The Omega 20102, or a Semogue?

[Dave Deluxe]

The Omega 20102, or a Semogue?




I have considering buying an Omega 20102 boar brush. But recently it occurred to me that all the boar brushes that I own are of the Omega brand, with one lone Kensington Badger brush rounding out the family. So I've been thinking that if I get another brush perhaps I consider a Semogue for diversity. The problem is Semogue makes so many brushes which one would be the best for me?


So my questions are; first should I just go ahead and get the Omega 20102 and skip the Semogue?


Or if you think I should get a Semogue, which one and why should buy it over the Omega?


Here's what I like and don't like:


- Whatever brush I get should not be floppy, I don't like that


- No painted handles, un-painted wood, acrylic or other is preferred


- I'm a bowl latherer, the only time I face lather is sometimes when I'm travelling


- I like a brush with firm backbone and soft tips






I welcome your suggestions & input. Thanks in advance!

 

[5Cantonas]

I think everybody should have a SOC brush.

 

[Dave Deluxe]

"I think everybody should have a SOC brush."

But why? Everyone's doing it isn't a good enough reason. How is it superior to the Omega?

Please explain?

 

[5Cantonas]

Relax, Champ. Who says it is superior to anything? I certainly didn't.

 

[mistercitizen]

I've never used an Omega brush.... in fact I feel the same way as you except all the boar brushes I have are Semogues and I feel like maybe it's time for an Omega. Based on what you like and don't like, I'd say the SOC boar is the brush for you. It's a fairly large brush (not as big as the huge Omega boar knots) but it is not floppy and has extremely soft tips once broken in. Really, mine was plenty soft right out of the box. The handle is simply made to fit in your hand. It's about the most ergonomic handle there is in my opinion. The handle is nice and long for bowl lathering, although I enjoy face lathering for the most part and it's great for that too. It's a fairly dense knot compared to my other Semogue boar brushes and blooms nicely, yet has plenty of backbone.

I really don't know if you would find it as nice as your Omegas since I've never used an Omega, but of all the boar brushes I have, the SOC is the best of them.

Ben

 

[coolbus18]

Thank you Gents! Just ordered the 10098 Big Bruiser. I've got a Semogue 1305 so I'm looking forward to lots more product on the brush (a + to me)and it looks neat and now the wait

 

[Obiwan]

I own several boars (omega and Semogue), the SOC is one of the finest boar brushes you can buy IMO.

 

[Galhatz]

The boar brushes i have tried are Omega 11137 and the b&b essential and the SOC.
IMO the SOC is a higher quality brush.

 

[Z man]

I have recently become a big fan of Omega brushes. I have the SOC and it is a super brush especially if you face lather but I find the omega pro 48 produces more lather especially while bowl lathering. This morning I used my SOC with Mitchel Wool Fat soap and had a good shave but the lather I can build with my pro 48 is thicker and richer. Another super brush is the new proraso brush. It is very similar to the omega 48 but smaller. I use it as my travel brush.
All the Best,
Andy

 

[musicman1951]

I think everybody should have a SOC brush.

+1

 

[Batman]

As always, YMMV. Personally, I own an SOC, 620, 1305 and a 2012 LE mixed. I did purchase a B&B Omega...got rid of it pretty quickly. No offence to the Omega lovers - there are many. I'd get a Semogue if I were you.

SOC is the bomb if you have the budget and patience to wait for it when ordered from Vintage Scents. I thought it too big when I first got it but now love when it comes into my rotation.

 

[azrichter]

I have a Semogue 830, and I don't like it nearly as well as my Omega boars, a pro 49 and an 80257, which is my favorite. The Semogue is kind of a lather hog...uses more product and the lather sort of disappears before I'm done. The Omega is as soft, lathers everything with ease, and holds and delivers lather perfectly well.

 

[alanbarnes]

Depends on the individual brush, I suppose. I have the 1460, and IMO it doesn't hold a candle to the 20102.

After using badger brushes for years I bought a Semogue 1460 and was immediately underwhelmed. Over the past few months it's started to get broken in, and has gone from mediocre to adequate, but it still barely holds enough lather for a 3-pass shave (I face lather). Hopefully it will go from adequate to good, and maybe continue to improve from there.

Instead of giving up on boars I got the Omega 20102. It was good out of the box, and is well on its way to excellent. Of course, it's not fair to compare it to the Semogue, given that it has a much larger knot with a much longer loft. But I can see the Omega being a top-tier brush; the Semogue - maybe, but for now it has just replaced a Vulfix 1000 as my travel brush.

Neither brush is completely broken in yet, so I've got to reserve judgment on what the final outcome will be. If you've already got an Omega Professional, the 20102 might be redundant (although the handle is pretty attractive). And a bigger Semogue such as the SOC might be a totally different story from my 1460.

When it comes right down to it, though, you've got two good choices. The only question is which one is better.

 

[Dave Deluxe]

Thanks all for your input thus far. Especially those of you who took the effort to explained why you like what you do. It looks like its is down to the; Omega 20102 vs. the Semogue SOC. . . . . decisions, decisions.

 

[bassopotamus]

I have an Omega something or other (it's a big one with a 26mm knot) and a Semogue 830. I find their knots more or less comparable, but the handle on the Semogue is much nicer. The omega handle is really cheap feeling.

 

[Obiwan]

Another experience I'll throw out there. It could very well be me, but the bristles on the SOC seemed to break in faster than any other boar I've owned. YMMV of course, but something to consider as sometimes breaking in a new boar can be maddening.

 

[Dave Deluxe]

"Another experience I'll throw out there. It could very well be me, but the bristles on the SOC seemed to break in faster than any other boar I've owned. YMMV of course, but something to consider as sometimes breaking in a new boar can be maddening."

Thanks for the tip. I enjoy breaking in new brushes, just like breaking new jeans, so I'm looking forward to it whichever one I get.

 

[Eeyore]

Late to the party, but I love love love my Omega 20102 brush!

 

[mftoms59]

Another late comer but, since you already have several Omega's I'd suggest satisfying your curiosity and get the SOC, if you don't like it, the brush can be quickly sold on the B/S/T.

 

[Dave Colangelo]

I have the Semogue 620 (I think) the clear acrylic one that has monotone badger. Its a great brush by all account. I also have the SOC (in super badger) so all I will comment on is the handle which is great for bowl lathering and if you have big hands. I highly advise a Semogue, their quality is great for the price and I have yet to be disappointed by one of their brushes.

Regards
Dave