Had the same exact experience of the boar becoming "prickly" on the 2nd pass. So I recently made a switch from a boar (Omega something) to a synthetic (Simpson T2).
I've been sold on synthetics instantly -- I didn't have to change my technique at all, as it produced heaps of lather on the first go, it has enough backbone and is really soft, for barely 19 euros too!
I've been sold on synthetics instantly -- I didn't have to change my technique at all, as it produced heaps of lather on the first go, it has enough backbone and is really soft, for barely 19 euros too!