After doing some reading, I'm down to the Shavemac #25 23mm Silvertip and the Grosvenor LE, both around $100. Any opinions (good or not) for either? Thanks...
The grosvenor LE is a nice little brush. If I had one complaint it'd be that the density felt a little light for me. The hair was like a broken in nice example of a TGN 2 band, with a touch extra softness. I sold mine and I won't say I haven't looked at it since they restocked it... but I haven't too tempted yet. It's a very nice example of what it is, but it's something of a specialty brush (airy, springy, 2 band bulb) so unless you are looking for that type of brush, you may want to put the money elsewhere. But if you ARE after that type of brush. It's the best way to get a simpsons 2 band without springing for a Chubby or something else much larger and denser.
As for the Shavemac, I don't have any experience with their silvertip hair, but the D01 (which I have tried) is very nice and is really only a few bucks for the upgrade on some of their brushes (the "April special" has the upgrade for like $15 over silvertip).
Edit: $115 shipped Vs $102.5 shipped. Not recommending this brush (Don't have one) Just demonstrating the price difference between grades.
If I were you, I'd be eyeing the Shavemac #177. It's a brush that's pretty much universally positively regarded - check out the reviews. It's in my own queue of brushes to buy (balanced against dwindling funds in the face of my recent burst of spending )
Thanks! Will look into it. I did encounter the 177 in these forums.
I think the Shavemacs are my style. I was considering the Rooney 3/1 or similar but read from somewhere that they might be too dense and thirsty (I mainly use creams).