Help me pick a brush

[c0ry]

I'm going to be treating myself to a higher end brush soon and I'd like some opinions before placing an order. So far I've boiled it down to these three:

1) Rooney 1/3 from Truefitt and Hill. This one is something like $87 after the B&B discount
2) Vie-Long 16726. $75 shipped. Supposedly very soft but firm enough to hit soaps.
3) Shavemac #25 23mm. $97 shipped. I hear Shavemacs are nice, but I fear this may be too floppy.

I'm looking for something with very soft tips that will feel really luxurious. I'd prefer if it can be good for both soaps and creams, since I use both.

What do you guys think? If you've got a better suggestion than one of these, do tell!

 

[RCC]

perhaps this isn't the answer you want, but I think you'd be happy with any of them.

The TH 1/3 will be the firmest, then the Shavemac, then VL.

I have a TH 1/2, a VL 16510 and a Lucite Shavemac 23mm. I like them all.
My VL is the most luxurious brush I own. It has a a beautiful knot with a perfect bloom.
very soft tips but plenty of body. "plush" is how I describe it.

HTH

 

[c0ry]

perhaps this isn't the answer you want, but I think you'd be happy with any of them.

The TH 1/3 will be the firmest, then the Shavemac, then VL.

I have a TH 1/2, a VL 16510 and a Lucite Shavemac 23mm. I like them all.
My VL is the most luxurious brush I own. It has a a beautiful knot with a perfect bloom.
very soft tips but plenty of body. "plush" is how I describe it.

HTH

Thanks for the response! I'm sure they're all great brushes. Which of the three would you say is the most versatile? As in, usable with both creams and soaps, bowl or face lathering?

 

[RCC]

seriously, any of them.
the TH has a funkier looking bloom with random hairs around the edge. It's stiffer and so I never feel compelled to be especially concerned for it's well being. That's a type of versatility.
The Shavemac is just a fine all around brush. The knot has more character that the TH, which is sooo british.
You had said luxurious and that's where the VL lives. plush.
I'm hedging because it's such an opinion/taste based decision.

I will say that after a year of DE I believe that with good technique a fine tool, like any one of these, will reward the user.

 

[Lux_Aeternitas]

You know Cory, I'll go with my instincts and say get the Rooney.