Durability of Omega Boar Handles

[Red_Oak]

This may be subjective, but can anyone provide info/experience on the "inexpensive" Omega boars such as the 10049, 10066, 10083, etc. handles? I see good reviews but the handles look a little "plasticky". I realize they are inexpensive brushes but am wondering about the handles. Any recommendations?

Thank you....

 

[jazzguy]

I have a 49 and the handle seems to be ABS plastic but I don't know what more you can expect for $9. The knot is good and makes excellent lather. I think it should last a long time if you don't drop it on the floor. And remember we are talking about a nine dollar brush here. The handle on the B&B Essential brush looks much nicer but I haven't been able to get one in a desired color yet.

 

[ScruffyJones]

I have a 10049 and I don't think there will be any problem with durability. I don't think it would break even if you accidentally dropped it on a hard floor a number of times. I think you would have to forcibly throw it on the floor to break.

 

[gosiaopus1]

I gave up on all other brushes after trying the Pro 49, this is the best brush for me and the handle is about as durable as anything, solid ABS plastic that feels like the same material auto bumpers are made out of. I would bet this thing can out perform any other. I read barber shops use them for decades and that is fully believable. Other more expensive brushes have plastic handles that will crack and break when dropped, not this thing.

 

[T.Orso]

I used a 10029 exclusively for over twenty years without any complaints about the handle, other than that it never looked fancy.

The others you mention should do equally well.

 

[merkur59]

I used a 10029 exclusively for over twenty years without any complaints about the handle, other than that it never looked fancy.

The others you mention should do equally well.

+1

I have posted this pic of some omegas which I own (and love) elsewhere:
View attachment 358213
L-R:10083, 10049, 10065, 10066, 80266

The handles are light cheap plastic but durable. Its the feel of the bristles on my face (face lathering) that made me fall in love with them.

 

[wagstaff]

What does "ABS" mean?
Thanks in advance!

 

[Eeyore]

What does "ABS" mean?
Thanks in advance!

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (according to Wikipedia)

I didn't know the full word either, but ABS plastic is a very common term here in Europe.

 

[wagstaff]

Thanks Johan -- for all I know it's a common term here in the States, too. I'm educated but miss things. In spite of "The Graduate", I've completely missed plastics, at least.

 

[Red_Oak]

Thanks for the responses...have my eye on a 10049.

 

[Nadir M]

I own an Omega Pro with the big red plastic handle. Well that handle has a slight crack in it and it's still a sheds. If I had to buy another boar, it would be a Semogue.

 

[Antique Hoosier]

I love my Omega 48 and 49.... They get mucho FaceTime lately

 

[awa54]

I can say with confidence that the one piece Omega plastic handles are up to the task of surviving a fall to the bathroom floor, both of mine have gone from head height to linoleum without even a scuff to show for it.

For the dollar Omega boar is a great brush.

 

[Acmemfg]

The term "Cheap Plastic" gets tossed around a lot when referring to the big Omega brushes; I guess I got the "Limited Edition-DeLuxe" Pro 49 Model. The handle on that spud reminds me of a chunk of PVC, hefty and seemingly durable. I'm thinking it will hold up as well as or better than a number of other handles out there...including those on the high end English brushes.

 

[talibeard]

My 10019 got small cracks in the handle after 6-12 months. But it is by far the most 'cheap plasticky' handle on my Omega's; my others are the 10066, 50014, 50068 and the 40033, none of them with 'quality' handles, but they are all still ok.

What might speed up the process is soaking them for too long; boar bristle absorbs water and swells and that means a lot of pressure on the plastic ring or cup holding the knot.

 

[Dave Deluxe]

If you like the pro-series why not try the Omega #20102. It seems to have a better quality handle and at only $15, seems like a great bargain.

View attachment 359845

 

[Larsson_Power]

No problems! The handles are hollow ABS plastic but works really well. Easy du keep clean to.

 

[Larsson_Power]

If you like the pro-series why not try the Omega #20102. It seems to have a better quality handle and at only $15, seems like a great bargain.

View attachment 359845

This is a really rice handle. I have used this model and the handle is hefty!

 

[Klondike]

Just got a nice red 10049 looks good to go for a long time.

 

[Retiredgene]

I can say with confidence that the one piece Omega plastic handles are up to the task of surviving a fall to the bathroom floor, both of mine have gone from head height to linoleum without even a scuff to show for it.

For the dollar Omega boar is a great brush.

+1 I have the Omega 8097 for $12 I bought from QED that is a solid workhouse and a pleasure to use and it broke in very fast.

Gene