M7 vs The Hive vs Rover...
A member contacted me for advice regarding a brush from Simpsons.
Hair grade had already been decided - Manchurian.
Handle shape was the primary source of debate.
The choice was M7, Rover or The Hive.
I was having difficulty attaching images to my PM, so I decided to start this thread and perhaps others might find it of interest too.
So, here are some pics of the 3 brushes...
M7 in Briar, The Hive in Disco Haze and Rover in Horn (all Manchurian)
From above,
And below.
* * *
Brush specs:
M7
Handle height: 60mm
Knot: 21.5 x 50mm
The Hive
Handle height: 55mm
Knot: 21 x 50mm
Rover
Handle height: 45mm
Knot: 21.5 x 50mm
* * *
And my thoughts on the three...
All feature similar sized knots. The M7 feels the fullest of the three, with the Rover perhaps being the least dense (but only slightly).
As the hair grade on all three is Manchurian and that is not essentially the topic of discussion, I won't comment in detail.
All three, feature the hallmark qualities of Manchurian.
Strong backbone, minimal splay yet soft tips*.
(*Post Jubilee, Simpson Manchurian has noticeably softer tips IMO).
All provide feedback or sensation against the face on account of individual hair strength.
The M7 maintains the greatest knot integrity of the three.
The Rover and The Hive remind me more of Plisson HMW density wise, but without the high loft.
The M7 features the tallest handle and the Rover the shortest. The Hive feels the most substantial in weight and girth.
My first impression in relation to the ergonomics of the The Hive were not as favourable as the other two.
Initially it felt overweight and awkward to hold.
However, the ribbing provides wonderful grip and for me it is most comfortable when held towards the base of the brush.
Visually The Hive is the most unique IMHO, but the M7 appears the most balanced in form and aesthetics.
The Hive, is the brush that is likely to be the most polarising - you'll either love it or hate it.
The M7 is perhaps the best all rounder, but I personally like the Rover.
The Rover sees the more use out of the three, but that's because I predominately face lather.
When I bowl lather (which is becoming more frequent), I employ an Aesop stainless steel bowl.
The bowl boasts a wide opening, so handle length is really not influential to me.
That said, I believe the M7 would be the best of the bunch for those that primarily bowl lather.
Although The Hive handle is also tall, the diameter of the handle is wider than all three,
making it less appealing for use in a bowl.
If I had to choose the ultimate bowl lathering Simpson Manchurian brush, it would be the E3.
If anyone is interested I will post some comparison pics of the E3 vs M7 too.
In summary, choose the Rover if you face lather, the M7 if you bowl lather and The Hive if you covert a unique handle...
* * *
A member contacted me for advice regarding a brush from Simpsons.
Hair grade had already been decided - Manchurian.
Handle shape was the primary source of debate.
The choice was M7, Rover or The Hive.
I was having difficulty attaching images to my PM, so I decided to start this thread and perhaps others might find it of interest too.
So, here are some pics of the 3 brushes...
M7 in Briar, The Hive in Disco Haze and Rover in Horn (all Manchurian)
From above,
And below.
* * *
Brush specs:
M7
Handle height: 60mm
Knot: 21.5 x 50mm
The Hive
Handle height: 55mm
Knot: 21 x 50mm
Rover
Handle height: 45mm
Knot: 21.5 x 50mm
* * *
And my thoughts on the three...
All feature similar sized knots. The M7 feels the fullest of the three, with the Rover perhaps being the least dense (but only slightly).
As the hair grade on all three is Manchurian and that is not essentially the topic of discussion, I won't comment in detail.
All three, feature the hallmark qualities of Manchurian.
Strong backbone, minimal splay yet soft tips*.
(*Post Jubilee, Simpson Manchurian has noticeably softer tips IMO).
All provide feedback or sensation against the face on account of individual hair strength.
The M7 maintains the greatest knot integrity of the three.
The Rover and The Hive remind me more of Plisson HMW density wise, but without the high loft.
The M7 features the tallest handle and the Rover the shortest. The Hive feels the most substantial in weight and girth.
My first impression in relation to the ergonomics of the The Hive were not as favourable as the other two.
Initially it felt overweight and awkward to hold.
However, the ribbing provides wonderful grip and for me it is most comfortable when held towards the base of the brush.
Visually The Hive is the most unique IMHO, but the M7 appears the most balanced in form and aesthetics.
The Hive, is the brush that is likely to be the most polarising - you'll either love it or hate it.
The M7 is perhaps the best all rounder, but I personally like the Rover.
The Rover sees the more use out of the three, but that's because I predominately face lather.
When I bowl lather (which is becoming more frequent), I employ an Aesop stainless steel bowl.
The bowl boasts a wide opening, so handle length is really not influential to me.
That said, I believe the M7 would be the best of the bunch for those that primarily bowl lather.
Although The Hive handle is also tall, the diameter of the handle is wider than all three,
making it less appealing for use in a bowl.
If I had to choose the ultimate bowl lathering Simpson Manchurian brush, it would be the E3.
If anyone is interested I will post some comparison pics of the E3 vs M7 too.
In summary, choose the Rover if you face lather, the M7 if you bowl lather and The Hive if you covert a unique handle...
* * *
Last edited: