Differences between the Semogues.. SOC, 830 etc.

[milesandcoltrane]

With all the recent boar love here, I've begun to regain love for 'em

The Semogue's are really interesting, and since I already have 2 Omegas (my only brushes - Pro 98 and Baby Pro), I'd like to get a Semogue soon, especially since their so affordable compared to the badgers I was looking at.

I've been reading some, but it would be great if Semogue owners could chime in with the different characteristics of the various Semogue models. They've got a bewildering range with apparently differing feel based on what I've read.

I'm especially interested in the SOC and the 830. Please give me your 2 cents chaps!

 

[JPDyson]

All of the standard descriptors apply - knot diameter and loft are relatively straigh-forward measurements, so that shouldn't provide any difficulty. There are also dyed and undyed bristles, and various handle materials and sizes.

However, there are also grades of hair. Remember:

Best < Extra < Super < Premium < Special

(I think I got that right). None are bad - I think the Best is at least as good as any Omega Pro - but you obviously move up a bit in quality as the scale goes up (and price along with it, for the same type of handle). Premium is softer and breaks in faster. The Special grade is only in the '09 LE and the Semogue Owner's Club brushes. You'll probably have to pry an '09 LE out of a lucky buyer's cold, lifeless hands. The SOC is a dressed-down and slightly less dense sister brush that will treat a patient owner well.

Also, you'll see "Tops" referenced, with a percentage. 90&#37; tops means that 90% of the bristle is the full length of the loft. In other words, fewer short hairs in the knot. I think of this as a better-sorted and shaped knot. An advantage here is that your brush feels fuller at the tips. I will point to the 620 as an example of a brush with a lower-ish hair grade and a lower-ish percentage of tops, yet it is still well-loved by nearly all who have one. Only reason I don't is I'm holding out for the custom 22 x 50 Premium.