Commodore X2 or Colonel X2L?

[kasey]

I've finally made up my mind to get my first Simpsons. Can't decide between the two. Experiences?

My preferences:

• Face lathering
• LOTS of lather - more the better
• I don't need the softest brush, but the one that will work up the best lather
• Generally prefer larger brushes to smaller ones if the performance (see point #2) is the same

Seeing as the two have similar measurements, what do you prefer? Or try to persuade me to get another brush under $80...

 

[studdmstr]

You could also get the X3 which is a bigger brush. I have the X2L and it's nice and bowl lathers creams well and is soft enough without being scritchy. I don't usually use soaps or face lather, so I can't give you any help on how it works there. Personally I'm considering furthering my SBAD and adding an X3 to the rotation. 24mm knot and 50mm loft.

 

[Kooze]

Between the 2 you've listed, I think the commodore x2 is better for face lathering. I have the x2, and have had and sold 2 colonel x2l's- which didn't feel right face lathering (my preference as well).

At approximately $75, I'd suggest you check out the Semogue owners club 2012 SE- bigger brush, more of a hybrid/fan shape and a lather creating beast.

 

[kasey]

You could also get the X3 which is a bigger brush. I have the X2L and it's nice and bowl lathers creams well and is soft enough without being scritchy. I don't usually use soaps or face lather, so I can't give you any help on how it works there. Personally I'm considering furthering my SBAD and adding an X3 to the rotation. 24mm knot and 50mm loft.

Now I'm thinking about the X3! Is the X3 too big for face lathering? Is it a lather hog?

 

[NewTyme]

I have a Colonel X2L and I love it. It is just a great all around brush. Soft, but with decent backbone. I use it for cream bowl lathering, and also cream face lathering. I think it makes a great lather, but personally find it to be a bit of a lather hog. This is my first Simpson however. So, I haven't tried a Commodore, but I wouldn't hesitate after my experiences with the Colonel.

 

[TXDeskjockey]

I recently got a Colonel X2L, and it's stepped right up to be my favorite brush. I currently own a Duke 2, a Wee Scot (for travel) and an older Edwin Jagger, and none of them gives me the combination of backbone and softness that the Colonel does - I did not realize how much I'd like the larger handle, either - makes it perfect for bowl lathering.

 

[NSmalls]

I have the Commodore X3 and I thought it was a really nice brush for the price. The Simpsons Best grade of hair is a really good value (for their line of brushes) in my opinion.

 

[noahpictures]

Colonel XL all the way! I have owned both.

 

[Ski-Patroller]

I have two Colonel X2Ls and one Commodore X1. I like all of them but I do prefer the handle on the Colonel. The X2 is close to the same knot size as the X2L but I have not had the chance to use an X2.

 

[Mong.]

I've tried my father's Colonel X2L and found it to be an exceptional brush. The handle is brilliant, the knot is a great size on the face and doesn't swamp you like bigger brushes. It's such a nice firm softness, and I found it to be extremely efficient. I think Simpson got the density pretty close to perfect for lathering on your face, it made easy work of Proraso soap.

 

[kasey]

Although it seems there are more Colonel fans, I went with the X2 and I had my first shave with it today. While it is the smallest of my brushes, I do like the feel of the hair. I do not like brushes that are too soft, and this hair seems to have a nice balance. It did great with Dr Harris Arlington today, but the real test will be if it can do 3-4 passes of Mike's without reloading. It seems my Tweezerman has been the best at volume of lather so far.

 

[kasey]

Here's a picture of the collection to date, in order of acquisition. Brushes in parentheses have been sold as I didn't feel they performed up to snuff.

Tweezerman 22/55mm, (TGN Super Silvertip), (Rooney 3/1), (Thater 24mm), (EJ Best Medium), Semogue 830, TGN Finest 22.5/60mm, Simpsons Commodore X2 22/48mm