2008LE/2009LE Brushes. What are the best substitutes?

[SliceOfLife]

Having had the amazing luck to snag a 2008/2009 LE recently, they really hit on the spot that it seemed mainstream brushes didn't see. Extremely fine and soft badger hair, densely packed and kept at a relatively short loft.

It seems all the mid-range ($50-150) brushes out there and even going into the $200+ are either using stiffer hairs less densely packed or are set well above 50mm loft, making them very floppy next to these brushes. So those of you who have bought and used a lot of todays mainstream brushes. What are the ones in your opinion that follow the 08/09LE pattern. Very Soft, Short of Loft, and hairs stuffed oft. (Ok that one's a stretch).

 

[JPDyson]

The closest thing I've ever tried to the LE's is a Rooney 3/1 in Super from VintageBladesLLC.com. I hear Jim has them shorten the loft a bit.

I'd personally like to see Charles do a line of Savile Row with a fan-shaped knot closer to the 50mm loft range. Wonder if we could generate enough interest...

Edit: The Rooney wasn't quite as dense, nor quite as soft - however, more than worth the money at half the cost of the LE's. If you simply can't get an 09 (in my eyes, superior to the 08), the Rooney 3/1 in Super is a very viable option. Haven't tried this in Finest, but I can't imagine it disappointing you.

 

[SliceOfLife]

Thanks, why the 3/1 over the 1/1? The Style 1 seems a much shorter loft, is it not as dense?

 

[JPDyson]

Thanks, why the 3/1 over the 1/1? The Style 1 seems a much shorter loft, is it not as dense?

It seems fit for the field, but I haven't personally abused one to the extent I did my 3/1. I miss that dang brush... one of these days...

 

[ssultan]

I bought both...found the 1/1 too scrubby for my face...it was a bit of a lather hog and did not release the lather easily. The 3/1 does have a longer loft, is equally dense yet releases the lather easily. The 1/1 does have a fanatical following, it just didn't feel right for me. I passed mine on to another member who loves it. The 3/1 has a permanent spot in my rotation.