Semogue 830 or Omega 31604

[craig87c]

Going to be getting one of these as a travel/hard soap brush. My VDH boar has served admirably (and is softening nicely) but the shedding is driving me bonkers.

There's a slight size difference between the two (Omega has a larger loft and knot), but what I'm wondering about is the quality of the knot. Which one do you think is better? I would mostly be using it for MWF and shave sticks while traveling. Any opinions are welcome, and thanks in advance.

 

[whiskerlips]

I found the Omega 31064 to be kind of floppy and too soft for my tastes. Haven't tried the 830.

 

[craig87c]

I found the Omega 31064 to be kind of floppy and too soft for my tastes. Haven't tried the 830.

That's why I was looking at the 830- it has a shorter loft by about 4mm.

 

[LinuxMintyFresh]

I have a banded Omega, but I'm not sure that it is the exact same knot as the one you're looking at. The one I do have is spectacular, however. The 1305 I have is much less dense than my Omega, but it is stiffer so they will have a different feel.
All in all, both are probably great brushes. I think of it as like deciding between a Lancer EVO and a Subaru STi; the performance is relatively the same, but they are completely different machines.

 

[craig87c]

I have a banded Omega, but I'm not sure that it is the exact same knot as the one you're looking at. The one I do have is spectacular, however. The 1305 I have is much less dense than my Omega, but it is stiffer so they will have a different feel.
All in all, both are probably great brushes. I think of it as like deciding between a Lancer EVO and a Subaru STi; the performance is relatively the same, but they are completely different machines.

Which one is the Subaru then?

I'm looking to the 31064 because I can get it from WCS- I like to stick with the vendors that have treated me well in the past. Plus, I need a soap tin to put the MWF in also haha.

I'll jump on the 31064 now- and just get another boar later

 

[Ignatius]

Craig,

I believe Leon mentioned only 8 of these have been sold, so you're unlikely to hear any direct comparisons, but the 31064 is by far the best boar I've used (of about 6) and its generally very well thought of. Good choice.

 

[Loner16]

I love my 31064... it's the brush I reach for more often than not.

Also have a Semogue #830 in transit. It should be here next week sometime. Then, I'll be able to compare, but it will have to go some to replace that 31064!

 

[brian1g]

You may have a hard time finding reviews for the 830 since they are just getting to customers and being broken in.

The 830 does share the same knot as the 1305 but leon has stated that the 830 has 10% more hair.

I Don't think you could go wrong with either though.

Oh, SUBARU FTW!!!!

 

[craig87c]

Thanks for all the replies everyone! I'm looking at the 1305 reviews, and I must say that I can't wait to get the Omega broken in so that I can get the 830. Soon, I'll have a great badger and a great boar to use...nothing wrong with that!

 

[craig87c]

Just got the 31604 in the mail. Wow. This is a BRUSH. It is gigantic, well made, soft, doesn't smell bad while dry, and just amazing. I'm really anxious to try this out tonight.

 

[Loner16]

Just got the 31604 in the mail. Wow. This is a BRUSH. It is gigantic, well made, soft, doesn't smell bad while dry, and just amazing. I'm really anxious to try this out tonight.

Enjoy!

I used mine once again this morning, and it's a truly great brush!

 

[scottb]

I got a 31064 last week and agree with everyone else--it's great.

Still waiting on the Semogue 830....trying not to think about it too much as it will drive me crazy.