturer’s tech sheet and your local compliance requirements.
Ready to choose?
If you want a clean, professional setup that matches how you actually spray in 2026, start here:
