Omega HI-BRUSH synthetic—disappointing!

[Codfish]

Dramatic improvements have been made in synthetic brushes in recent years. Manufacturers such as Mühle, Kent, H.I.S., Frank Shaving, Edwin Jagger and event Omega itself have produced new generations of synthetic brushes—with good, and even great results. The past two months alone has seen two entirely new Generation 4 knots from Frank Shaving (24 and 28mm) and Mühle (Black Fibre V2).

I was immediately interested when I recently saw catalog entries for a new Omega HI-BRUSH series--indicatng a "Brand new synthetic fibre from OMEGA." Six new models are offered in a variety of handle types. All are in 24mm knot sizes (with 56mm lofts)--one of my most-favored synthetic configurations. I ordered Model #0140634 from Connaught Shaving that same day and received it yesterday.

To say that I am disappointed in this brush is an understatement. I expected more from Omega. They are responsible for some of the world's most renowned and best-regarded brushes. A year ago, they even produced the Omega #646186 synthetic brush that scored high marks in ratings of 19 synthetic brushes from nine manufacturers.

But there is little positive that can be said of this new brush offering.

In appearance, it is reminiscent of the synthetic brushes I found in review dating back to 2009. The fibers are stiff, springy, poorly died and artificial looking. They appear to be Generation 3, and while they can be splayed with a little effort, the knot has the overall feel of a stiff boar that needs further breaking-in. The brush does make fine lather easily, but the tips are quite prickly feeling.

The handle is attractive, nicely weighted and balanced and feels quite nice in my hands. But I cannot recommend the brush based on the handle alone.

Not long ago, Simpson's pulled its newly-introduced line of synthetic brushes from field testing after receiving the reactions of its early field testers. As one of those testers, I felt their decision was warranted. Regretably, Omega has not done the same with these brushes.

I doubt these brushes will find great acceptance among experienced synthetic brush users. These were outdated on their day-of-arrival and poor examples of how far synthetic brushes have come. The Omega HI-BRUSH series is, IMO, a throw-back to the "dark ages" of synthetic brushes.

 

[Ronnie Aloha]

Thanks for the review Jim. Still loving my Muhle synthetics. In fact, I just ordered a third yesterday.

 

[StuMcB]

I just dont get it. I have an FS synth from june last year. It's super soft, has great back bone and beats creams, soaps or croaps into lathers like pillowy clouds. It was going to be a travel brush but it so good it's in the rotation. Could I just have fallen lucky?

Anyhow thanks for the review I'll stick to what I have if you dont mind.

 

[Codfish]

I just dont get it. I have an FS synth from june last year. It's super soft, has great back bone and beats creams, soaps or croaps into lathers like pillowy clouds. It was going to be a travel brush but it so good it's in the rotation. Could I just have fallen lucky?

Anyhow thanks for the review I'll stick to what I have if you dont mind.

Frank Shaving's brushes last year were widely respected. Very recently, however, they produced an even better synthetic fiber that's thinner, less springy and is capable of denser and shorter lofts, making Chubby-like 28mm x 53mm configurations possible for the first time.

This takes nothing away from last year's models. They are still among the best synths available.

 

[MixedMotives]

I have Omega 640652 lathers cream and soap like crazy

 

[shave/brush]

I have Omega 640652 lathers cream and soap like crazy

I too have the Omega 640652 and it makes great lather. I think like a lot of shaving gear you sometimes have to make adjustments in the way you do things. I even got good lather out of a cheap Omega synthetic brush. I forgot the model number but it only cost me $7.95 on Amazon. I was impressed when I first tried it.

 

[celestino]

Jim, thanks for the review!

 

[dieselfuel79]

Great review. Looks like I will be avoiding the Omega synthetic in the wooden handle with the "new" gen fibres.

 

[Daiku]

Codfish... I have an Omega 646235 that I like a lot. I was all set to order another Omega when I saw your review for the Muhle HJM Black Fibre. I changed my order at the last minute, and it looks like I did the right thing. Omega was making some fine synthetic brushes, but this latest edition appears to be a serious misstep. That's a shame.

I am looking forward to trying out the Muhle, though! Thanks for the useful reviews.

 

[GDCarrington]

Jim,

Thanks for the thorough review. The real issue is that other makers, Muhle, FS, Kent, TGN (Current 3 Band) have simply passed Omega by in terms of synthetic fiber technology.
I have some early generation 3 fibers that still function as well as they were made, but I don't use them as much as the later Generation 3, 3.5 and 4 brushes because those brushes are simply better. Omega and a few other makers need to go back to the fiber manufacturers and obtain the newer fibers to use in their brushes. That would be the first step in leveling the playing field.

 

[flutewhistler]

Jim:

Thank you for this needed review. As you know, I am exploring synths and am rapidly narrowing my choices (FS Pur-Tech, Muhle v2, and TGN new 3 band for restores) based on the expert experience and reviews that you and others (i.e., Carrington, bless him!) are providing. Thank you for your service to our community!

 

[Mandina]

Thank you for the review--and for saving me from the temptation and expenditure of ordering a new Omega synthetic. Meanwhile, I consider my Muhle HJM black fibre brush (purchased a year ago at Connaught, so not the newest gen fiber) to be my best-bang-for-the-buck DE hardware purchase. It performs wonderfully even with hard soaps (MWF, Tabac, Pre de Provence, etc.), is very nice on my face, and is quick drying and easy to care for.

 

[GDCarrington]

Jim:

Thank you for this needed review. As you know, I am exploring synths and am rapidly narrowing my choices (FS Pur-Tech, Muhle v2, and TGN new 3 band for restores) based on the expert experience and reviews that you and others (i.e., Carrington, bless him!) are providing. Thank you for your service to our community!

Thanks! I need all the blessings I can get. It is appreciated.

 

[Codfish]

Thank you for the review--and for saving me from the temptation and expenditure of ordering a new Omega synthetic. Meanwhile, I consider my Muhle HJM black fibre brush (purchased a year ago at Connaught, so not the newest gen fiber) to be my best-bang-for-the-buck DE hardware purchase. It performs wonderfully even with hard soaps (MWF, Tabac, Pre de Provence, etc.), is very nice on my face, and is quick drying and easy to care for.

As Gary said in his post, it's not always a contest to have the very latest fiber generation in your brushes. Some of the prior generations make excellent brushes, indeed.

A good example is the Muhle HJM Black Fibre brush. It is--one always will be--a classic synthetic brush. Muhle got the fibers right the very first time, and the brush will always be interesting to use. My very first synth was an HJM Black Fibre prototype (with a 66mm loft!), and it is still one of my favorite brushes of all time.

Several members mentioned the Omega 640652. That is another example of a brush that may not be the very latest generation, but one that stands out for its excellence. The lesson for users is that there are fine brushes in each generation, and it is valuable to post and talk about the great (and not-so-great) synthetics in these forums.

 

[shave/brush]

Well said Codfish.

 

[gutbuster]

Jim,Thanks for the thorough review. The real issue is that other makers, Muhle, FS, Kent, TGN (Current 3 Band) have simply passed Omega by in terms of synthetic fiber technology.I have some early generation 3 fibers that still function as well as they were made, but I don't use them as much as the later Generation 3, 3.5 and 4 brushes because those brushes are simply better. Omega and a few other makers need to go back to the fiber manufacturers and obtain the newer fibers to use in their brushes. That would be the first step in leveling the playing field.

The Hi Brush I bought in 2014 is a solid performer, makes me wonder whether were are talking about the same brush!? The base of the knot holds water, but if you shake it out, and yes, break it in, it is a great and comfortable latherer.

 

[Doryferon]

NOT happy with the 4 of them.

 

[InfernoOrangeSS]

The Hi Brush I bought in 2014 is a solid performer, makes me wonder whether were are talking about the same brush!? The base of the knot holds water, but if you shake it out, and yes, break it in, it is a great and comfortable latherer.

Thanks for your impressions of the Omega Hi Brush. I am considering purchasing one to have a good synthetic without getting too expensive.

 

[Musikmann]

I bought one (HI-BRUSH) about a month ago. It has the black acrylic handle and in my opinion it is excellent. Plus it only cost a little over $20 on most of the usually recommended shaving websites.

 

[InfernoOrangeSS]

I bought one (HI-BRUSH) about a month ago. It has the black acrylic handle and in my opinion it is excellent. Plus it only cost a little over $20 on most of the usually recommended shaving websites.

Thank you. That's in the neighborhood of what I was going for with my incursion into synthetics.